The first in The Duke’s Bastards series by 10-Time USA Today Bestselling Author, Jess
Michaels
When Morgan Banfield wakes up in Newgate after a night of debauchery, the last thing he wants
to see is his estranged brother. But in exchange for his help, Morgan must agree to take on
responsibility and try to get his life together by taking on the job of Man of Affairs for a friend.
The last thing … Affairs for a friend.
The last thing Lizzie Margolis wants is some rogue coming onto her brother’s staff. She’s had
enough of rakes after being ruined by one years before. But the more she gets to know Morgan,
the more drawn to him she becomes. The more she begins to question what is in her own heart
and how to manage her growing desire.
But as the two begin to navigate a future, Morgan’s rears its ugly head. If they fight for what
they could have, will they win? Or will all that stands between them become an insurmountable
wall?
Length: 71,000 words
Heat Level: Move over Persephone and Hades.
more
Having loved the 1797 series by this author I was so ready to dive into this new spin off series of The Duke’s Bastards. Reformed rakes and scandalous young women make for such a great story and this book is of no exception to that rule, When the love of the right woman comes along it can tame the wildness of a man and bring him to his knees and Lizzie sure does this to Morgan. He thinks her too sweet and innocent for him and she thinks that he would never be the man for her after all she has heard about him, nevertheless they both feel a strange pull toward each other.
This was such an enjoyable read, with it,s sizzling risque rendezvous to it’s wonderful cast of characters, and especially with catching up with some of the characters from the original Duke,s book series too. This was such a great start to this new series, it can be read as a standalone or if you have read the 1797 series you would be at an advantage as previous characters are bound to pop up in the next few stories backgrounds.
Loved the charters, loved the story, another enchanting read from this wonderful author!
The Love of a Libertine
The Duke’s Bastards Series #1
Jess Michaels
https://www.facebook.com/JessMichaelsBks/
Release date 05/19/2020
Publisher The Passionate Pen
Blurb :
When Morgan Banfield wakes up in Newgate after a night of debauchery, the last thing he wants to see is his estranged brother. But in exchange for his help, Morgan must agree to take on responsibility and try to get his life together by taking on the job of Man of Affairs for a friend.
The last thing Lizzie Margolis wants is some rogue coming onto her brother’s staff. She’s had enough of rakes after being ruined by one years before. But the more she gets to know Morgan, the more drawn to him she becomes. The more she begins to question what is in her own heart and how to manage her growing desire.
But as the two begin to navigate a future, Morgan’s rears its ugly head. If they fight for what they could have, will they win? Or will all that stands between them become an insurmountable wall?
Length: 71,000 words
Heat Level: Move over Persephone and Hades.
My review :
Will their past errors catch them up, and tear them apart…
While it is a sequel of The 1797 Club series, and I have read none of it, it is a standalone story and can be read as it. Yet I am very curious about the Dukes here like the Silent Duke.
The story introduce Elizabeth on the day of her ruin when she let her young heart take the lead and followed a man only interested in her family’s wealth. From then, she retreated in her shell, and moved on the fringes of society, refusing to partake in its activities.
And while she tries to find her mark and prove herself, her family and friends still see her as a fragile broken flower, without even realizing it they shrink her many attempts at autonomy. By overprotecting her, they clip her wings.
Morgan is very determined to lose himself, guilt of his past deeds eating at him. So when his half-broken offers him a helping hand, even reluctant, he takes it. Not expecting to find a reason to be worth living and to have his past following him.
While he did not understand why everyone is so protective of his new boss’ sister, he also perceives there is more to it and her than he knows.
Their first meetings one of judging, measuring but also charming. When she doubts his actions, he proves he is honorable, when they get to know a bit more one another, they share their failing and open their heart and soul, if only they do not have to pay the price of their errors.
Mrs Jess Michaels with this first in a new series open a window on an entertaining bunch of protagonists, Morgan being the introduction to the whole of them. A delightful story.
4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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Oh how i adore a reformed rake! This story was so emotional and watching things slowly develop was a treat. This is a story of two broken people from two different worlds coming together and making each other whole. Absolutely lovely! #theloveofalibertine #netgalley
I’ve read and enjoyed Jess Michaels stories in the past and was delighted to stumble upon this ARC opportunity on NetGalley. Reading this was time well spent. Good dialogue, pacing and ending.
Ah, another peer’s bastard with a bit of a chip on his shoulder, you say. Yes, but I found this story to be refreshingly different. Morgan is given a chance to redeem himself and although he’s never managed an estate before, he seems to take well to the job with some training. That training is rarely mentioned as the story centers on the attraction and budding romance between Morgan and Elizabeth, of course.
Lizzie is happy for the opportunity to flee the London Season. She’s wary of Morgan, but he treats her with respect after he quickly realizes she’s been hurt somehow and holds back with his flirtatious quips to allow her adjust to his presence.
Overall a very satisfying read.
I read a free ARC provided via NetGalley; the thoughts expressed are my own.
Jess does it again. This is a smart story with characters that will tear you apart. Morgan is super smart and when he gets a second chance he thrives. In walks Lizzie and sparks begin to fly. I like that even though she was wronged (you can read her brother’s story to find out more about the situation but it is in the prologue in this story) she does not cower from men, she just realizes that love is not for her. This is a slow burn and the gentleness of Morgan is so unlike Lizzie’s past experience that you cannot help but love Morgan even more. I really like their romance. Also, it was great seeing their brothers (both from the 1797 Club) and their wives and we are reaffirmed in our love for Ewan and Charlotte.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
A delightful new series to keep you captivated till the very end! 5 stars
Each time that I read a book by Jess Michaels, I know I’ll find some steamy sex scenes. That’s the case with ‘THE LOVE OF A LIBERTINE’, the 1st in the new series ‘The Duke’s Bastards’. It’s truly a delightful debut to introduce her readers to her novels. Beware, some scenes will make you blush! If you are looking for something romantic to read, then you have chosen the right one! I could not put it down!
It tells the story of Morgan and Lizzie! Morgan wakes up after a night of debauchery to find Robert, his estranged brother offer him a proposition to put Morgan on the right track. He is asked to work as a Man of affairs on a large estate. Four years ago, Lizzie was ruined by a man she thought who loved her. So both, are hiding secrets from their pasts. As soon as they meet, it’s passion between these two! Lizzie is wondering if she will have a broken heart again, if she falls for this gorgeous rake. What is she to do? Will she trust her heart? Can Morgan become the perfect gentleman? As the two start their new relationship, secrets will come back to haunt them! Can their love survive with so many ups and downs?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from her publisher and NetGalley! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Jess Michaels sure knows how to write stories that will have you not wanting to stop reading until you reach the last page! Be prepared to fall in love with Morgan, a bad boy with a tortured soul. At first all you want to do is give him a good shake but once you learn why he acts the way he does, you’ll just want to hold him tight.
When Morgan finds himself working as a Man of Affairs for his half-brother’s friend, he meets Lizzie, his employer’s sister. It’s instant attraction but Lizzie is keeping a secret and holds him at bay while he thinks he’s not good enough for her because of his past and lack of title. Even as they try to ignore each other, though, hot passionate kisses happen and the struggle is real…. Morgan is also being threatened, his past catching up to him.
Very well written with characters that are believable and friends that have each other’s backs. I thoroughly enjoyed this new book by Jess Michaels and give it a solid 5 star rating.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Oh my goodness! If you want a book that you just cannot put down this is it. The Love of a Libertine is the first in The Duke’s Bastards series and what a way to start a series. This story really packs a punch. It is the story of Lady Elizabeth Margolis who is sheltered by her brother after facing hurt to her reputation. She meets Morgan Banfield, her brother’s man of affairs. Morgan is the bastard brother to the Duke of Roseford. Morgan’s drinking, gambling and fighting land him in gaol where his brother finds him and arranges for him to work for Elizabeth’s brother, Hugh. This book has love, romance, hope, passion, and there is even a little mystery thrown in for good measure. There are hints for the other books in the series that leave you anticipating. I would definitely recommend this book!