The Duke of Desire

She's working to live down her reputation. He's intent on living up to his. The world seems to have them all figured out, but not everything is as it seems. The Duke of Desire is a tale of redemption for two misunderstood hearts. Robert and Katherine are victims of circumstance. Prisoners of their own past hurts. Yet for some reason fate refuses to give up on these broken souls. Jess Michaels proves that even the most jaded of hearts is worth saving in the end. How can you not love a reformed rake?

Robert Smithton, Duke of Roseford is known for his lusty appetites and his cold, cold heart. Still thanks to his title and his fortune, everyone wants him and he’s bored of it all. He wants something, but he cannot place what exactly that is. Until he meets Katherine, the Countess of Gainsworth. Katherine was in an arranged marriage to an old man who died when they were making love, She is just returning to Society. Although scandal follows her, so does interest, as the men of Society wonder about her prowess if it could kill a man. When Robert begins to pursue her, she is horrified. After all, she blames him for the circumstances that sent her into her loveless marriage in the first place. When Katherine ignores him, Robert only pushes harder and ultimately she begins to wonder if revenge is a dish best served through desire. They find themselves at James & Emma's house party both thinking they’d gone there to avoid each other. This is the ninth book in this brilliant series & is another keeper. It could be read on its own but to fully appreciate it I'd recommend reading the whole series, all the Dukes of the 1797 club have had enthralling stories. Robert hides behind the face of a libertine & only as he falls in love does he reveal his secrets. Katherine also has her secrets & hides her hurt & low self esteem behind her society face. Together they find each other the ability to love. It’s an engrossing read of enemies to lovers to friends, the story is well paced & doesn’t lag at all, the characters are well rounded & throughout the series it’s been so satisfying to still engage with the others in the club & how both the Dukes & their wives all band together to help others in need. Robert & Katherine are physically attracted to each other but it's their conversations which are sometimes funny & other times very moving as they open up to each other. My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Here we go again with one of those amazing members of the 1797 Club! This has been a great series that I look forward to as each book is released. This one is about Robert Smithton, Duke of Roseford and Lady Katherine Gainsworth. Katherine is finally out of her mourning period for her late husband and is ready to reenter society. But society is hard on her when they whisper about how her husband had died in bed with her. That starts a bet to see which gentleman can bed her first. Yes, crass I know but in those times and gentlemen being what they were! Robert, one of the worst rogues there is approaches her to be his lover. What he has forgotten is they have a history together and she hates him. But of course Robert does not give up and keeps pursuing her. All I can say is Jess Michaels has really brought these characters alive and I could feel the tense moments and angst as these two try to come together. Prepare to feel a whirlwind of emotions and heartfelt sighs. Although part of a series, this can be read as a standalone, but trust me, you want to read them all!! Cannot wait until the next story