Stealing The Duke

4.25 Stars When the Earl of Martingale died, his daughter Marianne discovered he had been stealing. When she tried to return the items, it only created a scandal that could destroy her and her beloved younger sister Juliet. Now she's found one more item and decides to just sneak it back to the victim in the hopes to keep her disgrace from growing. Alexander Wittingham, the Duke of Avondale, has isolated himself since his sister died. But when he catches the fetching Marianne trying to return his sister's stolen broach, her presence awakens desires in him, longings he hasn't allowed himself to feel in years. When he realizes her dire straits, he makes her a shocking offer that could save her & he’s surprised when she accepts his offer. This is the second book in the series but is easily read on its own. I was drawn in from the start & read the novella in a sitting, thank goodness it wasn’t a full length novel as I wouldn’t have had any sleep! The author always has strong characters, both Alexander & Marianne are very well portrayed & are very likeable. They both have their demons to fight but together the world seems lighter. Their attraction sizzles but they also find themselves letting each other see beyond the façade they show the world. A page turning captivating hot read My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Stealing the Duke by Jess Michaels The Scandal Sheet #2 What a delightful story! It had a bit of the feel of Beauty and the Beast and seemed a bit of a fairy tale but what a fun adult fairy tale it was! The story sizzled in more ways than one and I hoped, along with Marianne, that Alexander would eventually see her for who she truly was and realize what she had to offer to him if he was only willing to open up a bit and take a chance. Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review. 5 Stars

My favorite trope of Beauty and the Beast and Jess Michaels pens it beautifully! A woman desperate to find a place for her and her young sister after her father dies and leaves them nothing. That is except some stolen items from different peers. What? Yes her father had a habit of stealing! Determined to return the last item quietly, she steals into the Duke's house to leave it and get out quickly. Of course he catches her but after finding out her circumstances, proposes a way for her and her sister to have security for one month. He is a man battling demons and is so wounded inside. Can our heroine bring him to the light and show him he is worthy of love? The deeply despondent hero who needs love and healing. The heroine who is so caring and kindhearted. An explosive combination when they get together! This author always makes my heart smile with her stories and I cannot wait for the next in this series! I highly recommend this book and any by this author!