Tag: Jess Michaels

The Redemption of a Rogue by Jess Michaels

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Redemption of a Rogue (The Duke's By-Blows, #4)The Redemption of a Rogue by Jess Michaels

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Duke’s By-Blows, #4

Release Date: October 13, 2020

Desperate times call for desperate measures, at least that is what widowed Imogen Huxley believes. When her husband died and left her penniless, his family was far from sympathetic, they told her she could stay in their care for her year of mourning and then they were done with her, so with no family and no skills, Imogen decides that she has no choice but to become a courtesan. Terrified her husband’s family will learn of her actions before she can find a protector and kick her out, she looks for a man in some of London’s seedier brothels, including the Cat’s Companion. It is there where her life takes a turn from bad to worse, when she sees the madame, Maggie and the Earl of Roddenbury standing over the body of a dead woman and overhears them discussing the fact that the earl killed her and that she wasn’t the first, Imogen gasps and draws their attention to her – she takes off and runs out into the alley, where she runs right into the arms of Oscar Fitzhugh.

Oscar is the first of the late Duke of Roseford’s illegitimate children and the owner of Fitzhugh’s a popular men’s club. He is in the alley behind the Cat’s Companion looking for answers, his former mistress went missing and is presumed dead and Oscar wants answers. He and Louisa parted ways when she fell in love with him and wanted him to love her in return, when he made it clear that he was not capable of love, she left him and not long after, he got word she was dead. Now he wants to know why and has come to the brothel looking for answers, but instead what he finds in another woman in trouble. Unable to turn his back on her, he whisks her away to his home and when he learns what she witnessed, he knows her life is in danger and believes the Roddenbury is likely responsible for Louisa’s demise as well.

He offers to help her and keep her safe, but makes it clear that no one – including her dearest friend Aurora – can know where she is. With no options, Imogen gratefully agrees. They both try to fight the intense attraction they feel, but soon they give into desire and become lovers. Oscar makes it clear that he only wants a physical relationship, love is not in the cards for him and he doesn’t want to hurt her as he did Louisa. Imogen agrees but it is obvious that neither one of them is going to be able to abide by the terms, especially when things with Roddenbury escalate and Oscar is forced to face his feelings not only for Imogen, but for Louisa and his siblings as well.

This was well written, fast moving, intense story with wonderful characters and very steamy love scenes. Oscar might be one of the most emotionally suppressed heroes I have ever read, he has such a good heart and cares deeply, but he refuses to name his emotions thinking that if he doesn’t admit to them, they can’t hurt him, but once he meets Imogen, the wall he has always used to keep his feelings in check begins to fall apart. The story is full of mystery, emotion, great secondary characters, including cameos from Selina, Derrick and Nicholas and well as Lucas and Diana from the 1797 club, a really nasty villain, steamy love scenes and finally a very touching declaration scene leading to HEA. This is the fourth book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title. I enjoyed this book and would happily recommend this title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

The Matter of a Marquess by Jess Michaels

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Regency Era (1811-1820)Leave a comment

The Matter of a Marquess (The Duke's Bastards, #3)Barbara’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: The Duke’s Bastards #3
Publication Date: 8/18/20
Number of Pages: 242

This is a great addition to the Duke’s Bastards series (or The Duke’s By-Blows since Amazon doesn’t like the word Bastards). As always, I loved the characters, the steaminess, the plot and, of course, the writing was first-class. I loved Nicholas in the last book especially and could hardly wait for his book – and it was well worth the wait. While the book is part of a series, you can read it as a standalone. I can’t imagine why you’d want to do that because the series is wonderful – but you can.

Lady Aurora Lovell and Nicholas Gillingham grew up together and then they loved each other, and then they went their separate ways. They didn’t part deliberately – each thought the other had betrayed them – but parted they were – for almost ten years. She married – unhappily – and he became a badly wounded war hero.

Aurora, now a widow, leaves London for a house party at the Duke of Roseford’s estate because she is in the middle of a scandal. She was caught in a brothel while looking for her best friend – trying to rescue her. No matter the reason she was there, she is forever tarnished.

Nicholas has been trying to recover from his grievous wounds for the past two years and while he is greatly improved, he’s not completely healed. Since he was injured saving others – including a nobleman’s son – the crown has been considering bestowing a Marquessate on him. He REALLY wants that marquessate! He wants that power that goes with it so nothing can ever be taken from him again. ** I’m sure the author must have researched it, but, I thought the crown could bestow a title when, where, and to whom they wanted. This book makes it seem as if there has to be a campaign and meetings and…. Well, you name it. **

Nicholas’s half-brother, Robert, decides to have a house party and invite many guests of influence to help Nicholas in his quest for the title. Robert’s wife also invites a new friend to the party. When those two meet – WOW! Nicholas’s breath is sucked right out of his body and Aurora’s jaw drops. How could this be? It is like they never parted – and in their hearts, they never did.

Will Aurora and Nicholas let the past keep them from having a future? Can each forgive the other and themselves? What will happen with the Marquessate if Nicholas associates himself with scandal-ridden Aurora? Can Aurora find and rescue her friend? Oh! My Goodness – you’ll just have to read the book to find out. BTW – there is a nice set-up for the next book – and it looks like it will be a great read as well.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.