The Daring Duke

Publisher's Summary

The first book of the much anticipated 1797 Club series from USA Today best-selling author Jess Michaels. The dukes are coming!

The wild and charismatic Duke of Abernathe is the kind of friend anyone would wish to have. He even formed the 1797 Club, consisting of 10 men who would all be dukes. But he has full-throatedly declared he will never marry and no one understands why.

But Miss Emma Liston doesn't care why. A longtime wallflower with an absentee father who is a scandal waiting to happen, she needs to marry. Now. She decides to take a wild chance and ask the help of her friend Meg's brother James. She asks him to pretend he's interested in her just long enough to gain the attention of others. He agrees, but is quickly taken aback by how easy everything is with Emma.

When her father returns, threatening her with a terrible future, their courtship swiftly becomes all too real. Will James ever reveal the true man beneath the outer shell? And can Emma discover her own worthiness before it's too late?

Length: Full-Length (70,000 words)

Heat Level: Sizzling

This book is the first in The 1797 Club series.

©2017 Jesse Petersen (P)2017 Jesse Petersen

Nice story ...but

I found myself drawn to the story. Who doesn’t like one of the wallflower captivating the Duke? Unfortunately, the overdone theatrical narration all but ruined what could have been a great book. I felt the voice for Emma, lead, was juvenile and annoying and the others weren’t much better. I believe the narrator truly has talent but was too over the top. Nothing new or different in the storyline, but pleasant. Likeable lead characters.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Good story but a weak heroine

The story is interesting and different but i found the heroine I interesting and weak. It became frustrating because I did not find her attractive or alluring enough to fall in love with. Supporting characters are good and the narrator is ok. Nothing outstanding here.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Had me riveted!

Great book and absolutely wonderful narration. Couldn’t stop listening. Has all the elements of an awesome historical romance with the right blend of anticipation and steaminess.

Second time around

Hmm, second times hearing this one. Story is good, but the narration is aweful. Sorry just done care for her. You get used to it to hear the story, there are better narrators out there.
Still I recommend this series.
I’d still use a credit for it.
It’s not the best book in the world but I like it well enough.

Very good

I liked that this book didn’t have too much angst, miscommunication, or misunderstanding. I liked seeing their relationship blossom. Yes there was somewhat of an immediate attraction but it was understandable how it was done. The only thing I would’ve changed was to add more love making scenes or a bit more descriptive love scene. I really liked the love making scene though. I look forward to reading the rest of this series. Both characters were great. She wasn’t this head strong girl who made me roll my eyes and he was simply great.

Silly book

Story had potential but not the silly writing that was sooooo dramatic. Uuugh. Too many silly things to count. The 1797 club of all dukes? All young and unmarried? Her over dramatization of the emotions in so many scenes, and the completely silly way the duke came to the conclusion that he was in love. The last 2 hours got even more gushi with overdramatize scenes. I feel for D O’Farrell needing to act it out and actually sound convincing. Aside from the writing the story could have been OK.

Ok story semi ok narration

The story line was better towards the end however I couldn’t wait for it to finish. The ending was sweet however if it wasn’t in the romance package I’m not sure I would’ve gone for it. The narrator got on my nerves. I believe had they used Beverley A Crick or ashford Mcnab the story would’ve been so much better. I say it again... the narrator they chose can and will make or break a book.

Good story

The book would have been much better if it had been read by a different narrator, I did not care for her. However, it was a nicely written story with just the right amount of dirtiness.

Worth listening but not among my most favorites

I like a bit more wit and humor, but still - a good story, and well narrated.

Excellent

Wonderful story ! Excellent start to new series !! Performance was flawless excellent change from men to women’s voices . She is the best I’ve ever heard

Great story, not so great narrator

The narrator would read lines very sharply and loudly and then follow with "she whispered". This ruined many intense and fragile moments