Her Favorite Duke (1797 Club, #2)

by Jess Michaels

[Lindsey Gray]

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.