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3.48 AVERAGE
3.48 AVERAGE
I'm a lesbian. This book had too much penis in it for my taste.
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
In all honesty, I would have given this a higher rating if I had been more immersed in Ethan and Miranda's relationship. Things between them took off so quickly I barely had time to process it. As such, it took me a while to really get emotionally invested in their relationship. Miranda and Ethan were both likable, if a little boring, characters and it saddens me that I was not invested from the start. The climax at the country ball was the scene that finally made me emotionally involved. It was also the first time both Ethan and Miranda felt a shift in their relationship.
The love scenes were extremely well-written, even though I thought it a little dubious how Ethan lost control so easily. Ms. Michaels did a fantastic job writing steamy love scenes, without making them too vulgar and icky. In contrast to other erotic historical romances I have read, this one did not rely on the over-description of every little action. Instead, the love scenes were layered with drawn-out sensuality. Most surprising of all, the love scenes worked in tandem with the characters. Each love scene developed the power dynamic between Ethan and Miranda, which was very interesting to read about. Sometimes Ethan held the reins, but other times Miranda was the one in control. They eventually got into this sensual fight for the reins of power; neither wanted to lose control because they were afraid of the consequences. It was incredible when both finally let go. The relationship building was extremely well-written despite the fact that it took me a long time to click with the characters.
The physical and emotional devlopment of the hero and heroine's relationship was the main strength of this book. Character-wise, Ethan was a more compeling character than Miranda, who was a little bland and boring to me. There was no character development for Miranda: she stayed the same and never really stood up to her family. The character development for Ethan was well done though. When it came to describing the setting, the depiction of the period and country setting was lackluster. The setting felt stagnant in that Miranda was either at Ethan's house or at her own place with her annoying family. I didn't really get a good feel of the period to be quite honest. The only settings that were really described were Ethan's den of iniquity, some aspects of Miranda's house to reveal her poverty, and some parts of London.
As for the secondary characters, my God, I could not stand them! I hated reading about them and I don't think her ungrateful family deserved anything good. Penelope was fine, until that fateful encounter. At first, I understood her feelings - she felt betrayed by her sister and at the same time, she felt as if her sister was forced into this situation (even though Miranda told Penelope she was fully willing). But I think she was too harsh towards Miranda in the end. Miranda did not deserve her judgement. She also kept refusing to understand Miranda's side of the story. It's hard to pin point what she was exactly angry about. As Ethan pointed out, she was probably pissed about a multitude of things. What really made me dislike her though, was when Spoiler she dared ask Miranda not to accept Ethan's proposal. Bitch, what? None of your damn business! Just like it's nobody else's damn business that you wish to sacrifice yourself to an old man! .
Anyway, moving on. As I've mentioned before, the writing was excellent, but there was some repetitiveness that detracted from my reading: Miranda was constantly gasping, flinching or sighing even outside of love scenes. At one point, she started feeling angry at Penelope, but then all of a sudden, she started sighing. The story itself was far-fetched, but I was willing suspend disbelief. One thing that I did find odd was that they didn't take any precaution against pregnancy even though they wanted to keep their affair a secret.
Finally, I think we really needed an epilogue. I guess I will have to read the next book to find out what happened with Penelope and Miranda. That was never resolved.
The love scenes were extremely well-written, even though I thought it a little dubious how Ethan lost control so easily. Ms. Michaels did a fantastic job writing steamy love scenes, without making them too vulgar and icky. In contrast to other erotic historical romances I have read, this one did not rely on the over-description of every little action. Instead, the love scenes were layered with drawn-out sensuality. Most surprising of all, the love scenes worked in tandem with the characters. Each love scene developed the power dynamic between Ethan and Miranda, which was very interesting to read about. Sometimes Ethan held the reins, but other times Miranda was the one in control. They eventually got into this sensual fight for the reins of power; neither wanted to lose control because they were afraid of the consequences. It was incredible when both finally let go. The relationship building was extremely well-written despite the fact that it took me a long time to click with the characters.
The physical and emotional devlopment of the hero and heroine's relationship was the main strength of this book. Character-wise, Ethan was a more compeling character than Miranda, who was a little bland and boring to me. There was no character development for Miranda: she stayed the same and never really stood up to her family. The character development for Ethan was well done though. When it came to describing the setting, the depiction of the period and country setting was lackluster. The setting felt stagnant in that Miranda was either at Ethan's house or at her own place with her annoying family. I didn't really get a good feel of the period to be quite honest. The only settings that were really described were Ethan's den of iniquity, some aspects of Miranda's house to reveal her poverty, and some parts of London.
As for the secondary characters, my God, I could not stand them! I hated reading about them and I don't think her ungrateful family deserved anything good. Penelope was fine, until that fateful encounter. At first, I understood her feelings - she felt betrayed by her sister and at the same time, she felt as if her sister was forced into this situation (even though Miranda told Penelope she was fully willing). But I think she was too harsh towards Miranda in the end. Miranda did not deserve her judgement. She also kept refusing to understand Miranda's side of the story. It's hard to pin point what she was exactly angry about. As Ethan pointed out, she was probably pissed about a multitude of things. What really made me dislike her though, was when Spoiler she dared ask Miranda not to accept Ethan's proposal. Bitch, what? None of your damn business! Just like it's nobody else's damn business that you wish to sacrifice yourself to an old man! .
Anyway, moving on. As I've mentioned before, the writing was excellent, but there was some repetitiveness that detracted from my reading: Miranda was constantly gasping, flinching or sighing even outside of love scenes. At one point, she started feeling angry at Penelope, but then all of a sudden, she started sighing. The story itself was far-fetched, but I was willing suspend disbelief. One thing that I did find odd was that they didn't take any precaution against pregnancy even though they wanted to keep their affair a secret.
Finally, I think we really needed an epilogue. I guess I will have to read the next book to find out what happened with Penelope and Miranda. That was never resolved.
This is the book with Miranda, who sees the MMC having sex outdoors numerous times and when her family is in a tight spot she goes to him for help and he agrees to sponsor her sisters in exchange for 3 months of sex. She's been horny ever since that first day so she agrees. This could be icky but she's REALLY horny so it's ok. Though what's icky now that I think about it is that it was his idea.
Anyway, they fall in love. The end. The MMC was one of those "i can't ever love/get married" dudes. Until the end, of course
Miranda was pretty cool.
I don't understand how they never once discussed birth control. But I am thankful there wasn't a surprise baby
Anyway, they fall in love. The end. The MMC was one of those "i can't ever love/get married" dudes. Until the end, of course
Miranda was pretty cool.
I don't understand how they never once discussed birth control. But I am thankful there wasn't a surprise baby
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I read this a long time ago (2011 maybe?) and had a note about not loving the writing, but the spicy scenes were very much worth it. I don't know if I fully agree with my past self in this instance, as the writing needed a decent amount of help, as did the spicy scenes. It was still a fun book and worth the read, don't get me wrong, but I don't think this book is worth a re-read.
Historical romance. Sex scenes that current day romances wouldn't bat an eye at, but always enjoy a strong woman and a rich rogue that refuses to fall in love. If you like pretty well written historical smut, this is for you.
I liked it I have never read anything by Jess Michaels before and find I'm looking forward to more.