It's definitely one of the best romance books I've read. I read this one it spurred me to read every last one of the other books this author has written. I loved the story, the hero, the heroine. They seemed to have so much more depth than a lot of characters I've read about in the past. And the love scenes...very steamy. Such a great book.

This was a pretty good read. Although, I thought the ending was rather corny. However, I can't wait to finish the series.

I quite liked this book, except for a few very disturbing things.
Spoiler warning!
First, I didn't like it that the heroine was raped. This really was not necessary, and it's just so cruel to do this to any character in any romance book. The writer could come up with some other explanation for heroin's choice of profession. Besides, I doubt that any raped woman would decide to sell herself - high-class courtesan or not. Furthermore, a raped woman would not willingly perform sexual service of any kind to a man who doesn't even respect her.
I also had problems with the fact that the hero is a duke. Not to mention that the marriages of the dukes were arranged - they were engaged at a young age and had no choice in whom to marry. And no duke could possibly marry a woman who is his mistress! The society would never, under no conditions accept a person who sold herself. Not to mention that he brings her to his home when he decides to make her his mistress.
Well, these things aside, this book still made me feel many things - joy, fear, sadness, desperation, anger, happiness - and to me, that is the point of reading.

"The Duke" was the first book I picked up from Gaelen Foley, and it still remains one of my all time favorite historical romances.

I loved Bel, and I loved the fact that she wasn't a traditional heroine, but rather one who accepted and chose a lot in life that would forever brand her. Throughout the story, you understood her choices, understood the depths of emotions that brought her where she was. I loved the look at life from that perspective, how someone in her shoes would be treated, would feel...and time and again, she rose to the occasion.

You are truly drawn through the paces with the Duke and Belinda, as they learn to love, as they learn to accept. I enjoyed the build up to their relationship, I enjoyed every interaction they had. And I loved seeing how they grew in the course of the story.

Bottom line, there are no perfect people here -- Gaelen Foley's characters are real and make us root for that happy ending all the more. An excellent read.

I felt happy after reading it. It put me in a good mood. I liked the heroine. There was a twist that I hadn't expected. The separation after they got together was well done. Bel leaves him and I was glad, cheering her on. For many romance novels, I am disappointed in how the author separates the lovers. It's a treat when I agree with the reasons one of the lovers leaves.

Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: six. Setting: 1814 London. Copyright: 2000. Genre: regency romance.

To date there are seven books in the Knight family series, of which I have read six, as follows. My review for His Wicked Kiss was posted to Amazon on 2/6/07. All the rest are posted on 5/26/08.
The Duke (4.5 stars)
Lord of Fire (2 stars)
Lord of Ice (3.5 stars)
Lady of Desire (4.5 stars)
Devil Takes a Bride (2 stars)
His Wicked Kiss (3 stars)