And that book that MUST be read is...
Title: The Duke
Author: Gaelen Foley
Genre: Historical/Romance/Drama/Suspense
Standalone|Series: Book#1 of the Knight Miscellany series
Rated: R to NC-17 for sexual content
Summary: Driven to uncover the truth about the mysterious death of his ladylove, the Duke of Hawkscliffe will go to any lengths to unmask a murderer. Even if it means jeopardizing his reputation by engaging in a scandalous affair with London's most provocative courtesan - the desirable but aloof Belinda Hamilton.
Bel has used her intelligence and wit to charm the city's titled gentlemen, while struggling to put the pieces of her life back together. She needs a protector, so she accepts Hawk's invitation to become his mistress in name only. He asks nothing of her body, but seeks her help in snaring the same man who shattered her virtue. Together they tempt the unforgiving wrath of society - until their risky charade turns into a dangerous attraction, and Bel must make a devastating decision that could ruin her last chance at love...
(summary source: goodreads)
REVIEW...
This book has it all. Mystery. Suspense. Drama. ANGST. Romance, oh the romance. A story for friends. A story for lovers. Revenge. Honor. Discrimination. Hypocrisy. Politics. Hardships. Hate. And, of course, LOVE.
The story begins with the paragon Robert, Duke of Hawkscliffe. He meets and propositions Miss Belinda Hamilton, a courtesan, to help him find the truth from the suspected murderer of his first love. In return for Bel's cooperation, he becomes her protector and takes her into his home. She is to be his mistress, but only for appearances sake. But, of course, it doesn't end there. How could it? This story is a romance.
And the story is beautiful. The story is heartbreaking.
Miss Belinda Hamilton, the true hero in the story. My heart, oh how I love her. Fallen, but not fallen. Tormented by traumatic events that befell her wrongly. Her fears so heartbreakingly REAL. I cried for her.
Bel is fiercely independent. She's smart, resourceful, giving--so very giving. A beautiful woman that has to face and overcome the ugly over and over again. Her tragic circumstance pulls at your heartstrings and makes you really ask, "Why her?" I wanted to fight for her.
Her pain and struggles and the impossible situation she was found in, all made me wonder how it will turn out in the end... Will she get her happy ending?
Robert is a an honorable, chivalrous man. He is in love with courtly love. He's capable--powerful. Educated. He's the most eligible bachelor. Unattainable. A man's man and a romantic through and through. He's simply swoon worthy. *swoons* And he's gorgeous. A gorgeous man who has his own demons to face, he needs saving from his tormented self. He's perfect, but flawed.
He's a titled man who cannot marry his one true love. I wanted to shake him, once. The rest of the time I was rooting for him, loving him.
Love. LOVE.
The love that is found within the pages of this book is truly epic.
A love story between Robert and Bel that starts with attraction, segues into desire and ultimately, blooms into love. Love that is a forbidden love that turns the world upside down, tormenting them both.
They face discrimination, jealousy, hate, the impossible. Can they weather through it all?
The love between them is limited made limitless. Impossible made possible. And yet... there is more. So much more.
This book was laced with intricate history, filled with memorable characters, fascinating plots and subplots that twist, and the story took me on an emotional roller coaster ride that makes me want to go on for a ride over and over again.
This story gave me hope, heartache, joy. This story gave me the feeling of a love that knows no bounds. What more could I ask for?
And the story is beautiful. The story is heartbreaking.
Miss Belinda Hamilton, the true hero in the story. My heart, oh how I love her. Fallen, but not fallen. Tormented by traumatic events that befell her wrongly. Her fears so heartbreakingly REAL. I cried for her.
Bel is fiercely independent. She's smart, resourceful, giving--so very giving. A beautiful woman that has to face and overcome the ugly over and over again. Her tragic circumstance pulls at your heartstrings and makes you really ask, "Why her?" I wanted to fight for her.
Her pain and struggles and the impossible situation she was found in, all made me wonder how it will turn out in the end... Will she get her happy ending?
Robert is a an honorable, chivalrous man. He is in love with courtly love. He's capable--powerful. Educated. He's the most eligible bachelor. Unattainable. A man's man and a romantic through and through. He's simply swoon worthy. *swoons* And he's gorgeous. A gorgeous man who has his own demons to face, he needs saving from his tormented self. He's perfect, but flawed.
He's a titled man who cannot marry his one true love. I wanted to shake him, once. The rest of the time I was rooting for him, loving him.
Love. LOVE.
The love that is found within the pages of this book is truly epic.
A love story between Robert and Bel that starts with attraction, segues into desire and ultimately, blooms into love. Love that is a forbidden love that turns the world upside down, tormenting them both.
They face discrimination, jealousy, hate, the impossible. Can they weather through it all?
The love between them is limited made limitless. Impossible made possible. And yet... there is more. So much more.
This book was laced with intricate history, filled with memorable characters, fascinating plots and subplots that twist, and the story took me on an emotional roller coaster ride that makes me want to go on for a ride over and over again.
This story gave me hope, heartache, joy. This story gave me the feeling of a love that knows no bounds. What more could I ask for?
Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
I'm reading this book asap. Before the week is over this book will be read.
ReplyDelete(And this is only the beginning, right? Part of a series?)
:D
Tomorrow. Bring along your nook and shiny new laptop, if you can. We really must figure out how to "share"
ReplyDelete(Yep, I'm already reading the second XD But I had to give it a rest as it's getting rather heavy... I started reading Ten Ways to be Adored When Landing a Lord)
Yessss, thanks for reminding me. Will definitely bring those things.
ReplyDeleteMy internet connection is very picky and so I ended up at Barnes and Noble (to use their wi-fi,lol) and I bought the book already!! Miscalculated about the time so I just got home, but was planning on reading it tonight already. Your review definitely made me race to the bookstore (B&N didn't carry this title, so I went and got the e-book) and I'm going to read!!! Hee.
lolol Do it. The book is pretty heavy XD
ReplyDeleteAlso, how did you learn how to make cuts??? I'm still trying to figure it out...
The insert jump breaks thingie.
ReplyDelete"It was just a dream, you see. I loved her in my head. I live too much in my head, that is my problem. Outwardly ... why, nothing happened. Nothing at all."
ReplyDeleteC, I think this says it all for me. (On a personal stance. Gaaaah, my life.)
Mmmmmm. I think I will be posting my own review of this book too. :D
ReplyDeleteHahha you love it, don't you? I knew you would. Favorite of favorites! I practically highlighted the whole book! An that line.... guh. everything.
ReplyDelete