A new scandal sheet from USA Today Bestseller Jess Michaels!!!Miss Hannah Blankenship’s awful father has finally done what he’s threatened to do for years: arrange a marriage for her. And she’s certain she knows the man he’s chosen, a disgusting viscount even older than he is! She only knows one way to end this horrible engagement and that is to get rid of the innocence that has been the … that has been the bartering point. So she goes to a hell, looking for trouble.
Duncan Cavendish is at the hell trying to drink his own trouble away. As the second son of an earl, he has very little control over his future. His brother has demanded he settle down in order to inherit and now Duncan is stuck. But the alluring stranger who takes him to her bed helps him forget…and makes him want.
But when Hannah realized it is Duncan, himself, who is her intended, she is shocked. The two decide to marry so that Duncan may get his money and Hannah her freedom. But their searing attraction may lead to feelings neither prepared for. And leave them both wondering if their mutual insistence to stay at arm’s length is truly the best course of action.
Novella Length
more
Hannah Blankenship reads in the Scandal Sheet that her father has finally succeeded in finding a groom for her, one that will no doubt benefit him more than it will her. She is sure she knows who he has chosen, Viscount Gordon, a man at least 10 years her father’s senior! She knows her father has been using her virtue as a selling point, so she hatches a plan to thwart him!
She attends the Donville Masquerade with the intention of losing her virginity and therefore ruining her father’s plan to marry her off to Viscount Gordon. Almost as soon as she enters, she is approached and finds herself swept on to the dance floor and it is clear that there is something between them, so when he asks her to go in the back with him, she agrees without a second thought.
Duncan Cavendish is at the Donville Masquerade to forget his own troubles when he sees her, one thing leads to another and soon he has her undressed and is well on his way to pleasurable oblivion when he learns the truth – his mystery lover is a virgin! He demands answers and she is completely honest and asks him to finish what they started. He likes her and when they are done, he asks her name, but she says no names and leaves.
When her father announces he has found her a groom, she is prepared to shock him with the news of her lost maidenhead, but she is the one who is shocked when her new groom ends up being her mystery lover!! She tries to dissuade him, but Duncan recognizes her immediately and asks her father if they can be alone. They talk and decide it benefits them both to marry, he to prove to his brother he is mending his wild ways and her to get out from under her father’s thumb. They agree that love will play no part in their marriage and that they will explore the obvious lust that burns between them.
It seems like a great plan, until feelings start to develop and fears and assumptions threaten to derail their HEA before it even begins.
This was a well written, fast-paced novella with wonderful characters, cameos from former “Scandal Sheet” characters, plenty of steamy love scenes and a sweet HEA. This is the sixth and final installment in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone story with no problems. Of all the installments, I think this might be my favorite – I just loved the chemistry between Duncan and Hannah and would be happy to recommend this title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the Publisher.*
This was a super fun, super sexy novella, in which an extremely hot one-night-stand turns into a passionate marriage turns into love and a beautiful HEA. Hannah’s social-climbing father is trying to sell her into marriage. She fears the highest bidder is a horrible leering man so, in order to stop the union, decides to lose her virginity at a masked sex party, like you do. Duncan is under a lot of stress and is on-board for a night of pleasure. Though, he doesn’t know at first he’s part of a de-virgin-ing plot. However, she is eventually honest with him and her reasons and as their chemistry is AMAZING, they continue, enjoying themselves enough that they are sad about parting.
Lucky for them, the reason Duncan is stressed, is because he feels pressure to marry to keep his older brother from cutting him off. He is the person who has bargained for Hannah’s hand. They are pretty surprised to find the connection. Since the sex was good and they are honest with each other, they decide to give it a go, but, due to both of their fear and trust issues (problematic parents) they promise to make it all sex and show, no demands on each others feelings.
The story thus is two people that work so well together, finding a way to get over their fears and be willing to demand it all from each other, and risk being vulnerable. Their journey is sweet and again, the sex is very hot. The story is a quick read and good, joyous, happy fun.
The House of Pleasure
The Scandal Sheet Series #6
Jess Michaels
https://www.facebook.com/JessMichaelsBks/
Release date 11/12/2019
Publisher The Passionate Pen
Blurb :
Miss Hannah Blankenship’s awful father has finally done what he’s threatened to do for years: arrange a marriage for her. And she’s certain she knows the man he’s chosen, a disgusting viscount even older than he is! She only knows one way to end this horrible engagement and that is to get rid of the innocence that has been the bartering point. So she goes to a hell, looking for trouble.
Duncan Cavendish is at the hell trying to drink his own trouble away. As the second son of an earl, he has very little control over his future. His brother has demanded he settle down in order to inherit and now Duncan is stuck. But the alluring stranger who takes him to her bed helps him forget…and makes him want.
But when Hannah realized it is Duncan, himself, who is her intended, she is shocked. The two decide to marry so that Duncan may get his money and Hannah her freedom. But their searing attraction may lead to feelings neither prepared for. And leave them both wondering if their mutual insistence to stay at arm’s length is truly the best course of action.
My review:
When two persons have to find a way out of their own circumstances, what is better than to combine their force together …
One thing is sure, Mrs Jess Michaels has a talent for scorching tales.
And Duncan and Hannah’s book is one steamy story.
It was sweet and sad to see them struggling about their feelings. When they were free in the bedroom, their fears held them prisoners of their inner dread.
Hannah has lived with her father’s threat to sold her to the higher bidder for year, so she is afraid to have her feelings used against her.
Duncan has seen first hand how sentiments could be exploited as a weapon against one’s mind.
So together, despite having soon fallen for one another, they circle around each other, scared to open their heart.
Their story is a lovely lesson in love, how miscommunications and lack of can cause damage even without even a wrong doing.
5 stars for this moving romance.
I was granted an advance copy through Netgalley by the publisher and I purchased my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/488174698438373?sfns=mo
Miss Hannah Blankenship lives in fear of who her awful father has signed a marriage contract with. She thinks it’s a man old enough to be her grandfather and she does the only thing she can think of to sabotage the contract–she gives away her virginity. That sex scene is a bit graphic with Duncan Cavendish who is nursing his own plight of an arranged marriage. When Hannah finds out it’s actually a marriage contract with Duncan, she is shocked, but delighted to be paired with him.
Ms. Michaels does a fabulous job of exploring both Hannah’s and Duncan’s feelings, first about the marriage and then their doubts it could last. This is a steamy novella that is thoroughly enjoyable.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
One of my favorite authors. You can’t go wrong reading her books.
The House of Pleasure by Jess Michaels is book 6 in The Scandal Sheets Series. This is the story of Duncan Cavendish and Hannah Blankenship. I haven’t yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book.
Hannah’s father has is making plans for her to marry and of course she is not happy about who she thinks is going to be her husband. So she takes action in loosing her innocence to make the marriage from going forward. So she thinks to go to Donville Masquerade where she can meet someone to help her out. Duncan is the second son who doesn’t have control of his future because his family wants him to marry to settle down his lifestyle.
Enjoyed reading this quick hot story on how they came to be.
Miss Hannah Blankenship’s awful father has finally found her a husband as he’s threatened to do. Hannah just knows it the lecherous man her father has been talking to. She takes things into her own hands and goes a pleasure house to a masked ball. She’ll lose her virginity on her terms. Duncan Cavendish is out for a night of pleasure trying to forget his brother has demanded he settle down in order to inherit. Duncan spots Hannah as soon as she walks in and is definitely drawn to her. The two the night together to find out the next day Duncan is her intended. Duncan needs respectability to get his inheritance and Hannah wants to wed to get out from under her father’s thumb. I loved this novella it had a few twist and turns to keep it interesting and the romance was great as they both grew to love one another. An excellent story I loved and I voluntarily wrote a review.
When Hannah knows her father is finally going to “sell” her to a man older than him in marriage, she takes matters into her own hands. She decides to “ruin herself” so that the man would not want her.
She goes to a masqued house of pleasure and ends up with the man who sees her as she walks in the door. Bold? Yes. Was she a little scared? Yes, but determined. Little did she know that man that ruined her was the actual one her father had signed an agreement with!
Fate you say? Oh but so much more. Duncan was being forced by his older titled brother to marry or he would cut off his allowance. When he finds out Hannah is the lady he was with the night before, he could not believe it!
A sexy, sigh worthy, romantic story of two people who come together in the most unusual manner but are really perfect for each other.. Jess Michaels always brings her characters alive and makes you invested in their lives. Really enjoyed this story!!
A love story that began from the Scandal Sheet, turned scandalous between the sheets!!
******
Overall rating:
Kindle Unlimited: No
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/House-Pleasure-Scandal-Sheet-Book-ebook/dp/B07KFL2DVL
******
The House of Pleasure begins as a marriage of convenience and then morphs into much more! Duncan, the rake, and spare needs to settle down his wicked ways in order to get his inheritance. Hannah needs to free herself from a father that only sees her as a commodity that can better his station. Both need something and an arrangement is made.
.
Even though this is a short read, it still hit the mark . Duncan’s growth was the most noticeable and he was my main MC over Hannah. There is a little drama, lots of steam , and wonderful characters that make you want more! That is my biggest complaint..,I wanted more!
.
I can honestly say I have enjoyed every Jess Michaels book I have read, and this book was no different. If you want a short, spicy historical romance…this is your book. Actually, this is your series! Definitely recommend and look forward to her next book. Grab yourself a drink (I chose Four Roses Single Barrel), a warm blanket and your kindle and enjoy!!!
.
#TheHouseOfPleasure #NetGalley #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #historicalromance #romancereads #steamyreads
#romancebooks #jessmichaels #romancereaders #bookreviewer #instareads #readthisbook #bourbonandbooks
It’s always a pleasure to read a book by this very accomplished author, how she always manages to fit a whole story into so very little words, it astounds me everytime. This book is no exception as it fulfilled my every desire, it’s a romance that has a good background with characters you can connect with and a plot that takes your imagination into a world of fantasy and wonder. This was a very satisfying read and for me my favorite of The Scandal Sheet series.
The House of Pleasure by Jess Michaels
The Scandal Sheet #6
Hannah does NOT want to marry the man she believes her father has “sold” her to so decides to make it impossible for the old goat to want her. When a young stud she has spent time with is presented by her father as her intended instead of that old goat she is a bit surprised and so is Duncan. How the two will maneuver themselves into a HEA and what their reasons for doing as they do is what makes this story a fun quick escape. It is not likely but fantasies are to be enjoyed and do not have to be believable.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4 – 5 Stars
Deliciously dirty arranged marriage romp!
Yummy Duncan Cavendish has a gift for dirty talk, which he uses to fulfill Hannah’s ultimate goal in taking charge of her life. When they’re both unmasked the following day, their subsequent marriage is filled with intense passion even while each one is careful to guard their hearts.
Steamy? Oh yes, definitely. But that’s not all this story is. Duncan and Hannah are wonderfully layered characters, and their romance delicately explores their growing emotional attachment despite the rules they agreed upon in the beginning. I absolutely loved the way their friends helped them through this time. For a relatively short novella, this book packs a solid emotional punch and I couldn’t have loved it more. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
The House of Pleasure is the sixth and last novella (NOOOOOOOOOOO!) in The Scandal Sheet series by Jess Michaels. I have loved this series and am sorry to see it end. However, here’s hoping her next series consists of novel-length stories. Pretty please?
Hannah Blankenship’s father wants her to marry for social connections, and he’s basically bartering her virginity for same. When Hannah believes her father has chosen an odious man almost old enough to be her grandfather as her husband, Hannah decides to get rid of the one thing she knows is valued: her virginity; that will surely turn a potential husband away. She attends a masked ball in a hell in order to lose that pesky problem. She meets a handsome man, and they have a passionate and steamy encounter. Later, when she is introduced to her future husband, it’s not the odious old man but Duncan Cavendish, the man she had relations with at the hell! They decide to marry as a business arrangement; She can escape her father’s machinations, and Duncan can prove to his brother he is worthy of his inheritance. Surely they can keep it as a business arrangement…right?
Oh, my, there was quite the passionate attraction between Hannah and Duncan! Ms. Michaels is a master of sensual scenes. They didn’t fight their passion for each other, but they do try to deny their true feelings. Both have family issues that make them hesitant to take the final leap into a true love match. You’ll root for these two to finally have a true marriage. I am going to miss the Scandal Sheet and all the love it brought about!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Miss Hannah Blankenship’s awful father has finally done what he’s threatened to do for years: arrange a marriage for her. And she’s certain she knows the man he’s chosen, a disgusting viscount even older than he is. She only knows one way to end this horrible engagement and that is to get rid of the innocence that has been the bartering point. Duncan Cavendish is trying to drink his own trouble away. As the second son of an earl, he has very little control over his future. His brother has demanded he settle down in order to inherit. Duncan & Hannah meet at the Donville Masquerade & spend an evening neither of them will forget. The next morning Hannah’s father informs her that he’s negotiated a marriage for her, to say she is shocked that it’s Duncan is an understatement. They each recognise each other & decide to marry so that Duncan may get his money and Hannah her freedom.
A well written novella that I read in a sitting. The sixth in the series & it could easily be read on its own. I loved both Duncan & Hannah who are both afraid to love & then afraid to voice how they feel. Their attraction sizzles but they also spend hours talking & quickly fall in love. However misunderstandings mar the road to their HEA, they need to talk to clear the air before old fears take over. I was drawn in from the first page & held enthralled until the last.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Hannah Blankenship’s father has been shopping for her husband for years now, looking for the best arrangement for himself of course, not for his daughter, and he’s finally done it. Hannah believes she knows who he’s selected, a disgusting viscount old enough to be her grandfather. The only way out that Hannah can think of is to rid herself of the virtue her father is using as a point of trade, so she goes to a scandalous club in search of a man to ruin her.
Duncan Cavendish happens to be haunting the same club attempting to drink away his own sorrows at the arranged marriage he’s just agreed to. As the second son of an earl, he is only doing what he must to secure his inheritance but that doesn’t mean he has to like it. When he meets a beautiful stranger, she proves a perfect distraction and leaves him wanting more.
But the next day when Hannah meets her intended she is shocked to find it is Duncan, the man from the club. The two decide to go through with the marriage since it will be beneficial to them both. Although they agree to have no expectations of deep feelings, they may be inevitable given the passion and connection brewing between them. Soon Duncan and Hannah must decide if keeping each other at a distance is what they truly want.
Holy chemistry between these two. They were both afraid of being vulnerable and it was sweet to see them overcome those fears and become stronger together. This was a great quick, steamy read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
First off, what a pleasure to see Marcus again if only for a brief moment. All I can say is I am in awe of Ms. Michaels’ storytelling. She conveys in a novella what some authors cannot convey in a full-length book. From the beginning of the story to the end I was riveted by Duncan and Hannah’s story. Their love grows quickly and smolders. I was a little worried at one point in the story but Duncan’s appearance in Hannah’s room and his and her honesty gives their relationship the leg up it needed to overcome their “agreement” to leave love out of the equation. Just lovely. I could gush and gush over the story for paragraphs but just let me say that if you have not read this author before try her stories. Any story. They are all heartfelt.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
This was a lovely, romantic, steamy, short novella with lovely, lovely characters. It is a well-written and satisfying read.
As one does, Miss Hannah Blankenship attended the Donville Masquerade with the express purpose of losing her virginity. No, she’s not a wonton miss, she is just trying to do whatever she can to prevent her father from forcing her to marry the odious Viscount Hiram Gordon who is ten years her father’s senior. He is a letch with blackened teeth and foul breath and she knew she’d never be able to stomach being married to him – letting him touch her. She knew he’d refuse the marriage if she wasn’t chaste – so – she wouldn’t be chaste.
Duncan Cavendish’s brother, the Earl of Wilding, has been more and more dissatisfied with Duncan’s lifestyle of late. He has finally told Duncan that he must either straighten out his life, settle down or he’ll be cut off from his inheritance. So, Duncan has been busily betrothing himself to a young lady with a social-climbing father. He’s never met the woman, but she meets all of his requirements, so he’d bite the bullet and marry her. First, though, he is going to spend a night at the Donville Masquerade for a night of pleasure before committing himself for life.
Although everyone at the Masquerade was masked, there was an immediate, undeniable attraction between Hannah and Duncan as soon as they locked eyes across the room. Duncan headed straight for the beautiful, alluring woman he sees across the room and she’s smiling at him. They dance, they retire to a back room and he eventually makes a very shocking discovery.
When the man her father has betrothed her to arrives the next day, Hannah is shocked to find that it is Duncan. She recognizes him immediately even though they were both masked the previous night. He also recognizes her, but neither of them acknowledges that fact.
It was lovely to see two individuals who were rabidly afraid of love, trust and commitment grow to love each other – although they had both agreed that they would keep their relationship to a physical one – no emotions involved.
It was an entertaining, though short, read and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.