Hope is believing that all it takes is the right person to come along. No, Graham was not looking for that but he got it anyway. Graham is broken and holds onto the notion that he is not good enough to give anyone the love that they need. Adelaide/Lydia will have none of that kind of foolishness. She is strong and nothing will convince her that Graham is not the man she knows him to be. I loved this story. I know there have only been three books in this series, but Graham definitely ranks as my favorite of the series.

Ms. Michaels' continues her 1797 club series with the next duke to encounter love. I have read the first two novels and Ms. Michaels' continues to keep me entertained with her writing. I look forward to the next novel in the series. I read the second novel in the series, so I understood the background for the Duke of Northfield. It is not necessary, but to understand some of the plot in this novel, you should read "Her Favorite Duke".
Adelaide Longford is a wallflower in London's ballrooms and the actress Lydia Ford in the theater. She keeps her secret identity of Lydia to herself, since Lydia represent everything she could not be as Adelaide. Adelaide speaks her mind though, but hides herself with her attire. Her home life is not ideal either. Men has pursued Lydia, but she rejects them all, until Graham Everly, Duke of Northfield, enters.
Graham was betrayed by his friend and former fiancee. He has been drinking and angry with them. He has avoided them for months and is rarely seen at society functions. When he sees Lydia perform, he is instantly attracted to her and wants her. However, he meets Adelaide and is intrigued by her. Graham wants both woman, but how could he want two different women?
Adelaide helps Graham to get out of his "funk" and makes him see a different perspective on the outcome of his friends' "betrayal". Graham pursues both Lydia and Adelaide, but knows he cannot have them both. He needs to let one of them go, but which one and who would accept the darkness that lingers inside him? Adelaide and Graham both have their secrets and letting someone in could impact their lives in ways they did not know possible. But when you factor in love, all bets are off.

What a great read. Adelaide has been living with a secret few know about and Graham starts showing an interest in her that could reveal her secrets. Graham has been hiding from society since he ended his engagement with Meg now he meets actress Lydia and Adelaide and he suddenly finds himself wanting two women.