The Duke of Hearts

The 1797 Club #7

by Jess Michaels

The 7th highly anticipated book in the 1797 Club series from USA Today Bestselling Author Jess MichaelsMatthew Cornwallis, Duke of Tyndale, once loved a woman, but she died in a tragic accident he felt responsible for. Since then, he’s been playing pretend that he isn’t broken inside, even as he’s seen as London’s most sought after bachelor. He decides to drown his sorrows at the notorious Donville Masquerade where he encounters an alluring stranger who he spends the night with.Mrs. Isabel Hayes was married once to a man who did not inspire passion and she’s been curious ever since. She has no intention of taking a lover at the Donville Masquerade, but to watch the activities there, just as she has been for weeks. But once the masked stranger pursues her, she is swept away.Soon Isabel recognizes her lover for who he really is and realizes a terrible truth. She is the cousin of the woman he once loved and lost, and her family blames him for what happened. Driven by the passion they’ve shared, but also repelled by the stories she’s heard, Isabel continues the affair, trying to find the truth. But once Matthew realizes her identity, will he pursue her for what they’ve built, or only because she reminds him of what he lost? And will he survive to share a life with her at all? Full-length novelHeat Unbridled passion and a lot of it.This book is part of a series (The 1797 Club), but can be read as a standalone book.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Audiobook, Regency, Steamy, Historical Fiction

222 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 22, 2018

About the author

Jess Michaels is a USA Today Bestselling Author who likes geeky stuff like Star Wars, playing video games (she ships herself with Dragon Age’s Iron Bull FOREVER), Bob’s Burgers and collecting POPs! She also drinks a LOT of Diet Coke. Probably an unhealthy amount, but it’s her only vice. She will eat (almost) anything coconut, truly anything cheesy and nothing spicy (yes, she is a walking stereotype when it comes to that). She likes cats, her dog Elton and people who care about the welfare of their fellow humans.

Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.

When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐
3 stars.






➕ What I liked :


Interesting side characters.

OK plot.

Somewhat interesting main characters.

OK steam.

The friendships both the hero and heroine had with their friends.

Widow heroine.

Bearded hero.








➖ What I disliked:


Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of the main characters.
(Tall, muscular and handsome hero and petite slender heroine.)

Issues/problems were resolved too easily/quickly.
(Mostly about the heroines uncle… but also some other things.)

Repetitive.

The romantic build up/romance was lacking… they did not have any real connection other than sex/lust.

The heroine seemed rather naive and ignorant for being a widow… and not just about sex and pleasure but about many other things as well.
Her friend that is unmarried and an “innocent”seems more worldly and well informed and perceptive than the heroine.

The main characters lacked some depth.

The ending was a little too cliché.

That the heroines uncle just gets away with what he did to both the main characters.
(It is blamed on his grief for losing his daughter… but what he did was awful and some of it even criminal and he planned it out in detail.....there is no real consequence or comeuppance for what he did.)


The revenge part of the plot was somewhat dull/predictable.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series: 1797 Club #7
Publication Date: 5/22/18

This series just gets better and better. I have always wanted to know more about Matthew and his story since the series began. We have revenge, love, loss, guilt – you name it. The story, as always, is excellently written, well plotted and the characters are so likable and relatable that you’d love to have a nice chat with them over dinner.

Matthew Cornwallis, Duke of Tyndale, has only been going through the motions of living for the last four years – since his fiancé died. All of his friends in the 1797 club are more and more worried about him because he just can’t seem to come back from his grief. Finally, one night, his friend Robert drags Matthew to the Donville Masquerade, which is a club where basically anything goes. Robert hopes Matthew will find someone to share a few hours of pleasure with and Matthew intends to stand against a wall until he can leave. How surprised is he when he rescues a damsel in distress and is intrigued by her. When she runs away after he kisses her, he knows he has to see her again and find out more about her. Since both of them are masked, he has no way of recognizing her. What if he knows her? What if she is the wayward wife of an acquaintance? Is she a servant? Surely not, she spoke too well and was dressed in fine clothing.

Mrs. Isabel Hayes was in an arranged, loveless and uncaring marriage and at the end of it, she was basically destitute – except for the good graces of her uncle. He took her in and supported her. He’s becoming more and more determined to find another match for her as he sinks further and further into his madness from grief. His only and much-loved daughter died four years ago. Isabel has done all she can to bring him out of his grief, but he just sinks further and further into it. She has heard nothing for four years except how much her uncle hates Tyndale because he murdered his beloved daughter. Isabel doesn’t know any of the facts, but she has to think her uncle must have some basis for his beliefs. So, she panics when she discovers that the masked man she has just been intimate with (at their second meeting) is none other than Tyndale himself.

As Isabel unwittingly becomes a pawn in her uncle’s revenge plot, Matthew doesn’t know what to believe. Isabel has deceived him – and she admitted it – but now – she wants him to believe her when she tells him that she isn’t a part of her uncle’s plot. Can he believe her? His friends say no. He is just so drawn to her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this read and I definitely hope you will as well. There is also a good set-up for Hugh – who I assume will be the next book. Then – there is the wonderful introduction to Ewan’s new baby – that is such a wonderfully loving and heartwarming scene – just sigh worthy!

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since the death of his beloved fiancé in a tragic accident, one he blames himself for, Matthew Cornwallis, the Duke of Tyndale, has presented a mere façade to the rest of the world. He is considered a great catch but inside, his pain remains unhealed. When his friends cajole him into joining them for a night at the scandalous Donville Masquerade, he’s shocked to find himself fiercely attracted to a stunning stranger.

Since being widowed by her much older husband, Isobel Hayes has been curious about passion. She ventures to the Masquerade merely to watch, something she’s been doing for weeks, but when she’s rescued from unwanted attentions by a handsome stranger in a mask, she is swept up by his allure.

When the mask slips and Isobel recognizes the face of the man she’s spent a passionate night with, she’s horrified to recognize him as her late cousin’s former fiancé. Knowing her uncle blames Matthew for his daughter’s demise, Isobel continues to meet him, partly to satisfy her body’s newly awakened needs, but also to learn the truth. Once Matthew learns her identity, Isobel wonders if she’ll be too much of a reminder of his painful past to continue their relationship, especially considering she wasn’t forthright with him from the start. With her uncle growing increasingly unhinged, Matthew’s life may be in as much danger as their future together.

This was an interesting story with a fairly nuanced plot. Matthew’s pain was heart-wrenching and doubly so given that he was also hurt by Isobel’s (albeit brief) deception. But this introduced the opportunity for forgiveness and some excellent development played out between Matthew and Isobel. I loved that, although there were significant issues both between them and from outside sources, Matthew and Isobel handled everything in a mature way and ultimately banded together to take on the world. I also loved how Matthew’s friends all rallied around him and were so protective of him, even from Isobel at first. This was a moment for Matthew to shine as well, as he allowed no one to disparage Isobel and this gave her an opportunity to find her place in their group. It was lovely that Isobel wound up being protective of Matthew as well, defending him from her uncle even though she knew it would ruin her relationship with a family member. The pacing of this story was a little slow, but it was very enjoyable, emotional, and satisfying to see Matthew work through his pain and find happiness at last. Anyone looking for a story with emotional depth, character development, and plenty of steam should enjoy this one.

Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

[Supriya Saran · Rating 5 out of 5]

James, Simon, Graham, Ewan, Baldwin, Lucas, Matthew, Hugh, Robert, Christopher.

Ten Dukes, and ten perfect stories, that is what ‘The 1797 Club’ series by Jess MIchaels is all about - childhood bonding, boyhood friendships, love, betrayal, passion and HEA’s that make one go “sigh, who is next?”

I was introduced to Jess MIchaels with ‘The Notorious Flynn’ series and even though  they were as engrossing, there is something about The Duke’s Club that is just ‘more’. One just cannot wait for the next one, and while lapping up one book after another, it hits me that we are just left with three and then it is going to be over. Oh No! I don’t want it to be over … can we do an epilogue series on them all, or maybe even a ‘second epilogue’ *makes puss in boot eyes*

The Duke of Hearts is the book seven in the series and the story of Matthew Cornwallis, Duke of Tyndale. Since we have met him again and again in six previous books and he has always intrigued with his air of tragedy and the repeated reference to his dead fiance, Angelica. Little surprise that this was the book I was waiting for the most, ok no, I really want to know what’s eating Hugh and who in blazes will finally tame Robert, so maybe it’s not THE book but one of the books I have been eagerly waiting for! Time to find out about Matthew’s melancholy! So, even though we saw him flit in and out of six books, and created the image of a sweet man, sweet and honorable enough to ask for Helena’s hand when Baldwin would not, it is in this one that we meet Matthew for being the sweetest and the most caring one EVER! Through all the lies and betrayals, he still stands steadfast by what he believes. His friends, cousin, mother all can disbelieve Isabel, and sometimes even he is in doubt but he never lets that stand in the way of his true feelings for her and reading the fear and regret in her eyes. He is too ‘nice’ to be true. I kept waiting for some misunderstanding to happen, but nope, it all went smoothly if not too passionately!!!

Isabel was the heroine, that owned her character. Her braveness in the face of all that she faced, her loyalty to Matthew and of course her naughty visits to a place of sin, all made her a unique one. Almost always, we read of spunky, yet ‘virginal’ innocent heroines and Isabel came like a flash of fresh air. She breezed in with her desires and passions, she took what she wanted, stood up to family for a man she believed in, was a loyal friend and understood the fears of not only Matthew (she loved him after all!) but also of all his well wishers. There is just one one word to describe Isabel and that is ... AMAZING!

Their story finished too fast! And Ewan and Charlotte had a ‘wailing’ baby and the rest of the previous couples were all perfectly woven into this story. And it was just all the best of the series up to now. Kit is the only one who has been missing throughout, and I guess it’s his story that has me all intrigued. Did I say that about the others too??

So we now know the truth, and we have been shown some more of Hugh and Robert, and as always I am left wanting to know what’s up with them… but in this one book I get to the last line and more than anything else I want some more of Matthew and Isabel .. more than just an epilogue. More of their story, more of their kids, more about Uncle Fenton … just more more more.

How about a sequel? Before we get to Hugh’s story?

[eyes.2c · Rating 3 out of 5]

Escapades!

Mrs. Isabel Hayes is looking for some sort of adventure before her family once again marries her to an aging suitor. Hence her voyeuristic attendance at the risqué Donville Masquerade. That was before she encounters Matthew Cornwallis, Duke of Tyndale, who used to be her cousin's fiancé. A man who stirs her blood. A man with his own demons.
Isabel's cousin died in a tragic accident and her uncle blames the Duke. Nothing short of bringing about the Duke's downfall will suffice.
Can a relationship begin under such illicit circumstances blossom between Isabel and Matthew? Or Is it doomed before they start?
I was not as enamored of this Duke's Club story as I have been of others.

A NetGalley ARC

[Sheila Melo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. 

"Everyone knows my story, don't they? It is all they talk about. The Duke of Tyndale and His Tragedy. It is practically folklore."

FINAL DECISION: These characters end up being just so nice and I liked them tremendously. The contrast being their so good character and how they meet gives what might otherwise be a too nice story some dash.

THE STORY: Matthew Cornwallis, Duke of Tyndale, is urged by his friends to put aside his grief at the death of his fiancee three years ago and attend the Donville Masquerade, a sinful gathering where masked guests meet for sexual encounters. There Tyndale meets a masked stranger who he ends up spending the night with. Isabel Hayes is a widow whose elderly husband was chosen by her parents in an arranged marriage. Curious about what she missed in her marriage, Isabel comes to the Donville Masquerade to watch. But then she meets a masked stranger who tempts her to find the passion she missed. Eventually, however, Isabel realizes that her lover was the man engaged to her cousin and who her uncle blames for her death.

OPINION: I really, really liked the characters in this book. Both Matthew and Isabel are good and even gentle characters who find one another despite pasts which make them wary because the guards and shields are let down when they meet in a sinful and wicked way.

This book is hot and it manages to do that with very likable and nice characters. Although both have some pain in their lives, their inherent positivism contrasts with some of the other characters in the book who dwell in their unhappiness. I really liked that about these characters. The willingness to make the best of things, to look forward, to try and be happy.

Most of the conflict here ends up being external because these two hit it off almost from the start. In fact, they seemed so perfect for one another that I wondered how the dramatic tension in the story could be maintained -- and yet it was. All of the parts work here.

WORTH MENTIONING: I especially loved that we get to see so many of the members of the 1797 Club and their wives.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE DUKE OF HEARTS is the seventh book in the 1797 Club series. The series tells the stories of a group of men destined to become dukes. Each book tells the story of one couple but the characters appear throughout the series. This book can be read as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley in order to prepare this review. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

 This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vanilla_91 - per RFS
.
Il duca di cuori è il settimo libro dell’acclamata serie Il club del 1797.

Il nostro protagonista è il duca di Tyndale, Matthew, un personaggio già incontrato nei romanzi precedenti; ci viene presentato come un uomo infelice che dopo anni non è ancora riuscito a superare la morte della sua promessa sposa, Angelica.

Forzato dalla rimanente parte celibe del suo gruppo di amici, una sera si reca al Donville Masquerade, un club di piacere, in cui vige la regola dell’anonimato e qui incontra un’affascinante sconosciuta con cui trascorre la notte.

Tra i due scatta una chimica molto intensa e i loro incontri si ripetono in più occasioni, fin quando Matthew non scopre l’identità della sua partner. Isabel, la nostra protagonista, è la cugina di Angelica.

Rimasta da poco vedova e non avendo altri parenti, è ospite in casa di suo zio (il padre della defunta) il quale cova un profondo odio nei confronti del duca, a cui addossa la colpa per la morte di sua figlia.

A questo punto il rapporto tra i due si complica e ciò che era cominciato come un piacevole passatempo diventa un legame fatto di accuse, smentite e sospetti.

Il resto dovrete scoprirlo leggendo!

Come sempre ci tengo a precisare che apprezzo molto la chiave moderna che l’autrice usa per dar vita alle sue protagoniste, che non sono mai donne spaurite o piegate da una società patriarcale e maschilista, ma personaggi che riescono a spiccare senza mai risultare esagerati o poco credibili.

In questo caso Isabel è forse una figura meno intensa, se paragonata alle altre duchesse, ma Jess Michaels le ha “regalato” un tratto molto particolare; è, infatti, più spregiudicata, una donna che ha voglia di scoprire e sperimentare la propria sensualità e non rinnega i propri desideri sessuali.

Questo aspetto dà maggior risalto e accentua il lato erotico del romanzo che trova molto spazio nell’intera narrazione.

Il sentimento tra i due protagonisti cresce lentamente, creando una piacevole tensione narrativa che mi ha portato a esultare ogni volta che Matthew e Isabel facevano finalmente un passo avanti.

Altro aspetto positivo è la coerenza del personaggio maschile; la figura del duca che abbiamo imparato a conoscere nei precedenti libri non viene alterata. Ne è un valido esempio il fatto che il ricordo di Angelica non venga accantonato immediatamente, ma lasciato andare con i giusti tempi e in maniera delicata. Questa scelta dell’autrice mi ha trasmesso un senso di continuità, la voglia di portare la figura della protagonista a maturare e a evolversi senza snaturarla.

Romanticismo, passione e il frizzante tocco di sensualità fanno del romanzo una lettura vivace e tutta da gustare.

Le cinque stelline, a mio parere, sono ben meritate!

[Shoshanna Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another amazing 1797! <3

[Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Passionate and well done

Once again , I am wowed by the emotion and turmoil rolled into a perfect tale. Jess Michaels never ceases to draw me in and take hold. A great story

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this installment of the 1797 Club - I will admit, second love romance is not my favorite trope and I am rarely satisfied with the "love" between the hero and heroine, but I am pleased to say, I did finish this book feeling like Matthew and Isabel were soulmates and were "meant to be".

Matthew Cornwallis, Duke of Tyndale has been mourning his late fiancée for the last three years, he has watched his friends find love and is convinced his chance for love died with Angelica. His friend Robert, the Duke of Roseford tells him he needs to start living again and badgers him into accompanying him to the Donville Masquerade - a pleasure club. He agrees to go, but plans to slip out once Robert is occupied. But when he notices a woman being harassed, he steps in and is shocked to feel an immediate attraction - more intense than he has ever had for ANY woman.

Isabel Hayes, is a widow living with her uncle, she has snuck out to the club to feel passion - she is not indulging, just watching. When Matthew saves her from unwanted advances, she is grateful and surprised to admit ~ aroused. They dance and share a kiss, shaken by the feelings, she bolts.


Days later, they both return to the club, neither can forget the connection they felt. This time, they take things further and make love, but when Isabel sees Matthew's face while he is readjusting his mask, she is horrified and again runs. Isabel is stunned, Matthew is her late cousin Angelica's fiancée and the man her uncle is convinced murdered her! She is torn, she cannot believe the gentle, considerate lover she met is capable of murder and decides to return to the club - to investigate him (that's her story and she is sticking to it!). When they meet again and spend another night of passion, she begins to probe him for information. She leaves not sure if he is grieving or guilty. She sneaks back into her uncle's house and is confronted by him, Her uncle Fenton says it is time for her to remarry and they will begin looking for a new husband at the Callis' ball.


At the ball, Isabel's uncle pairs her with a friend of his, a man 25+ years her senior, she is dishearten, she was already married to one older man and was unhappy, she certainly doesn't want to marry another.


Matthew is at the ball and sees Fenton, he is going to leave to avoid an ugly confrontation, but then he sees his mystery lover speaking to him and learns who she is - he confronts her and asks if their meeting was a trap - she swears she didn't know who he was when they met - he kisses her and leaves - angry and aroused. He goes home and tells himself to stay away from her, but his base self urges him to chase her and catch her. Her uncle is out for blood and tells Isabel. She decides that she must warn him and then will stay away.


When they meet again, she tells him to be wary of her uncle, he brushes off her warning, Fenton has been harassing him for years and nothing has ever come from it. When things become heated, they are caught together by her uncle and several other people. Isabel stands up to her uncle in his defense, but Matthew says they will marry.

Her uncle is thrilled that Tyndale is involved in a scandal, he tells Isabel that he had to sacrifice her in order to make everyone see that Matthew is a villain. She is sure her uncle has gone mad from the grief of losing his daughter, but she will not be a party to hurting Matthew, she tells her uncle Matthew is innocent of murder. She will marry Matthew, to protect him.

Matthew's friends are sure Isabel is in cahoots with her uncle and beg Matthew to reconsider marriage, but he is not sure, he knows that he wants her and has never felt anything like the feelings she invokes in him with any other woman, including Angelica. His friends meet her and make it clear that they do not trust her. Personally, I felt that Helena was especially cruel, I understand protecting a friend, but her interaction with Isabel went beyond warning her and charged into just plain mean and hurtful, without true cause.

They marry and at the wedding feast, Fenton becomes unhinged and makes hateful accusations, Isabel again defends Matthew and tells her uncle he is no longer welcome. Over the next few days, Isabel and Matthew forge a relationship, not just hot sex (although, there is plenty of that). Matthew begins to think they could have a true marriage and maybe love. When they are called to Ewan's home for the birth of his child, things change for them. His friends seem to welcome her into their set, Helena apologizes to her and Matthew knows that he wants her with him always.

It seems like they are well on their way to their HEA, when Fenton finally makes his move and Matthew realizes that he loves Isabel and it might just be too late to tell her.


This book is well written, flows nicely, has really HOT love scenes (YES!!) wonderful characters, a lot of emotion, a truly demented villain, an almost too good to be true heroine, cameos with the other dukes and their wives and a truly lovely ending with an epilogue. While I did feel that Matthew loved Isabel completely, I can't like some of the story points involving Angelica.

I would be happy to recommend this book and while I would suggest reading the series in order, this book could be read as a stand alone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*

[Adria's Musings · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on Adria's Musings and Reviews

* A copy of this book was and provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. All conclusions are my own responsibility and I was not compensated for this review.


What’s it About? Matthew, the Duke of Tyndale lost his fiancé in a tragic accident and has only been pretending that he isn’t completely wracked with guilt and sadness. When his friends manage to convince him to attend the Donville Masquerade, a place where sin and vice are reveled in, he doesn’t expect to do much more than stand in a corner and watch. There he meets a mysterious stranger that he can’t resist and he spends the night with her. Widowed Isabel Hayes spent years in a passionless marriage and wants to experience what she never had before she is packed off into yet another passionless marriage, she just didn’t expect it to be with a man her family despises. Isabel is the cousin of Matthew’s fiance and while she has heard the worst about him, she can’t bring herself to believe it so she decides to use the attraction between her and Matthew to investigate him, but he soon finds out who she is and has to decide if he should continue to pursue the only woman that has made him feel alive for the first time in a while, or if he should stay away from the woman who could open up old wounds and put him in danger.




Overall reaction to the book? I am so glad that I didn’t have to wait until the end of the series for Matthew’s book. He has been this haunting figure in the background, hurting and feeling so guilty over his fiance’s death that he needed help fast before he just up and died on his friends. Jess Michaels delivered a worthy romance for him in my opinion. He didn’t just “get over” his grief and he didn’t bury himself in so deep that it seemed he was never going to get out. I fell in love with Matthew early on in the 1791 series. There was something so beautiful about a man who was capable of caring so much for his friends and at the same time he was hurting so much that he was only ghosting through life. A character like that just begs to be healed and loved which is why I also loved Isabel. She’s kind, and she’s smart, I loved that she wasn’t stupid enough to just take what her family said about Matthew as absolute truth. She was cautious which is what a smart woman does but she was fair. Not to mention fairly independent when it came to her thoughts and beliefs.


The special thing about Matthew and Isabel’s relationship in The Duke of Hearts is that their intense connection and attraction seems to catch them both off guard. That put them on an equal level because neither knew what to do about it. There was a real Romeo and Juliet vibe going on with them but without the teenage stupidity and unhappy ending. Their chemistry was really sexy but it was the tender moments between them that sold me. Matthew was so broken but he could still show affection and consideration for Isabel even when he wasn’t sure about her motives or even his own feelings towards her. As complicated as the situation was, these two had something undeniably special and their romance, heck the whole book is officially a rival of the first book in the series for the title of my favorite book of the series. And it has to do with the relationship between Matthew and Isabel.


I read The Duke of Hearts in like, two days and when I was done I realized that the series is close to its end. How can that possibly be? I felt like I just started the 1797 series yesterday! I don’t know what I’m going to do when the series is over, I have adored the friendship and brotherhood between these men because it is such solid, defining thing about each of them. Even if they are separated by time, life events, or conflicts within their group, they’re still 100% loyal to one another. It’s just the way Jess Michael’s has written this large friendship that has really gotten me hooked. I love romance but real and true friendships are just as important and I feel that has come across really well in each book, especially with this one since Matthew is a bit vulnerable. His friends rally around him to give unconditional love and support with a bit of teasing and tough love. Add in the wives and you have one very large, loving family. Who wouldn’t love that?


Click It or Skip It? Click. All the emotions, angst, and friendship make The Duke of Hearts a contender for my Best in Series title.

[Giusy Luca · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://emozionidicarta2020.blogspot....

Settimo capitolo della serie "Il Club del 1797" i protagonisti di questo libro sono;
Matthew Cornwallis, Duca di Tyndale e Isabel Hayes.
Matthew ormai da anni aveva perso l'amore della sua vita Angelica, la sua fidanzata era morta in un incidente anni prima, da allora la sua vita era diventata triste e buia senza nessuna prospettiva per il futuro. L'unica cosa che sentiva adesso era un po' di invidia e gelosia nei confronti dei suoi amici Duchi ormai quasi tutti sposati e felici con donne che amavano, e lui non poteva far a meno di pensare a ciò che aveva perso.

Isabell era vedova da qualche anno, il suo era stato un matrimonio combinato, il marito era molto più grande e non aveva nessun riguardo verso i suoi bisogni, da quando era rimasta da sola lo zio Fenton, si era preso cura di lei e presto gli avrebbe trovato un altro marito, costringendola ad un nuovo matrimonio senza amore né passione.

Quando sente parlare del  Donville Masquerade la sua curiosità la porta in un mondo fatto di peccati, lussuria e passione.

Sa che gli resta poco tempo per poter provare quegli impulsi che la accompagnano da anni. Andare al club è un rischio che deve correre per potersi sentire ancora viva, prima di essere intrappola in un altro matrimonio senza amore.

"Era andata al Donville Masquerade per un brivido anonimo. Cose a cui pensare mentre si toccava furtivamente nel suo letto solitario. Cose da ricordare una volta che si fosse sposata con un altro uomo che non avrebbe avuto alcun interesse per lei."

Il destino li mette sulla stessa strada, il loro è un incontro al buio che scatena un attrazione mai provata prima, sono spiazzati da questi sentimenti ma non possono far finta di nulla.
Isabel non aveva mai conosciuto la lussuria o il vero piacere quando cede a Matthew.

La passione li travolge ogni incontro tra loro sarà un esplosione di pura passione.

«Non lo capisco, non so spiegarlo, ma appena ti ho visto è stato come se fosse destino. Non voglio cambiare idea.»

Questo settimo libro mi ha coinvolta tantissimo, quasi quanto il Duca Silenzioso che avevo amato moltissimo.

Un libro pieno di emozioni, i protagonisti sono travolti da dubbi, insicurezze, e verità non dette che creeranno non poca tensione per buona parte della lettura. L'autrice è riuscita a farmi commuovere per il dolore e i sensi di colpa  che per anni hanno accompagnano Matthew,  il suo amore e la sua devozione verso un amore perduto, non gli permettono di lasciarsi andare e ad aprire il suo cuore ad un nuovo amore, farà fatica ad accettare ciò che prova per Isabel, perché sentirà sempre una sensazione di tradimento.

"Dalla morte di Angelica, era stato inquieto e vuoto. Sempre a pensare. Sempre a ricordare. Eppure, in quei momenti in cui si era perso in quest'altra donna, aveva provato pace."

Per Isabel la presenza di Angelina nel cuore di Matthew sarà un fardello troppo ingombrante da accettare.

Riusciranno a capire che devono lasciarsi il passato alle spalle per poter creare un nuovo futuro?

Come nei precedenti volumi ritroveremo tutti i Duchi del club 1797 con le relative mogli sempre pronti a sostenere i propri amici. La traduzione di Isabella Nanni è sempre impeccabile, la scrittura dell'autrice è scorrevole e accattivante riesce a coinvolgerti dall'inizio alla fine. Due protagonisti che dovranno affrontare sensi di colpa, paure, gelosie e complotti prima di arrivare ad un lieto fine.

Ringrazio l'autrice per la copia ARC

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew Cornwallis, Duke of Tyndale, was engaged to Angelica Winter, but she died in a tragic accident he felt responsible for. For three years he’s been pretending that he isn’t broken inside, even as he’s seen as London’s most sought after bachelor. He’s persuaded by Robert Smithton, Duke of Roseford to go tot the notorious Donville Masquerade where he encounters an alluring stranger who is being accosted. Mrs. Isabel Hayes was married once to a man who did not inspire passion and she’s been curious ever since. She has no intention of taking a lover at the Donville Masquerade, but wants to watch the activities there. Then one night she’s accosted & a gorgeous stranger rescues her. Soon Isabel recognizes her lover for who he really is and realizes a terrible truth. She is Angelica’s, cousin and her family blames Matthew for what happened then Matthew recognises her.
This is the seventh book in the series & whilst it could be read by itself to fully appreciate the 1797 Club I’d recommend reading in order, you won’t be disappointed. This is yet another engrossing, captivating, riveting book, I was totally lost in it. The characters are wonderful Matthew has featured in earlier books but his true nature is highlighted in his own story & he is everything you want from a hero. Isabel is strong, loyal & hopelessly drawn to Matthew. The attraction between the pair sizzles from their first meeting & even though they have to endure some trials & tribulations their passion never wavers. I also loved that the other Dukes feature which builds the world of the club & enjoy catching up with them. I now have to wait a few months for Hugh’s story & from the teasers throughout this book I await with bated breath. This is another brilliant book in the series that goes from strength to strength.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Katy Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Il Duca di cuori è un romanzo molto intenso e coinvolgente che parla di seconde possibilità, di passione e di amore, quello vero con la “A” maiuscola.
Come è accaduto anche nei precedenti romanzi, gli altri Duchi del Club 1797 fanno la loro comparsa con le rispettive compagne.
Il fatto che più o meno tutti i membri del Club compaiano anche negli altri libri crea una sorta di continuità alla serie che mi piace molto, inoltre, nonostante tutti i cambiamenti avvenuti dal matrimonio di James con Emma, l’amicizia che lega i componenti del club continui a restare solida.
Anche in questo romanzo, come in quasi tutti della serie, le scene erotiche hanno molta importanza ma esse non sono mai volgari, oppure eccessive perché sono ben inserite nella trama e non fanno altro che arricchirla, rendendola più accattivante.
Il romanzo si legge in pochissimo tempo, la trama mi ha catturata sin dal prologo e più i capitoli correvano maggiormente desideravo conoscere cosa sarebbe accaduto a Matthew e Isabel. La penna di Jess Michaels, poi, è una garanzia perché riesce sempre a sorprendermi. Il suo stile di scrittura è fluido, attento, passionale intenso e commovente quando serve.
La traduzione di Isabella Nanni è fonte di garanzia perché è impeccabile e attenta, questo agevola tantissimo la lettura.

Recensione completa: https://virtualkaty.blogspot.com/2021...

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duke of Hearts by Jess Michaels
1797 Club #7

Love the series and thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Widowed Isabel Hayes lives with her uncle but after a loveless arranged marriage to an older man and knowing she has the same to look forward to in the future she takes her life into her own hands…at least a little bit…and attends and exclusive club where masks are worn and hedonism thrives. More a voyeur than a participant she is saved from a lecherous lord by Matthew Cornwallis, Duke of Tyndale. The two meet a few more times and when the masks come off both are surprised and perhaps not in a good way.

Matthew and Isabel definitely feel a spark that grows into a conflagration when they are together but with a huge trust issue hanging over their heads and her uncle bent on revenge it takes calm minds to sort through the issues they face.

I think what I liked the most about this book was the fact that Isabel was not a shrinking violet. She stood up for what she felt was right and was willing to ask for what she needed. It took Matthew a bit of time to come around and embrace his future with both hands but when he did…the two were a match made in heaven.

Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another story by Jess Michaels to grab the heart. The hero, Matthew Cornwallis, Duke of Tydale has been despondent ever since his fiance Angelica Winter died in what he felt like was his fault. His friends at the 1797 club have been trying to get him back out into the world and he agrees to go to the Donville Masquerade with his friend Robert. Encountering a lady being accosted, he rescues her and they share a kiss. Isabel Hayes has been married once to a man with no passion in their union. Meeting Matthew for a second time brings them together and they become lovers. But she soon realizes that he was the man engaged to her cousin Angelica and has only heard from her uncle how he caused the death of his daughter. It seems a fated meeting, as can often be the case and she wants to believe Matthew is innocent, but when he finds out who she is, the story takes a turn. Can the real truth come out and can Matthew forgive himself and the two find happiness? I loved this story of Matthew and Isabel, both so deserving of happiness and love. Although part of a series, this can be read as a standalone, but I encourage you to read them all!!

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The heroes get more complicated, the heat level rises and the emotions run deep enough to swim in, but the one constant in a Jess Michaels' novel is the heart never lies. Actions may masquerade, but emotion reveals all. Matthew and Isabel have tip-toed around their feelings for years. Matthew gave his heart in the past and that act ended in guilt and tragedy. Isabel will relinquish her body, but refuses to let anyone into her heart. Love never ends well for her. Until a flirtation at a masquerade sets these two broken souls on a course that begins with chance and could end in devastation. Past and present collide when identities are revealed. The bumps are brutal, but salvation is only a heartbreak away. Life is not always a fairytale, but never lose hope and fate might deliver a happy ending.

[Norah Gibbons · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book to read from NetGalley in exchange for for a fair review. The Duke of Hearts is the 7th book in Jess Michaels’s 1797 club series. It can be read as a stand-alone but it’s a very good series so I would recommend reading them all. This book sizzles from the first moment that Matthew Cornwallis, Duke of Tyndale meets the widowed Mrs. Isabel Hayes at the infamous Donville Masquerade. Both arrive at the masquerade searching for something that is missing from their lives and the passion that arcs between them sets them on a collision course with danger because when the masks come off the secrets revealed could prove deadly. Steam level super steamy, Publishing Date May 22, 2018
#TheDukeOfHearts. #NetGalley

[&#x1f989;Maggie Whitworth · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
This is a series that improves the further you get into it and the more you read them , they age like a fine wine .
This is Mathew and lsabel’s story .
They both need love so Badly, it hurts to read their story .
Mathew has know death and heartache , and he feels he will never love again ,never have his own family .
Isabel is a widow , her first marriage was arranged and not a happy one .
Both looking for some excitement they meet each other in a Hell , what brings them together in that night ?
Maybe fate , maybe a higher power, whatever it is , the future is written and about to unfold with some tender and some tension building climaxes .
Wonderful book and series!

[Kari Maass · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love The 1797 Club series

Matthew has had a tragedy in his life and has spent years wallowing in his loss. Though his best friends(Dukes in The 1797 Club formed in their youths) try to help him, he begins to live again after a chance meeting at a masked ball. Isabel has also faced a hard life ,and now a widow, she sneaks off to a masked ball to find something to fill a hole in her life. When these to meet, sparks fly. But secrets and lies keep them from trusting in their feelings. This book was entertaining and I love this series.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Matthew ❤️ Isabel
Pain, Desire, Love, Deep, Powerful. Awesome, Jess Michaels!

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75⭐️

[Il confine dei libri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Per leggere la recensione in blog cliccare qui:
https://ilconfinedeilibri.blogspot.co...

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Billionaire sex club, but make it regency

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fab story. So very enjoyable. I don't know how Jess does it!!
5☆

[Daniela Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recensione per il blog "A libro aperto".
4,5 *

Eccoci all’ennesima avventura di questa serie “Il club del 1797”. Finalmente abbiamo potuto leggere la storia di Matthew, duca di Tyndale, colui che aveva catturato la mia fantasia fin dalla sua prima apparizione. Sarà che ho un debole per i belli e dannati, per i romantici dal cuore spezzato ma questo nobile che soffriva per la fidanzata defunta mi ha da subito intrigato ed ero molto curiosa di capire come la Michaels avrebbe risolto la matassa intricata dei suoi sentimenti. Tyndale infatti è rimasto letteralmente scioccato e a pezzi per la sua fidanzata, scomparsa prematuramente e sente che non potrà mai amare nessun’altra. Intorno a lui intanto, i suoi amici, pian piano si innamorano e si sistemano, rendendo sempre più buia e solitaria la sua situazione, sempre più deprimente la sua vita. Tutti si accasano tranne Robert, un altro duca, forse il più cinico e libertino di tutti (aspetto anche te al varco, carissimo, sarà un piacere vederti cadere), che, stufo di vedere Tyndale sempre solo e senza speranza, una sera lo convince ad andare in un locale scandaloso, il Donville Masquerade, dove uomini e donne possono sfogare i loro istinti e soddisfare i loro più oscuri desideri. Stanco di ascoltare le suppliche e i consigli dei suoi amici, Matthew si lascia convincere ad accompagnarli: resterà in disparte, aspetterà che Robert e Hugh si divertano e poi tornerà a casa. Ancora non sa, il duca di cuori, che quella sera lui avrà un appuntamento con il destino. Infatti conoscerà un’affascinante sconosciuta che lo ammalierà e con cui condividerà, successivamente, una notte di passione.
La lei in questione altri non è che Isabel Hayes, giovane vedova che non ha mai conosciuto il piacere fisico (il marito era vecchio e non le ispirava desiderio) e prima di essere costretta dallo zio a richiudersi in un altro matrimonio senza amore, vorrebbe conoscere la passione. Non ha il coraggio di fare nulla ovviamente, da donna rispettabile qual è, ma vorrebbe solo capire meglio quali pulsioni e desideri si nascondano dietro la porta di quel locale famigerato e chiacchierato. Anche Isabel resta attratta immediatamente da Matthew: si potrebbe dire che il loro è un vero e proprio colpo di fulmine, anche se nascosti dietro una maschera, con le anime messe a nudo che non faticano a riconoscersi.
Dopo aver condiviso un’insopprimibile momento di folle passione, Isabel riconosce il duca come il fidanzato della cugina defunta e scappa. La loro storia, già difficile, diventa impossibile perché lo zio della ragazza è anche l’ex suocero del duca e lo odia a morte, ritenendolo responsabile della morte della figlia. Come faranno i due novelli amanti a ricongiungersi? Come potrà Matthew dimenticarsi di colei che lo ha risvegliato alla vita e allo stesso tempo, discolparsi da quelle infamanti accuse? E Isabel, come potrà dimenticare l’uomo che l’ha iniziata alla passione, che però potrebbe essere un assassino?
L’intreccio costruito dalla Michaels è appassionante e coinvolgente, ben congegnato. Ottime le descrizioni degli ambienti, dei costumi e della società dell’epoca, come sempre, così come buona è l’introspezione psicologica.
La grande maestria dell’autrice sta proprio nel costruire trame anche complesse e poi riuscire a sbrogliarle con apparente facilità e a far combaciare tutti i pezzi del puzzle. Mi è piaciuto moltissimo Tyndale, così come i suoi amici: sono uomini tutti diversi che però condividono valori come la forza, la determinazione, un’intrinseca onestà e generosità, la capacità di aiutare gli altri, amici e non. A queste qualità Tyndale aggiunge anche quella del perdono: non vi svelo altro per non rovinarvi il gusto della sorpresa. È sempre piacevolissimo ritrovare le duchesse, donne altrettanto determinate, generose, leali; il bello delle serie è affezionarsi ai protagonisti e quando li si ritrova nell’ennesimo romanzo, è come rincontrarli dopo molto tempo e sentirsi parte di una grande famiglia. Mi è piaciuta anche Isabel seppur meno della controparte: non posso rimproverarle nulla, è stata semplicemente perfetta per come è maturata nel corso della narrazione, per come è riuscita a superare gli ostacoli e a combattere per il suo amore, per la generosità e l’affetto, soprattutto nei confronti dello zio, per la lealtà verso Matthew. Unico neo è che la chimica con lui, a mio avviso, è stata meno forte che in altre coppie precedenti, ma credo sia appunto un mio gusto del tutto personale. Ho trovato altre coppie meglio amalgamate e un po’ me ne dispiace perché sicuramente Tyndale lo aspettavo ansiosamente e forse mi aspettavo per lui un altro tipo di eroina. Le scene d’amore sono molto hot, come rivela la quarta di copertina, davvero una passione sfrenata.
Una menzione speciale per la Nanni che, come sempre, rende perfettamente ogni sfumatura e la cui traduzione risulta sempre molto pulita ed elegante. Consiglio questo romanzo ovviamente a chi ha letto e amato i precedenti, a chi apprezza le storie tormentate, alla Romeo e Giulietta, a chi adora il linguaggio piccante e gli amori molto passionali, a chi ama gli storici più sensuali. Ora, come già detto, aspetto la storia di Robert e anche quella di Sarah, amica di Isabel, personaggio che mi ha molto incuriosito. Peccato che siamo quasi alla fine della serie e manchino solo tre duchi! Un merito enorme dell’autrice è di essere riuscita a costruire una saga molto lunga che non ha annoiato affatto ma che ha sempre tenuto desti l’interesse del lettore e il piacere della lettura, riuscendo a far desiderare il successivo capitolo con sempre maggiore curiosità e attesa. Questi romanzi sono come le ciliegie: una tira l’altra e non vorresti mai smettere. Ora tocca a Hugh e non vedo l’ora di conoscere anche il suo destino e il segreto che nasconde!

[Amy Alvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Matthew and Isabel's story!!

The attraction between Matthew and Isabel started from their first meeting. But when Isabel learns that the man she has been meeting is the person her uncle claims is responsible for her cousins death, she is torn on what to do. She can't imagine that the man she is falling for would purposely cause the death of another. Can Isabel learn the truth without getting her heart broken??

This was a great addition to the 1797 Club series!

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really have to say that it is another book by Jess Michaels I love. Yes, it took me longer to read thru to a heavy workload but I loved it. I highly recommend this historical romance novel - if you start with one novel by Jess, you will probably love each and every other one too because they are all stand alones but also connected to each other.

[Daniela Colaiacomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recensione completa sul ❤️ "Blog Romance Non-Stop"❤️

Chi si appresta a leggere Jess Michaels sa che la carica erotica nei suoi scritti è alta, anche se mai volgare. Questo libro, settimo della serie de 𝙄𝙡 𝘾𝙡𝙪𝙗 𝘿𝙚𝙡 1797, non fa certo eccezione, la passione traspare dalle pagine mentre i protagonisti della storia, un uomo distrutto dalla perdita dell'affetto più caro e una donna disillusa dalla vita alla ricerca di ciò che non ha mai conosciuto, il piacere, si lasciano travolgere dalle forti emozioni.
Sono passati tre anni da quando Matthew Cornwallis, Duca di Tyndale, ha perso l'amore della sua vita, la fidanzata che avrebbe sposato, Angelica, morta annegata in circostanze per le quali il padre di lei, Fenton Winter, lo accusa di omicidio.
Da più di tre anni, dal momento in cui ha conosciuto e perso Angelica, non si è concesso a nessuna donna, nessuna donna ha destato il suo desiderio ma una sera...

...

Spinto dall'insistenza di Robert Smithton, Duca di Roseford, e Hugh Margolis, Duca di Brighthollow, decide di abbandonare la sala da ballo di James ed Emma e seguirli al 𝘿𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚.

...

Isabel Hayes è una giovane vedova, data in sposa ad un uomo molto più grande di lei non ha mai provato il piacere carnale ma ne è fortemente incuriosita tanto più che il suo destino è segnato: lo zio Fenton, presso il quale si è rifugiata costretta dalla ristrettezza di mezzi dopo la morte del marito, è deciso a fornirle una solida posizione che le garantisca la serenità futura.

«𝙈𝙞𝙤 𝙯𝙞𝙤 𝙝𝙖 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙯𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙞 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙢𝙞 𝙪𝙣 𝙣𝙪𝙤𝙫𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙤𝙣𝙞𝙤» 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙚𝙜ò 𝙡𝙚𝙞, 𝙞𝙣 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙤𝙙𝙤 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙙𝙞 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙚 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙚. «𝙎𝙤𝙣𝙤 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙧à 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙞𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚.»
«𝘾𝙤𝙢’è 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙡 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚?» 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙨𝙚 𝙡𝙪𝙞 𝙘𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙤 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙘𝙤.
𝙇𝙚 𝙨𝙞 𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙤 𝙡𝙚 𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚. «𝘾𝙤𝙣 𝙪𝙣 𝙪𝙤𝙢𝙤 𝙥𝙞ù 𝙫𝙚𝙘𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙤, 𝙪𝙣’𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙖 𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙖 𝙥���𝙨𝙞𝙯𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙣𝙤𝙣 𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙖 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚. È 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙤 𝙡𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙖𝙣𝙯𝙖 𝙙𝙞 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙢𝙞 𝙝𝙖 𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙡 𝘿𝙤𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚. 𝙎𝙤𝙡𝙤 𝙥𝙚𝙧... 𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙚.

Gli avventori del Club sono mascherati e in incognito ma l'incontro dei due giovani è una sferzata potente e incontrollabile.

𝙄𝙨𝙖𝙗𝙚𝙡 𝙣𝙤𝙣 𝙧𝙞𝙪𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙫𝙖 𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙡 𝙨𝙪𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙯𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙣 𝙡𝙚𝙞 𝙘𝙤𝙣 𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙞𝙖. 𝙇𝙖 𝙨𝙪𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙤 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙙𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙨𝙪𝙖, 𝙧𝙪𝙫𝙞𝙙𝙖; 𝙡’𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙧𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤 𝙞𝙡 𝙨𝙪𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙤 𝙚 𝙡𝙖 𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙨𝙖𝙥𝙚𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙚𝙡 𝙛𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙣 𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙖𝙡𝙘𝙪𝙣 𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙢𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙤 𝙞 𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙩𝙞. 𝙎𝙤𝙡𝙤 𝙪𝙣 𝙨𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙞𝙡𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙤 𝙙𝙞 𝙨𝙚𝙩𝙖 𝙨𝙚𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙡𝙖 𝙨𝙪𝙖 𝙥𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚 𝙙𝙖 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙙𝙞 𝙡𝙪𝙞, 𝙞𝙡 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤 𝙙𝙞 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙡𝙡’𝙪𝙤𝙢𝙤 𝙙𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙪𝙤.
𝙇𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙯𝙖 𝙡𝙚 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙤, 𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙤 𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙫𝙞𝙖 𝙙𝙚𝙡 𝙫𝙖𝙡𝙯𝙚𝙧. 𝙀𝙧𝙖 𝙜𝙞à 𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙪𝙩𝙖 𝙦𝙪𝙞 𝙚 𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙨𝙤𝙡𝙤 𝙜𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙩𝙤, 𝙢𝙖 𝙤𝙧𝙖 𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙫𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙖 𝙙𝙖𝙡 𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙢𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙯𝙖, 𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙡’𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙩à 𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙚𝙥𝙞𝙩𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙤 𝙖 𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙤. 𝘿𝙖𝙡𝙡’𝙪𝙤𝙢𝙤 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙖 𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙨ì 𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙚 𝙡𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙜𝙡𝙞 𝙤𝙘𝙘𝙝𝙞 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙚 𝙡’𝙪𝙣𝙞𝙘𝙖 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙣𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙯𝙖.

Isabel è la cugina di Angelica, la nipote di colui che da tre anni cerca vendetta per la morte dell'adorata figlia; quando la maschera dell'uomo che tanto l'affascina accidentalmente cade, è impossibile non riconoscerlo.
Matthew non sa chi è la donna che lo ha ammaliato, con la quale ha trascorso la notte più bella della sua vita e che tormenta i suoi pensieri.

𝙎𝙥𝙤𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙖 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙪𝙣 𝙥𝙞𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤 𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙤. 𝙉𝙤𝙣 𝙘’𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙢𝙤𝙙𝙤 𝙙𝙞 𝙣𝙤𝙣 𝙨𝙛𝙞𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙚 𝙡𝙖 𝙥𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚 𝙚 𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙗𝙗𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙡𝙤 𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤 𝙤𝙧𝙖. 𝙄𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙡ò 𝙘𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙡𝙢𝙖 𝙤𝙜𝙣𝙞 𝙗𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙖𝙡 𝙨𝙪𝙤 𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙩𝙤 𝙚 𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙞ò 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙚 𝙙𝙞𝙩𝙖 𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙘𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙤 𝙡𝙖 𝙥𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙚. 𝙇𝙖 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩ì 𝙞𝙧𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙙𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙞 𝙚 𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙯𝙖 𝙛𝙞𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙤𝙜𝙣𝙞 𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙩𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙫𝙖.
𝙎𝙚𝙣𝙩ì 𝙞𝙡 𝙙𝙚𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙤 𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙨𝙖𝙧𝙜𝙡𝙞 𝙩𝙧𝙖 𝙡𝙚 𝙜𝙖𝙢𝙗𝙚, 𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩ì 𝙞𝙡 𝙨𝙪𝙤 𝙪𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙤 𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙡𝙡’𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞. 𝘾𝙤𝙨𝙖 𝙙𝙞𝙖𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙤 𝙖𝙫𝙚𝙫𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙫𝙖? 𝙉𝙤𝙣 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙞 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙪𝙣 𝙡𝙞𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙤 𝙖𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙩𝙤, 𝙣𝙚𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙖 𝙙𝙞 𝘼𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙘𝙖. 𝙄𝙡 𝙨𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤 𝙚𝙧𝙖 𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙡𝙘𝙤𝙨𝙖 𝙙𝙞 𝙨𝙪𝙤 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙤, 𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙤, 𝙢𝙖 𝙣𝙤𝙣 𝙧𝙞𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙫𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙡𝙞 𝙗𝙧𝙪𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙨𝙨𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙡 𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙚 𝙖 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙡 𝙢𝙤𝙙𝙤. 𝘾𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙡𝙞 𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙚 𝙫𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙫𝙤𝙜𝙡𝙞𝙖 𝙙𝙞 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙤 𝙖 𝙦𝙪𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙤 𝙣𝙤𝙣 𝙛𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙤 𝙣𝙪𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙙𝙞 𝙡𝙪𝙞 𝙤 𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙖 𝙙𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙩𝙧𝙖 𝙡𝙚 𝙨𝙪𝙚 𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙘𝙞𝙖.
𝙉𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙫𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙤.

Travolto dai sentimenti che prova non riesce a identificarli, preoccupato si confida con l'amico Robert.

...

Scritto in terza persona, il racconto mette in evidenza l'intensità con cui i protagonisti principali vivono le loro storie, quelli secondari, invece, le loro osservazioni, aiutano a fare chiarezza, danno voce ai loro pensieri più reconditi, ne approfondiscono la natura; Robert e Hugh affiancano Matthew mentre Sarah Carlton è vicina ad Isabel.
Ho letto molti libri della Michaels, mi piace il suo stile, soprattutto in questa serie, 𝙄𝙡 𝘾𝙡𝙪𝙗 𝘿𝙚𝙡 1797, la traduzione di Isabella Nanni rende ottimo il testo in italiano, scorrevole e apprezzabile da ogni punto di vista.
Sono un'appassionata di romanzi storici, questo è certo, e forse sono un po' di parte, ma la peculiarità della serie de "Il Club Del 1797" è nei fondamenti sui quali sono costruite le singole storie: la passione, l'erotismo, gli intrighi, l'amicizia, la dedizione totale del gruppo che costituisce il Club, il legame che i suoi componenti hanno costruito per sopperire alle mancanze dei familiari di sangue rendono ogni singolo libro una piacevole sorpresa.
Aspettando con ansia il tormento di Hugh ne “Il duca bugiardo (Il Club Del 1797 Vol. 7)”, consiglio il libro, tutti i libri della serie, a coloro che amano una lettura accesa perché, a mio parere, merita attenzione.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Publisher's Description:

Matthew Cornwallis, Duke of Tyndale, once loved a woman, but she died in a tragic accident he felt responsible for. Since then, he’s been playing pretend that he isn’t broken inside, even as he’s seen as London’s most sought after bachelor. He decides to drown his sorrows at the notorious Donville Masquerade where he encounters an alluring stranger who he spends the night with.

Mrs. Isabel Hayes was married once to a man who did not inspire passion and she’s been curious ever since. She has no intention of taking a lover at the Donville Masquerade, but to watch the activities there, just as she has been for weeks. But once the masked stranger pursues her, she is swept away.

Soon Isabel recognizes her lover for who he really is and realizes a terrible truth. She is the cousin of the woman he once loved and lost, and her family blames him for what happened. Driven by the passion they’ve shared, but also repelled by the stories she’s heard, Isabel continues the affair, trying to find the truth. But once Matthew realizes her identity, will he pursue her for what they’ve built, or only because she reminds him of what he lost? And will he survive to share a life with her at all?

My Thoughts:

This has been a wonderfully written series to date. I of course have my favorites among our illustrious crew of Dukes and Michael has just made the list.

Our hero has spent the last three years totally saddened by the loss of his betrothed in an accident that caused her death. Although her drowning was accidental he feels responsible and has not pursued any woman since.

Our heroine was married off by her father to a man who never inspired passion. Now that he is dead she seeks knowledge that was never imparted by him. Having been widowed now for eighteen months she has been attending the scandalous Donville Masquerade just to watch. That is until she happens upon a man who saves her from a lout with dishonorable intentions.

What will happen when Isabel discovers that her hero is none other than her deceased cousin's intended and the man that her uncle holds totally responsible for his daughter's death?

Will her uncle's scheming be the end for them or will it lead to something else?

I gave this newest edition of the 1797 club series 5 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 4.75 of 5 flames. The intimacy between our hero and heroine is scorching hot.
Jess Michaels has hit a home run with this one.

I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher/author to read for review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I have read and reviewed voluntarily.