In this dazzling first novel featuring the Knight family, bestselling author Gaelen Foley writes an elegant, emotional story that touches the heart and soul.Driven to uncover the truth about the mysterious death of his ladylove, the Duke of Hawkscliffe will go to any lengths to unmask a murderer. Even if it means jeopardizing his reputation by engaging in a scandalous affair with London’s most … with London’s most provocative courtesan—the desirable but aloof Belinda Hamilton.
Bel has used her intelligence and wit to charm the city’s titled gentlemen, while struggling to put the pieces of her life back together. She needs a protector, so she accepts Hawk’s invitation to become his mistress in name only. He asks nothing of her body, but seeks her help in snaring the same man who shattered her virtue. Together they tempt the unforgiving wrath of society—until their risky charade turns into a dangerous attraction, and Bel must make a devastating decision that could ruin her last chance at love. . . .
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This book kicks off the “Knight Miscellany series.” I tend to be a mood reader. I don’t feel the need to read all the books in series but this is one of three series that changed me. I’ve read the books in series order and loved them all (especially Lord of Fire, Lord of Ice, and Lady of Desire). Gaelen Foley penned an amazing series (and I love that a lofty duke fell head over heels for an orange seller).
Overall: 3.5 rounded to
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Humor: Just a bit
Basic plot
Belinda’s irresponsible father has caused a number of problems. Now in debtor’s prison, Belinda is trying to pay for his fees. Driven to her lowest point, becoming a courtesan will help her have some possibility of a safer life and get her financially back on her feet. She meets Robert and chooses him for a protector – he has his own reasons for needing to get close to Belinda.
Give this a try if you want:
– Mid steam – a handful of open door scenes, and some skimmed over
– Class differences trope – heroine is a courtesan and hero is a duke
– A touch of fake relationship – the hero secures her as his mistress, but it’s as a cover only for his investigation
– Regency time period
– Ruined heroine/working heroine – heroine becomes a courtesan after her life is shattered
– You must be okay with a number of content warnings – rape, stalking of heroine, and death on page
My thoughts:
I am quite conflicted over this book. I was pretty in love with the first half the book. And the only reason for that is the heroine. That is why this book gets 4 stars instead of 3 stars.
Belinda was just amazing. Her strength shines through on every page and I just adored her. Her story is just heartbreaking but she is such a fighter through the whole thing. As the book went on though, I found myself more and more annoyed with the hero, and ultimately I think she deserved better than she got.
Robert just didn’t do it for me. First of all, I never really understood his relationship with the woman that started his whole revenge/investigation. I don’t feel like it made the most sense especially why he was so obsessed with her, it was just strange. And I’m okay with the hero being a jerk, I really am. But this one just did not improve for me, or seem to regret his behavior by the end of the book. Or I wasn’t convinced of it anyway.
I definitely understand why he couldn’t marry her. I get that. But to make it a big problem with their relationship, and then at the end for it just to not be a problem any more…well it drives me bonkers. I’ve seen this in a number of class difference romances where they just CANT marry until they just DO and everything is fine. At least…I don’t know, have a solution to it, or address it in some way…I’ll be very curious how it will be portrayed in the future books of the series, a courtesan turning into a duchess.
Sometimes I’m left with a romance feeling…incomplete? Perhaps like I’m not convinced they are truly going to have a happily ever after. And I was a bit left feeling like that here. I wasn’t convinced of Robert’s love, I wasn’t convinced it was unconditional and not a fragile love. I’m hoping as I continue with the series, it convinces me of that (I’m sure it will), because right now it’s just niggling at the back of my thoughts.
Belinda was a strong, courageous woman who never allowed herself to be a victim, but who also had a tender heart and a deep sense of honor. Robert was a kind, gentle and patient man with the heart of a romantic, who was torn between love and duty. Their relationship was thoroughly beautiful with each of them giving generously, unselfishly, and in equal measure, creating some very lovely and sensuous love scenes. A thoroughly engaging and romantic read that has earned a permanent place on my keeper shelf.
What is there not to like with Gaelen Foley’s books. She is a terrific writer and her stories are a treat to read.