Forbidden fruit. The one thing the rakehell Duke of Netherford swore he’d never do was give in to the temptation offered to him by his best friend’s younger sister. But now, Miss Felicity Carvel is all grown up, and more ravishing than ever. Some rules were made to be broken… Address!
Six years ago, Jason Hawthorne, the Duke of Netherford, made it clear to the young, lovesick Miss Felicity Carvel that nothing could ever happen between them. He has earned his reputation as a libertine—and the lovely innocent is his best friend’s sister. But six years of wild hedonistic pleasures have left Jason empty and jaded, while Felicity has blossomed into a strong, beautiful woman, ripe for love and marriage. When a sudden windfall makes her one of the most sought-after heiresses in London, Jason knows he must step in to protect her and keep the fortune-hunters at bay until her brother returns from his dangerous mission abroad. Unfortunately, Jason is the last person whose help she’d ever want.
Still smarting from the humiliation of throwing herself at the handsome, dark-eyed rogue only to be rejected, Felicity has watched from a distance over the years, heart aching, as her beloved Jason wandered ever farther astray, seeking escape from the hidden wounds in his past that have turned him into this lost soul. When he appoints himself her temporary protector until her brother returns from abroad, Felicity can’t seem to get rid of him. Worse, the attraction between them has only grown with the passage of time. Deep down, Felicity still wants Jason for her own. But after getting her heart broken once before by the infamous rakehell, does she dare attempt to play with fire again—and this time, can Jason resist?
Praise for Gaelen Foley books:
“Enchanting, intriguing, fun.” ~Stephanie Laurens, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author
“Delectably entertaining, lusciously sensual…an irresistible author.” ~Booklist
“One of the finest adventure/romance authors does it again. Foley never sacrifices character or romance while whisking readers away on fast-paced escapades…and giving them a glorious deep-sigh read.” ~Kathe Robin, Senior Reviewer, RT Book Reviews
“Once again, Foley delivers an irresistible Regency romance filled with adventure, rich period details, intrigue, love and humor.” ~Night Owl Reviews
“There are some romance authors whose novels pretty much guarantee a good old-fashioned, joyful read. One such author is Gaelen Foley… Foley’s storytelling is consistently entertaining—and her lovers so warm and attractive—that it’s easy to get lost in the romance. And that’s the best gift a writer of happily-ever-after love stories can give her readers.” ~Lifetime TV Books blog
“Huge talent.” ~Romance Reviews Today
Books in the Moonlight Square series:
Prequel Novella – ONE MOONLIT NIGHT
Book 1 – DUKE OF SCANDAL
Book 2 – DUKE OF SECRETS
Book 3 – DUKE OF STORM
Book 4 – DUKE OF SHADOWS
more
3.5 Stars
This was a quick and easy read – but – it definitely wasn’t a historical. Yes, it says it is, but all of the conversations, situations, actions, etc. were thoroughly modern. If you replaced the carriages with cars, you’d have a contemporary story. The ‘hero’ was the biggest man-ho I think I have ever read and the ‘heroine’ was such a saccharine Pollyanna that it was totally unbelievable. Strangely enough, I did still enjoy the read. I wouldn’t care to read it again, but I did enjoy it while I was reading it. Maybe because it was more lighthearted than serious.
Jason Hawthorne, the Duke of Netherford, had a lonely childhood with parents who didn’t love – or even like – each other nor did they care about him. He was raised by very well paid servants – so he grew up thinking that if you wanted someone to take care of you, then you had to pay them. Therefore – he paid for everything he wanted – including the bedroom activities. He also sired two – yes, TWO – illegitimate children. You might think one is an accident and forgive him as long as he took care of the child etc. but two isn’t forgivable. They were also by two different mothers. I will give him credit that he took care of them and regularly went to visit them, but still – you’d think that having been raised in the situation he was, that he’d be very careful not to put another child in that same situation. He is totally worthless – his one ‘useful’ thing is supporting a house full of artists – a painter, a composer, a scientist, a sculptor. He has no useful interests at all. Just a spoiled rich kid. I absolutely failed to see any reason at all why the heroine (or any other woman) would dedicate her life to loving him. I’m sure she remembered the boy he was as they were growing up, but, goodness, after eight years of his current behavior, you’d think she would see him differently. He’s always cared about his best friend’s sister – but he has avoided her for eight years. He promised her brother he wouldn’t pursue her and besides – she’s much too good for the likes of him.
Felicity Carvel has loved the boy who grew up on the neighboring estate, Jason, all of her life. He is her brother’s best friend and they spend all of their time together. She adores Jason and finally, at the age of fifteen, she decides to make her feelings known to him. He is shocked and rebuffs her – and then he avoids her for the next eight years.
Felicity’s brother is off on an expedition to the Himalayas and she desperately needs to reach him. The ONLY person who would know how to reach him is the sponsor of the expedition, Jason. Felicity has no choice but to contact Jason about sending word to her brother. When she doesn’t get answers to her letters to Jason, she shows up at his home – hoping mostly to speak with his secretary to get the information she needs. As she is close to leaving, Jason makes an appearance – very unkempt, barefoot and obviously still in yesterday’s clothes – Felicity is shocked but speaks to him. Then, she sees the two harlots peeking out from a door upstairs and promptly takes her leave.
That visit, and the reason for it, cause Jason to decide that he needs to step in and protect Felicity since her brother isn’t there. It is nice to watch Jason realize how much he cares for Felicity – and that he always has and to see them get their HEA.
I’m still debating whether I’ll read the next book or not. I am a bit intrigued by Rivenwood, so I might give that one a read, but if it feels as modern as this one, then it will be my last book in this series.
Please check out my reviews at:
Blog: https://flippinpages.blog/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/flippinpages…
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlippinPagesRev
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BarbBookReview
Good story, and I enjoyed the characters.
I’m having a hard time reconciling this as a Gaelen Foley novel as the style and characters seem so different from her Knights series. I loved that series. The characters were three dimensional with a hint of darkness and the drama and stakes were intense for them. This was just fluffy.
I don’t know whether I am being a grumpy witch or what, but I found myself more irritated than entertained. All I could think of with all the sexual shenanigans the Duke was up to it’s a pity that an STD test or three weren’t available for the poor heroine. And the incredibly anachronistic fail
SPOILER with his illegitimate plot moppets dancing under the amused eyes of the Ton at their engagement party made me want to toss my computer. I have no problem swallowing that the h would want to raise them. In fact it added dimension to the fact that he is a Duke and is one of the few rule breakers that would be able to do it with some work on his part, but I’m drawing the line at the engagement party. END spoiler)]
Didn’t tie up all the loose ends and was far from the great quality of this author’s earlier works. Enjoyable, lighthearted read, but not one that I would recommend as an amazing read.
You can’t go wrong with one of Gaelen Foley’s books. Great research coupled with great dialogue.
After reading the prequel novella, I wanted to learn more about the main characters’ friends, and this book answered it.
I loved to see Felicity’s growing up, after years of refraining her true self, afraid to get hurt again, she decided to go after what she has always wanted, her brother’s best friend, the one who broke her heart all these years ago.
It was great to see her evolve from a rather shy creature to a bold one even if she remained rather innocent, she is not perfect but she tries, she risks her heart even if it might cost her a lot. She is also very forgiving, ready – past the choc- to accept her love’s by-blows.
About Jason, even if I can understand why he sought solace in the arms of so many women, to fill in some desperate way his life devoid of love. But why not having wait a while to give Felicity time to grow up. Afraid to be hurt, to lost his one and only true friend?
It was a sweet story of a rake brought to his knees by an unexpected miss. There was few drama, just how the hunt turned once Felicity decided to conquer Jason’s heart. It was rather funny. Then how they will manage their life together when they will have to deal with their whole family.
A very enjoyable read.
wordy 2 long
3 1/2 stars. I was a bit disappointed in the occasional 20th century phrases/words that the characters used because they stopped the flow and brought me out of the story. Otherwise a nice relaxing read.
This is a real page turner, with a delightful sizzle. Being the younger sister of your brother’s devilishly-handsome friend presents a challenge our young heroine steadfastly teases and tweaks to overcome.
Delightful story.
Really enjoyed
A favorite author and now a new favorite read.
The lead female character was very straightforward and fun to root for. The drama was with the main male characters, which made it different than most regency romances.