The Duke (Knight Miscellany Series #1)

Wow. Just... wow.

Okay - so I've read a TON of romance over the last year. I average about 3 to 4 books a week. My favorites are Julia Quinn's Bridgerton Series, S. Laurens' Cynster Series (just the first 6 or so), D. Gabaldon's Outlander Series and so on. I have to say after reading The Pirate Prince, Princess and Prince Charming (my first 3 Gaelen Foley novels), I wasn't expecting a lot from The Duke. But whoa.

I mean... whoa. I'm not even half way through this book and already I've smiled, grinned, teared-up, frowned in anguish and FELT more for these characters and with these characters than I have for a long time. I felt COMPELLED to write my first ever full review of a book.

Brava Ms. Foley! Wow. The maturity of writing style and poignancy of the heart-rending, blushing, tripping, dare-we-hope? romance of Robert and Belinda... not to mention the first really spicy scene in Robert's library... *whew* *fans self* I can't wait to finish it!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

A very romantic story.

This was my favourite out of all the knight series.It was amazing from beginnig to end.Loved it.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Pretty Woman set in Regency England

It was okay. The part I didn't like was how Belinda and Hawkscliffe could be soooo in love and yet he was going to marry someone else just because of his title and position in society. I guess I'm just used to those Highland Lairds who do what the hell they want when the hell they want and screw everyone else's opinion!

1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

A wonderful Story

I just finsihed reading this book today and I can not say enough good things about it. It was a great story. The duke is a great hero in the story and Bel is a great herione. They are great for eachother. This story was very well written. The scenes are great. The bathtub scene was really good. Go out and read this book you will not be disappointed.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

recommend

Good read. Made me look for more form this author

Truly wonderful

Oh how happy I am to have found this amazing story! A wonderful romance that defies all odds. Starting with this book, I have read through all the Knights Miscellany Series, as well as the Spice Trilogy. These books by Gaelen Foley have been some of the most beautiful and amazing love stories I have ever read. I can't wait to read them all over again, starting with The Duke!

Best romance I've read in a long time!

This book was wonderful - I couldn't put it down. My heart was in my throat for many parts. Buying the next book in this series right now I can't wait to read it!

What a surprise!

I really recommend this book. I red about it in Heroes heartbreaking website and bought it. I didn't regret it. It was a beautiful romance!

Gaelen Foley never fails to deliver

"The Duke" is a wonderful exciting read. You never know what is going to come next.

Really good story

This was a relatively quick read. Characters were well developed, although some questions were never answered. (Perhaps in other books in the series?) Overall, I would recommend for those who like romance novels.

wonderful

Gaelen Foley really surprised me! I'm a huge fan of Judith McNaught and Julie Garwood but haven't been able to find another author that I really enjoy until now! I finished this book in two days, I had a hard time putting it down! Can't wait to start the next.

A great start to the Knight series

I actually read the other books and this was the only one left for me to read. I love gaelen and the whole series, this wasn't the exception although i felt the end was a little rushed and left me thinking what happened to the some of the other characters in the story.

In a Word: 'Beautiful'

Belinda Hamilton's father has been thrown into debtor's prison and the man responsible for her family's ruin now pursues an unhealthy obsession with Bel. She is living on the streets, making her way in the world by selling oranges and fending on the nearly violent affections of Dolph Beckinridge, the man responsible for her desperate situation. One day, after visiting her father in prison, Bel is brutally attacked and raped. Dazed and traumatized by her ordeal Bel somehow ends up in a halfway house for prostitutes. Following her attack Bel is determined to better her situation and leave the dangerous streets of London by any means necessary. She goes to Harriette Wilson, a legendary courtesan, and it is there that she learns the ways of the Cyprians. Suddenly Bel is the most sought after demirep in the entire city. She is determined to find a kind and decent protector to keep her safe from the dangers of the world. But she cannot be kept safe from her own heart. Robert Knight has just endured the death of the woman he loved from afar. The wife of a close friend, Lucy was everything Robert thought he could have wanted in a woman. Robert suspects the woman's relative, Dolph Beckinridge, of her murder and so he sets out to ruin the man. He starts off by procuring Belinda Hamilton, Dolph's obsession, as his new mistress. Little does he know that this seemingly professional courtesan is not what she appears to be. Initially someone might think that Bel's decision to whore herself for a high price is completely disgusting, but I could reallly see her reasoning behind her choice. After suffering such humiliations for so long I understood that it was a choice to gain control of her life, not necessarily to submit. Robert does not respect Bel at first, he has no desire to dally with a courtesan but to seek revenge on Dolph. But Bel soon proves that she is no hardened and common prostitute, but rather a woman of substance and intelligence. Robert begins to understand that he loves her, regardless of her choice of profession. Please don't mistake Robert's initial low opinion of Bel for misogyny, he was raised his entire life to look down on absolutely everyone, especially courtesans. Eventually he learns to see Bel for the woman she is and not the whore London society has deemed her. The romance that ensues is beautiful. Belinda's vulnerability and determination warm Robert's cold and stoic demeanor slowly, but with such perfection. This is the first book in the Knight Miscellany and I highly recommend the entire series. Although it is not necessary to read the books in order I suggest that you do, starting with The Duke. You'll fall in love with Robert and Bel's story almost immediately.

A Royal Joy to Read...

This is the 2nd novel by Gaelen Foley¿s that I bought via B & N. I also read ¿Prince Charming¿ (pretty good) and now this one, ¿The Duke¿. This was one of the most complete and enjoyable novels I have read in a very long time! Reason¿it had it all. Interesting and likeable main hero and heroine, pleasing and detailed story line and memorable ending. Although I did not like that Bel was violated by an evil prison warden very early on and thought that might turn me off to the story instead¿it allowed Bel to have a well rounded character. A woman who had a simple but, good life before she was harmed and then¿one who can stand on her own after she is no longer innocent. I liked that Bel took the cards life dealt her and made the best of everything ¿ whether she had to sell oranges to stay alive or become a well known courtesan for money, food and a home. She was nobody¿s victim. Thus¿her warm character, gentle, sensuous ways and hearty soul made her loved by all. In turn, the Duke, Robert¿was handsome, intelligent and so very honest and loving. Although he was taken in by some people ¿ so much that he almost appeared a simpleton ¿ it really showed how he believed deeply in people until they showed otherwise. Bel & Robert meet and interact as she needs a protector and he needs her help to solve a crime. He was so very gentle and warm and giving with Bel that he became a one of a kind hero. I liked how multi dimensional these chacaters were - they did things for their friends, family and those in need. They weren't stuck on themselves or what money could buy. They experienced life to the fullest. The love scenes in this book were close to perfect ¿ it took time for the attraction to properly build to a high level, then Robert got pleased, then Bel got pleased and then eventually they found pleasure as one. This book will make you wish for your very own Duke. The love scenes are what many women fantasize about. It¿s steamy and sexy while still being very tasteful. Robert was so strict with himself on his career, friends, lifestyle and more that I wasn¿t sure how he was going to get out of marrying the right socialite for his career and keep Bel on the side as his mistress and love. Bel clearly wasn¿t about to be second to anyone. Robert found that out the hard way. Know that the ending was a beauty ¿ it involved the theatre, a white horse and a red rose for love. Robert and Bel¿s love is why we all dream. I sure appreciate when I can smile from ear to ear in pleasure when I am through with a novel and did I ever smile with this one! Buy The Duke, read it, keep it in your library and know that this author and story will stay with you long after you turn the final page. This book was five stars and then some!

Pure Gold, from cover to cover...

No other author has brought Regency England (Jane Austen's era), with ALL of its intricacies, so alive for me. Gaelen Foley's masterful prose (never purple) conjure vivid images of high-stepping horses, glittering balls, sumptuous town manses, and even the country's tempermental weather... and she does it without long, hard-to-follow descriptions. To readers of intelligent and lively historical romance: Ms. Foley's writing corners like a Formula 1 Grand Prix race car. The story is as intriguing and exciting as the duke himself. However, as sumptuous as he his, and his surroundings, the story does not always leave the reader full of breathless sighs (although there is plenty of that). We also get glimpses of London's dark side (which is as black as coal) through the compassionate eyes of the brave heroine. The lady in question (and she is quite questionable) is passionate and endearing a survivor. I am not a reviewer that likes to re-tell a story, as it's never my story to tell. What I look for in Historical Romance Fiction is: #1 Well written ROMANCE #2 Adventure/Movement #3 Richly drawn characters - those you love and those you hate That's all here, and then some. There are some dark scenes, which are handled very well. Tragic events shape all of our lives, but in comparison make the precious moments all the more joyous. Ms. Foley takes this basic truth of huminity and tells a beautiful love story. The ending is heart-throbbingly satisfying. The love scenes? Well, let me say that I have never read a more sexy scene wherein the hero performs..., and the one where the heroine gives... Oh! and then there's the bathtub scene! I do not mind - no, not in the least - being the voyeur to this pair. In fact, I rather enjoyed it. Catherine Scott (who is putting on her reading glasses to start the next in the series)

I love her novels!

The first one that I've read by her was 'Lord of Ice' Then going backwards they just got better. I recommend all of the Knight family novels. You will truly fall in love with Robert, Damian, and Lucien.

Definitely Worthy of all the Hype!!!

This was perhaps the best romance book I have ever read. The plot was engaging, the characters were intricate, and I was drawn into Foley's prose like I couldn't believe. I cannot run out of good things to say about this book. Read it now!!!

SHE WENT AND DID IT AGAIN!!!

I was afraid that Ms.Foley would never be able to top Prince Charming, but she proved that she could. The Duke is a story that proves that love comes from where you least expect it and that once it appears there is nothing that you can do to stop it. The fall of Belinda Hamilton is a heartbreaking one, but she is brought out by the newfound love she found in the Duke of Hawkscliffe. However, life could not be a happily ever after if Robert married Belinda, because how could a rising politician marry a lady of ill repute. In order to not ruin the story I must stop here, but read the book because the story is great. Make sure you have a tissue box on hand. I can not wait for the next installment of the Knight Brothers.

Absolutely the BEST!!!

This was the first book of Ms. Foley's that I read and I could not put it down. Not only could I not put it down, I immediately reread the book after finishing it the first time. After reading 'The Duke', I read her other three books as well. I was not disappointed! She is among the best. I can't wait to read her next release!!!

It's sooo good

This book is just wonderful. I was afraid that Ms. Foley would not be able to top Prince Charming, or even write another book as good. She blew me away and showed me just how creative she is, and that you can expect only the best from her.