Interview with Author Jess Michaels

Meet Jess Michaels author of An Affair in Winter.

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.

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Sealed With a Kiss Event with Jess Michaels

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.

Find Jess at:

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | 

Guest Post with Author Jess Michaels

Meet Jess Michaels, author of The Other Duke.

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.

Find Jess at:

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | 

ARC Review: The Other Duke by Jess Michaels

I was drawn to this story line because I wanted to see how Jess Michaels would bring together Serafina McPhee and Raphael “Rafe” Flynn. I have always heard of this author but never read anything by her. I liked the plot that she lined up. Serafina is forced into an arranged marriage by her father. Although it has been a long engagement to the Duke of Hartholm they have finally set a wedding day. Serfina is not in love with the Duke of Hartholm. Besides the fact that they were not in love he is a pretty despicable man. When, days away from his wedding, he dies his inheritance, title, fiancée go to his cousin Rafe.
Rafe is a good guy. He never wanted to be Duke nor did he want the responsibility that went with this title. He realizes that he has to meet Serafina and intends to break off the engagement but her father made sure that the agreement was airtight and there is no way out of it. When Serafina and Rafe meet they realize that they have to complete their duties but they will each live their own lives once they have met the obligation of producing an heir.

I liked both Rafe and Serafina. They were both likeable characters and the author threw in a big secret that Serafina carried that absolutely blindsided me. I did not see it coming! Although I enjoyed seeing Rafe and Serafina fall in love there was no big “wow” factor for me. I thought they made a great couple but aside from their arranged marriage and her big secret their relationship goes pretty straightforward. The biggest challenge they encounter is when Serafina thinks that Rafe has taken up with his old mistress.

This was a cute story and I’m certain that Michaels’ fans will enjoy it. The scenes were interesting and so were the characters. Both came into the marriage with a sense of duty but it quickly turned into something else. I enjoyed this book and plan to read more by Michales.

**ARC provided by Author**

Purchase: | Amazon | B&N | iTunes |

Guest Post with Jess Michaels, Kate Pearce, Eliza Lloyd, Monica Burns and Samantha Kane

Meet the authors behind Wanton Christmas Wishes.

Madelynne Ellis

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Review: The Jordan Collection by Jess Michaels

The Jordans Collection is comprised of Jess Michaels, writing as Jenna Petersen, three books; The Secrets of a Lady, The Temptation of a Gentleman, and The Desires of a Countess. As a series box set this is a really good collection of exciting Regency Romance. It follows the three siblings Aubrey, Noah, and Ginny Jordan. All three are easy reads and thoroughly enjoyable. I have to say I liked The Secrets of a Lady.

The Secrets of a Lady is Aubrey’s story. After embarrassing herself at the wedding of her brother’s best friend, Griffin Berenger, and the love of her life who views her as nothing but Noah’s little sister. Aubrey imbibes a little too much champagne and ends up spilling her guts to Griffin and kisses him only to be caught by his new wife. Aubrey’s reputation was ruined, courtesy of the new Mrs. Berenger, and her mother insists she marry and tries to arrange one with a boring squire. Aubrey talks her brother into letting her join him in his spy games for The Home Office. Five years or so later Aubrey is back in Griffin’s life and this time she and Noah are asking for a favor. They need to trap a vile man as he plans to kill the King but they need proof first, Aubrey is helping the best way she knows how and letting the vile man play court to her. Griffin doesn’t like it one bit, after that fateful kiss all he could think about was Aubrey. His wife was horrid and didn’t bother to hide her affairs. Aubrey still loves Griffin but tries to keep her distance because he is still in mourning. Through a series of entertaining events Aubrey and Griffin risk everything to be together.

The Temptation of a Gentleman, Noah’s story, is just like the first one. Noah is getting ready to retire from the spy business but he has one last favor to fulfill. He was asked if he could look in to the death of a friend’s goddaughter who lives not too far from his estate. Once there he discovers the widowed husband is already looking for a new young bride. Marion Hawthorne is basically being sold to the widower to pay off her father’s debts. Already suspicious of the man Marion is all for helping Noah to find out all the secrets. Noah has never met a girl like Marion and although he feels guilty for using her he needs her to help him discover the truth. But when plans go bad and Marion runs to Noah’s for help and ruins her reputation doing in the process Marion and Noah must marry, unless her father succeeds in kidnapping her first.

The Desires of a Countess, is Ginny’s first appearance. Just being mentioned in the past books as being the youngest daughter who did her family duty and married well, she distanced herself from the family as part of it. The other part of it was that the man she married turned out to be an utter bastard, verbally and physically abused Ginny and their son. Now months after his death her husband’s cousin is coming to check accounts and see what needs to be done as he is now in control of the money until Ginny’s son becomes of age. Simon Webber has no idea why he was picked to do this but he does it out of family obligation. The gorgeous jaded widow wasn’t what he expected and immediately wanted to protect her and her son and do right by her. When Ginny’s secret is threatened to be revealed Simon steps up and shows Ginny not every man is bad.

Ginny put me off at first being so jaded and closed-minded being purposely obtuse about Simon just for the sake to keep him at a distance, but Simon doesn’t give up easily and you end up seeing the likeable side of her toward the end of the book. Noah and Aubrey were more likable characters, Noah the lovable rake wanting to reform and Marion is just the sweet girl to do it. Aubrey knows her heart and sticks by her feelings even if she ends up broken hearted and Griffin after suffering with a heinous bitch deserves Aubrey’s unconditional love. This book set is a definite must own.

**Copy provided by Author**

Purchase: | Amazon | B&N |

Sealed With a Kiss Event - Jess Michaels

Jess Michaels is the author of nearly 50 books under 3 different names. She believes in passionate, everlasting, head-over-heels love and is currently living her own happily ever after in Tucson with her husband and two elderly cats.

Places Jess at:

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ARC Review: Pleasuring the Lady by Jess Michaels

Pleasuring the Lady, the second book in the Pleasure Wars series from Jess Michaels, is an erotic Regency story. We met the heroine, Portia, in the first Pleasure Wars book (Taken by the Duke) and the hero, Miles, appeared in another Jess Michaels book, An Introduction to Pleasure. Jess Michaels is no stranger to historical erotica and she knows how to titillate the reader in order to propel the story forward.

Lady Portia’s life is pretty much a mess. Her father and now her brother have ruined the family finances. Her mother suffers from some form of dementia. Portia accepts her life as a wallflower, her one joy being in her friendship with Ava (the heroine of Taken by the Duke). When Ava bemoans the suffering and disappearance of her brother Liam (his story is presented in Taken by the Duke) Portia decides to look for him in the last place he was seen, the decadent Donville Masquerade. There she does not find Liam, but runs into an old friend of her brother, Miles, the Marquis of Weatherfield. He doesn’t recognize, but is strangely attracted to her. On a subsequent trip to the masquerade they are discovered in a compromising situation and are forced to marry. From there they struggle to establish a solid relationship while experimenting with various sexual situations.

I always enjoy Jess Michaels’ books and this one is no exception. Pleasuring the Lady was a good continuation of the story begun in Taken by the Duke and I recommend reading them in order. We learned very little new information about Liam so readers will certainly look forward to his story in Beauty and the Earl, coming in April. Portia was a very sympathetic character and I felt for her struggles with her mother and brother. Miles was intriguing and complex. He believed that he was bound by his history and could not love, yet he was kind and caring. For me, Jess Michaels books fall on the lighter side of erotic romance. While she includes some things that would definitely put the book into the erotic category, it is not nearly as far-gone or crude as many other examples of historical erotica. It is important for readers to know, however, that this is a very hot romance, sexual activity is central to the story, and it goes beyond “vanilla” sex. As much as I liked Pleasuring the Lady I did not enjoy it as much as the previous book. I felt like there was a little less emotional depth. I thought Michaels’ portrayal of her brother was unexplainably harsh and one-dimensional. The erotic parts were interesting, but it seemed like the author was trying to include some explicit stuff that was not always needed in the story. It was, however, a quick and compelling read and I cannot wait for the final book in this series.

**ARC provided by Author**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo |

Guest Post with Author Jess Michaels and Giveaway

Meet author Jess Michaels.

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: 

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | 

ARC Review: Taken by the Duke by Jess Michaels

Taken by the Duke (Pleasure Wars, #1) was a fast-paced, erotic Regency tale of love and revenge in the vein of Romeo and Juliet. It was very sexual, but deeply emotional as well. I liked that there was a lot of interplay between the hero and heroine, followed by an action-filled finale. The story was well crafted and the transformation of their relationship was gradual and believable.

The stage is set when Matilda Rothcastle runs away with Liam Windbury. These star-crossed lovers are chased by her brother, Christian Rothcastle. A horrific accident occurs in which both gentlemen are seriously injured and Mathilda is killed and the long-standing feud between the two families becomes worse. Both Liam and Christian are filled with anger and guilt. Revenge is foremost in their minds. Christian concocts a scheme to kidnap Liam’s sister, Ava, and keep her long enough to ruin her. As Christian takes Ava to a remote estate they are both surprised to find they are attracted to each other. Ava bargains away her innocence to prevent further violence against her brother. Thus begins three weeks of sexual and emotional discovery as a tenuous relationship builds. Can intimacy build a bridge over a deep river of hatred?

There were many things I liked about Taken by the Duke. Ava was reasonable and rational, even when she was first abducted. She was tired of the senseless, harmful battle between the two families and did what she could to stop further trouble. Christian and Liam were some very angry, guilty, confused guys. The issues were not easily resolved; in fact, some were not resolved at all. There was a truly surprising twist at the end. The ending also provided a very nice setup for the next book in the series, which I very much look forward to reading. Regency readers that enjoy a good bit of spice will want to read this enjoyable and intriguing book.

**ARC provided by Author**

Purchase: | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo |

Interview with Author Jess Michaels and Giveaway

RFTC would love to welcome back author Jess Michaels. Jess is one of my favorite people and I'm so happy to have her here to celebrate the release of her newest book, Taken By The Duke. Please give Jess a warm welcome.

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: 

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | 

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: 

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | 

Weekly Winners

Below is a list of all of the winners from the past week.

Lauire
Her New Worst Enemy by Christy McKellen

Joanne
A Most Improper Rumor by Emma Wildes

Cynthia
Sultry With a Twist by Macy Beckett

Amber
Book of Choice from Jess Michaels

May
A Little Bit Cupid by Jennifer Shirk

JenM
May
Swag pack from CJ Ellisson

Dione
Vanilla On Top by CJ Ellisson

All winners have been notified via email. Thank you to everyone that stopped by and entered. =)

Guest Post with Jess Michaels and Giveaway

Today I am happy to welcome back to RFTC not only one of my most favorite authors but one of my most favorite people, author Jess Michaels. Jess is celebrating the release of Her Perfect Match, book 3 in the Mistress Matchmaker series and has stopped by to chat. Please give Jess a warm welcome.

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 (which you can buy here), reading and spending time with her awesome husband and cats.

Places to find Jess: 

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | 

Weekly Winners

Below is a list of all of the winners from the past week.


Natasha
Operation Cinderella by Hope Tarr

Cathy 
Nothing Denied by Jess Michaels

Lona
Three Schemes and a Scandal by Maya Rodale

Damaris
Exposed to You by Beth Kery

Beebs
An Infamous Marriage by Susana Fraser

Brandi
Tart by Lauren Dane

Yadira
The Boss's Fake Fiancee by Inara Scott

All winners have been notified via email. Thank you to everyone that stopped by and entered. =)

Guest Post with Author Jess Michaels and Giveaway

Today I am happy to welcome back to RFTC not only one of my most favorite authors but one of my most favorite people author Jess Michaels. Jess is celebrating the release of her newest book For Desire Alone and has stopped by to chat. Please give Jess a warm welcome.

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 (which you can buy here), reading and spending time with her awesome husband and cats.

Places to find Jess: 

| Site | Facebook | Twitter | 

Weekly Winners

Below is a list of all of the winners from the past week.


Stella Ex Libris
A Hero Rising by Aubrie Dionne

Erin
$5 Amazon Gift Card courtesy of Ana Hart

Yadira
Bookmark + Enslaved In Shadows by Tigris Eden

Alexandrea
Cover Flat + Enslaved In Shadows by Tigris Eden

Kerry
Taboo by Jess Michaels

bn100
Three's a Crowd by Ella Jade

Yadira
Mine To Hold by Shayla Black

Nurmawati
Night Mission by Desiree Holt

Megan
Believe In Me by Rebecca Royce

Alexandrea
Bridgett
Whiskey's T-Shirt courtesy of Laura Kaye

Kerry
Her Forbidden Hero by Laura Kaya

Starryblue
The Magician of Wall Street by Minta Hall

All winners have been notified via email. Thank you to everyone that stopped by and entered. =)

Guest Post with Author Jess Michaels and Giveaway

Today I am happy to have one of my favorite author back on the blog, author Jess Michaels(aka Jenna Petersen). Jess is currently celebrating the release of her new book An Introduction to Pleasure and has stopped by today to chat. But before I give the floor over to Jess, lets get to know a bit about her.

Jess Michaels is a pseudonym used by author Jenna Peterson.

Jenna Petersen knew she wanted to be a writer at a very young age and had a very specific image of what that meant. In her mind, she would live in Los Angeles (why not New York… who knows?), attend book signings, drive a very expensive car and date endlessly (and apparently, unsuccessfully). There was little actual writing involved in the fantasy.

Instead, she got a degree in Psychology from the University of Washington, married her high school sweetheart and moved to Central Illinois. There was much actual writing involved in the reality and she learned a lot in the years she waited to hear she sold a book.

Jenna enjoys travel, history, live baseball, Bears and Eagles football, and of course, all things related to reading and writing. She runs a website for aspiring authors called The Passionate Pen, which has become a popular resource in the romance writing community. She also writes zombie comedy under the pseudonym Jesse Petersen.

Places to find Jess:

| Site | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Passionate Pen |

Review: Seven Nights by Jess Michaels

I just finished Seven Nights and I loved it. I could not put it down and read it in one sitting. I just love second-chance at love stories and this one was really good.

Leah Prescott is a travel writer who has been sent to Escapades, a resort that specializes in creating romantic fantasies for couples. When she arrives she is surprised to see that the resorts owner is none other than her ex fiance Sean. Sean has spent the last five years since Leah left him trying to orchestrate a way to get her back. He finally got her to his island for a week and he's going to show her exactly what she's been missing and he's definitely not going to let her walk away from him again.

I just loved this couple together. They were just hot, hot, hot!

Leah is very passionate about her work and ever since she left Sean, has devoted herself to nothing else. She is still not over Sean, but she definitely doesn't want to get hurt by him again. Leah tries very hard not to succumb to the feelings Sean brings out in her.

From the first scene of the book we see that Sean is still head over heels for Leah and will try anything to win her back. He took the time to create all of these elaborate fantasies in a way to woo her. I really liked Sean, and I loved that he's just so honest about his feelings and motives. He wants Leah back, there's no question about it and he will try everything to make it happen.

Watching these two come together was explosive. Both are still harboring so many strong feelings from their past that everything is just so raw with emotions. I liked that it wasn't just sex between them, it was something so much more.

RATING: