More of a four-star book, but one of my personal pet peeves as a therapist is when characters, particularly men, are articulate and insightful about their emotional unavailability and commitmentphobia. I rarely come across people who are all “I can never love, it is too scary and vulnerable!” That’s just not how these issues manifest. Still, there was an insecure, plain spinster and a few of my favorite themes, so I liked it. (3.5 stars) ( )

I couldn't put this down!

THE DARING DUKE is the first book in Jess Michaels new 1797 Club series. And I'm so glad I found it! The series centers around 10 young men that are in line for their respective dukedoms. They have formed the 1797 Club while at boarding school with James Rylon, The Duke of Abernathe as the leader. He has a pretty crappy childhood and is in need of some support and guidance.
James is the first to come into his dukedom. He's sworn off marriage after his parents marriage was such a disaster. He's a born leader, handsome, bold, a wild child and in Emma's words golden.
Emma is a wallflower, plain (in her eyes) and a bluestocking. She doesn't think these are marriageable qualities. She also has a way of assuming things that aren't true and that doesn't work in her favor.
I thought this book was really good, a awesome start to what I hope is a fantastic series, The characters are nicely developed and well written with a side of witty banter. I'm excited for the next release which is Simon's book!

I received a copy from the publisher via netgalley for my honest, unbiased review. ( )

The Daring Duke: The 1797 Club ARC Review: The Daring Duke (The 1797 Club) by Jess MichaelsCount on Jess Michaels to push through the envelope and get right to the heart of the matter. Wicked entertainment, full of scandal, secrets and romance. The Daring Duke is a fantastic tale of sensuality that stirs the heart while tempting everything else. In an act of desperation, wallflower Emma, seeks out life of the party, James' (Duke of Abernathe) help. What begins as a pact between friends becomes a romance that just may last a lifetime. The Daring Duke is emotionally stunning, and of course this is Jess Michaels, so salacious as well. Prepare to be scandalized and equally surprised. ( )

I couldn't put this down!

THE DARING DUKE is the first book in Jess Michaels new 1797 Club series. And I'm so glad I found it! The series centers around 10 young men that are in line for their respective dukedoms. They have formed the 1797 Club while at boarding school with James Rylon, The Duke of Abernathe as the leader. He has a pretty crappy childhood and is in need of some support and guidance.
James is the first to come into his dukedom. He's sworn off marriage after his parents marriage was such a disaster. He's a born leader, handsome, bold, a wild child and in Emma's words golden.
Emma is a wallflower, plain (in her eyes) and a bluestocking. She doesn't think these are marriageable qualities. She also has a way of assuming things that aren't true and that doesn't work in her favor.
I thought this book was really good, a awesome start to what I hope is a fantastic series, The characters are nicely developed and well written with a side of witty banter. I'm excited for the next release which is Simon's book!

I received a copy from the publisher via netgalley for my honest, unbiased review. ( )

The Daring Duke is the first book in Jess Michael's new series and it starts off just great! Emma is a wallflower, but she helps Meg, the sister of James, the Duke of Abermarle, and is drawn into their circle. James is the leader of the 1797 club, a group of young Dukes who became friends in school. He has decided to never marry due to his own parents' lives but is intrigued by Emma who is honest with him despite his status.
James is a sweetheart despite his past and perfect for Emma who has her own problems with her parents. They are a wonderful couple and their story provides a great start to this series. Jess Michaels always has some hot interludes in her stories and here is no exception. Emma is very naive but passionate and James is a willing and tender teacher.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series. ( )