Bianca’s Book Review: “The Duke” by Gaelen Foley

The Knight Miscellany Book 1

Trigger warnings:

• On page rape

• Recurring memories of rape

The Knight Miscellany was one of the first historical romance series I read… erm… about 20 years ago. I have finally managed to buy all seven books, and with the covers, I remembered. The Duke was not my favourite of the series, but because I have a strange compulsion to read a series in order (yes, I’m weird), I must start at the beginning for my re-read. 

This is a nostalgia trip and I hope the books are still as good as I recall. Becoming a historical romance writer has tainted my enjoyment of the books I once adored, but let’s see how it goes.

The Duke has lots of slow-paced scenes where not much happens. However, there are also some gut-wrenching scenes, interspersed with lovely romantic scenes, so these hopefully will encourage you to read on. Although I have to admit, because I’ve read it before, I did skip some bits. 

Robert, Duke Of Hawkscliffe is a condescending hypocrite at times – correction, all the time. He’s a self-righteous prig and this continues to the bitter end until he realises his mistake. 

Belinda constantly challenges him about it and I think that just adds to her endearing qualities. She’s trying her best to make things work due to circumstances that were forced upon her. Her father’s a careless intellectual without common sense, so she’s forced to earn money anyway she can, and has no choice but to become a courtesan after she is raped. She is so strong and determined, and I just loved her.

At the beginning Robert warbles on about his lost love, who happened to be a married woman whom he put on a pedestal – hypocrite. He’s trying to avenge her murder and asks Belinda to pose as his mistress to help draw the killer out. Belinda is happy to accept Hawk as her protector without the need to share his bed.

They are attracted to each other, but he resists because he’s so inflexible and driven by his moral duty, even though he establishes her in his house – hypocrite. Obviously, their forced proximity allows them time to get to know one another and fall in love. However, his strict moral code won’t allow him to consider making a courtesan his duchess. 

This is a slow burn romance that mixes open door love scenes and fade to black. What I remember, and still love about this story, are the little details that really help immerse the reader in the period: the descriptions about real places, the appearance of real people, the mention of real events. They add the icing on the cake for me.

Plot: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Feels: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Heat: ⭐️⭐️⭐️

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️