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Moonlight Square #2
Duke of Secrets
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B06XC46729
Everything Lady Serena Parker thought she knew about her own life has just proved a lie. Now, only one man can lead her to the truth… But at what price?
When shocking family secrets emerge, they turn Lady Serena Parker’s world upside-down, sending the bold, raven-haired beauty on a quest to find answers. Ironically, her search soon points her right across the street, to the home of her most mysterious neighbor in Moonlight Square — the elusive and solitary Azrael, Duke of Rivenwood.
The rich, enigmatic nobleman alone may possess the knowledge she craves, but Serena knows she must approach with caution. For, shadowed by rumors of a dark and tragic past, Azrael is heir to family secrets even more dangerous than her own. Once she captivates the duke’s smoldering passion, however, gaining his help may cost Serena more than she ever dreamed…
Everything Lady Serena Parker thought she knew about her own life has just proved a lie. Now, only one man can lead her to the truth… But at what price?
When shocking family secrets emerge, they turn Lady Serena Parker’s world upside-down, sending the bold, raven-haired beauty on a quest to find answers. Ironically, her search soon points her right across the street, to the home of her most mysterious neighbor in Moonlight Square — the elusive and solitary Azrael, Duke of Rivenwood.
The rich, enigmatic nobleman alone may possess the knowledge she craves, but Serena knows she must approach with caution. For, shadowed by rumors of a dark and tragic past, Azrael is heir to family secrets even more dangerous than her own. Once she captivates the duke’s smoldering passion, however, gaining his help may cost Serena more than she ever dreamed…
320 pages, ebook
First published February 27, 2017
382 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Gaelen Foley
41 books1,880 followersGaelen Foley is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of twenty historical romances set in the glittering world of Regency England. Her books are available in sixteen languages and have won numerous genre awards, such as the Bookseller's Best, the NJRW Golden Leaf (three times), the CRW Award of Excellence, the National Reader's Choice Award, the Beacon, and the Holt Medallion.
A Pennsylvania native, Gaelen holds a B.A. in English literature with a minor in Philosophy from the State University of New York, College at Fredonia, a quaint lakeside village where Mark Twain once owned a home. It was here, while studying the Romantic poets, such as Wordsworth, Byron, and Keats that she first fell in love with the Regency period in which her novels are set. Gaelen lives in western Pennsylvania with her college-sweetheart husband, Eric, a schoolteacher, with whom she co-writes middle grade fantasy adventure novels under the pen-name, E.G. Foley. (See www.EGFoley.com.) She is hard at work on her next book.
A Pennsylvania native, Gaelen holds a B.A. in English literature with a minor in Philosophy from the State University of New York, College at Fredonia, a quaint lakeside village where Mark Twain once owned a home. It was here, while studying the Romantic poets, such as Wordsworth, Byron, and Keats that she first fell in love with the Regency period in which her novels are set. Gaelen lives in western Pennsylvania with her college-sweetheart husband, Eric, a schoolteacher, with whom she co-writes middle grade fantasy adventure novels under the pen-name, E.G. Foley. (See www.EGFoley.com.) She is hard at work on her next book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
May 31, 2024
3'5⭐
Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2024/...
Una novela de las de antes donde las aventuras predominan a una pareja con una relación de instalove total.
Me he entretenido mucho con ella, pero creo que ahora soy más de historias de personajes. La autora retoma el tema de Los prometeos, así que tenemos: secretos, maldiciones, peligros y aventuras a raudales....
Quizás me hubiera gustado que Azrael fuera un personaje más turbio...
Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2024/...
Una novela de las de antes donde las aventuras predominan a una pareja con una relación de instalove total.
Me he entretenido mucho con ella, pero creo que ahora soy más de historias de personajes. La autora retoma el tema de Los prometeos, así que tenemos: secretos, maldiciones, peligros y aventuras a raudales....
Quizás me hubiera gustado que Azrael fuera un personaje más turbio...
March 17, 2017
I wanted to really get into the book but I found the Prometheans plot to be a little boring. I thought this new series would be lighter than her Knight Miscellany series so while I liked both characters, it felt like the love story didn't mesh well with the evil club plot. It wasn't until I read the author's note, that I realized it was connected to her other series, the Inferno Club. The cameos were lost on me, but at least now I know why it didn't feel like the other Moonlight stories.
PS: I'm still waiting on Triny's younger sisters to get a short story or a book ;)
PS: I'm still waiting on Triny's younger sisters to get a short story or a book ;)
March 14, 2017
Azrael and Serena have decidedly Gothic roots, which makes this a fun story. Both of them are very cute and sweet together and Azrael is actually not that brooding and he and Serena have a very easy and fun banter/chemistry. THE EPILOGUE WAS ADORABLE.
March 1, 2017
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
4.5 stars
If you've read the Inferno series you'll be happy to know some of the very yummy, grumpy guys make an appearance, but this book takes place before the Inferno series (so none of the ladies). Serena and Azrael were awesome. His dad was a piece of work, and I'm surprised Azrael gave in to love so easily. Peeps from the previous books make appearances. Great book ending with a new Duke moving into the neighborhood.
4.5 stars
If you've read the Inferno series you'll be happy to know some of the very yummy, grumpy guys make an appearance, but this book takes place before the Inferno series (so none of the ladies). Serena and Azrael were awesome. His dad was a piece of work, and I'm surprised Azrael gave in to love so easily. Peeps from the previous books make appearances. Great book ending with a new Duke moving into the neighborhood.
May 24, 2017
4.5 stars
January 27, 2018
I have been itching to read Azrael Chambers The Duke of Rivenwood's story. We meet him in book 1 Duke of Scandal of Moonlight Square series. Azrael is mysterious. A recluse but he has everything you want in a Duke. He is very rich, handsome and gallant tall and sexy. I just loved Azrael. His life is a secret because of his fathers involvement in a Cult Clan The Prometheans. You get a better understand in the of these evil perverse men in GF's Inferno Club series. But all of her books can be read alone. They Are very develop stories and can Stand Alone. But I really like reading the entire series of stories.
Back to the story. Lady Serena Parker has discover that her father the Earl of Dunhaven is not her real father. She's been told by her ex fiancée Toby Guifoyle that Azrael would know who her father was. So for months she stalks and spies on him. Azrael start to wonder what the heck is the young girl about. But he becomes fascinated with her. Once he catches her out she tells him the truth and he tells her is truth which is a surprise to her.
Needless to say this story is fast moving action packed and very sensual. With loveable H/H all in all this is a great read. The only problem I had was I didn't care for the epilog. Dukes need Heirs Not dogs especially a tiny Westy no matter how cute they are!!
Back to the story. Lady Serena Parker has discover that her father the Earl of Dunhaven is not her real father. She's been told by her ex fiancée Toby Guifoyle that Azrael would know who her father was. So for months she stalks and spies on him. Azrael start to wonder what the heck is the young girl about. But he becomes fascinated with her. Once he catches her out she tells him the truth and he tells her is truth which is a surprise to her.
Needless to say this story is fast moving action packed and very sensual. With loveable H/H all in all this is a great read. The only problem I had was I didn't care for the epilog. Dukes need Heirs Not dogs especially a tiny Westy no matter how cute they are!!
March 14, 2017
Disappointing - Review to follow
March 23, 2017
I have not read the first book in Foley’s Moonlight Square series, but I found this read to be entertaining. The author has built up a fairly dark story for the hero and heroine, with cult skeletons in their familial closets. The beautiful Lady Serena Parker is determined to find out about secrets in her family’s past, even if it means risking her reputation by tangling with the only man who may have answers. Azrael, Duke of Rivenwood, can hardly believe it when his former betrothed makes an appearance at his masked ball, but she is forbidden fruit. He manages to send her packing, but ends up coming around to assist the lady in need. Old shadows from the past rise up to threaten everything they hold dear, and could cost either of the lovers their lives. I felt that despite the 347 page length, we were a little short on connectivity between the leading male and female, and the antagonist structure is something I have seen in other historical romance series. By “missing connectivity,” I do not mean they did not seem attracted, but instead am talking to the level of attraction – instead of the work you typically see between the two characters, these seem to fit together rather easily. Three dark stars.
January 2, 2021
V prvej knihe z tejto serie Moonlight Square, aj ked sa super citala, mi nieco chybalo 🤔 A to presne mi priniesla “dvojka”! Okrem klasickeho pribehu bohateho slachtica a krasnej panny, sa na pozadi odohrava pribeh Prometeovcov a klubu Inferno. Takto si predstavujem staru dobru FOLEYOVKU 💪
March 6, 2017
**If you don't want to be spoiled, skip this review.**
• I really loved the premise of this book. Serena Parker has discovered that the man she thought was her father, isn’t and because her mother refuses to tell her who he is, she goes to the one man who she believes knows the truth. Azrael is a loner, a man with no real friends. He keeps himself separate from the ton because he’s hiding a secret. I was super intrigued by this man because I’m a sucker for deep, dark and broody heroes and Azrael has the makings of my favourite triple threat.
• There’s great chemistry between Serena and Azrael (what a name!) and they have some really cute scenes. I particularly liked the scene at the beginning when he rescues her from falling to her death. I also rather liked the gothic elements thrown into the novel.
• The heroine, Serena is beautiful and smart and determined to get the answers to her burning questions about her parentage. To this end, she snoops around in Azrael’s house because she has reservations about approaching him and asking him the things she’d like to know because of his own family’s involvement. This is her motivation for entering his home under false pretences in order to search for clues to her identity. But then a few pages later when she’s caught, she literally spills ALL THE DETAILS to him – the same details she was determined not to reveal not too long before. This was stupid. When Azrael refuses to help her, (because he’s worried about her safety and warns her to steer clear of asking questions that might land her in trouble) she then ignores him completely in the hopes that this manipulation would bring him around. Of course it does. Which brings me to…
• The hero, who is touted as this broody, elusive loner is actually a complete romantic sap who practically falls for the heroine at first sight. In fact, when we meet him, he’s thrown the masquerade ball in the hopes of seeing Serena because she’s been “stalking” him for weeks and he finds this intriguing. Really? This is part of my issues with the novel. Azrael, this apparent recluse, is way too eager to involve himself with a woman he barely knows. Yes, they share a past Serena knows nothing about (they were engaged as children, but Azreal calls it off) but they don’t KNOW each other. So his fascination with her really makes no sense. Also, considering our hero’s past and the fact that his father was a real piece of work, one would think that he’d put up more of a fight before tumbling head of heels in love. Nope. No such qualms. I was waiting for the angst, the push and pull as he rages internally trying to stay away and yet despite all his valiant efforts he’s unable to keep all his walls up. Sigh. His walls literally came crashing down almost from the start. By the 50% mark, they’re about to hop into bed together and declare their undying love. Bleh. For a book called, "Duke of Secrets" the man hardly kept a thing to himself.
• But before our two lovebirds can marry, Azrael needs to extricate himself from the clutches of the cult hoping to draw him into their inner circle. Enter the members of the Inferno Club series. Their mission is to take down the Prometheans and here’s Azrael willing to offer the cult up on a silver platter. I don’t know. Maybe I tend to like alpha males a lot more than I previously thought, but Azrael was a bit of a wuss IMO. I feel as though he cowers in the face of the males from the Inferno Club and that’s a little off-putting. While I didn’t expect him to walk in there brazenly without any thought to the potential consequences, I didn’t expect him to be so…defeatist either.
• Gaelen Foley is a good writer. My issue with her novels is that none of her characters, to me, are particularly memorable. I’ve read practically all of her novels and the only characters I remember are some from her Knight’s series – particularly Lizzie and Devlin – and they aren’t even Knight’s! GF’s books are well researched, perfectly acceptable romance novels, they just fail to leave any impression on me. And this is so disappointing. I want to love her books but it’s hard when I can’t remember what happened in any of them.
I'd give this a 2.5, but I can't round it up. That would be too generous.
• I really loved the premise of this book. Serena Parker has discovered that the man she thought was her father, isn’t and because her mother refuses to tell her who he is, she goes to the one man who she believes knows the truth. Azrael is a loner, a man with no real friends. He keeps himself separate from the ton because he’s hiding a secret. I was super intrigued by this man because I’m a sucker for deep, dark and broody heroes and Azrael has the makings of my favourite triple threat.
• There’s great chemistry between Serena and Azrael (what a name!) and they have some really cute scenes. I particularly liked the scene at the beginning when he rescues her from falling to her death. I also rather liked the gothic elements thrown into the novel.
• The heroine, Serena is beautiful and smart and determined to get the answers to her burning questions about her parentage. To this end, she snoops around in Azrael’s house because she has reservations about approaching him and asking him the things she’d like to know because of his own family’s involvement. This is her motivation for entering his home under false pretences in order to search for clues to her identity. But then a few pages later when she’s caught, she literally spills ALL THE DETAILS to him – the same details she was determined not to reveal not too long before. This was stupid. When Azrael refuses to help her, (because he’s worried about her safety and warns her to steer clear of asking questions that might land her in trouble) she then ignores him completely in the hopes that this manipulation would bring him around. Of course it does. Which brings me to…
• The hero, who is touted as this broody, elusive loner is actually a complete romantic sap who practically falls for the heroine at first sight. In fact, when we meet him, he’s thrown the masquerade ball in the hopes of seeing Serena because she’s been “stalking” him for weeks and he finds this intriguing. Really? This is part of my issues with the novel. Azrael, this apparent recluse, is way too eager to involve himself with a woman he barely knows. Yes, they share a past Serena knows nothing about (they were engaged as children, but Azreal calls it off) but they don’t KNOW each other. So his fascination with her really makes no sense. Also, considering our hero’s past and the fact that his father was a real piece of work, one would think that he’d put up more of a fight before tumbling head of heels in love. Nope. No such qualms. I was waiting for the angst, the push and pull as he rages internally trying to stay away and yet despite all his valiant efforts he’s unable to keep all his walls up. Sigh. His walls literally came crashing down almost from the start. By the 50% mark, they’re about to hop into bed together and declare their undying love. Bleh. For a book called, "Duke of Secrets" the man hardly kept a thing to himself.
• But before our two lovebirds can marry, Azrael needs to extricate himself from the clutches of the cult hoping to draw him into their inner circle. Enter the members of the Inferno Club series. Their mission is to take down the Prometheans and here’s Azrael willing to offer the cult up on a silver platter. I don’t know. Maybe I tend to like alpha males a lot more than I previously thought, but Azrael was a bit of a wuss IMO. I feel as though he cowers in the face of the males from the Inferno Club and that’s a little off-putting. While I didn’t expect him to walk in there brazenly without any thought to the potential consequences, I didn’t expect him to be so…defeatist either.
• Gaelen Foley is a good writer. My issue with her novels is that none of her characters, to me, are particularly memorable. I’ve read practically all of her novels and the only characters I remember are some from her Knight’s series – particularly Lizzie and Devlin – and they aren’t even Knight’s! GF’s books are well researched, perfectly acceptable romance novels, they just fail to leave any impression on me. And this is so disappointing. I want to love her books but it’s hard when I can’t remember what happened in any of them.
I'd give this a 2.5, but I can't round it up. That would be too generous.
March 2, 2017
Gaelen Foley has a new book out in her Moonlight Square series. DUKE OF SECRETS is the second book of the series and a bit more adventurous than One Moonlight Night and Duke of Scandal. It has a taste of the earlier Gaelen Foley stories. There are even a few characters from her Inferno Club series. In fact, it is a prequel of sorts to the books about the members of the infamous Dante House.
This story really grabs you quickly, and feeds the need to keep reading. I loved both the characters and the writing. The story was gripping; I couldn't wait to see what's going to come next. I actually read the majority in one day! (Life, and the need for sleep, made me finish the last three chapters the next day) Brava! Gaelen Foley!
Just a note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am a fan of her writing and would have happily paid for it anyway. I highly recommend especially if you are a fan of the Inferno Club series. If you havent read them, this might wet your appetite for them.
This story really grabs you quickly, and feeds the need to keep reading. I loved both the characters and the writing. The story was gripping; I couldn't wait to see what's going to come next. I actually read the majority in one day! (Life, and the need for sleep, made me finish the last three chapters the next day) Brava! Gaelen Foley!
Just a note: I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am a fan of her writing and would have happily paid for it anyway. I highly recommend especially if you are a fan of the Inferno Club series. If you havent read them, this might wet your appetite for them.
March 1, 2017
Gaelen Foley is back with the best Moonlight Square book so far, and this one will be difficult to surpass. Azrael and Serena were perfect for each other. Neither knew exactly who they really were. Azrael carried on a constant battle to not become his father. Serena threatened to do whatever necessary to discover her biological father.(I knew this would not turn out well.) Throw two secret societies into the mix, one good and one evil, and the adventure takes off, accelerating to a heroic conclusion.
I loved watching Serena change from a spoiled debutante into a compassionate, loving match for Azrael's lonely little boy in a man's body. The love and understanding she gave him brought him to life. The secondary characters were well-developed, and it was a treat to see the return of the Inferno Club. And for humor, Bianca Burns's "application" to be Azrael's mistress hit the mark.
I can't wait to see who is moving in on the corner!
I loved watching Serena change from a spoiled debutante into a compassionate, loving match for Azrael's lonely little boy in a man's body. The love and understanding she gave him brought him to life. The secondary characters were well-developed, and it was a treat to see the return of the Inferno Club. And for humor, Bianca Burns's "application" to be Azrael's mistress hit the mark.
I can't wait to see who is moving in on the corner!
February 1, 2021
3.5/5
Historical Romance with Gothic vibes!!
Azrael got my attention in the first book (especially for his name!). Somehow I knew he was going to become my favourite. I wasn't wrong.
He has a dark past, I mean it. His father was crazy about dark things, and he was awful with him. Then his tutor, who was also part of that circle. In conclusion, the poor guy suffered a lot. However, he grew up to be an incredible person. He doesn't want to marry, but at least he has a valid reason, their father's friends are extremely dangerous, and his family would always be in danger.
Serena is also incredible. If she wants something, she'll do everything to achieve it! Even if she gets in trouble (her first encounter with the duke was EVERYTHING).
The romance was on point!! Furthermore, the mystery/action scenes brought dynamism to the story and were entertaining.
With this book, I'm officially Gaelen Foley fan.
Historical Romance with Gothic vibes!!
Azrael got my attention in the first book (especially for his name!). Somehow I knew he was going to become my favourite. I wasn't wrong.
He has a dark past, I mean it. His father was crazy about dark things, and he was awful with him. Then his tutor, who was also part of that circle. In conclusion, the poor guy suffered a lot. However, he grew up to be an incredible person. He doesn't want to marry, but at least he has a valid reason, their father's friends are extremely dangerous, and his family would always be in danger.
Serena is also incredible. If she wants something, she'll do everything to achieve it! Even if she gets in trouble (her first encounter with the duke was EVERYTHING).
The romance was on point!! Furthermore, the mystery/action scenes brought dynamism to the story and were entertaining.
With this book, I'm officially Gaelen Foley fan.
August 18, 2017
Loved this book!! A Gaelan Foley gem!!
Rich characters, well written with a great mix of suspense, romance and humor! Can't wait for book 3!! Also loved the tie in to past series.
Rich characters, well written with a great mix of suspense, romance and humor! Can't wait for book 3!! Also loved the tie in to past series.
October 8, 2021
Rated 3.5
August 8, 2017
A SOLID 3.5 STARS!
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!
I have to say I was a little disappointed with this story. It was enjoyable, no doubt but I had such high expectations of the Duke of Rivenwood and the mysteries surrounding him. And yes, I'm a sucker for Duchy heroes. BUT, I just felt like his background...wasn't intense enough. Ms. Foley indicated at the end that Azrael was an inspiration from a fan who wondered if it's crazy of her to find the villain HOT. I think what would have made this story AMAZE-BALLS...is that the villain was actually A VILLAIN who eventually REFORMS into a GOOD GUY. That would have been challenging and breathtaking indeed.
OUR HERO
Honestly, my memory about the first book in Moonlight Square is a bit foggy after the long wait of this second installment. But, I do have a vague recollection about how intrigue I was with Azrael's character and I was a little bumped that he isn't the austere, cold character that Ioften enjoy reading about. He's a little rigid yes, but mostly because he was honed that way since young...it's kind of like his defense mechanism against a warped father. The only one who gets pass his guard is Lady Serena, the woman he was betrothed to at one point in their young lives, until he set her free. Now at 34, their paths cross again when the odd female stalks him and eventually breaks into his home during a Hallow's Eve Masquerade Ball at his home. Right at the beginning, we already see the depth of Azrael's feelings towards Serena, she being the forbidden fruit to him. Why? Well, it's because of their families' bad blood. NOPE, it ain't your average 'someone body killed somebody Italian Mafia' kind of plot, this one was based on the occult practices and sexual orgies of depraved political men, who are covertly planning to overrule the nation. According to Ms. Foley, this story was based on almost true events, such as the Illuminati and existing research materials related to the topic. Anyway, Azrael is torn between his desire for the mischievous, beautiful imp and his instincts to protect himself from his dead father's cronies. His father used to lead the PROMETHEAN, an underground occult society that dabbled with black magic whilst ruining the lives of others -including Serena's. With his father murdered years ago, his henchman Lord Stiver is out to make Azrael the next successor and the poor Duke had to play Hamlet for all his life to trick the doddering old badgers to think that he's touched in the head. Now that his life is entangled with Serena, he has no choice but to help her seek the truth of her parentage and perhaps there is no denying that he will have to face his demons and finally put the past to rest. His dedication to Serena is obvious in the sacrifices he made to his mentality of a traumatic childhood. Kudos, Your Grace!
OUR HEROINE
Serena, I'm pretty sure we met her in the first book...and she's currently discovered that the man she has called PAPA all her life isn't her biological donor. So, she's out to search for the truth and this causes a rift in her fond relationship with her mother. Serena is clearly attracted to the enigmatic Duke of Rivenwood, concluding that he was the key to discovering her real father, whose existence is shrouded in mysteries and eerie tales about the previous Duke of Rivenwood. But, how can she get close to him when they never had a formal introduction? So, when he sends her a formal invitation to his masquerade ball, she sneaks into his mansion to scour for clues. Of course, she didn't know that the Duke had been looking forward to her attendance but she snubbed him with a faux 'NO' in the RSVP. Imagine her surprise when she finds that Azrael keeps a pet leopard in the secret passageways of his home, not to mention being witness to scandalizing moment of him being fellated by a whore! Soon, their little adventure begins after a little resistance from Azrael's side until he realises the only way to keep her safe is to help her discover her true father's identity. Serena is in for a shock at the mysteries uncovered and second guesses her wish to know her true father, after finding out that she used to have a sister. Their adventure puts them in close proximity and allows their feelings to grow, rather easily too I might add since their chemistry was sizzling since CHAPTER ONE.
OVERALL
I'm not for or against the characters, there just wasn't anything special about them or the plot that didn't captivate me here. Jaded much? Maybe. But, the one character that did made FELL IN LOVE with was Raja, the pet Leopard. Sadly, he was the one who shone from the pages for me. The story may have started out promising...but I suppose the plot of an occult society...just seemed like something I have read aplenty so it didn't DO IT for me. BUT, I do commend the author on her hard work and research to define the experience for us readers as close to the original as possible.
THANK YOU, MS. FOLEY for instilling some knowledge in my brain and also genuine entertainment from your story-telling! I can't wait for your next story.
MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS!
I have to say I was a little disappointed with this story. It was enjoyable, no doubt but I had such high expectations of the Duke of Rivenwood and the mysteries surrounding him. And yes, I'm a sucker for Duchy heroes. BUT, I just felt like his background...wasn't intense enough. Ms. Foley indicated at the end that Azrael was an inspiration from a fan who wondered if it's crazy of her to find the villain HOT. I think what would have made this story AMAZE-BALLS...is that the villain was actually A VILLAIN who eventually REFORMS into a GOOD GUY. That would have been challenging and breathtaking indeed.
OUR HERO
Honestly, my memory about the first book in Moonlight Square is a bit foggy after the long wait of this second installment. But, I do have a vague recollection about how intrigue I was with Azrael's character and I was a little bumped that he isn't the austere, cold character that Ioften enjoy reading about. He's a little rigid yes, but mostly because he was honed that way since young...it's kind of like his defense mechanism against a warped father. The only one who gets pass his guard is Lady Serena, the woman he was betrothed to at one point in their young lives, until he set her free. Now at 34, their paths cross again when the odd female stalks him and eventually breaks into his home during a Hallow's Eve Masquerade Ball at his home. Right at the beginning, we already see the depth of Azrael's feelings towards Serena, she being the forbidden fruit to him. Why? Well, it's because of their families' bad blood. NOPE, it ain't your average 'someone body killed somebody Italian Mafia' kind of plot, this one was based on the occult practices and sexual orgies of depraved political men, who are covertly planning to overrule the nation. According to Ms. Foley, this story was based on almost true events, such as the Illuminati and existing research materials related to the topic. Anyway, Azrael is torn between his desire for the mischievous, beautiful imp and his instincts to protect himself from his dead father's cronies. His father used to lead the PROMETHEAN, an underground occult society that dabbled with black magic whilst ruining the lives of others -including Serena's. With his father murdered years ago, his henchman Lord Stiver is out to make Azrael the next successor and the poor Duke had to play Hamlet for all his life to trick the doddering old badgers to think that he's touched in the head. Now that his life is entangled with Serena, he has no choice but to help her seek the truth of her parentage and perhaps there is no denying that he will have to face his demons and finally put the past to rest. His dedication to Serena is obvious in the sacrifices he made to his mentality of a traumatic childhood. Kudos, Your Grace!
OUR HEROINE
Serena, I'm pretty sure we met her in the first book...and she's currently discovered that the man she has called PAPA all her life isn't her biological donor. So, she's out to search for the truth and this causes a rift in her fond relationship with her mother. Serena is clearly attracted to the enigmatic Duke of Rivenwood, concluding that he was the key to discovering her real father, whose existence is shrouded in mysteries and eerie tales about the previous Duke of Rivenwood. But, how can she get close to him when they never had a formal introduction? So, when he sends her a formal invitation to his masquerade ball, she sneaks into his mansion to scour for clues. Of course, she didn't know that the Duke had been looking forward to her attendance but she snubbed him with a faux 'NO' in the RSVP. Imagine her surprise when she finds that Azrael keeps a pet leopard in the secret passageways of his home, not to mention being witness to scandalizing moment of him being fellated by a whore! Soon, their little adventure begins after a little resistance from Azrael's side until he realises the only way to keep her safe is to help her discover her true father's identity. Serena is in for a shock at the mysteries uncovered and second guesses her wish to know her true father, after finding out that she used to have a sister. Their adventure puts them in close proximity and allows their feelings to grow, rather easily too I might add since their chemistry was sizzling since CHAPTER ONE.
OVERALL
I'm not for or against the characters, there just wasn't anything special about them or the plot that didn't captivate me here. Jaded much? Maybe. But, the one character that did made FELL IN LOVE with was Raja, the pet Leopard. Sadly, he was the one who shone from the pages for me. The story may have started out promising...but I suppose the plot of an occult society...just seemed like something I have read aplenty so it didn't DO IT for me. BUT, I do commend the author on her hard work and research to define the experience for us readers as close to the original as possible.
THANK YOU, MS. FOLEY for instilling some knowledge in my brain and also genuine entertainment from your story-telling! I can't wait for your next story.
December 4, 2020
Predvianočný čas je ako stvorený na návštevu londýnskeho Moonlight Square, kde sa znova pretkávajú osudy jeho obyvateľov. Gaelen Foley v druhej časti série predstavuje vo väčšej miere vojvodu z Rivenwoodu, ktorého sme mali možnosť spoznať už v Škandalóznom vojvodovi. Vytvoril dojem záhadného, no veľmi príťažlivého a bohatého príslušníka vysokej vrstvy. Na rozdiel od iných mladých šľachticov, s ktorými sme sa už v rámci série stretli, sa Azrael Chambers vyhýba spoločenským udalostiam a dáva prednosť životu v ústraní. Keď jeho starostlivo budovaný pokoj naruší krásna lady Serena Parkerová, spustí sa kolotoč udalostí vedúcich k odhaleniu skrytých tajomstiev, ale aj k vzplanutiu horúcich citov.
"Vôbec sa k nemu nesnažila priblížiť alebo sa s ním nebodaj porozprávať. Zdalo sa, že jeho existencia jej je úplne ukradnutá, zatiaľ čo on ňou bol prakticky posadnutý. Pripadal si ako hlupák. Pomaly si začínal uvedomovať pravdu a prebúdzal sa v ňom hnev. Takže odo mňa chcela iba informácie. Pravdaže. To bol jediný dôvod, preto mu dovolila, aby ju pobozkal. Celá tá pozornosť, ktorú mu počas sezóny venovala, mala len jeden sebecký cieľ. Nikdy to nesúviselo s ním. Hneď ako zistila, že nedostane odpovede, ktoré chcela, odkopla ho." (str. 83)
Priaznivci autorkinej tvorby si pri tomto románe určite prídu na svoje. Okrajovo sa totiž vracia k svojej azda najznámejšej sérii - Klubu Inferno. Dokonca sa tu mihne aj niekoľko dobre známych postáv, hoci zároveň treba dodať, že dej Tajomného vojvodu sa odohráva pred udalosťami danej série, a tak je akýmsi jemným prequelom. Navyše sa viac týka nepriateľskej organizácie, čo ešte viac zvýrazňuje jeho zaujímavosť. To román odlišuje aj od predchádzajúceho - prvého - dielu. Kým ten bol založený predovšetkým na ľahkej romantike a humornom nadhľade, aktuálna novinka je o niečo dobrodružnejšia. Priznám sa, že táto spisovateľkina poloha mi vyhovuje viac, už som si na ňu zvykol. Niežeby neboli jej pokojnejšie plynúce príbehy rovnako pútavé, iba im chýba povestná napínavá iskra, ktorá je pre Gaelen Foley typická. Tajomný vojvoda už od úvodu nastolí správnu atmosféru a drží sa jej až do konca. Serena a Azrael majú medzi sebou skvelú chémiu a veríte im každé slovo aj mätež pocitov. Ich vzájomné interakcie sú totiž ako na hojdačke - od záchrany života cez následné odmerané správanie až po výbuch vášne. Hneď ako sa Serena pustí do pátrania ohľadom svojho pôvodu, prehlbujú sa jej kontakty s Azraelom, pretože je to práve on, kto jej môže poskytnúť vzácne odpovede. Preto neváha vniknúť do jeho domu pod falošnou zámienkou, i keď krátko nato mu všetko dopodrobna vyklopí - to sa mi javí ako maličký zádrhel v rámci logiky, no vzhľadom na smerovanie deja je to pochopiteľné. Samozrejme, Azrael ju nechce nijako ohroziť, Serena však nemieni ostať sedieť so založenými rukami. A tak sú naši hrdinovia chtiac-nechtiac vtiahnutí súhrou osudu a náhod do nebezpečných hier, pri ktorých ich to k sebe priťahuje čoraz bližšie. To vedie, prirodzene, k horúcim scénam aj k romanticky ladeným pasážam, takže po láske túžiaci čitatelia si opätovne prídu na svoje.
"Čím viac sa Serena vnárala do dokumentov, tým väčšmi sa aj jej dvíhal žalúdok. Začala si priať, aby nachádzala výlučne finančné doklady a záznamy. To, čo odkryla, však bolo znepokojujúce. Oveľa horšie. Spomínal sa tam istý muž, lord Jarvis, o ktorom úprimne dúfala, že nie je jej otec. Ten bol obzvlášť zvrátený a obľuboval veľmi mladé dievčatá. Pri čítaní o únosoch náhodných mladých žien v rôznom veku, ktoré si zaobstarával na isté príležitosti, jej vyschlo v ústach." (str. 178)
Tajomný vojvoda ma bavil viac ako prvá časť série, nepochybne pre prepojenie s Klubom Inferno, ktoré si dobre pamätám aj po rokoch. Táto dejová línia robí z knihy zaujímavé čítanie, ktoré poteší každého fanúšika historických romancí. Gaelen Foley má osobitý štýl, pričom stačí jedna kapitola, aby ste sa naladili na jej vlnu a užili si všetko, čo vám ponúka. Vzhľadom na to, že séria Moonlight Square má kvalitatívne vzostupnú tendenciu, som zvedavý, čo prinesú ďalšie dva diely. Autorka má na konte už viacero vydarených diel, takže návraty k rôznym postavám a rozširovanie celkového univerza je výborným spôsobom, ako si udržať priazeň čitateľov.
"Vôbec sa k nemu nesnažila priblížiť alebo sa s ním nebodaj porozprávať. Zdalo sa, že jeho existencia jej je úplne ukradnutá, zatiaľ čo on ňou bol prakticky posadnutý. Pripadal si ako hlupák. Pomaly si začínal uvedomovať pravdu a prebúdzal sa v ňom hnev. Takže odo mňa chcela iba informácie. Pravdaže. To bol jediný dôvod, preto mu dovolila, aby ju pobozkal. Celá tá pozornosť, ktorú mu počas sezóny venovala, mala len jeden sebecký cieľ. Nikdy to nesúviselo s ním. Hneď ako zistila, že nedostane odpovede, ktoré chcela, odkopla ho." (str. 83)
Priaznivci autorkinej tvorby si pri tomto románe určite prídu na svoje. Okrajovo sa totiž vracia k svojej azda najznámejšej sérii - Klubu Inferno. Dokonca sa tu mihne aj niekoľko dobre známych postáv, hoci zároveň treba dodať, že dej Tajomného vojvodu sa odohráva pred udalosťami danej série, a tak je akýmsi jemným prequelom. Navyše sa viac týka nepriateľskej organizácie, čo ešte viac zvýrazňuje jeho zaujímavosť. To román odlišuje aj od predchádzajúceho - prvého - dielu. Kým ten bol založený predovšetkým na ľahkej romantike a humornom nadhľade, aktuálna novinka je o niečo dobrodružnejšia. Priznám sa, že táto spisovateľkina poloha mi vyhovuje viac, už som si na ňu zvykol. Niežeby neboli jej pokojnejšie plynúce príbehy rovnako pútavé, iba im chýba povestná napínavá iskra, ktorá je pre Gaelen Foley typická. Tajomný vojvoda už od úvodu nastolí správnu atmosféru a drží sa jej až do konca. Serena a Azrael majú medzi sebou skvelú chémiu a veríte im každé slovo aj mätež pocitov. Ich vzájomné interakcie sú totiž ako na hojdačke - od záchrany života cez následné odmerané správanie až po výbuch vášne. Hneď ako sa Serena pustí do pátrania ohľadom svojho pôvodu, prehlbujú sa jej kontakty s Azraelom, pretože je to práve on, kto jej môže poskytnúť vzácne odpovede. Preto neváha vniknúť do jeho domu pod falošnou zámienkou, i keď krátko nato mu všetko dopodrobna vyklopí - to sa mi javí ako maličký zádrhel v rámci logiky, no vzhľadom na smerovanie deja je to pochopiteľné. Samozrejme, Azrael ju nechce nijako ohroziť, Serena však nemieni ostať sedieť so založenými rukami. A tak sú naši hrdinovia chtiac-nechtiac vtiahnutí súhrou osudu a náhod do nebezpečných hier, pri ktorých ich to k sebe priťahuje čoraz bližšie. To vedie, prirodzene, k horúcim scénam aj k romanticky ladeným pasážam, takže po láske túžiaci čitatelia si opätovne prídu na svoje.
"Čím viac sa Serena vnárala do dokumentov, tým väčšmi sa aj jej dvíhal žalúdok. Začala si priať, aby nachádzala výlučne finančné doklady a záznamy. To, čo odkryla, však bolo znepokojujúce. Oveľa horšie. Spomínal sa tam istý muž, lord Jarvis, o ktorom úprimne dúfala, že nie je jej otec. Ten bol obzvlášť zvrátený a obľuboval veľmi mladé dievčatá. Pri čítaní o únosoch náhodných mladých žien v rôznom veku, ktoré si zaobstarával na isté príležitosti, jej vyschlo v ústach." (str. 178)
Tajomný vojvoda ma bavil viac ako prvá časť série, nepochybne pre prepojenie s Klubom Inferno, ktoré si dobre pamätám aj po rokoch. Táto dejová línia robí z knihy zaujímavé čítanie, ktoré poteší každého fanúšika historických romancí. Gaelen Foley má osobitý štýl, pričom stačí jedna kapitola, aby ste sa naladili na jej vlnu a užili si všetko, čo vám ponúka. Vzhľadom na to, že séria Moonlight Square má kvalitatívne vzostupnú tendenciu, som zvedavý, čo prinesú ďalšie dva diely. Autorka má na konte už viacero vydarených diel, takže návraty k rôznym postavám a rozširovanie celkového univerza je výborným spôsobom, ako si udržať priazeň čitateľov.
January 15, 2024
4'5 Estrellas. A diferencia del primero, este libro sí que ha estado a la altura. Al principio fue un tanto extraño, pero en seguida se encauza hasta lograr el ritmo necesario.
"Duke of Secrets" es el segundo libro de la serie Moonlight Square, ése selecto barrio de Londres donde en cada esquina vive un duque a cual más joven, atractivo y misterioso. En este caso tenemos a Azrael, duquede Rivenwood. Un hombre tan peligroso como atractivo, que bajo su angelical apariencia y nombre, vivió una infancia infernal a manos de su padre, el líder de una oscura secta llena de perversiones.
Serena Parker es la hija de un conde, una de las vecinas de Moonlight Square. A su vez, el mundo de Serena se tambalea cuando descubre un gran secreto familiar, un secreto que le atañe a ella, en el cual descubre que su vida es toda una mentira. Sólo el duque de Rivenwood puede ayudar a Serena a desentrañar ese secreto y encontrar lo que busca.
Aunque Serena es invitada a un baile de máscaras en casa de Rivenwood, al principio declina la invitación porque sus padres le advertían contra él. Pero tras conocer su historia, decide infiltrarse en la fiesta, y allí será cuando realmente conozca al hombre, al duque. Pero Azrael no está muy por la labor de ayudarla, primero porque no lo sabe, y segundo, porque es muy peligroso. La gente con la que su padre se juntaba era de lo peor de la sociedad, y es mejor mantener a Serena apartada de ello.
El problema entre ellos es que en seguida empiezan a atraerse, y el gran aliciente fue que ambos estuvieron prometidos de niños, pero cuando Azrael cumplió la mayoría de edad, decidió romper el compromiso, para no seguir los dictámenes que le habían impuesto los secuaces de su brutal padre.
En este libro tendremos una historia oscura, como a las que nos tiene acostumbradas Gaelen Foley, ésta autora no es de tramas sencillas, si no que siempre incluye una historia de trasfondo que ayude al enamoramiento de los protagonistas. En este caso, la autora ha vuelto a traernos al Club Inferno y a sus enemigos, los Prometeos. ¿Qué pasaría si el hijo de un Prometeo fuese un digno protagonista capaz de echar por tierra todo lo que esa secta ha construido? Pues eso es este libro. Lo que sí me ha parecido, es que la historia ocurre antes de la propia serie Club Inferno.
El romance me ha gustado mucho y ha sido un aliciente el que los protagonistas estuviesen prometidos tiempo ha, eso ha ayudado a creerse algo más la historia y que no fuese un simple instalove. Azrael es del tipo protagonista angelical, pero oscuro, como oscuro fue su pasado, y Serena es la dama perfecta, pero dispuesta a conseguir lo que quiere, y lo que quiere es descubrir la verdad sobre su pasado.
Me ha convencido mucho y he disfrutado de su lectura, además, el final me ha dejado con las ganas de continuar la serie, así que no tardaré. La pena, es que Gaelen Foley ya no sea una de las buenas autoras que se publican en castellano.
"Duke of Secrets" es el segundo libro de la serie Moonlight Square, ése selecto barrio de Londres donde en cada esquina vive un duque a cual más joven, atractivo y misterioso. En este caso tenemos a Azrael, duquede Rivenwood. Un hombre tan peligroso como atractivo, que bajo su angelical apariencia y nombre, vivió una infancia infernal a manos de su padre, el líder de una oscura secta llena de perversiones.
Serena Parker es la hija de un conde, una de las vecinas de Moonlight Square. A su vez, el mundo de Serena se tambalea cuando descubre un gran secreto familiar, un secreto que le atañe a ella, en el cual descubre que su vida es toda una mentira. Sólo el duque de Rivenwood puede ayudar a Serena a desentrañar ese secreto y encontrar lo que busca.
Aunque Serena es invitada a un baile de máscaras en casa de Rivenwood, al principio declina la invitación porque sus padres le advertían contra él. Pero tras conocer su historia, decide infiltrarse en la fiesta, y allí será cuando realmente conozca al hombre, al duque. Pero Azrael no está muy por la labor de ayudarla, primero porque no lo sabe, y segundo, porque es muy peligroso. La gente con la que su padre se juntaba era de lo peor de la sociedad, y es mejor mantener a Serena apartada de ello.
El problema entre ellos es que en seguida empiezan a atraerse, y el gran aliciente fue que ambos estuvieron prometidos de niños, pero cuando Azrael cumplió la mayoría de edad, decidió romper el compromiso, para no seguir los dictámenes que le habían impuesto los secuaces de su brutal padre.
En este libro tendremos una historia oscura, como a las que nos tiene acostumbradas Gaelen Foley, ésta autora no es de tramas sencillas, si no que siempre incluye una historia de trasfondo que ayude al enamoramiento de los protagonistas. En este caso, la autora ha vuelto a traernos al Club Inferno y a sus enemigos, los Prometeos. ¿Qué pasaría si el hijo de un Prometeo fuese un digno protagonista capaz de echar por tierra todo lo que esa secta ha construido? Pues eso es este libro. Lo que sí me ha parecido, es que la historia ocurre antes de la propia serie Club Inferno.
El romance me ha gustado mucho y ha sido un aliciente el que los protagonistas estuviesen prometidos tiempo ha, eso ha ayudado a creerse algo más la historia y que no fuese un simple instalove. Azrael es del tipo protagonista angelical, pero oscuro, como oscuro fue su pasado, y Serena es la dama perfecta, pero dispuesta a conseguir lo que quiere, y lo que quiere es descubrir la verdad sobre su pasado.
Me ha convencido mucho y he disfrutado de su lectura, además, el final me ha dejado con las ganas de continuar la serie, así que no tardaré. La pena, es que Gaelen Foley ya no sea una de las buenas autoras que se publican en castellano.
February 21, 2023
Falling for the Duke
Lady Serene Parker was being courted by Lord Tobias Guilfoyle. Tobias is a writer who has written about ghost and other folklore. He was researching about Serene family to add to his book. He called off everything after finding her family was involved in the occult, and not sure who her father really was.
Serene started stalking Azrael the Duke of Rivenwood, as she felt he could help her. Rivenwood decides to have masked ball for Halloween and invite her. She turns down the invite. Serene sneaks into Azrael house to look for information that can help her.
Azrael trys to tell Serena it's to dangerous to go searching and he refuses to help her. His father second hand man comes to him, hoping he will come back to the occult like his father wanted him to.
Azrael catches Serena is asking others about his father and her family. Trying to get answers for her questions. He says he will help her. He tells her about what he knows.
Will it all work or and love bloom?
Lady Serene Parker was being courted by Lord Tobias Guilfoyle. Tobias is a writer who has written about ghost and other folklore. He was researching about Serene family to add to his book. He called off everything after finding her family was involved in the occult, and not sure who her father really was.
Serene started stalking Azrael the Duke of Rivenwood, as she felt he could help her. Rivenwood decides to have masked ball for Halloween and invite her. She turns down the invite. Serene sneaks into Azrael house to look for information that can help her.
Azrael trys to tell Serena it's to dangerous to go searching and he refuses to help her. His father second hand man comes to him, hoping he will come back to the occult like his father wanted him to.
Azrael catches Serena is asking others about his father and her family. Trying to get answers for her questions. He says he will help her. He tells her about what he knows.
Will it all work or and love bloom?
March 20, 2017
Asrael tries to stay away from the Prometheans which his fathered ruled until his death. His neighbor Serena wants to know about the Prometheans and the hold they had on her parents in the past. Serena pushes her inquiries and Asrael decides to help her in order to protect her.
I enjoyed this story. Asrael is different from the usual hero in Regencies. While he may hold the title, he is unconcerned about it. He makes sure that what must be done is done but he is not in the inner circle of government. He has some unusual house guests at his different estates and homes. He does not care what people think of him. He is intrigued by Serena. As Serena searches for the truth about her parents' pasts she is more drawn to Asrael. She is determined and persistent which I love about her.
At times the story feels more modern day than historical because of how things are stated, Serena's freedom, and Asrael's rejection of what society deemed proper for a titled gentleman. I like that because the characters feel real to me, not like stilted caricatures of the times. I like how the story touches on Ms. Foley's Inferno Club series. It seems a part of that series as well as the Moonlight Square series
I enjoyed this story. Asrael is different from the usual hero in Regencies. While he may hold the title, he is unconcerned about it. He makes sure that what must be done is done but he is not in the inner circle of government. He has some unusual house guests at his different estates and homes. He does not care what people think of him. He is intrigued by Serena. As Serena searches for the truth about her parents' pasts she is more drawn to Asrael. She is determined and persistent which I love about her.
At times the story feels more modern day than historical because of how things are stated, Serena's freedom, and Asrael's rejection of what society deemed proper for a titled gentleman. I like that because the characters feel real to me, not like stilted caricatures of the times. I like how the story touches on Ms. Foley's Inferno Club series. It seems a part of that series as well as the Moonlight Square series
June 15, 2020
Yikes! I was worried at the end that a lot of stuff was gonna go awry yet before the villains got their comeuppance.
But I needn’t have worried. Serena and Azrael get their HEA, Azrael gets a haircut 😆, Raja is OK ...and the Dunhaven family stayed together despite the revelation of their darkest secret.
But the way the comeuppance was served sounded almost like a repeat from one of the Inferno Club series endings ... ? (A la Star Wars’ Admiral Akbar, “It’s a trap!”) Plus a loyal leopard thrown in. 😁
And then the protagonist in the next novel is introduced almost at the very end. Well, we don’t meet him just yet, but signs of his appearance in the neighborhood are remarked upon.
On to the next one!
But I needn’t have worried. Serena and Azrael get their HEA, Azrael gets a haircut 😆, Raja is OK ...and the Dunhaven family stayed together despite the revelation of their darkest secret.
But the way the comeuppance was served sounded almost like a repeat from one of the Inferno Club series endings ... ? (A la Star Wars’ Admiral Akbar, “It’s a trap!”) Plus a loyal leopard thrown in. 😁
And then the protagonist in the next novel is introduced almost at the very end. Well, we don’t meet him just yet, but signs of his appearance in the neighborhood are remarked upon.
On to the next one!
March 4, 2017
Azreal Chambers, the Duke of Rivenwood, is well known for his reclusive eccentricity. He wants nothing to do with his late father’s diabolical cult. Azreal bumps into with his former betrothed when the headstrong minx steals into his home. He reluctantly agrees to assist Serena in her search, only to keep the beautiful temptress from the cult’s notice. Azreal fights his growing attraction to the beguiling woman. He dreads revisiting his past demons, yet Serena’s presence helps him exorcise them for good. Can Azreal evade the dark destiny he was born into?
Lady Serena Parker receives some disconcerting information about her parents. She sneaks inside Azrael Chamber’s home in search of clues of her birth father’s identity. The handsome yet eccentric duke enlightens Serena to even more of her parents’ secrets. She manages to cajole Azrael’s help in her desperate endeavor. During their excursion for the truth, Serena learns more about the solitary duke. Will Serena learn the truth she desperately seeks? And at what price?
I love the uniqueness of Azreal’s name, although I never knew its meaning until this book. It is so eye-catching and different from the usual, common names found in historical romances. Azreal swiftly claimed my heart. I empathize with his reasons for keeping people at bay and his inability to trust after all he suffered from his late father and then his guardians. I admire Azreal’s ingenuity of deceiving his guardians and father’s occult lackeys into believing he was too mentally damaged to join their immortal ranks. I like how Azreal strived to become his evil and cruel father’s opposite.
Serena steadily grew on me. At first, she came off as too selfish and self-absorbed for my tastes. However, the more Serena interacted with Azreal and learned about the horrors he endured, she changed for the better. I adore how she picked up on his discomfort at public scrutiny and used her charms to garner the attention onto herself. She won me over with her show of generosity towards the lower class. But what I like the most about Serena is that the promise of her love gave Azreal the needed push to fight for their possible future happiness.
DUKE OF SECRETS is book two in Gaelen Foley’s historical romance series, MOONLIGHT SQUARE. I like how the heroes from the prequel and first book are mentioned in this story, giving hints of their lives. The heroes from the author’s THE INFERNO CLUB series also make appearances in the story, but unfortunately I’m unfamiliar with that series.
DUKE OF SECRETS in a transfixing, suspenseful story of love giving one the impetus to fight their dark destiny. I love the gothic vibe the author infused into the story-telling. I cannot wait for the next Moonlight Square resident to find their happily-ever-after.
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
Lady Serena Parker receives some disconcerting information about her parents. She sneaks inside Azrael Chamber’s home in search of clues of her birth father’s identity. The handsome yet eccentric duke enlightens Serena to even more of her parents’ secrets. She manages to cajole Azrael’s help in her desperate endeavor. During their excursion for the truth, Serena learns more about the solitary duke. Will Serena learn the truth she desperately seeks? And at what price?
I love the uniqueness of Azreal’s name, although I never knew its meaning until this book. It is so eye-catching and different from the usual, common names found in historical romances. Azreal swiftly claimed my heart. I empathize with his reasons for keeping people at bay and his inability to trust after all he suffered from his late father and then his guardians. I admire Azreal’s ingenuity of deceiving his guardians and father’s occult lackeys into believing he was too mentally damaged to join their immortal ranks. I like how Azreal strived to become his evil and cruel father’s opposite.
Serena steadily grew on me. At first, she came off as too selfish and self-absorbed for my tastes. However, the more Serena interacted with Azreal and learned about the horrors he endured, she changed for the better. I adore how she picked up on his discomfort at public scrutiny and used her charms to garner the attention onto herself. She won me over with her show of generosity towards the lower class. But what I like the most about Serena is that the promise of her love gave Azreal the needed push to fight for their possible future happiness.
DUKE OF SECRETS is book two in Gaelen Foley’s historical romance series, MOONLIGHT SQUARE. I like how the heroes from the prequel and first book are mentioned in this story, giving hints of their lives. The heroes from the author’s THE INFERNO CLUB series also make appearances in the story, but unfortunately I’m unfamiliar with that series.
DUKE OF SECRETS in a transfixing, suspenseful story of love giving one the impetus to fight their dark destiny. I love the gothic vibe the author infused into the story-telling. I cannot wait for the next Moonlight Square resident to find their happily-ever-after.
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
August 6, 2017
3.5 stars. An enjoyable read, but I thought the romance resolved much too quickly to be believable, then as soon as it did, the story did a 180 into the usual bad guys/good guys/spy 'race against' time trope. Not sure about the hero - at times he seemed like a puppy that had lost his way and needed to be rescued - but he was cute... Some of the speech and situations also seemed a bit modern as well and there wasn't a great deal of in depth character development, but apart from those things, I would recommend this book as it kept me engrossed to the end.
May 18, 2017
I like that the hero is keep blushing and shy also not afraid to fight for the women he loves, even tho at firts he's afraid and on denial about his feeling but finally he overcame those feelings for his love.
And as for the heroine even tho she's in love with him but she didn't beg for his love and stand courage and brave.. i don't women that really begs attentions much anywa so far i will give 4 stars.
And as for the heroine even tho she's in love with him but she didn't beg for his love and stand courage and brave.. i don't women that really begs attentions much anywa so far i will give 4 stars.
January 29, 2018
The second book in the series is quite different from the others, in that this Duke has shunned society because of his past and his family's dark history. The heroine, Serena has her own demons to face. Despite Azrael's attempts to keep Serena at arms length, for her own protection, they form an unlikely bond. This novel was filled with suspense and danger, right up to the climatic ending.
Received ARC in exchange for honest review.
Received ARC in exchange for honest review.
April 18, 2024
How I loved this book. Azrael and Serena are an adorable couple. Although Azrael was afraid of having a happy future, I loved that he was looking for a way to make that possible.
And what to say about my beautiful Inferno Club. I loved to read from them again despite the fact that this story is prior to theirs. I can’t wait to reread them.
And the villains… 10/10. They were perfect.
Gaeley never disappoints.
And what to say about my beautiful Inferno Club. I loved to read from them again despite the fact that this story is prior to theirs. I can’t wait to reread them.
And the villains… 10/10. They were perfect.
Gaeley never disappoints.
March 24, 2017
I was looking forward to this story coming out. I wanted to like it more than I did. The main male character went through such horrible things that it made me depressed. I wished there were a few more positives that happened to the main characters. Also the main female character was so spoiled that she was irritating. I did like the visits of characters from another of Foley's series in this story.
February 11, 2019
Really enjoyed this book, the whole series has been good but enjoyed this book best,s
Have read all Gaelen Foley books and always enjoy them, this one was in my opinion the best in this series so far, and it was lovely hear about past loved characters again like catching up with old friends
Have read all Gaelen Foley books and always enjoy them, this one was in my opinion the best in this series so far, and it was lovely hear about past loved characters again like catching up with old friends
April 4, 2020
Wow!!!
Absolutely brilliant! This book had it all. I could not put it down. The romance was spot on. The story was very intriguing. The characters were all well-written and I may have become slightly attached. I hope Toby has a story, even if it is stand alone. This story reminded me how much I loved the Inferno Club series. I highly recommend that series as well.
Absolutely brilliant! This book had it all. I could not put it down. The romance was spot on. The story was very intriguing. The characters were all well-written and I may have become slightly attached. I hope Toby has a story, even if it is stand alone. This story reminded me how much I loved the Inferno Club series. I highly recommend that series as well.
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