Notorious rake, Michael Drake, the Viscount Blackthorn accepts a Christmas wager to be the first to seduce the next lady to walk under the mistletoe, but the lady turns out to be none other than Holly Jenkins; a woman from his past, whom he has sworn to protect, but whose bold antics drive him to distraction…and temptation. Can he protect her from himself? Holly is living a lie. Forced to … lie. Forced to masquerade as a widow to keep herself and her sisters safe, she earns a living helping those being undeservedly blackmailed by using her lock-picking skills to expose the villains behind the schemes. Attending a ball, her clandestine work is interrupted by Lord Blackthorn, a man who is as vexing as he is sinfully handsome. A man who she’s always had feelings for, which she understands are futile. Because everyone knows you can’t give your heart to a rake… Or can you?
But Michael has his own secrets, ones serious enough that could threaten any chance they have of a future together. After all, lies and deception. have a dangerous habit of unravelling when one least expects it…
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Loved the book, the story was well written and the characters were intriguing. Once I started I could not get enough, from the start till the end I was engrossed I was even on the edge of my seat with twists and turns, lust and passion, strength, happiness with a happily ever after. Do yourself a favor and buy the book you want be disappointed.
Thank you for allowing me to review your book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
ONE INTENSELY MOVING WHIRLWIND!!!
Outstanding! Maddison brings it when she comes and she came out swinging, presenting this enchantingly composed piece of perfection, breaking it down and binding this gem together sleek, shiny and tight. Braided, bent and entangled, showcasing the explosive ups and agonizing downs, blasting this glittering gem to life spectacularly. A tumultuous whirlwind of intimidating trials and challenging tribulations along with compelling twists and wicked turns blow this riveting gem into a hissy with a beautiful, eye-opening culmination. Revealing the drama, intrigue, turmoil, deception, misgivings, mounting suspense and perplexing situations along with a boatload of trouble while dodging calamity, you have one block busting masterpiece. The attraction and chemistry sizzles, alluring and mesmerizing, grounding in it’s strength and awe-inspiring in it’s depth. The characters, dialogue, interactions, charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely charismatic personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive talent and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel to life, making the storyline pop. Remarkable job Maddison, thanks for sharing this treasure with us.
This is very well-written, fast paced and such a sweet, romantic and romantic story. It has has well crafted characters who have a history and great chemistry.
The story have a group of friends that are going to pursue a lady against each other. The first Lady who walks under the mistletoe into the ballroom will be the lady they will compete to seduce for a mistress. When Holly Jenkins walks in Michael sees red. No one will be seducing her but him. This is a great read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Viscount Michel Blackthorn and two friends made a bet about making someone heir mistress. The woman was to be the sister of Michaels best friend who was killed in the war. Michael had promised to take care of the sisters so he could not let the bet to come to completion. He didn’t tell the whole story of his friends death. Holly was supporting her two sisters by helping others. Michael wanted to marry Holly but she refused when she found the whole story of her brother’s death even though she was in love with Michael.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book I have read by Maddison Michaels but it will not be the last. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is the story of Michael Drake, Viscount Blackthorn, who comes back from the war with a ton of guilt over his best friend’s death. His friends make a wager to get the next woman to pass under the mistletoe to be their mistress. The winner wins the bet, but the lady is Michael’s best friend’s sister, Holly. Things get complicated from there. There is mystery, drama, passion and romance. It is a light-hearted romance that you just can’t put down.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The one word that comes to mind after reading this story is….DELICIOUS! Oh my, absolutely delicious!!! Maddison Michaels has a way of writing that holds you spellbound from the first page to the last. This is the first novella she’s written and a darn good job she’s done of it:)
I adored the hero and heroine, both characters come to life on the pages. Michael is a rake but one with a soft spot for Holly. His deceased best friend was her brother and he had vowed to always watch over Holly and her sisters. When a “Mistletoe Mistress” bet is made between him and two of his friends, he’s horrified to find out Holly is the target!
Holly has a mind of her own and is not afraid to say what she thinks which leads her to many volatile conversations with Michael! She’s also good at picking locks and getting herself into trouble!! She really is a true delight and you can’t help but grin at her daring:) Both Holly and Michael have secrets and when they start to unravel, well….it gets very interesting!
Well written, never a dull moment and a love that will make you tingle from head to toe. I really do love this author and look forward to all her future works.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an ARC of The Mistletoe Mistress from the fabulous author, Maddison Michaels and Booksprout. Oh my gosh, Maddison Michaels has outdone herself again. I had a smirk/grin on my face so many times, I can hardly count. It is fast paced and such a sweet, romantic and delectable story. Michael Drake, Viscount Blackthorn makes a bet with two of his friends to kiss the first available lady under a mistletoe.
Holly Carlton, a widow and sister to his best dead friend, Edward, happens to be that first lady. She is also someone who helps other ladies with their “problems”. The two actually have had a special attraction for each other for a long time and the banter between them is amusing, entertaining and filled with emotion. There were times when I felt a chill go through me with the intensity of the conversations. Fabulous story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Secrets .. 4 1/2 STARS
Michael Drake, Viscount Blackthorne and his two friends place a bet. The first Lady who walks under the mistletoe into the ballroom will be the lady they will compete to seduce for a mistress.
When Holly Jenkins walks in Michael sees red. No one will be seducing her but him. A hilarious romp of two soon to be lovers bumping heads, each with secrets neither wants the other to know. Very entertaining.
The Mistletoe Mistress is a prequel to the Saints and Scoundrels Series by Maddison Michaels. It is a lovely novella easily read in one evening. I adored the hero Michael Drake and the heroine Holly Jenkins. There are so many sparks flying in this story and a few steamy scenes. I enjoyed the biting banter and the humor. Michaels has outdone herself again. Truly a delight to read.
The Mistletoe Mistress
Saints & Scoundrels
Maddison Michaels
https://www.facebook.com/MaddisonMichaelsAuthor/
Release date 03/09/2020
Publisher Silver Knight Publishing
Blurb :
Notorious rake, Michael Drake, the Viscount Blackthorn accepts a Christmas wager to be the first to seduce the next lady to walk under the mistletoe, but the lady turns out to be none other than Holly Jenkins; a woman from his past, whom he has sworn to protect, but whose bold antics drive him to distraction…and temptation. Can he protect her from himself?
Holly is living a lie. Forced to masquerade as a widow to keep herself and her sisters safe, she earns a living helping those being undeservedly blackmailed by using her lock-picking skills to expose the villains behind the schemes. Attending a ball, her clandestine work is interrupted by Lord Blackthorn, a man who is as vexing as he is sinfully handsome. A man who she’s always had feelings for, which she understands are futile. Because everyone knows you can’t give your heart to a rake… Or can you?
But Michael has his own secrets, ones serious enough that could threaten any chance they have of a future together. After all, lies and deception. have a dangerous habit of unravelling when one least expects it…
My review :
When two childhood friends rekindle, will their secrets be the reason to tear them apart …
This is my first read by Mrs Maddison Michaels, and while novellas are rarely the best way to discover an author’s work, she succeeded with this one, it has everything to keep me turning the pages.
Holly had to find a way to save herself and her sisters from an outrageous future, thus she masquerades as a widow as it allows herself to roam freely and provide shelter and food.
Michael went back from war a broken man, not only because of the horrors he faced on the battle fields but also because of his own restlessness and the price his best friend paid.
I loved to see them interact, and playing with one another. For once, it was not the wager which came between them, as instead of being angered, Holly chooses to use it as leverage to get what she wanted. They are far from perfect characters, their secrets by lies or deceit were the heavy burden they must bear and accept the cost of them.
A lovely short and fast-paced read, 4.5 stars.
I was granted an advance copy by the author but also owned my own from the collective anthology Once Upon a Christmas Wedding.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/585047835417725/?d=n
A man holding a dark secret that gives him such a guilty conscience that he frivolously spends his time in order to forget. Until he is reacquainted with a woman he has always admired and swore to a dying friend to protect. The woman has had a rough go at life. She is hiding from her greedy uncle under an assumed name to protect her and her two younger sisters. However, to support them she has privately started her own business and advertisement is by word of mouth. It is a secretive and dangerous endeavor each case she works on. But she is successful and as long as she can hide from her uncle and keep her sisters safe and fed, she will go to any lengths to get the job done. The H and h have had a love hate relationship for years. The more they feel for each other the more they argue. But love wins out in the end. A very good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5 Stars
This was a very entertaining read. I enjoyed the story and the characters. The story had a good flow, nothing seemed forced or rushed. Very pleasing to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Secrets and Blackmail.
An enjoyable read that kept my attention throughout with interesting characters. Shame it wasn’t longer as I could have kept on reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.