Its time to admit the truth. I’m a complete 1797 junkie. I’ll put aside scads of literary fiction, fascinating non-fiction, cookbooks, etc. to tune in to the latest of the Dukes and their Duchesses.

“The Duke Who Lied” has at its core my least favorite trope… the mis-communication between lovers. But in this case, I’m willing to forgive Hugh, Duke of Brighthollow, for lying to protect his sister. Amelia takes her own sweet time figuring out what is going on, but has the strength of character to forgive him and to understand the web he has created.

This was another addictively fun Jess Michaels work.

Publisher's Description:

Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has been keeping a secret that eats him up inside. His beloved sister was seduced and nearly ruined by a wicked man. The trauma sent her into exile and to protect her reputation, he never did anything about it. But now the ‘gentleman’ is back in Society and recently engaged to another lady.

Miss Amelia Quinton cannot believe her luck. After a whirlwind courtship, she has just become engaged and now she’s looking forward to a true love match. Only all her plans come to a screeching halt when her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow because he owns her father’s debts.

Amelia is horrified, for Hugh is nothing like the sweet and gentle boy she wanted to marry. Only once their vows are said, passions flare and she begins to know the man better. Little by little, both their walls come down and feelings grow. Until she finds out he lied. Will Hugh ever tell her the truth and will it even matter by the time it’s all said and done?

My Thoughts:

I can hardly believe that this wonderful series is soon coming to an end. There are only two more books after this one and they have all been compelling reads.
This one starts with a bit of a different slant on the relationship between our couple. Amelia is certain she is in love. In fact she has become secretly betrothed.

Hugh is not her intended but with the help of her distraught father he soon replaces that man.

Amelia is certain that she can never be happy with her replacement groom but soon finds herself attracted to and then falling in love with him.

Can what starts out as a marriage based on lies and Hugh's need to save Amelia from a dastardly scoundrel end in love or will the lies and deception end their relationship?

This book was so good that I couldn't put it down.
I gave it 4.9 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 4.5 of 5.0 flames. The intimacy is well written and sexy.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the author/publisher to read and review.This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley to read in exchange for a fair review. The Duke Who Lied is the 8th book in Jess Michaels excellent 1797 club series. You can read the book as a stand-alone but it’s a very enjoyable series and I do recommend reading them all. Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow discovered that the man who ruined his younger sister has returned to society and is now engaged to another innocent young lady. Hugh still devastated by his failure to protect his sister is determined that this evil man will not ruin another young woman’s life even if it means marrying her himself. Lady Amelia Quinton has been looking for love all of her life, raised by indifferent parents she is delighted to be secretly engaged to a kind and handsome young man. Her world is upended when she is told that the Duke of Brighthollow has purchased her fathers debts and that unless she marries the duke her father will be ruined. The lies Hugh told to protect his sister and now again to protect Amelia will make it difficult for them to trust each other even as their rushed marriage of convenience begins to become a true one. Quite steamy. Publishing Date July 24, 2018 #NetGalley #TheDukeWhoLied

I was leery of this book thinking that the hero, Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, would be beta male and too soft for any heroine. I should have known that Jess Michaels always writes the best characters and Hugh was no exception.
A protector through and through, Hugh has been the knight in shining armor to his young sister. He doesn’t see it that way as his sister was seduced by an evil man under his watch. When that same man sets his sights on another victim, Hugh feels he must act.

Miss Amelia Quinton is excited to announce her engagement to the man of her dreams. Before she can do so, her father announces that she will marry another to get ensure his debts will be paid. Her life is turned upside down and she is quickly married off to the Duke of Brighthollow.

Amelia is willing to give her marriage a try and soon she begins to see another side to Hugh, one she likes very much.

When the lie he has been keeping about who her former fiancé was to him, will she be able to trust that she is more that a way to avenge his sister?

I loved this story and Hugh and Amelia were the perfect pairing. I do hope Lizzie gets her own romance soon!

The Duke Who Lied by Jess Michaels
1797 Club #8

Hugh’s sister Lizzie was taken in by a charmer and saved by her brother. When Hugh finds out that another woman may soon be married to the vile man he tries to warn her father and finds said father to be less than impressed with Hugh’s concerns. With the feeling of guilt over his sister and not wanting Amelia to suffer his sister’s fate he…marries Amelia. Yes, that is correct, he marries a woman he does not know and does not love to save her from the man who seduced his sister.

Amelia is not thrilled with the turn her life has taken on the marriage mart but with her father pushing her toward Hugh she does as told and marries a man that she does not love and perhaps even feels hate for. She soon finds that tiny attraction she feels for Hugh might grow into more and provide a good marriage for both of them.

I was not sold on Hugh’s idea to marry Amelia but was happy he felt interest in her beauty and had desire for her. I also felt Amelia was rather pragmatic in her view of marriage and wanting to make the best of what she perceived to be a bad situation. I thought that Amelia’s actions were sometimes not well thought through and that she was lucky Hugh was keeping an eye on her. I felt the book unfolded in a sequence that was highly believable and the relationship that developed between Hugh and Amelia was believable. I am not sure that their three day break was necessary but the HEA at the end was just right. I did feel sorry for Lizzie and hope she will get a book of her own in the future and be provided with a HEA of her own.

Ten teens at boarding school form a club to assist one another as they grow into their positions of being dukes one day - The 1997 Club - this series is already plotted out to have ten volumes starring the ten who form the club. I am sad to think that there are only two more books to read – one about Robert and the last about Christopher/Kit.

Did I like this book? Definitely
Will I read more of this author’s books? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow became a Duke at a very young age and more of a father then brother to his much younger sister. He feels he failed her when she fall prey to the man, Walters, who took her innocents and broke her heart for her dowry. Hugh’s had a man following Walters and he’s found a new woman to charm, Miss Amelia Quinton.
Amelia has spent her life mostly alone with her father who sees her as a tool, to further his station. Hugh has never meet Amelia or her father until the day he goes to worn the man about Walters. Amelia’s father uses Hugh’s honor against him and push’s him to marry her himself.
A marriage starting out on secrets and lies is bound to fail. The more time spent together Amelia stats to see Hugh for the man he is and brings light and joy back to Hugh’s life. Can their budding romance with stand when the lies come to light or will Hugh’s deception end everything?

The couple in the story are both so very likeable, as is the sister of the H, who is deceived and seduced by the villain of the story. Unfortunately, again, much could have been achieved by just a few conversations. I always enjoy Jess Michaels stories, but this one felt like it just needs to be a novella and get to the point. But I did enjoy the couple very much, and look forward to the next book. I received a free arc in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 Stars!

What happens when the only man who genuinely cares about you is a perfect stranger? Miss Amelia Quinton finds out, sort of, when Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, comes to her aid without her even knowing why.

Jess Micheals is back to help our eighth Duke make a trip down the aisle. While Hugh believes he is marrying the breath-taking Amelia to save her from a horrendous marriage to the man who made his sister’s life hell, he can’t help but to hope for a love match like so many of his friends have found.

Amelia can’t believe she could have any sort of attraction to the Duke while she was almost engaged to another. As a dutiful daughter, she believes the lie her father tells her and resigns herself to a marriage with the handsome Duke of Brighthollow. When her wedding night arrives, her new husband gives her a chance to sleep on her own, but Amelia can’t deny the physical bliss just one kiss from Hugh brings her. While their marriage slowly progresses, Amelia becomes part of a real family with Hugh and his sister, Lizzie.

Michaels has created another unique couple who have to deal with not one, but two despicable men who’ve wrecked more than their share of lives. While Hugh has honorable intentions, he keeps to himself the lies of others, in turn lying himself to the wife he comes to adore more than breathing. Amelia’s growth as a woman, a wife, and a sister was a completely brilliant transformation. She fits right in with the other Duchesses and I’m sure will be welcoming in the last two as they come along.

I can’t believe we have only two more Dukes to go! I’ve already started re-reading this series in preparation of Robert and Kit’s stories. While this series is almost at an end, I’m thrilled that Michaels has another series already in the works. This woman has endless talent! I know if any of her future series are anything like The 1797 Club, I will adore every word.

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

This is Hugh's story and he has been troubled in previous books of this series and now we know why. Saving his sister from society's ruin has put him in a bad spot. To save Amelia from a similar fate, he agrees to marry her. Amelia is not happy with being forced to marry a duke versus the man she thinks she loves, but can't deny the chemistry between them.

Another great addition to this series, Jess Michaels knows how to weave a great story. This is a fast paced book I found hard to put down. I did miss an epilogue to this book, but I'm guessing we will see more of Hugh and Amelia in the last two books. I do hope Lizzie gets an HEA too. It's nice to have characters from previous books show up, but the book can be read as a standalone.

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

I thought this book turned out to be a bit predictable, BUT I still really enjoyed it. Enemies to lovers is my absolute favorite and Amelia no doubt hated Hugh and the beginning of their relationship. I also loved how honorable Hugh was, even in his lies. Hugh and Amelia had such wonderful tension flowing between them and it made their physical relationship spark so much. Amelia was the perfect heroine and compliment to Hugh and I loved them together! I can't wait for the next book and to see the notorious rake, Robert, meet his downfall!

The Duke Who Lied is protecting his younger sister Lizzie from a really bad decision. Hugh, of the 1797 Club of dukes and future dukes, rescued Lizzie from a fortune hunter who compromised her for financial gain. Lizzie now hides at their country estate. The compromiser, Aaron, has now semi-engaged himself for another woman’s dowry. Hugh is not going to let him compromise or ruin another young lady, Amelia. The best way to protect Amelia is to marry her, pushed by her father into the marriage with lies.

Amelia is drawn to Hugh even though she thought herself in love with Aaron. She even tells Hugh she hates him for forcing marriage on her. Through it all, the wedding, beginning of their marriage, the short time they have spent together, Hugh is extremely kind to her. She does not see the monster she though Hugh was to force her into marriage. It appears they are quickly falling in love with each other, but there is so much unsaid between them, they struggle to get past the lies. Their chemistry is warm and quite sensual.

As Amelia and Lizzie become friends, Amelia helps Lizzie to overcome her reticence about being out in society. But, they all quickly realize that might not have been a good thing. Hugh and Amelia struggle to reach a sweet, warm HEA on a really rough road. I love this series and how each duke has a special romance with a special lady. As with the other books in the series, this could be a stand alone, but is even better read in sequence.

Hugh Margolis, the Duke of Brighthollow a year ago he stopped his sister Elizabeth "Lizzie" from eloping with Aaron Walters, but he wasn't in time to save her from complete ruin. To save his sister, he agrees to pay an outrageous sum to Walters in exchange for his silence - but Lizzie is heartbroken and refuses to partake in a season, Hugh is at a loss, he can't tell anyone what happened so has no idea how to help her. His guilt and shame have caused him to distance himself from his closest friends and have weighed on him. Finally, Lucas confronts him and refuses to be put off. Hugh shares the secret with him and his wife Diana and learns that Walters has selected a new victim.

Amelia Quinton, daughter of Viscount Quinton is in love and has accepted the marriage proposal of Aaron Walters, but her father drops a bomb and shatters her heart - she will have to marry Hugh, as he bought her father's debts and will ruin him if she refuses. She agrees, but makes it clear, she hates Hugh.

Hugh is upset by the lies, but to save Amelia (and Lizzie) he will accept her hatred, he likes Amelia and hopes they can eventually have a comfortable marriage - what he wasn't prepared for is the intense attraction he feels for her.

Amelia is just as confused, she wants to hate him and can't understand how she could desire the man who ruined her life - but her nature is sweet and forgiving, so she decides to try and make the best of her marriage and is extremely willing to explore the carnal with Hugh.

After their wedding, they travel to Brighthollow, Amelia is beginning to realize Hugh is not the monster she thought, she likes him and wants to make her marriage work, but she also knows he is holding something back from her. She meets Lizzie and immediately hits it off with her - for the first time in her life, she feels like a part of something and allows herself to fall for Hugh.

For his part, Hugh is in love with Amelia, she is perfect for him and this makes him feel even worse about keeping secrets and letting her believe lies. But can he trust her with the truth? When Lizzie confines her secret to Amelia, Hugh knows he must tell her everything and hope that she will forgive him, but he is afraid of losing her and delays the conversation - but has he waited too long?

This was a well written, fast paced, chock full of lies, secrets, likable characters, unlikable villains, steamy love scenes, a bit of action, cameos from the other dukes and their wives, a little heartache and a very sweet HEA. I liked the story, but I will admit, I found the "lie" plot a little contrived and didn't quite believe that his "lies" were as bad as they were built up to be.

This is the eighth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title. I would be happy to recommend it.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has sworn to protect those close to him, especially is sweet sister, at all costs. She was seduced, ruined trauma the she went into exile and to protect her reputation. Hugh feels guilty he did nothing to stop the rogue responsible. Miss Amelia Quinton has had a whirlwind courtship and now she’s about to be married, that is until the cold Duke of Brighthollow interrupts her plans by threatening her father. Her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow because he owns her father’s debts. All lies Hugh is trying to protect a young vulnerable woman to the same womanizer who seduced his sister and left her ruined, but what Hugh and Amelia doesn’t expect is the undeniable attraction and smolder passion they can’t deny. The two must come to terms with their marriage and terms of it. I love this story of our hero trying to do the right thing, but not wanting anyone to know what he’s about. He’s still trying to preserve his sister’s reputation and save his wife from a fate worse than any she has ever experienced before. Amelia is lovable, she has a strong sense of what’s right and wrong and she feels there’s more to Hugh that meets the eye. He’s not quite the autocratic aristocrat feels tries to portray, he has a fun and loving side he eventually shows to her and she can’t help falling in love with him. A great read that has you turning the pages to see what happens next as the Dukes all come together to protect one of their own. There’s nothing better than Dukes and Duchesses in action. I can’t wait for the next adventurous Duke!!! 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.

This novel was another excellent edition to Michaels' 1797 Club series.

Hugh (the Duke of Brighthollow) is very close to his sister; their parents died when she was young and so he was, in many ways, a father figure to her. Unfortunately, his sister was tricked and seduced by a blackguard. In order to prevent her ruination, Hugh pays the awful man to keep quiet...but he knows well enough to keep an eye on the man.

Unfortunately, his suspicions were correct - about a year after his sister's seduction, the man has now wooed Amelia Quinton. Hugh goes to her father to warn him, but her father says the only other alternative is for Hugh to marry her.

Hugh and Amelia have a rough start. Hugh would rather Amelia think poorly of him than reveal his sister's secrets. Amelia, however, figures out that behind the Duke who lied is a passionate, loving man who protects the people he cares about.

This book is worth reading - Hugh, Amelia, and his sister are rich characters, and our hero & heroine have great chemistry!

4.5 Stars
Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has been keeping a secret that eats him up inside. His beloved sister Lizzie, was seduced and nearly ruined by a wicked man Aaron Walters . The trauma sent her into exile and to protect her reputation Hugh paid Walters to stay quiet. But now the ‘gentleman’ is back in Society and recently engaged to another lady. Miss Amelia Quinton cannot believe her luck. After a whirlwind courtship, she has just become engaged to Aaron Walters and now she’s looking forward to a true love match. Only all her plans come to a screeching halt when her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow because he owns her father’s debts.
This is the eighth book in the series & once again it’s an enthralling engrossing read which I read in under a day. Hugh has been in the background in the previous books & now comes into his own plus we get to know Robert a little more. Whilst I loved this book & adore the series this wasn’t my favourite book, I felt the ending was rushed & seemed to end abruptly. The characters are always well portrayed & the pae flowed effortlessly. Hugh was attracted to Amelia from their first meeting & soon fell in love but Amelia whilst attracted to Hugh didn’t like him at all but then had to reverse her opinion of him only to have it shattered again, I’m looking forward to Robert’s story & then at last it will be the one I’m desperate for Kit’s story

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Such a great book. I didn't want it to end. So many layers of deceit. Such h wonderful characters that don't let anything stand in their way.

Hugh is a duke with a secret, he is protecting someone he loves. While he endeavors to do so, he discovers that a young woman he has not even met, a Lady Amelia, needs similar protection. He can think of only one way to provide a defense for her that could save her from complete ruin, and that would be to marry her! Unfortunately Amelia is less than thrilled when her father forces her into this unwanted union. This is accomplished with a giant lie. But, she IS attracted to Hugh. After all, he is the tall, dark, brooding type, and his kissing skills are top of the mark! Hugh for his part cannot keep Amelia out of his thoughts, or his heart. He’s definitely not keeping his hands off of his new wife....
But Hugh has been keeping additional secrets, and danger continues to lurk. If Amelia discovers his lies will he lose her forever?
I thoroughly enjoyed this story and read it from start to finish, it’s a real page turner! The plot is interesting, the characters are colorful, and the H and h are both written with depth. This is a stand alone novel in a series that I really recommend to readers of historical romance. I am sooo looking forward to the next book as well!

This is number 8 in Jess Michaels’ 1797 club series. You could easily read this as a standalone but I would recommend reading them in order as the characters develop throughout the series.
Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, is coming to terms with the news that his beloved sister was seduced by a fraudster. The trauma sent her into exile and the ‘gentleman’ is back in Society and up to his old tricks. Miss Amelia Quinton has just become engaged after a whirlwind romance but her plans come to a halt when her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow. Amelia is horrified, but agrees to the match. As they get to know each other, a deep understanding and passion ignites. There is some great dialogue. You won’t be disappointed.

I received this arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is the eighth instalment in the steamy 1797 club series by Jess Michaels. I would recommend this book to any lover of Regency romance. While part of a series, the author has crafted a story that stands perfectly well on its own.

Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has been guilt-ridden ever since his young sister was seduced by a scandalous rogue and left broken-hearted. When he learns the rogue has set his sights on another heiress, he intervenes at significant cost to himself.

Miss Amelia Quinton is newly engaged after a whirlwind romance with a man who is sweet and caring. When her father announces she is to be married to the Duke of Brighthollow instead she is horrified.
Married quickly, their passion is intense but the two struggle to communicate. Hugh is reluctant to reveal his sister’s secret and Amelia is angry at the situation she has found herself in. They are both battling their growing feelings for each other while hesitant to trust each other.

Jess Michaels is back on top form with this instalment. Both characters are interesting and endearing. While I felt Hugh should have been honest sooner and the plot sagged in the middle I did enjoy this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://www.wonderfullyweird88.com/

Michaels echoes a Pride and Prejudice theme, taken to its early 19th century ends--having seen his sister seduced by a blackmailing cad, the Duke moves quickly to prevent another woman from being used by the same creep. However, due to her father's greed and negligence, the only way to save her is to marry her himself, using a quickly fabricated and personally damaging lie. Can the hero and heroine fall in love and overcome their shaky beginning?