Unwrapping an Interview with Jess Michaels, author of the Ladies Book of Pleasures series

Yesterday, A MEASURE OF DECEIT, book 3 in the Ladies Book of Pleasures series by Jess Michaels released and gave us the answer to the identity of The Lady, the authoress of the scandalous LADIES BOOK OF PLEASURES. Lady Grace, Duchess of Jameswood may have penned the book which led her two dearest friends to their happily-ever-afters but she is lonely, and missing the thrill of being in love and happily mated. A MEASURE OF DECEIT gives us her story and introduces us to the sexy Scotsman, Connor Sheridan – the man who published her book and claims Grace’s heart.

Joining me today is the fabulous author of so many amazing erotic historical romances, and the creator of this fabulous series, the incomparable Jess Michaels.

Blurb for A MEASURE OF DECEIT:

Even Society’s most scandalous writer couldn’t have predicted this.

The Ladies Book of Pleasures, now credited with two marriages and countless other affairs and liaisons, has Society all aflutter. The one person not benefitting from its scandalous advice? The author herself.

From the safety of her anonymity, Lady Grace Hollis, Duchess of Jameswood, enjoys the blissful results of her handiwork—and pretends she does not miss the passionate proclivities she penned. But when her handsome editor begins making the rounds of Society parties, she wonders how long her secret will be safe.

Connor Sheridan wants—needs—to know the answer to the one burning question on everyone’s lips: the mystery writer’s identity. And it’s not just because their correspondence, delivered via untraceable couriers, has made him smile, frown, or imagine her engaged in erotic escapades—with him.

Other letters have begun landing on his desk, letters written by a decidedly unfriendly hand. And though it may threaten her reputation, the safest place for her could very well be his arms. Whether she likes it or not.

Warning: This book contains secret identities, dangerous liaisons, and a very sexy Scot.

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Please join me in welcoming back Jess Michaels, author of the newly released A MEASURE OF DECEIT, book three in the Ladies Book of Pleasures series, to Unwrapping Romance … 

Amy: Welcome Jess, it's an absolute delight to have you with us today, and I'd like to thank you so very much for taking time out of your busy day to join us. Congratulations on this amazing series and your most recent release, A MEASURE OF DECEIT. 

Jess: Thank you so much for having me! I'm always thrilled to be here!

Amy: Perhaps you'd like to tell us a little bit about yourself for those who don't know you yet.

Jess: I'm Jess Michaels and I write erotic historical romance set in the Regency period. A Measure of Deceit is my 48th release, most of them are erotic historical written under my Jess Michaels name. I've also written under Jesse Petersen (zombie comedy) and Jenna Petersen (regency era romance, but not as erotic). I live in Tucson with my husband and our two old lady cats. I also enjoy reading, walking in the gorgeous desert and hanging out with friends.

Amy: Jess, you began your full time writing career in 1999 and since then, you've published dozens of amazing stories. It's been an amazing journey for you. Perhaps you could share with us what first inspired you to write, and what inspired you to take your historical romances in the delightfully naughty direction we now enjoy?

Jess: It really has been a wonderful journey! I couldn't have imagined when I started out that I would be writing full-time still, have written almost 50 books, and would fully support my family with my writing income. I've always wanted to write and once I started reading romance I got very into writing it. Over the years, I hope I developed my own voice and style and eventually Avon wanted to buy my historicals. When they were ready to launch Avon Red, their erotic romance line, they knew I'd written a couple of novellas that were erotic under my Jess Michaels name and they asked me to write them for them. So I got to write sexy regencies and even sexier regencies. :-) But as time passed, I knew I couldn't keep doing so many things. The sexier historicals were most interesting to me by the time I was writing them for Samhain, so that's what I'm focused on at this point. I doubt I'll write as Jenna again, but you never know for Jesse.

Amy: I hope you won’t be giving up on Jenna completely, but Jesse’s stories are certainly a wonderful diversion.

Your newest release, A MEASURE OF DECEIT, is Lady Grace and Connor Sheridan's story. Connor, like the readers, is determined to discover the identity of the author of the scandalous Ladies Book of Pleasures. So what inspired your creation of the book and the characters we meet in this amazing series? I love the bits of advice. They are so good and still applicable.

Jess: Well, when I came up with the idea for the Ladies Book of Pleasures, I knew that the third book would revolve around the identity of The Lady (the author of the notorious book). Connor is the editor of the book, but he's never known who she really is. When she cuts off contact with him suddenly, he longs to find her and encounters Grace. If you've read the other two books, you already know Grace to be so strong and Connor is a great counterpoint to that. The advice was fun to write, though sometimes I struggled to find something that would fit with the chapter and the idea of the book.

Amy: The advice is some which modern woman can easily use to capture or in most cases, keep their men attentive.

Most writers are prolific readers. As you mentioned, you love reading, so what authors have influenced your writing? 

Jess: I would like to be more prolific but right now, I'm working about 80 hours a week, so I don't have a lot of time for anything besides sleeping and eating. When I do read, I tend to do it in jags of like five books in a week during vacation. I read all over the map (at the point I'm writing this, I am about to start reading AS YOU WISH by Cary Elwes). Influential writers: LM Montgomery, Julia Quinn, Teresa Medeiros, Stephen King. :-)

Amy: That’s a very eclectic reading list and from it, I can see where you’ve gained influence. Great list.

Is there a story living in your imagination, which you have yet to write but is itching to get out? If so, is it different from anything else you've done so far or within the genres you already excel at?

Jess: There are about ten stories living in my imagination. Right now I'm all focused on Jess Michaels’ erotic historical romance so that's what's bopping around in my head mostly. Though I do have a thriller I would possibly pursue if I ever had ten minutes to put together. Not likely in the next year or so.

Amy: A thriller! Wonderful. Well, I personally hope you find the time to conjure that one for us.

Usually I ask about a favorite character but since you've visited us before, I thought I should ask something new and different. So Jess, if you had not found your joy in writing, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Jess: Ballerina and baseball player is what kindergartener Jess wanted to do. Then writer was pretty dominant for the rest of my childhood. I have a degree in psychology though, and I probably would have pursued my plans to become a marriage and family counselor. I'm pretty glad it worked out as it did, though. Now I doubt I could do anything else.

Amy: I imagine that degree in psychology will come in handy if you do decide to pursue the suspense genre.

Jess, thank you so very much for joining us today and for sharing A MEASURE OF DECEIT with us. Congratulations on this amazing series, I hope any of my readers who haven't dipped their toe into the amazing Ladies Book of Pleasures series will as soon as possible. As for the rest of us, I'm sure my readers are as excited as I am to see what comes next. 

Jess: Thank you so much for having me, it was a blast! I hope you'll all enjoy A MEASURE OF DECEIT as much as I loved writing Grace and Connor's story!

Amy: Thank you, Jess, for sharing all of your fabulous characters with us and I hope everyone who hasn’t read the Ladies Book of Pleasures series will certainly give it a try. I have no doubt that you all will fall in love with Jess’s characters and adventures just as I, and so many others, have. Watch for her brand new Notorious Flynns series coming in January starting with THE OTHER DUKE, releasing on January 13, 2015. I am very excited about it. It’s been an absolute pleasure having Jess visit us and she’s always welcome back at Unwrapping Romance just as her wonderful stories always are.

Happy Reading Everyone!

About the Author:

Jess Michaels began writing full-time in 1999 after being encouraged by her husband to follow her dream. In 2003, she sold her first novella, an erotic historical romance about an Egyptian tomb and a very sexy curse. Since then she has published nearly 50 novels and novellas under three different pen names with several major publishers, small presses and via self-publishing. Her erotic historical romances have been national bestsellers and won awards from booksellers and readers.

She and her awesome husband live in Tucson where she enjoys playing video games, exploring the beautiful desert, reading and spending petting her two old lady cats.

To learn more about Jess and her fabulous books, please visit her website and feel free to follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. When you visit her website be sure to sign up for her newsletter, she’s always got some fun giveaways happening along with keep you up-to-date about her books.

A MEASURE OF DECEIT, a Ladies Book of Pleasures novel by Jess Michaels, Samhain Publishing, available now in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

***click on links above or cover below for purchasing information, remember even pennies per sale using my links helps keep this blog alive. Thank You. 

                  

   

Unwrapping a Review of A MEASURE OF DECEIT, book 3 in the Ladies Book of Pleasures series by Jess Michaels

Jess Michaels’s The Ladies Book of Pleasures series is one that I enjoyed from beginning to end. The mystery of which Lady authored the scandalous book is uncovered in A MEASURE OF DECEIT, book 3 in the series and is releasing tomorrow for everyone to read. So who do you think the Lady is?

***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.

Blurb for A MEASURE OF DECEIT:

Even Society’s most scandalous writer couldn’t have predicted this.

The Ladies Book of Pleasures, now credited with two marriages and countless other affairs and liaisons, has Society all aflutter. The one person not benefitting from its scandalous advice? The author herself.

From the safety of her anonymity, Lady Grace Hollis, Duchess of Jameswood, enjoys the blissful results of her handiwork—and pretends she does not miss the passionate proclivities she penned. But when her handsome editor begins making the rounds of Society parties, she wonders how long her secret will be safe.

Connor Sheridan wants—needs—to know the answer to the one burning question on everyone’s lips: the mystery writer’s identity. And it’s not just because their correspondence, delivered via untraceable couriers, has made him smile, frown, or imagine her engaged in erotic escapades—with him.

Other letters have begun landing on his desk, letters written by a decidedly unfriendly hand. And though it may threaten her reputation, the safest place for her could very well be his arms. Whether she likes it or not.

Warning: This book contains secret identities, dangerous liaisons, and a very sexy Scot.

*            *            *             *             *

Lady Grace, Duchess of Jameswood, is thrilled that her dearest friends, Isabel and Jacinda have found true love and happiness, but she is feeling her own loneliness especially since only one man occupies her thoughts and he is a man she will never meet. The man is Conner Sheridan, the editor/publisher of her most scandalous book. Having shared communication through letters while seeing to its publication, Grace has become enamored of the man on the other side of those letters. When he asked her to pen another book, she refused and stopped writing him.

Connor Sheridan cannot get the Lady out of his mind. He knows not her identity and so seeks to discover a clue to her whereabouts by ingratiating himself into Society where he knows she exists. Welcomed by her peers, he takes advantage of those around her wanting to know her identity. A Scotsman with a past, which makes him see those in Society as less than favorable in his eyes, he might be willing to make an exception when it comes to one particular woman. The beautiful Lady Grace may not be his Lady but when she makes him an offer to become her lover, he cannot bring himself to refuse.

When the truth is revealed, betrayals are felt deep because more than reputations and goals are at stake. Hateful threats put Grace in danger, and she may lose more than the man she loves.

In A MEASURE OF DECEIT by Jess Michaels, we learn the identity of the Lady and we meet a very sexy Scotsman who grew up despising everything the Lady holds dear, but he’s lost his heart to a woman he’s never met. This story ends the series, but it also reminds us that love is not always based purely in physical attraction. A MEASURE OF DECEIT is a wonderful romance built on intellectual attraction, fueled by amazing physical attraction, desire, and some truly sexy encounters but blossoms into deep affectionate love realized through respect and consideration for who the hero and heroine are, and what they desire from each other.

I love how Jess Michaels makes us care about all of the characters in her stories, not just the hero and heroine. Although some are already stars of their own romances, the secondary characters are the emotional support for Grace and Connor, which gives A MEASURE OF DECEIT its depth and dimension. Even Maura, Grace’s maid, and Higgins, Connor’s servant, play substantial roles in keeping their employers safe, on the right track, and supported emotionally and respectfully.

I highly recommend A MEASURE OF DECEIT by Jess Michaels. This steamy hot romance will keep you turning the pages, eager for the truth to come out so Grace and Connor can admit their love for each other, but then you’ll wring your hands in anxious hope that these two stubborn lovers will get past their pride and fall into each other’s arms once more. Don’t worry, there’s a happily ever after for everyone in the Ladies Book of Pleasures series. I recommend you read the entire series if you haven’t because it’s really that good. A must read!

Happy Reading Everyone! 

A MEASURE OF DECEIT, a Ladies Book of Pleasures novel by Jess Michaels, Samhain Publishing, release date - December 9, 2014, available in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

***click on links above or cover below for purchasing information, remember even pennies per sale using my links help keep this blog alive. Thank You.

   

Unwrapping a Review for A MATTER OF SIN, book one in the Ladies' Book of Pleasures series by Jess Michaels

Already a huge fan of Jess Michaels’ erotic historical romances, I was thrilled to be asked to read and review the first book in her new brand new series, The Ladies’ Book of Pleasures. A MATTER OF SIN by Jess Michaels is a must read start to a must read series.

***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.

Blurb for A MATTER OF SIN:

Scandal between the pages…surrender between the sheets.

The widowed Lady Isabel Avenbury has one remaining younger sister to shepherd into an advantageous marriage, and then she will be free. Free to take a lover to fill her lonely nights—the only option left for a woman on the delicate edge of a certain age.

Except when she chaperones her sister to a country house party, she is taken aback by her sudden, undeniable attraction to the host. And deliciously scandalized when she finds a copy of the notorious, much-gossiped-about Ladies Book of Pleasures in his library.

When Seth Rowland, Marquis Lyndham, notices his book is missing, his interest is piqued as to which of the potential young brides at his party has absconded with it—and he’s shocked to discover it’s Isabel. Though older than the women he’d planned to court, the powerful beauty exudes a sensuality he cannot ignore.

The book inspires them to begin a desperate, passionate affair. But their time together is running out and they must choose. Follow society’s rules, or take a chance at love.

Warning: Found within are highly scandalous books that trigger passionate desires, surrender in the orangery and possibly true love.

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Lady Isabel Avenbury is a widow whose marriage was less than passionate and now she’s seriously considering taking a lover but before she can see to her own happiness, she must get her youngest sister properly married off. Acting as chaperone to Serena, at a country house party being held by the Marquis Lyndham and his mother to find him an appropriate wife from the many potential young brides available in the new Season, she hadn’t any intention of finding a lover there but then again, one must never say never.

Seth Rowland the Marquis Lyndham understands he has a duty to his family, and has agreed to find himself a proper wife. Things change when Lady Isabel Avenbury enters his home with her young sister. Isabel catches his attention more than any other woman does in attendance. Even before Isabel married, Seth had noticed her and now she was here, in his home, looking as beautiful and desirable as ever, plus she was a widow. Everything told him his mother, and society would never approve of her as a wife but unable to keep himself from her, he was willing to settle for being her lover – or so he thought.

The Ladies’ Book of Pleasures series by Jess Michaels centers around the naughty inspirations brought on by a book, which appears to have been written by a Lady of the ton - a book giving advice to the young Ladies of the ton on how best to give pleasure to their men as well as gain pleasure for themselves. A MATTER OF SIN, book one in the Ladies’ Book of Pleasures series is an enticing beginning to what I hope will continue to be an intriguing, fun, sexy, and eventually mystery solving series. What mystery, you might be wondering – who wrote the Ladies’ Book of Pleasures, of course. I already have my suspicions about who the author may, but can’t wait to make the journey through this series to find out if I’m correct.

In the meantime, A MATTER OF SIN by Jess Michaels is delightful, beckoning, sexy, and romantically naughty according to society but keeps you turning the pages, and cheering for Isabel and Seth, for the ultimate in pleasure is falling in love and finding happiness together. I highly recommend this series starter if you love a country party filled with gossipy women, interfering friends and family, and sexy midnight trysts. A MATTER OF SIN by Jess Michaels is erotic historical romance at its best and this series is looking to promise even more as we all learn what the Ladies’ Book of Pleasures holds in store for us.

Happy Reading Everyone!

A MATTER OF SIN, a Ladies’ Book of Pleasures novel by Jess Michaels, Samhain Publishing, releasing July 15, 2014 in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

***click on links above or cover below for purchasing information,

remember, even pennies per sale help keep this blog alive.

Thank you.

   

Unwrapping a Review of BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION, a Pleasure Wars novel by Jess Michaels

Already a huge fan of Jess Michaels, it wasn’t difficult to fall in love with the characters she conjured for the Pleasure Wars series. After we got Liam and Violet’s story in BEAUTY AND THE EARL, I thought the series was at an end but no, we’re gifted with the story from Olivia and Malcom’s side in BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION. So very worthwhile and besides, it keeps this amazing series going just a little longer.

***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review

Blurb for BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION:

Can true love begin with a lie?

It has been a particularly trying day for Olivia Cranfield. Despite her impeccable manners, stylish clothing and posh accent, another protector has detected her lowborn status and rejected her out of hand.

When fellow courtesan Violet invites her to come to Bath to help with the wicked seduction of the scarred, reclusive Earl of Windbury, Olivia jumps at the offer, eager for some excitement and a change of scenery.

The moment Malcolm Graham lays eyes on the delectable woman lurking in the bathhouse alley, he knows she’s a decoy to keep him busy while her friend seduces the earl inside. For a moment, he allows her to play her game…but one touch, and all he can think about is ending the two years of self-denial he’s endured in the name of friendship.

Instant attraction quickly turns into a decidedly erotic affair that makes Olivia question all she’s ever known about passion. But when the truth behind Violet’s assignment comes to light, betrayal threatens to bring everything they’ve built crashing down around Olivia’s broken heart.

Warning: This book contains a lady lying for a good cause, a gentleman as loyal to his friends as he is passionate in the bedchamber, and a steamy affair that will change them both forever.

*            *             *             *             *

Olivia Cranfield accompanies her best friend to Bath when Violet accepts the assignment of getting close to and seducing the Earl of Windbury. Wanting to help in any way possible, Olivia agrees to act as a distraction when Violet needs to get past the large man watching the entrance to the private bath where the Earl is trying to relax undisturbed. Disturbing the Earl is the last thing in Violet’s mind but without Olivia’s assistance, she’ll surely not gain entrance.

Malcolm Graham isn’t a fool and he’s fully aware that while the lovely and desirable Olivia is distracting him, her eager friend is inside the baths entertaining his old friend who had become entirely too curmudgeonly lately and would surely benefit from the delights the beauty might bestow on him. Meanwhile, his own attentions are fully held by the lovely woman he’d like very much to get to know better.

When Olivia accompanies Violet to stay at the Earl’s estate, Malcolm and Olivia get to know each other much better. There attraction to each other is fast, thrilling, and very passionate. Both begin to wonder if there is something more to life than the path each has accepted as their place in life. Each begins to question whether two people from such different worlds can come together and build a life together. But when the truth comes out as to the reason for Violet being with the Earl and the part Olivia played in the deception, everything falls apart leaving broken hearts in the wake.

Jess Michaels writes such amazing characters they easily become like old friends to us by the end of her series making it that much harder to say good-bye but in giving us Olivia and Malcolm’s story, even though it’s simply the same story from another side, we get the full story of the amazing cast of the Pleasure Wars series.

BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION, book four in the Pleasure Wars series by Jess Michaels is as endearing, enlightening, and passionate as its predecessor, BEAUTY AND THE EARL, but this one has our hero and heroine battling their individual loyalties to dear friends when telling the truth threatens to destroy a blossoming love. Jess always manages to pull at our heartstrings with such finesse that we forgive her in the end when everyone gets their happily-ever-after.

I highly recommend BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION by Jess Michaels to anyone who loves a well-written, heartwarming, romance filled with mischief, passion, and containing enough angst to keep us on the edge worrying if there will truly be an HEA for Olivia and Malcolm. If you haven’t read this amazing Pleasure Wars series, I truly recommend that you do and start at the beginning with TAKEN BY THE DUKE, you’ll be hooked and reading straight through until you gain your closure as I did with BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION.

Happy Reading Everyone!

BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION, a Pleasure Wars novel by Jess Michaels, Samhain Publishing, available now in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

***click on the links above or cover below for purchasing information

remember even pennies on a sale help keep this blog alive.

Thank you.

   

Unwrapping a Review of BEAUTY AND THE EARL, a Pleasure Wars novel by Jess Michaels

I’m a huge fan of Jess Michael’s erotic historical romances and so when she asked if I’d like to read and review her brand new release, BEAUTY AND THE EARL, I jumped at it. Originally, I thought this was the finale of the Pleasure Wars series but today, she told me that there’s one more coming and I am so glad because I really don’t want to see this series end yet.

***eARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.

Blurb for BEAUTY AND THE EARL:

Desire as essential as breath…deception as fragile as sanity.

The Pleasure Wars, Book 3

Liam, the Earl of Windbury, had everything when he held his secret lover in his arms. Until a feud between their families left her dead, his body broken, and his sister married to his bitterest enemy.

Wracked with guilt, simmering with rage, he’s spent a year in seclusion, seeing no one except a few servants as he does his best to forget the past and patently refuses to think about any kind of future.

When courtesan Violet Milford enters Liam’s lair, she’s on a secret mission to gather information for Liam’s desperate sister, who fears for his sanity, even his life. What she finds is a man scarred inside and out, whose dark, controlling sensuality hides the kind, wounded man within.

Violet awakens a sexual desire more powerful than Liam has ever known, and her stories weave a spell that begins to work its way past his defenses. But when the truth inevitably comes out, it could well destroy the love that is saving them both.

Warning: This book features a sexually experienced woman who will use every trick in her book to save a man from himself.

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If you’ve read the Pleasure War series then you are acquainted with Liam, the Earl of Windbury, who lost his beloved, Matilda, sister of the Duke of Rathcastle who kidnapped Liam’s sister, Ava, as an act of revenge for the death of his sister as told in TAKEN BY THE DUKE. Liam is a tortured hero of the highest magnitude. The loss of his true love, Matilda, and the scars he carries from that dark night when he and Christian Rothcastle suffered devastating injuries fighting over the woman they both loved has left him with the darkest of moods and an unwillingness to forgive. He split from his own sister, Ava, after she fell in love and married his most bitter enemy. Nothing will make him return to London or accept his sister’s marriage, or so he thought.

Violet Milford is on a mission to learn everything she can about Liam for his sister who worries still that the tragic loss of Matilda has left her brother’s heart cold, dark, and filled with hate even for her. As a courtesan, Violet has learned to get men to talk about themselves and so she sets out to use her talents, both in and out of bed, to gain Liam’s trust and access to what keeps him so dark and withdrawn, all the while reporting back to Ava. Her goal is to earn the funds she needs to embark on a new life but once she starts opening up to Liam to gain his trust, she finds herself giving away more than just a few secrets. Soon, she realizes too late that she's lost her heart to him as well.

BEAUTY AND THE EARL by Jess Michaels is a story about how opening the heart to someone who cares, who listens, and who calls upon emotions that were thought long buried can bring a person back to life and to believe in love once more. Steamy as only Jess can write it, Violet and Liam take desire to new levels but you can feel the affection beginning to grow between them, and so it becomes an exquisite love story. In addition, we are treated to secondary characters that keep the story lively and real. Malcom and Olivia are adorable together and I can’t wait to read their story next.

I highly recommend BEAUTY AND THE EARL, book three in the Pleasure Wars series by Jess Michaels to anyone who loves a truly well written love story about looking past the dark to see the brightness that love and the future can hold. I wish it happened in real life.

Happy Reading Everyone!

BEAUTY AND THE EARL, a Pleasure Wars novel by Jess Michaels, Samhain Publishing, available now in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.

***click on links or cover below for purchasing information

   

Unwrapping: Review of PLEASURING THE LADY, a Pleasure Wars novel by Jess Michaels

I am a huge fan of Jess Michaels’ historical romances, so when she asked if I would like to review book two in The Pleasure Wars series, I couldn’t wait to do so.  I do love revisiting her characters and in PLEASURING THE LADY, we not only do just that but are treated to a wonderful fairy tale erotic romance that takes the reader into the world of voyeurism in Regency England as well.

***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.

Blurb for PLEASURING THE LADY:

Once the game begins, there is no tearing your gaze away.

Her mother's madness and her father's and brother's irresponsibility have relegated Lady Portia to the life of a wallflower. The only shining light in her life is her best friend, Ava, who is suffering a rift with her own brother.

Portia's quest to help takes her to the notorious Donville Masquerade in the hells, where behind the safety of a mask she witnesses shocking public acts of sin. And succumbs to the touch of Marquis Miles Weatherfield.

Unfortunately, they're discovered. And now, tainted by scandal, she and Miles are destined for a marriage neither of them want. But Portia makes a bargain that raises even Miles' eyebrows.

In return for saving her mother from the asylum, Portia will do anything Miles wants in bed. Shocked by his driving desire for Portia, Miles agrees. As they explore every wicked desire, every forbidden act that pleases them, they discover something that goes far deeper than flesh. But the lies that brought them together could be the very wedge that drives them apart.

Warning: This book contains wicked encounters, erotic voyeurism, lies, a brief threesome, and unexpected kindnesses.

*             *             *              *             *

When Lady Portia attends the notorious Donville Masquerade, a place of sinful pleasure and debauchery, in search of the Earl of Windbury, her dear friend's brother, she discovers more than just things that shock her innocent sensibilities. She discovers the thrill of a kiss from a man with whom she is acquainted and now desires her but will never want her once he discovers her identity, or so she thinks.

Caught in a compromising situation with a former friend’s innocent sister, Miles Weatherfield desires to do the right thing by her but fears that she will wish for more. Marriage, a desire to spoil her, and to ensure Portia’s comfort as well as that of her mother, is the most he believes he can give her but when thoughts of love begin to creep into his thoughts - he panics and attempts to ruin himself in Portia’s eyes.

PLEASURING THE LADY, book two of The Pleasure War series by Jess Michaels is captivating in its Cinderella-themed essence. Portia once knew the fine life but has been reduced to a level of near poverty by a selfish, arrogant, and mean-spirited brother. Her mother suffers from the loss of her former life, her husband, and if it were present day, she would be diagnosed as manic-depressive. Her son Hammond is cruel to both mother and sister and threatens to put his own mother in a horrible madhouse. Miles is both savior and Prince Charming for Portia and her mother. Portia is not one to accept charity even when her reputation is at stake and so offers Miles the only thing she can call her own – her body – in return to for a near fairy tale existence with Miles giving her all that she needs, in and out of the bedroom. With a bargain in place, they settle into a marriage of convenience that carries passion and comfort when each begins to understand the lives that have brought them together.

Miles is a tortured man with a heart of gold and Portia brings out the best in him. He’s kind to those who deserve his kindness and defender against those who would want to cause harm to those under his protection. He’s a wonderful hero and my heart breaks for him when he desires love but doesn’t feel he is deserving of it. Jess really does conjure up fabulous characters.

I highly recommend PLEASURING THE LADY by Jess Michaels to everyone who loves a fairy tale happily-ever-after love story because this is it.

It’s an extraordinary, sensuous, tantalizing romance. It will leave you with such a wonderful happy-ending feeling that you’ll turn the last page hoping for more. I did.

Happy Reading Everyone!

PLEASURING THE LADY, a Pleasure Wars novel by Jess Michaels, Samhain Publishing, release date – November 19, 2013 and will be available in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes& Noble, and Kobobooks.

***click on links or cover below for purchasing information

   

Cover Reveal for BEAUTY AND THE EARL, a Pleasure Wars Novel by Jess Michaels

BEAUTY AND THE EARL

a Pleasure Wars Novel

by
Jess Michaels

coming April 15, 2014

Blurb for BEAUTY AND THE EARL:

Desire as essential as breath…deception as fragile as sanity.

The Pleasure Wars, Book 3

Liam, the Earl of Windbury, had everything when he held his secret lover in his arms. Until a feud between their families left her dead, his body broken, and his sister married to his bitterest enemy.

Wracked with guilt, simmering with rage, he’s spent a year in seclusion, seeing no one except a few servants as he does his best to forget the past and patently refuses to think about any kind of future.

When courtesan Violet Milford enters Liam’s lair, she’s on a secret mission to gather information for Liam’s desperate sister, who fears for his sanity, even his life. What she finds is a man scarred inside and out, whose dark, controlling sensuality hides the kind, wounded man within.

Violet awakens a sexual desire more powerful than Liam has ever known, and her stories weave a spell that begins to work its way past his defenses. But when the truth inevitably comes out, it could well destroy the love that is saving them both.

Warning: This book features a sexually experienced woman who will use every trick in her book to save a man from himself. 

About the Author:

Jess Michaels began writing full-time in 1999 after being encouraged by her husband to follow her dream. In 2003, she sold her first novella to Red Sage Press, an erotic historical romance about an Egyptian tomb and a very sexy curse. Since then she has published (or has contracted to publish by the end of 2013) 37 novels and novellas under three different pen names with several major publishers, small presses and via self-publishing. Her erotic historical romances have been national bestsellers and won awards from booksellers and readers.

In 2011, she and her husband moved to Tucson, AZ. There she enjoys hiking in the beautiful desert, spending time with her nephews, designing jewelry, reading and spending time with her awesome husband and cats.

To learn more about Jess Michaels and her books, feel free to visit her website, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter, and at Goodreads.

BEAUTY AND THE EARL, a Pleasures War Novel by Jess Michaels, Samhain Publishing, available for pre-order at Amazon now.

And Those Jess Michaels Books Go To...

THANK YOU EVERYONE

for taking the time to visit

with Jess Michaels and myself.

 

I realize this post was scheduled at a time when most of you

were busy with family and friends celebrating the 4th of July.

I hope you all had a great time.

Jess, thank you so much for visiting, you were

an absolute delight and you're welcome back any time.

  I absolutely loved doing this interview
and I'm sorry there wasn't more discussion
or comments as I can only assume all the folks who

did visit already had their copies.

I hope you all will all enjoy

reading Jess's newest release, TAKEN BY THE DUKE,

an amazing erotic historical romance
as well as her others, including INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE,

  and will be looking forward to the next
as much as I am. 

 As promised, two lucky commenters are

going to win one of Jess's books.
One lucky commenter will win a PRINT COPY of

INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE and one will win a

DIGITAL COPY of her newest release, TAKEN BY THE DUKE.

 

 Those two lucky people are:

The print copy of INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE
goes to:
 

bn100

and

The digital copy of TAKEN BY THE DUKE goes to:

kipha

 

 

 Congrats to you both! You've both been notified by email.

Please check your SPAM folders so you don't miss the messages.

Instructions on how to receive your book are included.

If I don't hear back from you by end of day, July 11, 2013,

I will have no choice but to pick a new winner.

 

 Thank you to everyone who visited and played.
I'll have more fun coming soon.

Happy Reading Everyone!



Wacky Wednesday: A Visit With Jess Michaels, author of TAKEN BY THE DUKE, book 1 of The Pleasure Wars

On June 10, 2013, I shared my review of TAKEN BY THE DUKE by Jess Michaels with you. Now available, I hope you’ll certainly consider reading it even if you're not a usual reader of erotic romance. You will be pleasantly surprised with how strong the story is even though it’s an erotic historical romance. Feel free to click on the title above to read my review of this first book in the new series, The Pleasure Wars by Jess Michaels. Hurry back!

Joining me today is the lovely and talented author of TAKEN BY THE DUKE as well as many other wonderful reads, Jess Michaels. I’m so excited about this new series – The Pleasure Wars – and can’t wait to read the next one.  Jess Michaels began writing full-time in 1999 after being encouraged by her husband to follow her dream. In 2003, she sold her first novella to Red Sage Press, an erotic historical romance about an Egyptian tomb and a very sexy curse. Since then she has published (or has contracted to publish by the end of 2013) 37 novels and novellas under three different pen names with several major publishers, small presses and via self-publishing. Her erotic historical romances have been national bestsellers and won awards from booksellers and readers.

Please join me in welcoming Jess Michaels, author of TAKEN BY THE DUKE, to Unwrapping Romance …

Amy:  Welcome Jess, it's an absolute delight to have you with us today, and I'd like to thank you for taking time out of your busy day to join us. Perhaps you'd like to tell us a little bit about yourself for those who don't know you yet. 

Jess:  Well, I write erotic historical romance set in the Regency period. I've written for Red Sage, Avon, and now Samhain, as well as some self-published projects. I'm married to my best friend and high school sweetheart. He does book marketing for a living so... I pay him in hugs. We live in Tucson with our two cats. I love reading, I'm a fan of UFC and cycling, I need to hike more and I love my two nephews like crazy. It's a really charmed life. 

Amy:  With a husband who’s willing to accept payment in hugs, you do have a charmed life and obviously, a romantic one - great environment to inspire you. So TAKEN BY THE DUKE is the first book in your new series, The Pleasure Wars. Would you like to share a bit of what the series has in store for us? 

Jess:  Sure! The Pleasure Wars is a series about two families who have been in a war for decades, one that heats up when the son of one family tries to run away with the daughter and they're involved in a terrible accident when her brother makes chase.  When she is killed, it sends the families on a pounding warpath toward each other. Only the one thing none of them expects is love. 

Amy:  Love conquers all – love it, that’s exactly what we look for in our romance reading, right folks?!

Jess, I envy your ability to write erotic romance. I don't think I'm brave enough to get that sexual in words. I'm curious about what inspired you to write such juicy romances.  Do you have a preference in your own personal reading? 

Jess:  I've always loved sexy romances so it was definitely a great fit. For me, the trick is to make sure that the sexy scenes are a real, strong part of the story. Otherwise, readers don't connect. 

Amy:  I think that’s exactly what I enjoy so much about your romances, I do connect with the characters, and the sexiness plays into that. So what do you enjoy most about writing erotic romance and what do you find the most difficult about writing erotic romance? 

Jess: I guess I don't sub-categorize it down to erotic or not erotic romance. I love writing romance because it's such an uplifting genre. I get great notes from readers who loved books and maybe the story brightened their day a little. That's a good thing every time. The most difficult is really more about publishing. I control so little of what happens when a story releases, and that is hard. 

Amy:  Always knowing there’s a happily-ever-after coming does make even the most heartrending story a bright spot in our days, I think, and it’s why we love the genre. I know TAKEN BY THE DUKE left me believing in the healing power of love.

Speaking of which, TAKEN BY THE DUKE is a wonderful story built around a kind of Romeo and Juliet style feud between two families but goes far beyond - in my opinion. There is a lot of emotion in this story, which is one of the reasons I loved it. What inspired you to pull so many different fractured emotions together?

Jess: I think Christian and Ava's story just naturally has so much emotional punch, it was easy to find a lot of it. Here he is, a man scarred emotionally and physically and looking to lash out at anyone to make it better. And she's her very own casualty of war, but she's still strong and empathetic and willing to fight for what she wants. She uses her kidnapping as a mission of peace and I loved watching her take control and heal Christian (and herself) with love. 

Amy: I couldn’t have expressed that better from the reader’s point of view. My dears, sincerely, whether you normally read erotic romance or not, this story will capture your heart. You’ll find yourself cheering for Ava. And if you’re like me, you’ll be in tears a few times. Do read it. I promise you’ll love it. 

Jess, you write both historical and contemporary, do you ever see yourself delving into any other genres?  

Jess:  As Jess, I've really only done a couple of contemporary books and I don't see myself doing any other genres. Right now, I'm focused entirely on erotic historical and my writing schedule and contracts for the next couple of years reflect that. Basically, if you like my Jess Michaels books, there are a LOT of books on the horizon, so sign up for my newsletter! 

Amy:  I know I’m all in for a LOT more of your erotic historicals. I love them – the Mistress Matchmaker series was one of my favorites, but it might get surpassed by The Pleasure Wars series. 

Well, it’s time for my last question for you and my personal favorite. If you could be ANY character in ANY book, who would it be and why? 

Jess:  I think I'd be Anne from Anne of Green Gables. Actually, I might be Diana so I could be FRIENDS with Anne. :) She's still my favorite character from my childhood and I would love to hang with her. 

Amy:  That’s a great answer and one I never considered before. Being friends with a favorite character would be a wonderful adventure. 

Jess, thank you so very much for joining us today, it was truly a delight having you with us.  Thank you also for sharing some wonderful insight into TAKEN BY THE DUKE with us. Congratulations on your new series. I’m already a big fan, but I hope everyone reads TAKEN BY THE DUKE and becomes as addicted as I am. 

Jess: Thanks you so much for having me!  

Amy:  Jess is offering up a paperback version of AN INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE, book one in her Mistress Matchmaker series to one lucky commenter. In addition, because I love this new book so much, I’m offering up a digital copy of TAKEN BY THE DUKE to one lucky commenter as well. So folks, you have two opportunities to win today. I'll leave it to Jess for the question you’ll need to answer to enter. Jess? 

Jess:  I'd love to ask your readers,

WHICH HISTORICAL TIME PERIOD IS YOUR FAVORITE? 

Amy:  Great question. I’ve got far too many to pick just one so it’s a good thing I can’t enter our contest. If you'd like to learn more about Jess and her books, please feel free to visit her website, and follow her on Twitter, Facebook, and at Goodreads.

Please read the Giveaway Rules carefully since you’ve got two chances to win and follow them exactly or you’ll be left out.  

GIVEAWAY PRIZES: 

PRIZE ONE:  One Print Copy of INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE, book one in THE MISTRESS MATCHMAKER series by Jess Michaels to one lucky commenter – US & Canada entries only. 

Blurb for INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE:

An innocent lady’s education could be a gentleman’s wicked seduction.

Lysandra Keates is running out of options. Her father is dead, her mother is ill, and her efforts to find respectable employment have ended in failure. With her small savings bleeding away, she swallows her pride—and her terror—and turns to Vivien Manning, an infamous courtesan, to match her with a wealthy protector.

For years, Viscount Andrew Callis has lived a monastic existence at his country estate, hardening his body against the snobbish, lazy young man he once was, hardening his heart against grief over the deaths of his wife and infant son. When Vivien asks him to spend one month training a young woman in the ways of a mistress, his mind resists…but his body responds with an ache he thought long dead.

As Andrew begins his gentle tutelage, he finds himself falling under the spell of Lysandra’s innocent charms. And as they give in to the powerful hunger, the last thing Andrew ever expected, or wanted, forms between them. An emotional connection that could carry them well past the training period—if only Andrew can open his heart to the possibility of love.

PRIZE TWO:  One Digital Copy of TAKEN BY THE DUKE, book one in The Pleasure Wars series by Jess Michaels to one lucky commenter -  open to all entries, International included. 

Blurb for TAKEN BY THE DUKE: 

An eye for an eye, a sin for a sin…

Amid all the lies and scandals that fuel Society’s gossip mill, one truth has stood out: House Rothcastle and House Windbury have always hated each other.

Lady Ava Windbury prays the feud will someday end, to no avail. One dreadful night, her brother accidentally causes the death of Christian Rothcastle’s sister, a tragedy that leaves both men maimed.

Consumed by grief, Christian makes a grim decision. He will kidnap Lady Ava so that her family will feel the pain of loss as keenly as he feels the loss of his own sister. But once he has Ava in his clutches, desire takes unexpected hold. Even more surprising, she willingly surrenders to his every sexual whim—after haggling over the terms of giving up her virginity.

Too late, he realizes she is using her body for peace, not war. But just as their affair of revenges turns into an affair of the heart, the past rears its ugly head to take matters into its own hands… 

Product Warnings: This book contains scenes of erotic seduction, sexual revenge and the healing power of love.

GIVEAWAY RULES: 

***This Giveaway is OPEN TO THOSE AS STATED WITH THE PRIZE. (void where prohibited)  

***Please note whether you are eligible for the prize. US & Canada are eligible for both prizes and if you have a preference you may state that. International entries are eligible only for the digital copy. 

***Please be sure to state in your comment whether you are US, Canada, or International. Thank you.

***For VALID ENTRY, commenter must leave a VALID EMAIL ADDRESS. Remember the Magic Formula for Entry:  

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. THANKS FOR VISITING!

***This Giveaway will run until 11:30PM EST, Friday, July 5, 2013 at which time two lucky valid entries will be chosen by randomizer to each win a prize. One lucky comment will be chosen to win the print copy of INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE and one lucky comment will be chosen to win a digital copy of TAKEN BY THE DUKE. The winners will be notified by email, and announced in a special Saturday post. If the winners don’t respond by end of day Thursday, July 11, 2013, a new winner, or two, will be chosen by the same process.

Good Luck Everyone and Happy Reading!  

TAKEN BY THE DUKE, book one in The Pleasure War series by Jess Michaels, Samhain Publishing, available now in ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kobobooks.  

INTRODUCTION TO PLEASURE, book one in The Mistress Matchmaker series by Jess Michaels, Samhain Publishing, available now in print and ebook formats at Amazon, Barnes &Noble, and Kobobooks. 

***click on links for purchasing information or covers below.