Rating: 
Summary: Compelling characters make for an enthralling read
Review: 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!
Rating:
Summary: Pretty Woman Meets Regency England....
Review: This is my third Gaelen Foley novel, and so far -- it's my favorite. I had read "Lord of Ice" and "Lord of Fire" (the next two novels in the "Knight" series) first, and judging from the reviews here -- I certainly did not expect to like "The Duke" as much as I did.I won't sum up the plot, because many previous reviewers have done an apt job of that. But I will describe the feel of the novel. Ms. Foley sets her stories in Regency England, but the stories are a far cry from the tradition of Barbara Cartland and Georgette Heyer. She adds deep sensuality and strong characterization that is not there in the lighter regencies.
An earlier reviewer stated that this book is thin on plot, and looking back, I realized that technically, this is true. If you are looking at the backstory (what throws the heroine and hero together) that is not extensively developed in the book. However, a beautiful love story is here in which both Belinda and Robert fall in love and grow as people as a result of that love. The real story here is "How can a respectable young woman forced by circumstances beyond her control to become a courtesan -- regain herself and her self respect??" **And** "How can a man bound by tradition and society's rules -- learn what real values are and give his heart and share his title with a woman whom society shuns?" Ms. Foley broke some rules with this novel, but she did it very well. I will give nothing away, but "The Duke" has simply one of the most romantic endings I've read since Judith McNaught's "Kingdom of Dreams". This book is definitely bound for my keeper shelf.
Rating:
Summary: the duke and the courtesan
Review: Wow...I decided to try Foley after reading the wonderful reviews and boy, is she every bit worth the 7 dollars! The story captivating, enchanting, devastating, and emotional. It truly captures your heart as you journey through Bel's life. Belinda (Bel) Hamilton is a gentlewoman turned courtesan. Robert is the Duke of Hawkscliffe, the "Paragon Duke". Together they strive to solve the mysterious death of Robert's love and along the way, the paragon discovers that Bel isn't the vain harlot he took her to be and also discovers that society's rules should not always be followed. As these two embark on their physical as well as emotional journey, they discover a deep wound in themselves that only the other can heal in addition to realizing that there is a deeper secret to the death of Robert's former love. Surprising twists and turns that I would not expect of a romance novel make this one of my top picks! I'm glad to have discovered Gaelen Foley!
Rating:
Summary: Oh, WOW! Encore... A 10 stars!
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Pretty Woman Meets Regency England....
Review: This is my third Gaelen Foley novel, and so far -- it's my favorite. I had read "Lord of Ice" and "Lord of Fire" (the next two novels in the "Knight" series) first, and judging from the reviews here -- I certainly did not expect to like "The Duke" as much as I did. I won't sum up the plot, because many previous reviewers have done an apt job of that. But I will describe the feel of the novel. Ms. Foley sets her stories in Regency England, but the stories are a far cry from the tradition of Barbara Cartland and Georgette Heyer. She adds deep sensuality and strong characterization that is not there in the lighter regencies.
An earlier reviewer stated that this book is thin on plot, and looking back, I realized that technically, this is true. If you are looking at the backstory (what throws the heroine and hero together) that is not extensively developed in the book. However, a beautiful love story is here in which both Belinda and Robert fall in love and grow as people as a result of that love. The real story here is "How can a respectable young woman forced by circumstances beyond her control to become a courtesan -- regain herself and her self respect??" **And** "How can a man bound by tradition and society's rules -- learn what real values are and give his heart and share his title with a woman whom society shuns?" Ms. Foley broke some rules with this novel, but she did it very well. I will give nothing away, but "The Duke" has simply one of the most romantic endings I've read since Judith McNaught's "Kingdom of Dreams". This book is definitely bound for my keeper shelf.
Rating:
Summary: Just wonderful...
Review: There are so many good reviews here that I feel like I'm being redundant, but this terrific book just screams for more praise. Wow, what a compelling story. From reading the back I thought - yeah, she's a courtesan and he's a noble but I bet he comes around quickly - wrong! Seeing how sweetly these two people fall in love only to have him put his honor ahead of his feelings is agonizing - I actually cried for poor Belinda when she realized Robert wouldn't put her first. Yes, that is probably realistic, but not what I want in a romance novel! He redeems himself, but not before putting her, himself and the reader through the emotional wringer. Foley is brilliant, to be able to sustain my interest through all the ups and downs. I just finished it and already want to read it again, it is that gripping. I'd give it more stars if I could...
Rating:
Summary: Wow
Review: 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, bu tyou need to read the book to find out why and you will fall in love with her. The duke is also very lovable. 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Pretty good
Review: This was my first try reading one of Gaelen Foley's books. I've been wanting to for ages after reading such awesome reviews about her books. So finally I bit the bullet and ordered it. To be honest, I was expecting just a little more... Maybe its my own fault, since it was the first book I picked up to read after reading Perfect by Judith McNaught... and I just don't think any book could compare after coming down off the high that book gave me. My only real problem with the book was that I really couldn't get interested in the plot or the characters until about the middle of the story. It just kinda seemed dull. I mean it was ok reading but I kept putting it down and taking my time in picking it up again during the first half. Thankfully, during the second half I was drawn in pretty deeply to Bel and Hawk's lives. I did sigh at the complete and utter love they had for each other because it became so obvious, especially when they were apart for a time. I could understand Hawk's dilemna and yet I wanted to scream at him to do what his heart was telling him to do. The ending was heartwarming and beautiful and made up for the slow beginning. Because of this, I do plan to read the sequels to this book... Lord of Fire and Lord of Ice. These brothers and the rest were introduced in The Duke and I am kinda interested to see how their stories will go. I'm a big fan of books that continue with the family line. And I'm hoping to hear more about Bel and Hawk. All in all... it was a good read and you'll be glad you took the time and paid the money to read it.
Rating:
Summary: Start reading this early in the day....
Review: Because you wont be able to put it down, I started late yesterday, and at 3am I was still up reading, only put it down, because I couldnt keep my eyelids open anymore...got up this morning, and finished it by noon..THAT my romantic readers, is a GOOD book. 5 stars from me. First I have read of Gaelen Foley and sure wont be the last.
Rating:
Summary: Never expected that much ...but...Wow!!!
Review: I've been reading "romance" novels since I happened to get "ransom" by Garwood, struggling to get out of this indulgence. After reading quite a number of those books, I felt numb by the romance books 'cause of similar characters and plots.
But this book has something touching. "The Princess" brought me some tears at several scenes, but it had some weak plots compared to this. Let me tell u this. This has some unique story beween the duke, Richard, and the lady-turned courtesan. As other her books, it has some sensual scenes, and touching ones. I enjoyed it!!!
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