The 8th Book in the bestselling 1797 Club series by USA Today Bestseller Jess MichaelsHugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has been keeping a secret that eats him up inside. His beloved sister was seduced and nearly ruined by a wicked man. The trauma sent her into exile and to protect her reputation, he never did anything about it. But now the ‘gentleman’ is back in Society and recently engaged … Society and recently engaged to another lady.
Miss Amelia Quinton cannot believe her luck. After a whirlwind courtship, she has just become engaged and now she’s looking forward to a true love match. Only all her plans come to a screeching halt when her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow because he owns her father’s debts.
Amelia is horrified, for Hugh is nothing like the sweet and gentle boy she wanted to marry. Only once their vows are said, passions flare and she begins to know the man better. Little by little, both their walls come down and feelings grow. Until she finds out he lied. Will Hugh ever tell her the truth and will it even matter by the time it’s all said and done?
Length: Full length novel
Heat Level: The kind to write home about!
This book is part of a series (The 1797 Club), but can be read as a standalone book.
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I swear each book I read of Ms. Michaels’ is a winner and this one ranks up there with some of my favorites. I loved both Hugh and Amelia. Fantastic characters, great dialog (and with the other 1797 Club members and the duchesses) and very sexy. I love angst and the secrets in this story are fist-clenching. A “marriage of convenience” that wormed its way into my heart. Get out the tissues, Hugh will make you need them.
The members of the 1797 Club are like family and help each other with whatever they need. No judging and a take-no-prisoner attitude.
A complimentary copy was provided by the author through NetGalley.
Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, is a good man with a big heart, protective nature, and a guilty conscience. Lady Amelia Quinton wants nothing more than to find love in her life, and she thinks she has found it. Aaron Walters is a nasty piece of work with a dark past, and a lot of secrets. When Hugh discovers that the villain, Walters, who ruined his sister is about to marry Amelia Quinton, he steps in to stop it by marrying her himself. Hugh has told lies to protect his sister, and now to protect Amelia. How will Amelia react when she learns the truth? Can they make a real marriage?
This story is well written and fast paced. There are lies, secrets, a little action, some sexy scenes, and strong characters. The hero is likeable and a little impulsive, a good guy. The heroine is vulnerable, but a practical girl. The villain is totally unlikeable, not redeeming qualities. The other dukes and their wives stop in to help the new couple. The Duke Who Lied is a wonderful addition to the 1797 Club series. I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
The Duke Who Lied by Jess Michaels is book 8 in The 1797 Club Series. This is the story of Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow and Amelia Quinton. I have read the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Amelia thinks herself in love with Aaron Walters and thinks that they will marry. But then her father tells her that he owes money to Hugh and that she will marry him instead. Hugh’s sister Lizzie was taken in by Aaron Walters a few years back and was ruined by the man. Hugh paid Mr. Walters a large sum of money to keep things to himself to protect his sister but now Hugh found Mr. Walters about to do something again. Hugh rushes in and marries Amelia under lies so Amelia is at first very upset and tries to hate Hugh but that starts to become impossible. Hugh also has growing feelings for Amelia now but how will she feels when she learns the truth?
Loved their story!
Hugh Margolis, the Duke of Brighthollow a year ago he stopped his sister Elizabeth “Lizzie” from eloping with Aaron Walters, but he wasn’t in time to save her from complete ruin. To save his sister, he agrees to pay an outrageous sum to Walters in exchange for his silence – but Lizzie is heartbroken and refuses to partake in a season, Hugh is at a loss, he can’t tell anyone what happened so has no idea how to help her. His guilt and shame have caused him to distance himself from his closest friends and have weighed on him. Finally, Lucas confronts him and refuses to be put off. Hugh shares the secret with him and his wife Diana and learns that Walters has selected a new victim.
Amelia Quinton, daughter of Viscount Quinton is in love and has accepted the marriage proposal of Aaron Walters, but her father drops a bomb and shatters her heart – she will have to marry Hugh, as he bought her father’s debts and will ruin him if she refuses. She agrees, but makes it clear, she hates Hugh.
Hugh is upset by the lies, but to save Amelia (and Lizzie) he will accept her hatred, he likes Amelia and hopes they can eventually have a comfortable marriage – what he wasn’t prepared for is the intense attraction he feels for her.
Amelia is just as confused, she wants to hate him and can’t understand how she could desire the man who ruined her life – but her nature is sweet and forgiving, so she decides to try and make the best of her marriage and is extremely willing to explore the carnal with Hugh.
After their wedding, they travel to Brighthollow, Amelia is beginning to realize Hugh is not the monster she thought, she likes him and wants to make her marriage work, but she also knows he is holding something back from her. She meets Lizzie and immediately hits it off with her – for the first time in her life, she feels like a part of something and allows herself to fall for Hugh.
For his part, Hugh is in love with Amelia, she is perfect for him and this makes him feel even worse about keeping secrets and letting her believe lies. But can he trust her with the truth? When Lizzie confines her secret to Amelia, Hugh knows he must tell her everything and hope that she will forgive him, but he is afraid of losing her and delays the conversation – but has he waited too long?
This was a well written, fast paced, chock full of lies, secrets, likable characters, unlikable villains, steamy love scenes, a bit of action, cameos from the other dukes and their wives, a little heartache and a very sweet HEA. I liked the story, but I will admit, I found the “lie” plot a little contrived and didn’t quite believe that his “lies” were as bad as they were built up to be.
This is the eighth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a stand alone title. I would be happy to recommend it.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Another well-written tightly plotted addition to the 1797 series. It is the story of Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, and Miss Amelia Quinton. Both characters are very likable and relatable, and when you add in visits from other 1797 Club members you have a warm and lovely book.
The 1797 Club was started in the year 1797 by several friends who were all future dukes. Most of them were from abusive, non-caring, disinterested families — especially the fathers. So, the club was a way for them to band together and help and protect each other since they weren’t getting that from their families. Hugh was from one of those uncaring abusive families. Nothing Hugh ever did was good enough and Hugh soon learned to hide all feelings from his expressions. Then, Hugh became the youngest of their group to inherit his title – and he also inherited the guardianship of his young, eight-year-old sister, Libby. Hugh loved Libby fiercely and would do absolutely anything to protect her.
A little over a year ago, Hugh noticed a change in Libby, but he didn’t pursue it because he had a lot going on. After all, all teenagers go through difficult phases don’t they? Then, when it was too late, he found she was on her way to Gretna Green. The scoundrel had the audacity to laugh at Libby when Hugh found them – he was only after her fortune. Hugh felt so much guilt – he let the scoundrel get away with what he had done to Libby in order to protect her reputation. That just ate at Hugh. He had paid the scoundrel a huge sum of money to stay quiet and Hugh also felt guilty for providing him with the means to look like a respectable part of society – and what if he used that to snare another innocent young miss.
Miss Amelia Quinton is engaged to the most wonderful man and she loves him with all her heart. She is walking on air – until she isn’t. Her father informs her that she will not be marrying the love of her life – she will now be marrying Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow because the duke owns all of her father’s debts. Her world has crumbled and it is Hugh’s fault – she hates him – hates him with every fiber of her being and she tells him so. To no avail – they are still married.
It was lovely to watch them dance around each other – she hates him – he feels guilty for having to deprive her of the man she thinks she loves. Can they come to love and respect each other? Can they have their HEA? When she discovers the truth, can she forgive his lies? This is a lovely read and a wonderful romance.
Now, my personal opinion is that his lie wasn’t all that bad and it probably saved her life – so – my thought is – what is to forgive?
I highly recommend the book.
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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.”
The Duke Who lied lived up to all my expectations from any of her books. I have never read one of her books that I didn’t like.
Karma gets a hand from a vengeful Duke and his unwitting muse. For the love of family Hugh is willing to risk everything. Unfortunately in his haste to avenge, the ultimate cost could be his heart. Michaels begins with a conspiracy and ends with unforgettable romance. From ugliness blooms beauty. In a stunning twist the damsel becomes the savior. The Duke Who Lied is a wonderful tale of redemption that fires up the soul.
Oh yes, this is a great story I could not put down! Jess Michaels, in her usual fashion, pulls you in from the start and keeps you turning the pages until the end. Amelia Quinton was in love and all set to marry Aaron Walters when her father takes the offer of Hugh, Duke of Brighthollow. Not understanding and totally unhappy she marries Hugh with no other choice. But as the two meet each other, there is a definite attraction and sparks fly. You see Hugh really rescued Amelia from making a big mistake marrying the blackguard Walters, who ruined his sister Lizzie. Of course she does not know that and as she and Hugh grow close, Hugh begins to feel bad about keeping secrets from her.
This story is a fast paced and full of secrets, lies, intrigue and some wonderful emotions and very likable characters. I think this may be my favorite of this series, but it can be read as a standalone. But trust me, you will want to read them all!! By the way, don’t you love the covers?
4.5 Stars!
What happens when the only man who genuinely cares about you is a perfect stranger? Miss Amelia Quinton finds out, sort of, when Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, comes to her aid without her even knowing why.
Jess Micheals is back to help our eighth Duke make a trip down the aisle. While Hugh believes he is marrying the breath-taking Amelia to save her from a horrendous marriage to the man who made his sister’s life hell, he can’t help but to hope for a love match like so many of his friends have found.
Amelia can’t believe she could have any sort of attraction to the Duke while she was almost engaged to another. As a dutiful daughter, she believes the lie her father tells her and resigns herself to a marriage with the handsome Duke of Brighthollow. When her wedding night arrives, her new husband gives her a chance to sleep on her own, but Amelia can’t deny the physical bliss just one kiss from Hugh brings her. While their marriage slowly progresses, Amelia becomes part of a real family with Hugh and his sister, Lizzie.
Michaels has created another unique couple who have to deal with not one, but two despicable men who’ve wrecked more than their share of lives. While Hugh has honorable intentions, he keeps to himself the lies of others, in turn lying himself to the wife he comes to adore more than breathing. Amelia’s growth as a woman, a wife, and a sister was a completely brilliant transformation. She fits right in with the other Duchesses and I’m sure will be welcoming in the last two as they come along.
I can’t believe we have only two more Dukes to go! I’ve already started re-reading this series in preparation of Robert and Kit’s stories. While this series is almost at an end, I’m thrilled that Michaels has another series already in the works. This woman has endless talent! I know if any of her future series are anything like The 1797 Club, I will adore every word.
I received this book for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has sworn to protect those close to him, especially is sweet sister, at all costs. She was seduced, ruined trauma the she went into exile and to protect her reputation. Hugh feels guilty he did nothing to stop the rogue responsible. Miss Amelia Quinton has had a whirlwind courtship and now she’s about to be married, that is until the cold Duke of Brighthollow interrupts her plans by threatening her father. Her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow because he owns her father’s debts. All lies Hugh is trying to protect a young vulnerable woman to the same womanizer who seduced his sister and left her ruined, but what Hugh and Amelia doesn’t expect is the undeniable attraction and smolder passion they can’t deny. The two must come to terms with their marriage and terms of it. I love this story of our hero trying to do the right thing, but not wanting anyone to know what he’s about. He’s still trying to preserve his sister’s reputation and save his wife from a fate worse than any she has ever experienced before. Amelia is lovable, she has a strong sense of what’s right and wrong and she feels there’s more to Hugh that meets the eye. He’s not quite the autocratic aristocrat feels tries to portray, he has a fun and loving side he eventually shows to her and she can’t help falling in love with him. A great read that has you turning the pages to see what happens next as the Dukes all come together to protect one of their own. There’s nothing better than Dukes and Duchesses in action. I can’t wait for the next adventurous Duke!!! This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
The Duke Who Lied by Jess Michaels
1797 Club #8
Hugh’s sister Lizzie was taken in by a charmer and saved by her brother. When Hugh finds out that another woman may soon be married to the vile man he tries to warn her father and finds said father to be less than impressed with Hugh’s concerns. With the feeling of guilt over his sister and not wanting Amelia to suffer his sister’s fate he…marries Amelia. Yes, that is correct, he marries a woman he does not know and does not love to save her from the man who seduced his sister.
Amelia is not thrilled with the turn her life has taken on the marriage mart but with her father pushing her toward Hugh she does as told and marries a man that she does not love and perhaps even feels hate for. She soon finds that tiny attraction she feels for Hugh might grow into more and provide a good marriage for both of them.
I was not sold on Hugh’s idea to marry Amelia but was happy he felt interest in her beauty and had desire for her. I also felt Amelia was rather pragmatic in her view of marriage and wanting to make the best of what she perceived to be a bad situation. I thought that Amelia’s actions were sometimes not well thought through and that she was lucky Hugh was keeping an eye on her. I felt the book unfolded in a sequence that was highly believable and the relationship that developed between Hugh and Amelia was believable. I am not sure that their three day break was necessary but the HEA at the end was just right. I did feel sorry for Lizzie and hope she will get a book of her own in the future and be provided with a HEA of her own.
Ten teens at boarding school form a club to assist one another as they grow into their positions of being dukes one day – The 1997 Club – this series is already plotted out to have ten volumes starring the ten who form the club. I am sad to think that there are only two more books to read – one about Robert and the last about Christopher/Kit.
Did I like this book? Definitely
Will I read more of this author’s books? Definitely
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
4.5 Stars
Hugh Margolis, Duke of Brighthollow, has been keeping a secret that eats him up inside. His beloved sister Lizzie, was seduced and nearly ruined by a wicked man Aaron Walters . The trauma sent her into exile and to protect her reputation Hugh paid Walters to stay quiet. But now the ‘gentleman’ is back in Society and recently engaged to another lady. Miss Amelia Quinton cannot believe her luck. After a whirlwind courtship, she has just become engaged to Aaron Walters and now she’s looking forward to a true love match. Only all her plans come to a screeching halt when her father announces she is now to marry the Duke of Brighthollow because he owns her father’s debts.
This is the eighth book in the series & once again it’s an enthralling engrossing read which I read in under a day. Hugh has been in the background in the previous books & now comes into his own plus we get to know Robert a little more. Whilst I loved this book & adore the series this wasn’t my favourite book, I felt the ending was rushed & seemed to end abruptly. The characters are always well portrayed & the pae flowed effortlessly. Hugh was attracted to Amelia from their first meeting & soon fell in love but Amelia whilst attracted to Hugh didn’t like him at all but then had to reverse her opinion of him only to have it shattered again, I’m looking forward to Robert’s story & then at last it will be the one I’m desperate for Kit’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read