3.5 Stars as reviewed at Roses Are Blue

HER FAVORITE DUKE is Book Two in the 1797 Club series, which is about several dukes or heirs to dukedoms who formed this club and have strong bonds of friendship. In book one, we met James, who, upon coming into his title immediately engaged his young sister, Meg, to one of his closest friends, the Duke of Northfield. Even then I could tell that all was not well with this arranged betrothal.

Meg was just sixteen when her brother James became duke. His desire to protect Meg in case anything should happen to him led him to arrange her future marriage to Northfield, who is like a brother to him. While Northfield and Meg have no love or affection toward each other, they agree to the engagement, seeing how much it means to James. In truth, Meg has feelings for Simon, another of her brother's closest friends, who loves her in return, though neither openly expresses their emotions.

Meg and Northfield let the years pass, treating each other with courtesy, but their feelings never evolve into anything more than a mild friendship. Whenever Meg and Simon meet, though, it's a different story - they dance, they laugh, they talk and delight in each other's company. Neither is willing to verbalize the truth or take any steps to break the engagement that is so wrong. James begins more and more to push for a wedding date to be set, and finally Meg and Northfield agree.

As the wedding day draws closer, during a party at James's home, Meg becomes upset and leaves. Simon follows, wanting to comfort her, and they keep walking until an unexpected storm with unrelenting rain forces them to take shelter in a cottage. They finally kiss and get a taste of the passion that has been teasing them for years, but Simon's honor won't let him take things further. When they are found alone together, undressed, the truth doesn't matter - they are compromised. Now Simon and Meg must marry, something they both desperately wanted, so they should be ecstatic and on their way to happy ever after, but things are not so easy.

Instead of being relieved at not having to marry someone he doesn't love, Northfield is hurt, angry, humiliated, and feeling betrayed. His pride carries him through the announcement of the end of their engagement, then he leaves, apparently severing his friendship with both Simon and James, and causing the remaining members of the 1797 Club to choose sides. Simon is now buried under guilt and feeling undeserving of any happiness, putting his new marriage in jeopardy.

The elephant in the room is the fact that no one, though many noticed it, was willing to talk about the feelings between Meg and Simon. The club is a group of men as close as brothers. James is a loving and caring man who wants his sister to be happy. Northfield is willing to accept a loveless convenient marriage. Simon and Meg are burning for each other. Yet not one person broaches the subject with James that this engagement is a mistake. I realize that this is what obviously is the basis for this story, but it doesn't make sense. Even so, Jess Michaels wrote skillfully enough to pull me into the heartbreak and longing. She shows us why Simon was as passive as he was, though I never came to understand why Meg wouldn't talk to her brother. Northfield's reaction was very surprising, and I'm anticipating his story next, hoping that his friendships will be reconciled as he finds a genuine love. I feel that HER FAVORITE DUKE is an enjoyable and heart-tugging read that will have you rooting for this star-crossed couple to find their happiness.

Her Favorite Duke by Jess Michaels is a sizzling but sweet Regency Romance. While, this is #2 in the series, "The 1797 Club" it can be read as a stand alone. See, "Her Daring Duke", #1.

This is the story of Simon Greene, Duke of Crestwood, Margaret Rylon (Meg) who has been friends since childhood,
James, Duke of Abernathe, Meg's brother and Graham, the Duke of Northfield, a other friend. Graham, James, and Simon are all part of the 1797 Club, however, Simon and Graham are the best of friends. Simon, has always been considered the peacemaker of the group, but in reality he appears a bit of a spineless coward, toward his feelings for Meg. Meg becomes betrothed to Graham, by her brother, James, none knowing her true feelings for Simon, oh, they suspect but go forward with there plans, anyway. To be honest James, suspects she just has a childhood infatuation for Simon.

Fast forward seven years later..... Meg and Graham finally set their wedding date. BTW Graham is not in love with Meg either. Simon guards his feelings for Meg until they're caught in a compromising position, the wedding is off, Meg and Simon must marry. Yay!! Simon guards his feelings toward Meg, for fear of getting hurt. But his friendship is ended between him and Graham.

An unusual story to me, how many men or ladies, in fact, wait seven years before setting a wedding date? The reader is given the impression Graham had no amorous affairs, what, for seven years? Unbelievable, to me, but I suppose it could happen. Then there's Meg, who does not reveal her true feeling, she's waiting for Simon to step forward, and announce his feelings toward her. Simon is sweet, but an utter coward when it comes to his feelings toward Meg. So, they'd all rather be misable for the rest of their lives, then tell the truth. Oh, Graham, is marrying Meg to yes, you got it, to please his friend James. They are all rather young, in their teens, Meg's sixteen, you understand their feelings run hot and cold, right?

While, this was not my favorite of Jess Michaels' story, it was rather a sweet story, once you get pass all the other stuff. It's a sizzling love story, with many complicated triangles.
A true love story with all the complications of a love triangle, while only two of them is truly in love. So, I guess, you wouldn't call it a love triangle. The reader does learn why Simon is so guarded with his feelings.

No cliffnanger, however, I was left with a few unanswered questions. Such as what happens to Graham, and Simon's hateful mother, the old Duchess of Crestwood.
The reader is given the impression, from the back of the book that, Graham's story is next, which, I anticipate reading.
Please don't get me wrong, I adore Ms. Michaels' stories, "Her Favorite Duke" was a bit hard connect to the characters and grip the plot, to me, however I'd still recommend reading it, especially those who enjoy romance, there is a bit of mystery to why Simon guards his feelings. A good read!
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 4
Heat rating: Steamy/Sizzling
Reviewed by: AprilR

Hot and a buy buy buy book!
Okay arguably a four star. However, I so enjoyed this series up to date I went 5! This author is so very gifted in telling a story that I eagerly await each release. While there are some I cannot read, because in my own preference too graphic, there are others that I absolutely adore. This particular series up to date fits the adore column. The authors way of capturing your attention and holding it is truly incredible at times. I am lost in her story almost immediately. I love the way the characters are written and adore the way the plot lines are given, with story, romance, passion and compassion. Real people making real mistakes in a make believe world. Buy the book and truly enjoy! I was given this Book in return for a honest review via NetGalley. Regards, Anna

Meg's brother arranged an engagement to one of his best friend's when Meg was just a teenager, but Meg has been in love with her brother's other best friend, Simon, for years. Simon has also been hiding his love for Meg for all those years. When circumstances arise pushing Simon and Meg together they have to fight through many hurdles, including Simon himself to find their happiness.

I throughly enjoyed this historical romance. Even with the turmoil surrounding them it was still a truly sweet love story. While it was a bit predictable, it didn't take away from from the fun of reading their story. If you love a classic regency romance I highly recommend reading this one!

I loved the attraction between Meg and Simon. The story is entertaining and had me hooked from beginning to end. I was a bit annoyed by Graham as I would have thought he would be happy not to have to marry. Looking forward to reading his book however. Overall, I liked the story and I liked the chemistry between Simon and Meg. Looking forward to more in the series.

This book stands alone, but if you've read book one, we now have Simon and Meg's story. Simon and Meg have loved each other for years, but her brother, James, created an engagement between her and his other friend, Graham, many years ago and so they can not act on their feelings.

However, they end up stranded together which leads to scandal and Simon and Meg must marry. Simon struggles with his betrayal of his friendship with Graham and that keeps him from finding true happiness. The story hooked me from the beginning - I couldn't put it down. Jess Michaels does a fabulous job of mixing a great story with steamy romance. I loved Meg and Simon's journey to finding love and happiness with each other! I can't wait for the next book in the series.

This is the second book in the series and concentrates on Margaret and Simon. How are they able to express their love for each other when Margaret is betrothed to Simon's friend, Graham? This was an intriguing dilemma for both of them, not to mention the possible repercussions if they act upon their feelings. In this book we were also introduced to some of the other dukes and I'm looking forward to reading their stories, particularly the Silent Duke. I also enjoyed that we also caught up with James and Emma. Yes there are some steamy parts but this is a very good read.
I did receive an arc but I also purchased a copy for my kindle. This is my honest review.

Her Favorite Duke (The 1797 Club book 2)
by Jess Micheals
Rating 5 stars
Heat 4🔥🔥🔥🔥

Simon the Duke of Crestwood has been in love with Lady Margret known as Meg his best friends the Duke of Abernathe sister since forever. But the day came when his life became a nightmare. James has betrothed her to his other best friend Graham the Duke of Northfield, although 16 Meg has to abide with her brothers wishes. Hurt that he wasn't chosen he keeps his feelings to himself and tries to forget his feelings but that is almost as impossible as not breathing.
Seven years since that fateful day and the time has come and the date is chosen for her wedding Meg feels her life is slowly unraveling, devastated that once married Simon will forever be lost to her. Her feelings overwhelm her and she slips away from the garden party. She's shocked that she's wondered off and now is caught in the rain Simon comes to her rescue and they find shelter in a secluded cabin. Soaked and chilled the have to dry their clothes, the rain is relentless so they spend the night just when feelings have been exposed and feeling vulnerable they are caught by her brother and Graham. But things are not as they seem and tempers are lost. Now Simon gets his wish and will have Meg as his wife but at the cost of severing his lifelong friendship with Graham. They start their marriage with guilt but as much as he secretly rejoices he is swamped by his guilt and is dangerously close to loosing the woman he's loved all his life.

This was a wonderfully done story the flow was perfect the emotions were full of angst that you felt their heartache. The guilt and self loathing is all that Simon can feel and the only part of himself he can give his wife is the very hot passion but unfortunately although it's great it's not enough to base a marriage on now he has to suck it up be a man or he just might loose what is important to him! I promise you will love this story. Jess Micheals has definitely a great series with the 1797 Club. Can't wait for Graham's story.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and the publisher for my honest unbiased review.

Her Favorite Duke by Jess Michaels
The 1797 Club #2

Ten teens at boarding school form a club to assist one another as they grow into their positions of being dukes one day - The 1997 Club - this series is already plotted out to have ten volumes starring the ten who form the club. Over the years a bond stronger and closer, in some ways, than that of blood brothers is formed. In each book of the series we find out what has become of the members of the club and who they will find their HEA with.

In this, the second book of the series, we have the story of Simon Green, Duke of Crestwood and how he acquires his duchess. We find out that he has been in love with Margaret “Meg” Rylon for nearly a decade. Meg is sister to James, now the Duke of Abernathe. (James and Emma found their HEA in book one, The Daring Duke.) One of James’s first acts as duke was to ensure Meg’s future and security. To do so he chose one of his brothers, Graham, to be his sister’s husband, drew up the contract and presented it proudly as a fait accompli and in doing so never knew that by doing so he was preventing his sister and Simon from finding love together. Neither Meg nor Simon uttered one word of discontent for seven long years but when a wedding date is announced both are upset in a very large way and a compromising incident occurs that changes the situation dramatically. The two once thwarted sweethearts have a chance at their HEA but it won’t come without hurting dear friends, self-condemnation, emotional upheaval and social castigation. Whether or not Simon and Meg can finally leave their need to please others behind and reach out for what they want and need is at the crux of the matter and only through soul searching, wise words from friends and personal soul searching will they be able to have a truly happily ever after ending. The hook is set for book three in which Graham will have his story told in The Broken Duke. I look forward to finding out who he will end up with AND whether friendships damaged in this book can be repaired in the next.

Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Stealing your best friend's finance, who also happens to be your other best friend's sister, leads to one passionate disaster. Simon and Meg were meant to be together, even though there is so many obstacles in there way, including themselves. A very hot historical romance from Micheals.

Her stories may be scandalous, but Ms. Michaels uses her canvas in a twofold way. To entertain and to tackle social issues such as poverty, sexism, rape and other types of injustices that were just as prevalent years ago as they are in modern society today. Behind the heated trysts, the suspicious happenings, betrayals and crude behavior, lie stories of survival that inspire with their strength of character and abundance of hope. Her Favorite Duke is one of those beautifully written pieces of art. Margaret is a woman determined to make her voice heard. She loves her family, but longs to follow her heart. Simon is a man of honor, but his heart's desire has him questioning all that he holds dear including his precious honor. Will he let his pride cost him his greatest treasure?

What’s it About? Simon, the Duke of Crestwood has loved his best friend's sister, Margaret Rylon for years but has never had hope of every having her because she's been engaged to Simon's other best friend for just as long as he's loved her. Simon is determined not to let his feelings destroy the friendships that mean the world to him but when he and Meg get caught up in a storm and have to spend the night alone, the scandal breaks Meg's engagement, forces Simon to marry her, and causes a rift in the friendships he depends on most. Meanwhile Meg couldn't be happier to marry Simon, whom she's loved since she was a girl but her marriage isn't the fairytale she had hoped. Simon is distant and tormented by what has lead to their marriage and while Meg is determined to fight to make her marriage the one of her dreams, Simon is equally determined to punish himself for pretty much everything that happened.




Overall reaction to the story? Jess Michaels has been a favorite of mine for a few years now but there's something super special about the 1797 Club series. It isn't just a group of dudes hanging out, it's a true blue brotherhood where the members look to each other for guidance and support. The affection between them balances out their overt masculinity and gives each member that softness their personalities need. Simon is a great example of how his friendships with the other men in the club shaped him and how much he needed them. I enjoyed Her Favorite Duke but it didn't quite meet my expectations on some things. However, I still liked it and look forward to Graham's story!



Describe the hero in five words: Charming. Loyal. Brooding. Quitter. Intelligent.

Did you like him? For the most part.

Why? Simon is the least duke-like character I've ever seen. He's not the dominant alpha type though he is respected and well liked. I liked how loyal he was to his friends and how he wasn't going to deny how important they all were in his life which made him feel even more guilty about wanting Meg. I could appreciate his loyalty, that was Simon's best characteristic but his kicked dog attitude I could have done with a lot less of. Simon wasn't all that much fun or even that interesting for most of the book and I didn't feel like I got to know him outside of his self loathing. Just where was the man that Meg said she fell in love with? The glimpses of who he was weren't enough to show me why Meg fell for him. Simon wasn't a bad character just one that left me kind of scratching my head wondering what kind of man he was.



Describe the heroine in five words: Intelligent. Loving. Selfish. Determined. Stubborn.

Did you like her? Sort of.

Why? I could understand why Meg went along with her arranged engagement for as long as she did, it was arranged by her beloved brother James who thought he was taking care of her by arranging a marriage between her and one of his best friends. However if years hadn't changed her feelings, why didn't she talk to James and her fiance instead of being in some ways happy that a scandal broke her engagement and landed her engaged to Simon instead? Nevermind how Simon felt about the broken friendships that were a result of their engagement, Meg just cared that she was going to marry Simon. I was hoping that she'd care enough for Simon to knock some sense into that whole testosteroned filled club and in a way show her them all that she wasn't going to be blamed for breaking up the group of longtime friends. But she didn't and instead focused on getting Simon to just focus on her and their marriage. That just made her seem really selfish to me. Simon needs his friends to you know and she shouldn't have been okay with him isolating himself in some ways to where he only had her as a friend. It just didn't seem fair. I'm not saying I hated Meg, just that I found her to be a little immature and selfish. She had good moments though but that thing about wanting to make herself the sole focus of Simon's world didn`t sit well with me.



Let’s talk about the romance: Here's where Her Favorite Duke really excelled. The longing and angst between Simon and Meg was so strong I couldn't believe Meg's brother never picked up on it! I loved that they were friends too. Aside from the fact that they were secretly in love with each other, these two felt so natural as friends and definitely natural as lovers.



How about that supporting cast? More members of the 1797 appear and it's a little hard to keep track of them! I definitely want Graham to find love so that hopefully he could stop brooding over the loss of a fiance he didn't love and a friend he did love. I said in my review of the first book (James' book) that I loved the close relationship between characters and of course Meg and her brother have such a good relationship that even when the scandal hit, James stood by Meg and loved her like a good brother should. It was definitely endearing.


Click It or Skip It? Click It. Simon and Meg for all their faults have an interesting story to tell and I loved meeting more members of this rather interesting group of men who have bonded through their pains and their futures as dukes.

'Her Favorite Duke' by Jess Michaels is book Two in "The 1797 Club" series. This is the story of Simon Greene, Duke of Crestwood and Margaret 'Meg' Rylon. I have read the other book in this series but feel it is easily a standalone book.
Meg, Simon, Graham and her brother James have all been friends since childhood. But Meg has always felt more for Simon and hope that one day he would too. But when she turns 16 her father dies and now James her brother wants to make sure that she has a secure future if something happens to him. So unknown to Meg a first he talks his friend Graham into marrying her. When he makes the announcement Meg is hurt at first since Simon was her love and hope that he would speak up...but he didn't. So Meg assumes that her feelings are only one sided and moves forward to accept the engagement to make her brother happy. Now about seven years later her brother James is married and is wanting Meg to move forward with her engagement to Graham but actually getting married. But her and Graham have lost some of their close friendship and Meg is still in love with Simon but she agrees to set a wedding date for Christmas.
Simon is still harboring feelings of love for Meg...but still doesn't want to cause any upset to his friends. But when he and Meg get caught in a situation that leaves them together they are forced to marry. Meg and Simon give into their passion but Simon is being guarded with his feelings toward Meg. Simon is feeling guilty for how things turned out, since he feels it caused allot of hurt to his friends.
The 1797 Club series:
The Daring Duke, Book 1
Her Favorite Duke, Book 2
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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I was very excited for this book, as it was obvious in the first book of this series that Simon and Maggie were in love. I personally am a sucker for stories where one main characters falls in love with a sibling's best friend. So this was right up my alley! I was mostly satisfied with the story as it had plenty of steam, (which is a must for me) and a deep longing for each other on the part of both characters. The only issue I had with the story, is that I feel there was too much time spent on Simon's guilt over everything and that it took him too long to man up and fight for their happiness.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Duty and loyalty are two things Simon Greene, the Duke of Crestwood, holds dear. When he had no family, the men of The 1797 Club became one. He would rather die than betray those trusts. He would even stand aside as the woman he’s loved for almost a decade announces her wedding date to one of his brothers.

When her cruel and uncaring father dies, Meg’s older brother James, the new Duke of Abernathe, arranges a marriage with one of his best friend’s, Graham. If only James knew he picked the wrong friend. After a seven year engagement, Meg and Graham agree on a wedding date, making both Meg and Simon miserable.

Meg was in love with Simon long before her brother arranged a marriage to Graham when she was sixteen. She saw no way to dash her brother’s dream for her, so she stayed quiet. That didn’t stop her from growing closer to Simon as the days to her wedding neared. After a walk catches her in a storm, Simon helps Meg find shelter in a caretaker’s cottage. When morning arrives, the duo is found and completely compromised. Meg is forced to end her engagement to Graham and marry Simon. This is a moment when you realize how true it is to be careful what you wish for. Even though they love each other desperately, Simon is wracked with guilt and self-loathing for what he’s done to Graham. Although they weren’t as close as they’d once been, Graham was still Simon’s brother. Simon’s relationships with several of his brother’s become strained as he marries the woman of his dreams. While Simon allows himself to connect with Meg physically, he cannot let her have his heart.

This novel was heartbreaking but oh so steamy at the same time. Simon and Meg’s love for each other is palpable and so brilliant, but because of their unconditional love for their family, they attempt to forgo their own happiness. I admit to crying a lot while reading this novel but that made the end that much sweeter. Michaels once again gave me a dynamic and compelling duke to cherish in the form of Simon. I adored Meg in the first novel of the series and came to cherish her will and spirit even more in this novel. Another 5 Stars for The 1797 Club!

Margaret Rylon has been in love with certain Duke since she was 16 years old. Unfortunately it is not the Duke she happens to be engaged to. Simon Greene, Duke of Crestwood is the man of her dreams but he has stepped aside because her brother arranged a match with his best friend, Graham, Duke of Northfield.

Ready to leave town to avoid witnessing the nuptials, Simon can’t resist following Meg one last time as she seeks time alone. This leads to being trapped alone together overnight during a storm. As scandal erupts, Simon offers for Meg. He now gets the woman he loves but loses a friend and his reputation in the process.

Meg and Simon have plenty of chemistry going for them but Simon’s guilt eats away at what should be a fortunate turn of events . Will he finally fight for Meg before losing her all over again?

Jess Michiels is one of my favorite authors but not every book is going to be a hit. This was good but for me Simon was a bit too much of a pushover for my liking. As always, she sets up the next book in the series wonderfully so I will definitely won’t hesitate to pick up Graham’s story.

I've enjoyed this author in the past and read the prior book, so knew this couple, and their history. The entire situation was a bit annoying, who remains engaged for seven years to someone they feel no attraction to? Certainly I wouldn't. Especially if there were another I did love. I know it was a different time. And the habits of aristocracy weren't to marry for love, but to make powerful unions of houses, but the other man was a Duke as well,. But there wouldn't otherwise be a story, so there you go. Did enjoy the book otherwise, and look forward to the next book. There was a HEA, so story was redeemed.

Maragret "Meg" Rylon has been in love with Simon Green the Duke of Crestwood since she was a young teenage girl. She has followed behind Simon, her brother, and Graham friends for years. When she works up the courage to talk to Simon about her feelings, she is devastated to learn that her brother has arranged a marriage to the wrong duke for her. Now she finds herself bound in betrothal to Graham, and to make matters worse Simon does nothing about it. Now several years later she is being pressured to set a date, but how can she ever marry someone that she does not love.

Simon has been in love with Meg for as long as he can remember. He was broken when he found out that she was to marry one of his best friends, for his friends are the only true family he has. So he finds himself watch her across the ballrooms and longing for the one woman he cannot have. When he goes out of his was to follow her and gets caught in a storm over night, he gets the one thing he has always longed for, but at what cost. Now Graham won't speak to him, her reputation is in tatters, and he doesn't feel that he deserves her.

Now it is up to Meg to try to break down the walls that Simon has put around his heart. She cannot bear to live a half marriage with him. It will take more than her to accomplish this, but Simon is fighting her every step of the way. If he wants to keep her, he will have to be willing to look beyond his doubts of himself.

Great 2nd novel in the 1797 Club. Looking forward to the next installment.

Loved the first book in this series. And this second book is also good.

I thought how Simon and Margaret ended up in the supituation they were, her with a fiancé for years didn't quite work.

But putting that aside the story and characters were great. Really liked Margaret, Simon was harder to like but he is an intense character with some issues. I loved how the group is coming together, some really interesting characters I'm dying to know how it will pan out.
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Cannot wait for book three!!!