My Favorite Book Boyfriend with Jess Michaels and Giveaway

Jess Michaels writes erotic historical romance set in the Regency period. She lives in Tucson, AZ where she hangs out with her awesome husband and does geeky things in the desert.

Places to find Jess: 

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So when Danielle asked me to participate in this Book Boyfriend thingy, I knew exactly who I would choose as the subject of my blog. But everything starts before that, so hang on a moment while I explain the backstory.

I wanted to write romance before I really read it. A silly, backwards idea, but I was young (21) and certain that I could do anything (turned out I could do this, just not very well at that moment). So I wrote a romance and then thought, hey, I should read some these thingies and see how they go. I began with Julia Quinn. Minx, to be specific and fell head over heels in love, even though she was writing lighter books than I was. But I loved them. I went about the process of reading all of them available at the time and was very excited when her newest book hit the shelves in 2000 and it was called THE DUKE AND I.

There’s something about Simon. That would be Simon Bassett, Duke of Hastings and the titular Duke in THE DUKE AND I. I was enthralled. First off, he was the most damaged and alpha-y hero Quinn had written at the time (at least in my mind). But he was still just… lovely in every way. I loved how broody he was and yet how he could be part of the Bridgerton family in sort of an uncomfortable, shifty way. And he’s FRIENDS with the heroine, Daphne! Friends with her!!! Until he starts falling in love with her, which is superbly awesome, by the way.

But the thing about Simon, the biggest, most powerful, most wonderful thing about him is that he is not perfect. Simon stutters. It’s not terrible and he’s learned to mostly control it, but it has shifted everything he ever thought or felt about himself. In the end, Daphne does something rather terrible (with very good reasons) and he starts to stutter and I wept, hard and for a long time. Because by that time I was so invested in Simon that I hated to see how hard he could be struck by the foolish act of someone he loved.

The book is AMAZING. Still my favorite JQ book, for sure. But the greater reason why Simon is my book boyfriend is that THE DUKE AND I made me realize how deeply a romance could affect me and other readers. Simon made me want to be a better writer and make someone reading my books feel, for a moment, that same heartbreak for one of my characters.

So Simon, Duke of Hastings, you are my book boyfriend. And I will stalk you hardcore, so watch out.

Can there be any greater challenge to London's Ambitious Mamas than an unmarried duke?
— Lady Whistledown's Society Papers, April 1813

By all accounts, Simon Basset is on the verge of proposing to his best friend's sister, the lovely—and almost-on-the-shelf—Daphne Bridgerton. But the two of them know the truth—it's all an elaborate plan to keep Simon free from marriage-minded society mothers. And as for Daphne, surely she will attract some worthy suitors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable.

But as Daphne waltzes across ballroom after ballroom with Simon, it's hard to remember that their courtship is a complete sham. Maybe it's his devilish smile, certainly it's the way his eyes seem to burn every time he looks at her... but somehow Daphne is falling for the dashing duke... for real! And now she must do the impossible and convince the handsome rogue that their clever little scheme deserves a slight alteration, and that nothing makes quite as much sense as falling in love...

Purchase: | Amazon | Kindle | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository |

She will do anything for him…except surrender.

Vivien Manning, the notorious Mistress Matchmaker, is tired. Tired of the parties, tired of the lovers, tired of being her. So she decides to leave London behind once and for all and start a whole new life.

But before she goes, she must tie up some loose ends, and makes a list that includes a man she’s never been fully able to let go—Benedict Greystone.

Benedict was broken when Vivien broke off their affair years ago. When she comes back into his life...and his bed…he isn't certain of anything except the power of their desire.

But as Vivien moves closer to disappearing forever, both of them begin to question if the past can be overcome and if love might be the one loose end that cannot be neatly tied up.

Warning: This book contains scenes of a powerful woman, unafraid of her sexuality, trying to find her way in the world. There is a brief scene of a threesome M/F/M and then one woman falling madly in love with one man. Proceed with caution, a fan and tissues.

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble |

Check out what's up for grabs.

Up For Grabs:

• 1 lucky winner will win a copy of Something Reckless, Taboo + The Duke and I

To Enter: 

• Please leave a meaningful comment/question for Jess.
• US Shipping ONLY.
• Please fill out the Rafflecopter form.

**Don't forget to enter the grand prize giveaway!

Good Luck! 

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