Her Favorite Duke

Her Favorite Duke by Jess Michaels is a sizzling but sweet Regency Romance. While, this is #2 in the series, "The 1797 Club" it can be read as a stand alone. See, "Her Daring Duke", #1. This is the story of Simon Greene, Duke of Crestwood, Margaret Rylon (Meg) who has been friends since childhood, James, Duke of Abernathe, Meg's brother and Graham, the Duke of Northfield, a other friend. Graham, James, and Simon are all part of the 1797 Club, however, Simon and Graham are the best of friends. Simon, has always been considered the peacemaker of the group, but in reality he appears a bit of a spineless coward, toward his feelings for Meg. Meg becomes betrothed to Graham, by her brother, James, none knowing her true feelings for Simon, oh, they suspect but go forward with there plans, anyway. To be honest James, suspects she just has a childhood infatuation for Simon. Fast forward seven years later..... Meg and Graham finally set their wedding date. BTW Graham is not in love with Meg either. Simon guards his feelings for Meg until they're caught in a compromising position, the wedding is off, Meg and Simon must marry. Yay!! Simon guards his feelings toward Meg, for fear of getting hurt. But his friendship is ended between him and Graham. An unusual story to me, how many men or ladies, in fact, wait seven years before setting a wedding date? The reader is given the impression Graham had no amorous affairs, what, for seven years? Unbelievable, to me, but I suppose it could happen. Then there's Meg, who does not reveal her true feeling, she's waiting for Simon to step forward, and announce his feelings toward her. Simon is sweet, but an utter coward when it comes to his feelings toward Meg. So, they'd all rather be misable for the rest of their lives, then tell the truth. Oh, Graham, is marrying Meg to yes, you got it, to please his friend James. They are all rather young, in their teens, Meg's sixteen, you understand their feelings run hot and cold, right? While, this was not my favorite of Jess Michaels' story, it was rather a sweet story, once you get pass all the other stuff. It's a sizzling love story, with many complicated triangles. A true love story with all the complications of a love triangle, while only two of them is truly in love. So, I guess, you wouldn't call it a love triangle. The reader does learn why Simon is so guarded with his feelings. No cliffnanger, however, I was left with a few unanswered questions. Such as what happens to Graham, and Simon's hateful mother, the old Duchess of Crestwood. The reader is given the impression, from the back of the book that, Graham's story is next, which, I anticipate reading. Please don't get me wrong, I adore Ms. Michaels' stories, "Her Favorite Duke" was a bit hard connect to the characters and grip the plot, to me, however I'd still recommend reading it, especially those who enjoy romance, there is a bit of mystery to why Simon guards his feelings. A good read! I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. Rating: 4 Heat rating: Steamy/Sizzling Reviewed by: AprilR

Her stories may be scandalous, but Ms. Michaels uses her canvas in a twofold way. To entertain and to tackle social issues such as poverty, sexism, rape and other types of injustices that were just as prevalent years ago as they are in modern society today. Behind the heated trysts, the suspicious happenings, betrayals and crude behavior, lie stories of survival that inspire with their strength of character and abundance of hope. Her Favorite Duke is one of those beautifully written pieces of art. Margaret is a woman determined to make her voice heard. She loves her family, but longs to follow her heart. Simon is a man of honor, but his heart's desire has him questioning all that he holds dear including his precious honor. Will he let his pride cost him his greatest treasure?

Duty and loyalty are two things Simon Greene, the Duke of Crestwood, holds dear. When he had no family, the men of The 1797 Club became one. He would rather die than betray those trusts. He would even stand aside as the woman he’s loved for almost a decade announces her wedding date to one of his brothers. When her cruel and uncaring father dies, Meg’s older brother James, the new Duke of Abernathe, arranges a marriage with one of his best friend’s, Graham. If only James knew he picked the wrong friend. After a seven year engagement, Meg and Graham agree on a wedding date, making both Meg and Simon miserable. Meg was in love with Simon long before her brother arranged a marriage to Graham when she was sixteen. She saw no way to dash her brother’s dream for her, so she stayed quiet. That didn’t stop her from growing closer to Simon as the days to her wedding neared. After a walk catches her in a storm, Simon helps Meg find shelter in a caretaker’s cottage. When morning arrives, the duo is found and completely compromised. Meg is forced to end her engagement to Graham and marry Simon. This is a moment when you realize how true it is to be careful what you wish for. Even though they love each other desperately, Simon is wracked with guilt and self-loathing for what he’s done to Graham. Although they weren’t as close as they’d once been, Graham was still Simon’s brother. Simon’s relationships with several of his brother’s become strained as he marries the woman of his dreams. While Simon allows himself to connect with Meg physically, he cannot let her have his heart. This novel was heartbreaking but oh so steamy at the same time. Simon and Meg’s love for each other is palpable and so brilliant, but because of their unconditional love for their family, they attempt to forgo their own happiness. I admit to crying a lot while reading this novel but that made the end that much sweeter. Michaels once again gave me a dynamic and compelling duke to cherish in the form of Simon. I adored Meg in the first novel of the series and came to cherish her will and spirit even more in this novel. Another 5 Stars for The 1797 Club! I received this book for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.