The Duke (Knight Miscellany)

My first Gaelen Foley and not my last. I picked this book up on a whim and boy was I surprised. Definately a great surprise. Ok so our Heroine is a highclass courtesan, but you will need to read the book to find out why and you will fall in love with her. The duke is also very lovable. Though very much on his high horse at the beginning. It through his love for Bell and her love for Hawk that they are both able to over come demons and society. I don't want to tell any more then that because it would just give it away. This book has everything I love in a story, likable characters, laughter, tears and frustration. A great read that you won't be able to put down.

I have rated lots of 5 stars in my book reviews but it's been such a long time since I've enjoyed a novel out of its 100% content. The last book I rated a 10 was A KINGDOM OF DREAM by Judith McNaught. Now, I will once again rate this book a 10 if I could. The emotional roller coaster pulled me completely that I couldn't put this book down even if I wanted to. Every characters especially the hero and the heroine were very well defined, well developed and well executed. Robert and Bel's relationship was very different than my usual read. The Duke and his Mistress. The ?Paragon? and the ?Fallen angel?. The ever admired, ever-respected Robert Knight, Duke of Hawkcliffe. He who have always lived his life in high esteemed. A Gentleman and a Nobleman in the true meaning of the word. Meanwhile, the ever-beautiful and sought after Cyprian, Belinda Hamilton. No matter how forced and spare her circumstances is, she?s looked upon as a Lady of Pleasure... In a higher and classier environment perhaps but still a harlot nonetheless. I was afraid 'they' wouldn't work. I was fearful in the beginning that this book would not be of a happy ending. I was so tempted to read the back for a small peek. Like I said, I was new to this kind of plot. I didn?t know what to expect which only made the story more captivating for me. The author's note at the end of the book was also very helpful. It'll make you understand the plot more. The situation Robert and Belinda are in was difficult and emotionally draining. It?s complicated yet never lacking of love. There is sexual tension between them but their love was not even based on that. Their relationship was first business-like then moved on to friendship...then getting to know each other and eventually developing into something deeper. That's when their love making became even more beautiful. Awww! My heart and my nerves was on a spasmodic-mode all throughout this book. I was truly exhausted with relief at the end. The dreamy ending was magnificently written. Big-Smile & Goose-bumps alert! lol. I tell you, this book is truly OVERWHELMING and Oh, how I love it! NOTE: This is the first book of the KNIGHT MISCELLANY SERIES. Lord of Fire and Lord of Ice, story of the twins, Lucien and Damien's is next. They are Robert's 3rd and 4th brothers. To be release, Spring 2002. I am so happy that this is a book series as I am anxious to read updates of Robert & Bel, as well as Jacinda and oh the ever-roguish, ALEC. I have read all of Gaelen Foley's work, this is by far the best one she's ever written. THE PIRATE PRINCE of the Ascension Trilogy is also my favorite but is only 2nd to THE DUKE. Once again, My HAT'S OFF to Ms. Foley.

I've read many romance novels, but I wanted something that was a little more exciting, although still staying within the whole historical English regency setting which I enjoy so much. This book was the best thing I've come across for a long time. My favorite romance author is Judith McNaught, but waiting anxiously for her new books left me looking for other comparable authors. Foley is amazing! She is extrememely descriptive in her prose and the characters are likeable and heroic. A lot of graphic, sensual scenes too I might add, which is a lot spicier than most. This book is the first in a new series about a bunch of brothers and half-brothers, all whom are handsome and fine. A definite must read!!! I can't wait for her other books on the Georgianna Lineage to come out!

I very rarely give 5 stars, and I have to say, The Duke deserved every one of them. I have been following Gaelen Foley since her Pirate Prince came out and have never been disappointed in her writing yet. She is a consistent writer with well-developed characters and sensual romance scenes. The only flaw in The Duke that I found was that the actual plot was a little thin. The interaction of the characters and their growth more then makes up for this minor complaint. When I read many romance novels, I realize that the characters are fictitious, and therefore the way they behave can be pardoned by literary license (most times a Duke doesn't act like a duke, but someone of lower rank, or peasants act of hirer rank than what they are - either way it is sometimes difficult for us democratic Americans to understand this philosophy). Ms. Foley does a superb job in this story of showing how the different strata of social scales would have worked. A Duke can't marry his mistress no matter how much he wants to. This is an agonizing decision that they have to make, but both Robert and Belinda come to grips (to some extent) about this issue. Seeing how they work through this (which is later on in the story) is heartwarming and heart breaking.Bel's story and the decisions she must make are tough ones, but well thought out and executed. I do not want to give too much away of the plot, but Ms. Foley bends the traditional rules of character roles, so everyone does not behave like they do in other books. The role Bel's father plays, is a perfect example of this. Robert also goes beyond what typical romance heroes do. He is not afraid to exact justice for his love, even putting himself above the law as judge, jury, and executioner. Unusual to find in romance novels. I wouldn't hesitate a moment to pick this one up!

It's been a while since I read a regency historical so enthralling that I didn't want it to end. Due to one man's destructive obsession, the heroine, Belinda Hamilton, is ruined. Seeing no alternative, she becomes a courtesan, a course of action she hopes will give her a measure of revenge against the man who destroyed her life. Robert Knight, the "Paragon Duke," has his own reasons for seeking revenge against the same man. Seeing Belinda as Dolph Breckinridge's major weak spot, Robert makes her his mistress in name only. Happily for the reader, sparks fly immediately, and the ensuing love story is both charming and emotional. Belinda brings joy and unconventionality into Robert's life while his love heals the hurt she suffered at the hands of a brutal attacker. Interesting secondary characters, including Belinda's bookish father and Robert's headstrong little sister add richness to the story. If Foley's plans include books for each of Robert's brothers, I hope she hurries! She knows how to write a to-die-for hero. Robert is principled, yet passionate; intelligent, sensitive, and witty. Yum!