Member Reviews
"So Amelia would come to Hugh with hate and desperation. With heartbreak and resistance."
FINAL DECISION: A solid addition to the series. I enjoyed the characters but the lie that sets their relationship in motion and the secret Hugh is keeping didn't work well enough to support the plot of the story for me.
THE STORY: Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has been suffering with his own sense of honor. His sister was seduced by a wicked man and Hugh found himself keeping silent and paying the man off rather than seeking revenge. This lack of action has been eating at Hugh for a year. Now Hugh discovers that the villain is after his next victim. Hugh cannot allow him to ruin another woman's life. Amelia Quinton thinks she has found the man of her dreams, when her father tells her she must marry the Duke of Brighthollow to settle his debts. Amelia and Hugh begin a marriage with lies and deception between them. What will happen when the two strangers begin to have feelings for one another with the lies Hugh told to force the marriage between them?
OPINION: The characters in this book were really nice. I liked them both and I thought that they had a nice rapport with one another. I book is as sexy as I would expect from this series and overall I enjoyed this entry in the series.
The part of this book that really bothered me was how quickly Amelia turned to trying to make her marriage to Hugh a good one. I just wasn't convinced. She was too quick to think Hugh a good person and too quick to want and participate in a passionate marriage. A woman is forced to wed a complete stranger and only days later is taking the initiative in their sexual relationship. Nope, just didn't work for me. I did enjoy the characters and only wish that the initial part of their relationship had been dealt with differently.
I also really didn't understand why Hugh kept the secret after he and Amelia were married and continued to lie. He clearly could have told her the truth and it would have made their relationship better. Without the buy in to the storyline, everything else felt okay but a little bland.
WORTH MENTIONING: I want the story of Hugh's sister as well.
CONNECTED BOOKS: THE DUKE WHO LIED is the eighth book in the 1797 Club series. This book can be read as a standalone although there are overlapping characters and relationships between secondary characters that are developed over the series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 3 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to help prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
Jess Michaels does it again. Another fabulous book in the 1797 Club series. The Duke Who Lied (Book #8) follows Hugh Margolis (Duke of Brighthollow) and Amelia Quinton and the development of their relationship. The Duke Who Lied has it all including fantastic characters, witty dialog, a bit of angst along with a whole lot of steam.This book had me hooked from beginning to end.
Disclaimer: I am shockingly new to the romance genre in general, and seemed to have randomly stumbled into a historical romance binge during my much larger historical obsession.
Pros: A really thoughtful heroine with a "let me adjust to it" attitude (which is so awesome and refreshing), the romance was OTP-worthy, both the hero and the heroine, wonderful angst, fun female friendships, tropes I randomly love
Cons: nothing that struck me enough to remember
Series: 1797 Club
Publication Date: 7/24/18
Another well-written tightly plotted addition to the 1797 series. It is the story of Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, and Miss Amelia Quinton. Both characters are very likable and relatable, and when you add in visits from other 1797 Club members you have a warm and lovely book.
The 1797 Club was started in the year 1797 by several friends who were all future dukes. Most of them were from abusive, non-caring, disinterested families -- especially the fathers. So, the club was a way for them to band together and help and protect each other since they weren't getting that from their families. Hugh was from one of those uncaring abusive families. Nothing Hugh ever did was good enough and Hugh soon learned to hide all feelings from his expressions. Then, Hugh became the youngest of their group to inherit his title – and he also inherited the guardianship of his young, eight-year-old sister, Libby. Hugh loved Libby fiercely and would do absolutely anything to protect her.
A little over a year ago, Hugh noticed a change in Libby, but he didn’t pursue it because he had a lot going on. After all, all teenagers go through difficult phases don’t they? Then, when it was too late, he found she was on her way to Gretna Green. The scoundrel had the audacity to laugh at Libby when Hugh found them – he was only after her fortune. Hugh felt so much guilt – he let the scoundrel get away with what he had done to Libby in order to protect her reputation. That just ate at Hugh. He had paid the scoundrel a huge sum of money to stay quiet and Hugh also felt guilty for providing him with the means to look like a respectable part of society – and what if he used that to snare another innocent young miss.
Miss Amelia Quinton is engaged to the most wonderful man and she loves him with all her heart. She is walking on air – until she isn’t. Her father informs her that she will not be marrying the love of her life – she will now be marrying Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow because the duke owns all of her father’s debts. Her world has crumbled and it is Hugh’s fault – she hates him – hates him with every fiber of her being and she tells him so. To no avail – they are still married.
It was lovely to watch them dance around each other – she hates him – he feels guilty for having to deprive her of the man she thinks she loves. Can they come to love and respect each other? Can they have their HEA? When she discovers the truth, can she forgive his lies? This is a lovely read and a wonderful romance.
Now, my personal opinion is that his lie wasn’t all that bad and it probably saved her life – so – my thought is – what is to forgive?
I highly recommend the book.
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"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."
This is Hugh and Amelia story. The plot was good and the characters very engaging. It's always good to see others characters from others books poped in. Amelia tough herself in love to a fortune Hunter and Hugh had to save her by marrying her so she doesn't end up like his sister. The title The Duke who lied is very fitting and self explanatory to the all story. I quite like the pace of the book, the story moved along smoothly with the right amount of sexy scenes. Bring on the next one in the series.
Thanks the publisher via Netgalley for this ARC in return for an honest review.
I liked this book, but I would have loved much more drama, because I'm sick that way...I love the love stories that begin in a very bad way but ends perfectly, and I would have preferred that the misunderstanding and the doubts to go on for a little bit more, but ok, it was an enjoyable reading and I love the club as I did for the first novel of this series.
Questo libro mi é piaciuto, ma ammetto che siccome mi piacciono moltissimo le storie d'amore che cominciano male, avrei desiderato che dramma continuasse per un altro pochino giusto perchè....Comunque mi sono divertita come al solito a leggere Jess Michaels e il club dei duchi mi piace ancora come all'inizio.
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE PREVIEW!
This is book #8 in the series and it is the first one I have read. I felt it was well written and I liked all the characters.
That said I did not love this plot. I did not like the idea that Amelia was in love with this huge jerk and Hugh marries her thinking she hates him and loves the scoundrel. It left a very bad taste in my heart and made me cringe alot at the scenes .
That said it had really great characters and a fun story. I really thought it was very Beauty and the Beast themed as Hugh is a very dark character and very beast like. What happens to his sister really hurts him heavily and it was an aspect I had not seen explored in historical novels until now, how a sister being dishonored can really turn a great guy into a beast.
Wonderful. Jess Michaels does it again! This 1797 series is sooooo good, and the latest is spot on.
I loved Hugh, he was a very confusing character so I loved watching him unravel. Amelia and Lizzie are lovely, and I felt how much Lizzie needed Amelia as a sister in law, it gave me a real feel good factor.
So well written, lots of consistency across all 8 books, great cast of characters and well rounded individual stories. Jess Michaels has done a great job!
When the title appears on GR I will review it there.
What’s eating Hugh!? Time to finally find out!
Jess Michaels never lets me down. Every single book by her is fantastic. This series is my favorite of hers so far, and this latest installment is no different.
I LOVE forced/rushed/arranged marriage stories. They’re my absolute favorite. Alternately, I HATE stories where the couple’s problems could all be solved with one simple, honest conversation. JUST TALK TO HER! *I screech at my kindle*. However, Hugh has a very good reason for not just talking to her (though he lets it go on far too long, in my opinion. I wanted to slap him!). My heart bled for Hugh and his struggles. He has to face some inner struggles I don’t think I could handle. He will get through them with the love and support of his friends.
This story was full of adventure, suspense, romance, and of course, sizzling passion. The characters are lovely creations. I absolutely adore the emotional depth Jess gives her characters. Of course, this story is loaded with appearances by all of our old favorites. This band of brothers have swept me wholeheartedly into their club, and I don’t ever want to leave.
The only thing I can think now is, What’s eating Robert!? Well, not the only thing. I also don’t want to get to Kit’s story. I want it so much because I love him so hard, but I don’t want his father to die. He’s the best and last daddy, and his days are numbered. *sniff*. It’s an inevitable tragedy I would rather ignore! (not enough to skip it, I’m totally reading that one on release day!)
This is the 5th book that I have read from the 1797 Club series and yes i'm a little behind as this is book 8, but I have found that it doesn't matter which book you start with you can just as easily read them as if it were the first. Ewan from The Silent Duke has been my favorite of the Dukes so far but after reading The Duke Who Lied, Hugh Margolis Duke of Brighthollow has become a firm favorite too.
Hugh is a character with many sides, he is a strong protector of his sister Lizzie and cares for her deeply, but also he is seen to have a far too serious and stern expression on his face for most of the time that only leads people especially Amelia Quinton who would become his unwilling bride to think that he is a cad and will be an uncaring husband.
Amelia is a little naive and fanciful, she is so desperate for love and so easily deceived into thinking her suitor has her best interests at heart. Having said that she is a very strong willed young woman that even though she accepts her fate she tries to make the best of things by making her lot in life suit her needs.
I really love how Jess Michaels weaves a story that can enchant and captivate your imagination, she makes her characters so likeable and believable and she writes a plot that has you gripped from the very first page. This book was such a wonderful read that I found it hard to stop reading the next chapter after I had finished the one before. It's definitely a page turner with plenty of plot twists and secrets that made for a very exciting story and the romantic love scenes between Hugh and Amelia were sensual but very tasteful. I totally adored this book.
A brilliant 5 Stars!
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Special, sensational, stunning , words to describe how good this book is .
If you’ve been waiting to find out what makes Hugh Duke of Brighthollow tick , here it is in all its glory .
When this Duke meets his future and his one and only ,
Miss Amelia Quintan , it’s an instant attraction .
Neither of them can admit to such , and they both have reasons to stay away from each other , but circumstances and a quick marriage see them living in closer proximity and they have to learn to be honest ,both about there feelings ,and their pasts , if not will they find their HEA ?
A great book , loved every page , this Author improves with every book it seems .
I could say this is my favourite of the series, but so were the others , they are all so good and so addictive.
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
Fantastic, engaging and captivating. Absolutely loved this book. The main characters and secondary characters are entertaining and heart warming. They all make the story the perfection that it is. The plot line is complicated and emotional. It will keep your attention from beginning to end
Another great read! Hugh is so honorable, but keeps a huge secret to protect his sister. Amelia is a very lovely, albeit lonely girl who gets manipulated into marriage. I don't want to spoil the story, but do want to say the characters develop quite beautifully in this story. Tentative love blossoms, evil is rampant, goodness prevails. I hope we get Lizzie's story some day.
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher for an honest review. Thank you!
This novel was a very enjoyable read. If you like Pride and Prejudice, this is a novel for you.
Miss Amelia Quinton has certain notions of romance due to her own upbringing. She is engaged to be married to a man she loves, but all that comes crashing down when her father informs her she is to marry Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow. Hugh has a motive for marrying Amelia, even though he tried to avoid it. Hugh's sister was ruined by the same man Amelia is engaged to and he had to buy the man's silence to keep his sister's reputation safe. Hugh had a rough childhood, but he is a good brother and protector. However, he has been lying to Amelia and his sister, fir he is afraid of losing those he deeply cares for. Amelia is very angry and hates Hugh in the beginning, but as Hugh opens up to her, she sees the man behind the facade. Amelia brings happiness and life to Hugh and his sister. However, lies always reveal themselves and when Amelia learns the truth, how will it impact their growing relationship? Even though people lie in the name of love and protection, it still hurts those deeply and rebuilding trust is a tough task.
I swear each book I read of Ms. Michaels’ is a winner and this one ranks up there with some of my favorites. I loved both Hugh and Amelia. Fantastic characters, great dialog (and with the other 1797 Club members and the duchesses) and very sexy. I love angst and the secrets in this story are fist-clenching. A "marriage of convenience" that wormed its way into my heart. Get out the tissues, Hugh will make you need them.
The members of the 1797 Club are like family and help each other with whatever they need. No judging and a take-no-prisoner attitude.
I loved Hugh and Amelia's story!!
Hugh felt like he didn't do enough when his sister was compromised and when he learns that the man has found a new victim, he wants to do anything that he can to help her. He just didn't count on having to marry her.
Amelia hates that she won't be able to marry the man she is in love with, but she will do what she can to help her father, even if that means marrying a stranger. It does help that every time she is around her new fiancee, she becomes more and more attracted to him.
Can this forced marriage give these two their HEA?
I loved watching these two find there way with each other. The marriage didn't start out the way either would have wanted it to, but even with all of the ups and downs true love wins in the end! Robert's story is next and I can't wait to read it!!