Duke of Scandal (Moonlight Square, Book 1)

After reading the second book in this series,  Duke of Secrets (Moonlight Square, Book 2) , I decided to read this one since the characters were referred to in the first book.I suppose the premise was okay - Jason, the Duke of Netherford and Felicity Carvel, had known one another for many years. Felicity's brother and Jason were best buds growing up and Felicity had loved Jason since she was a young girl. At some point, Felicity made her love known to Jason, who was, at that time a young buck, who had already begun tasting his pleasures and he was simply shocked by Felicity's overtures.Felicity was shamed by her older brother and of course knowing Jason's tastes, made it clear that Felicity was "hands-off." But Felicity's brother is traveling the world, Felicity's now all grown up and has recently come into an inheritance which could make her the object of unwanted attentions. Felicity calls upon Jason to inquire about her brother's location and winds up getting Jason's attention and assistance to help her maneuver back into Society and also to keep the "wolves" at bay.Obviously we know what is going to happen so we're prepared for a re-kindling of the relationship at some point. But, I was a bit stunned at what seemed to me to be one of the most shallow developments of a storyline I've come across written by an author of Gaelen Foley's abilities. In fact, Ms. Foley was one of the first authors whose books I began reading after a 20 year break from reading romance novels. Foley, along with Kleypas, Quinn, Kelly, James and so on was one of the authors whose books I devoured. So, it's been about three years since I've read one of Ms. Foley's novels, but could I have been so wrong about her writing? Since I had just read Book #2 in this series and loved the hero enough to give the book four stars, still I must admit that I didn't consider that book to come close to Foley's former standards and would have been a 3 star if Azrael hadn't been so adorable.But this one? No! No! and again - No! Did not enjoy it. I've decided to re-read some of Foley's older books this week. I've just completed  Lord of Ice , The Duke  and  Lady of Desire  and just as I remembered, Foley hits the top of the charts with these three. I'll be reviewing them (if I haven't already done so). Lady of Desire is amazing and unforgettable.

.5 StarsThis was a quick and easy read – but – it definitely wasn’t a historical. Yes, it says it is, but all of the conversations, situations, actions, etc. were thoroughly modern. If you replaced the carriages with cars, you’d have a contemporary story. The ‘hero’ was the biggest man-ho I think I have ever read and the ‘heroine’ was such a saccharine Pollyanna that it was totally unbelievable. Strangely enough, I did still enjoy the read. I wouldn’t care to read it again, but I did enjoy it while I was reading it. Maybe because it was more lighthearted than serious.Jason Hawthorne, the Duke of Netherford, had a lonely childhood with parents who didn’t love – or even like – each other nor did they care about him. He was raised by very well paid servants – so he grew up thinking that if you wanted someone to take care of you, then you had to pay them. Therefore – he paid for everything he wanted – including the bedroom activities. He also sired two – yes, TWO – illegitimate children. You might think one is an accident and forgive him as long as he took care of the child etc. but two isn’t forgivable. They were also by two different mothers. I will give him credit that he took care of them and regularly went to visit them, but still – you’d think that having been raised in the situation he was, that he’d be very careful not to put another child in that same situation. He is totally worthless – his one ‘useful’ thing is supporting a house full of artists – a painter, a composer, a scientist, a sculptor. He has no useful interests at all. Just a spoiled rich kid. I absolutely failed to see any reason at all why the heroine (or any other woman) would dedicate her life to loving him. I’m sure she remembered the boy he was as they were growing up, but, goodness, after eight years of his current behavior, you’d think she would see him differently. He’s always cared about his best friend’s sister – but he has avoided her for eight years. He promised her brother he wouldn’t pursue her and besides – she’s much too good for the likes of him.Felicity Carvel has loved the boy who grew up on the neighboring estate, Jason, all of her life. He is her brother’s best friend and they spend all of their time together. She adores Jason and finally, at the age of fifteen, she decides to make her feelings known to him. He is shocked and rebuffs her – and then he avoids her for the next eight years.Felicity’s brother is off on an expedition to the Himalayas and she desperately needs to reach him. The ONLY person who would know how to reach him is the sponsor of the expedition, Jason. Felicity has no choice but to contact Jason about sending word to her brother. When she doesn’t get answers to her letters to Jason, she shows up at his home – hoping mostly to speak with his secretary to get the information she needs. As she is close to leaving, Jason makes an appearance – very unkempt, barefoot and obviously still in yesterday’s clothes – Felicity is shocked but speaks to him. Then, she sees the two harlots peeking out from a door upstairs and promptly takes her leave.That visit, and the reason for it, cause Jason to decide that he needs to step in and protect Felicity since her brother isn’t there. It is nice to watch Jason realize how much he cares for Felicity – and that he always has and to see them get their HEA.I’m still debating whether I’ll read the next book or not. I am a bit intrigued by Rivenwood, so I might give that one a read, but if it feels as modern as this one, then it will be my last book in this series.

I read the prequel to this series and it made me want to know more about this heroine. In the prequel she is a prim, prudish sort but with a soft heart for the elderly relative that she is caring for. Unfortunately, once she inherits this relative's money she becomes a totally different character. It seems that Felicity has been in obsessed with her older brother's friend, Jason, since she was a child. When she was 15 (he was 19), she sat on his lap and told him she loved him. Of course, he panicked and told her brother. Now six years later, she is still avoiding him in embarrassment. He however has become the Duke of Netherford, the biggest man-whore in all of England. Not content to just consort with prostitutes, he has to have two in his bed at a time. He also has two illegitimate children (by different mothers) that he rarely sees. Why would she want him? I haven't a clue. I am assuming that she was such an innocent that she was unaware of syphilis and the other STDs that were common among ladies of loose virtue and their 'friends.' I actually would have given this a 3 star rating until the epilogue. I love epilogues. This one, however, is so stupid that I wanted to scream in frustration. I think the 2 1/2 star rating is generous and I don't intend to read the next book in the series.Those who don't like sex scenes might want to avoid this book

Oh dear where has the real Gaelen gone, this book was light on story,characters would not have behaved or interacted the way that they did . Far too many americanisms ,mate attaboy ,homey.dialogue or spelling was dreadful ,they would not have said "hullo" ,( very low class ,) Also a duke or anyone for that matter in Regency times would Not have beans for breakfast !!!!! . I have up to now really enjoyed her writing ,I know these are supposed to be regarded as light hearted but it is not an excuse for the lack of story and lack of character development .It may well be that she needs a uk editor who will ensure that the language used is English ,I have nothing against americanisms but not in a regency historical novel.I received a copy in return for an honest review , i am sorry I couldn't rate it higher,as her other series have been so good

I love this series! You have to suspend belief a bit but we are in fantasy land, so why not enjoy it!I loved Jason and Felicity's love story! It would have been nice to hear more about Peter and why he was so against the match.I can't wait to read more and hope there'll be a book on Peter.

I received a copy of the kindle book the publisher in exchange for an honest review.I found this story a good time passer ,seeing how Felicity deals with the naughty Netherford , some parts of the story could of been finished like meeting his children but overall i enjoyed how Felicity managed everything he threw at her and she turned him around to see that even though he was a rouge, patience and love are worth fighting for .I enjoyed meeting the other characters of her brother Peter and the Duke of Rivenwood and i look forward to the rest of the series.

I love the author's writing, her plots and the romance between her characters, and this book was great. Jason and Felicity have great chemistry. I look forward to reading the next books in the series.

I couldn't finish this book. This how boring and silly it was. I rarely leave feedback and I have read loads of book that I forced myself to complete but couldn't do with this one. Had to warn readers off. Regards