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The Pleasure Wars #1
Taken By the Duke
"An eye for an eye, a sin for a sin "
"The Pleasure Wars, Book 1"
Amid all the lies and scandals that fuel Society s gossip mill, one truth has stood House Rothcastle and House Windbury have always hated each other.
Lady Ava Windbury prays the feud will someday end, to no avail. One dreadful night, her brother accidentally causes the death of Christian Rothcastle s sister, a tragedy that leaves both men maimed.
Consumed by grief, Christian makes a grim decision. He will kidnap Lady Ava so that her family will feel the pain of loss as keenly as he feels the loss of his own sister. But once he has Ava in his clutches, desire takes unexpected hold. Even more surprising, she willingly surrenders to his every sexual whim after haggling over the terms of giving up her virginity.
Too late, he realizes she is using her body for peace, not war. But just as their affair of revenges turns into an affair of the heart, the past rears its ugly head to take matters into its own hands
This book contains scenes of erotic seduction, sexual revenge and the healing power of love.
"The Pleasure Wars, Book 1"
Amid all the lies and scandals that fuel Society s gossip mill, one truth has stood House Rothcastle and House Windbury have always hated each other.
Lady Ava Windbury prays the feud will someday end, to no avail. One dreadful night, her brother accidentally causes the death of Christian Rothcastle s sister, a tragedy that leaves both men maimed.
Consumed by grief, Christian makes a grim decision. He will kidnap Lady Ava so that her family will feel the pain of loss as keenly as he feels the loss of his own sister. But once he has Ava in his clutches, desire takes unexpected hold. Even more surprising, she willingly surrenders to his every sexual whim after haggling over the terms of giving up her virginity.
Too late, he realizes she is using her body for peace, not war. But just as their affair of revenges turns into an affair of the heart, the past rears its ugly head to take matters into its own hands
This book contains scenes of erotic seduction, sexual revenge and the healing power of love.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2013
245 people are currently reading
1268 people want to read
About the author
Jess Michaels
128 books1,576 followersJess Michaels is a USA Today Bestselling Author who likes geeky stuff like Star Wars, playing video games (she ships herself with Dragon Age’s Iron Bull FOREVER), Bob’s Burgers and collecting POPs! She also drinks a LOT of Diet Coke. Probably an unhealthy amount, but it’s her only vice. She will eat (almost) anything coconut, truly anything cheesy and nothing spicy (yes, she is a walking stereotype when it comes to that). She likes cats, her dog Elton and people who care about the welfare of their fellow humans.
Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.
When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.
Although she started out traditionally published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pocket, Hachette and Samhain Publishing, in 2015 she went fully indie and has never looked back! She is lucky enough to be married to her favorite person in the world and live tucked between the ocean and the mountains in Oregon.
When she’s not watching Our Flag Means Death or trying out all the new flavors of Greek yogurt, she writes historical romances with smoking hot heroes and sassy heroines who do anything but wait to get what they want.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
July 15, 2013
BUDDY READ WITH THE FAMOUS SORAYA!! WHO IS MY MEMORABLE FIRST! IT WAS A PLEASURE MY DEAR!
Having read Jess Michaels before, I had probably higher than normal expectations for this book. Everything Forbidden, book 1 in Michaels' Albright Sisters series was beyond fantastic. It was angsty yet completely disarming for a historical romance. It had depth, a great plot and very erotic intimate scenes--yes please!
So coming into this book I expected a similarity in the type of feeling this author had provoked in me. I was half right. Taken By the Duke was slow to start although the prologue was fast-paced. It didn't quite pick up for most of the book until the last 30%. This is not to say it was boring or slow. I would say more like an even pace that never got tedious nor exciting.
The story starts with the death of the Duke of Rothcastle's sister, Matilda in a freak accident caused by the ever on going battle between two families: The Windburys and Rothcastles. Her death affects both families equally but only increases each family's thirst for revenge.
Six months after the accident, Liam of Windbury is grieving the loss of his love and Christian of Rothcastle is stewing in the heat of his demand for revenge in the midst of grieving for his dead sister. Stuck in the middle and a casualty of the hatred between both families is Ava, Liam's sister, who unwittingly becomes a pawn in the never ending battle between dueling houses.
Ava was strong-willed and intelligent always playing stronger than she actually was. Her fear never forced her to freeze up or do stupid things, rather she often analyzed her situations in a very clinical way, to the shock of Christian, the Duke of Rothcastle and her captor.
Christian was very interesting. And sexy! He began as a vengeful, guilt-ridden man intent on invoking the same fate on his enemy, Liam of Windbury, by kidnapping Ava and forcing Liam to feel the pain of loss from losing a sister.
But as he sets out to gain revenge, he becomes much too aware of Ava and spontaneously decides to trade her brother's safety for Ava's innocence. Sexual seduction never felt so good to both Christian and Ava and what ensues is a bond that neither one expected nor can deny. The sex scenes were HOT, but seemed to replace any real depth to the story, considering that's all they did for a while ;-)).
I liked how Christian transformed, how he was awakened to feel anything other than hatred and animosity. He slowly turned to Ava for comfort despite being suspicious and mean at times. Even Ava was changed by the bond she developed with Christian. Where as at first her seduction and sexual barter was through negotiation, she came to crave and relish in Christian's touch.
The last 30% however is where I felt the story got exciting and definitely more meatier. Secondary characters and their roles were exposed here as well as the true nature of Ava's brother. I had felt sorry for him initially but by the end I wanted to deck him! The things he thought of were cray cray!
This book reminded me of Claiming the Courtesan, another historical kidnapping tale. That book however was fast paced and had more depth if I was to compare, and I loved it.
So all in all this was a decent book with some memorable lines and an expected HEA, I only wish the pacing in general was as exciting as the last third. This is the first in a series so we aren't finished with Ava, Christian and Liam but at least we have something to smile about.
Having read Jess Michaels before, I had probably higher than normal expectations for this book. Everything Forbidden, book 1 in Michaels' Albright Sisters series was beyond fantastic. It was angsty yet completely disarming for a historical romance. It had depth, a great plot and very erotic intimate scenes--yes please!
So coming into this book I expected a similarity in the type of feeling this author had provoked in me. I was half right. Taken By the Duke was slow to start although the prologue was fast-paced. It didn't quite pick up for most of the book until the last 30%. This is not to say it was boring or slow. I would say more like an even pace that never got tedious nor exciting.
The story starts with the death of the Duke of Rothcastle's sister, Matilda in a freak accident caused by the ever on going battle between two families: The Windburys and Rothcastles. Her death affects both families equally but only increases each family's thirst for revenge.
Six months after the accident, Liam of Windbury is grieving the loss of his love and Christian of Rothcastle is stewing in the heat of his demand for revenge in the midst of grieving for his dead sister. Stuck in the middle and a casualty of the hatred between both families is Ava, Liam's sister, who unwittingly becomes a pawn in the never ending battle between dueling houses.
Ava was strong-willed and intelligent always playing stronger than she actually was. Her fear never forced her to freeze up or do stupid things, rather she often analyzed her situations in a very clinical way, to the shock of Christian, the Duke of Rothcastle and her captor.
Christian was very interesting. And sexy! He began as a vengeful, guilt-ridden man intent on invoking the same fate on his enemy, Liam of Windbury, by kidnapping Ava and forcing Liam to feel the pain of loss from losing a sister.
But as he sets out to gain revenge, he becomes much too aware of Ava and spontaneously decides to trade her brother's safety for Ava's innocence. Sexual seduction never felt so good to both Christian and Ava and what ensues is a bond that neither one expected nor can deny. The sex scenes were HOT, but seemed to replace any real depth to the story, considering that's all they did for a while ;-)).
I liked how Christian transformed, how he was awakened to feel anything other than hatred and animosity. He slowly turned to Ava for comfort despite being suspicious and mean at times. Even Ava was changed by the bond she developed with Christian. Where as at first her seduction and sexual barter was through negotiation, she came to crave and relish in Christian's touch.
The last 30% however is where I felt the story got exciting and definitely more meatier. Secondary characters and their roles were exposed here as well as the true nature of Ava's brother. I had felt sorry for him initially but by the end I wanted to deck him! The things he thought of were cray cray!
This book reminded me of Claiming the Courtesan, another historical kidnapping tale. That book however was fast paced and had more depth if I was to compare, and I loved it.
So all in all this was a decent book with some memorable lines and an expected HEA, I only wish the pacing in general was as exciting as the last third. This is the first in a series so we aren't finished with Ava, Christian and Liam but at least we have something to smile about.
December 31, 2025
It's still a 5 star read!
Quick Review
- It is a well-established notion that most books that bear Jess Michaels's name shall be enjoyable.
- This steamy and dramatic Romeo-Juliet Regency retelling was so fun. Yes, the plot was a little on the wrong/dirty side, but when it ends up being love, who cares? Not me.
- Ava is the best part of this story. Lovely girl, strong-willed, winning over a losing situation. I like a heroine who can take over the running of a household when kidnapped.
- Christian, the injured, wrong, grieving, broken, delicious duke! He apologises for not being able to see to her comforts whilst he is kidnapping her. *Adorable! He let go of his anger for her, awww.
- Their romance is just adorable. There is one line that stuck with me, I've heavily improvised the quote btw - Things crashing, plates breaking, and doors being kicked in. Someone shouting. "Christian?", she murmured sleepily. "I hear it".
It is such a domestic scene, just shows how comfortable the couple is. LOVE that!
My Recommendation
A generational feud, revenge schemes, forbidden love, hell yeah!
Quick Review
- It is a well-established notion that most books that bear Jess Michaels's name shall be enjoyable.
- This steamy and dramatic Romeo-Juliet Regency retelling was so fun. Yes, the plot was a little on the wrong/dirty side, but when it ends up being love, who cares? Not me.
- Ava is the best part of this story. Lovely girl, strong-willed, winning over a losing situation. I like a heroine who can take over the running of a household when kidnapped.
- Christian, the injured, wrong, grieving, broken, delicious duke! He apologises for not being able to see to her comforts whilst he is kidnapping her. *Adorable! He let go of his anger for her, awww.
- Their romance is just adorable. There is one line that stuck with me, I've heavily improvised the quote btw - Things crashing, plates breaking, and doors being kicked in. Someone shouting. "Christian?", she murmured sleepily. "I hear it".
It is such a domestic scene, just shows how comfortable the couple is. LOVE that!
My Recommendation
A generational feud, revenge schemes, forbidden love, hell yeah!
June 19, 2021
2.5 rounded up to a 3. I’m being generous with my stars.
July 25, 2015
Taken By the Duke is an empty story buried beneath copious amount of sex, and a weak romance. It doesn't have any soul, nothing to connect the readers to it. The characterisation is flat, shallow and uninspiring, as is the case with the dialogue and overall prose. The plot is overly simplistic; a few minor conflicts would have given the story further depth. And sadly, for an erotica, the love scenes lack the appropriate amount of intimacy and passion that would have made reading this more worthwhile. Elizabeth Hoyt books were hotter than this one.
This makes for an okay read, but lacks the necessary elements to be likeable.
This makes for an okay read, but lacks the necessary elements to be likeable.
July 15, 2013
Oh!!! I do love historical romances!!!! And this one I love as well! I love Christian beauty and vulnerability and I love Ava strenght and the power that she had so she could find peace in a war of generations!!! Hot sex scenes are a great bonus! Lovely story and beautiful love!!!
August 21, 2021
England 1812-13. DNF @75%. Not a fan!
This featured a taciturn, mercurial duke, Christian,
consumed w/ hate & Lady Ava who he kidnapped for
revenge against her brother & to humiliate her.
What's not to like?
This couple had 5 sex scenes and oral action too. But
why did Ava 'cave in' to this self-righteous, woe-is-
me shell of a man? He needed to go live in a tower
somewhere & not bother others. He got on my 'last
nerve.' Who would fall in love w/ her kidnapper?
And IMO this is an overused trope.
Perhaps the worst book I've read in 2020.
This featured a taciturn, mercurial duke, Christian,
consumed w/ hate & Lady Ava who he kidnapped for
revenge against her brother & to humiliate her.
What's not to like?
This couple had 5 sex scenes and oral action too. But
why did Ava 'cave in' to this self-righteous, woe-is-
me shell of a man? He needed to go live in a tower
somewhere & not bother others. He got on my 'last
nerve.' Who would fall in love w/ her kidnapper?
And IMO this is an overused trope.
Perhaps the worst book I've read in 2020.
December 31, 2013
Jess Michael's Taken by the Duke is the start of her Pleasure Wars series, which has all the strains of William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and amped up with the Jess's own twist to the tale of a tragic young couple. The beginning of the book draws you in immediately, outlining the centuries-old war between two families, the Rothcastle family and the Windbury family -- in this generation, Christian Rothcastle, has a personal reason to seek revenge against the Windburys: he believes that Liam Windbury seduced his younger sister, Matilda, and tried to elope with her. The elopement resulted in a terrible accident, which left both Christian and Liam scarred and caused the tragic death of Matilda.
An eye for an eye: Christian has planned to kidnap the earl's younger sister, Ava, and ruin her. What Christian doesn't count on is how disarming Ava is and how clear she is in her intention: she will submit to him to save her brother -- and he doesn't count on feeling passion and a little bit more for his captive.
Feuds and rivalries are all-consuming and the parties involved are so focused on their hatred that they don't consider the collateral damage. Matilda and Ava are caught in the crossfires of their family's enmity. Their fathers, grandfathers and brothers never considered how their pride, their own battle has affected their wives and daughters -- how wonderful it would have been for them if they were free to live a more normal life and this is part of what makes Jess Michaels's story so great: we get to read Ava's perspective and opinion on the matter. We hear her complaint and see her take action. Matilda's story ended sadly but Ava still has a chance at changing how her story ends.
* * *
A kidnapping is a less-than-ideal situation for Ava but she courageously takes control over it. This is a surprising revelation for the duke (and for the readers) because we get the impression that Ava is a helpless wallflower -- but, apparently, there's more to her than meets the eye. I thought she was an admirable heroine who was undaunted in the face of adversity and managed to transform a negative event into a positive opportunity. She did what no man in her family could do: face the enemy and lay down terms. I loved how she moved and spoke with such grace, calm and sensitivity: how she treated Matilda's maid (who was serving her) and how she conducted herself in the Rothcastle household.
Innocence lost. Innocence found. Ava sacrifices her innocence to save her brother from Christian's revenge. Her selfless act is a moment of awakening for Christian -- and he regains a bit of his humanity and stops seeing Ava as the enemy. It's a wonderful moment but also one laced with a bit of sadness: their families have been sworn enemies for so long. There is no future for the two of them. The obstacle is not of their own making but existed even before their time: how does one make the change?
What drives and defines Christian are very clear: he starts out as blinded by his anger of all the Windbury and his sole goal is to "win" the rivalry in his lifetime -- but, in the end, he undergoes a change of heart. What would precipitate changing one's whole life's philosophy? Love. Love is always the answer and Ava is Christian's saving grace.
Jess Michaels plots Taken by the Duke very well: by drawing out the tension of the rivalry, magnifying the bittersweet love story that grows between her hero and heroine, and resolving the conflict in an exciting, engrossing way. If my first paragraph wasn't clear, I'd like to reiterate at this point that this book is a winner for me. True story: After I finished reading this, I immediately ordered the second book, Pleasuring the Lady -- but now I'm afraid to read it because the third book, Beauty and the Earl isn't until April 2014 so I am trying to pace myself, and plan to savour the second book while waiting for the third. ^_^
An eye for an eye: Christian has planned to kidnap the earl's younger sister, Ava, and ruin her. What Christian doesn't count on is how disarming Ava is and how clear she is in her intention: she will submit to him to save her brother -- and he doesn't count on feeling passion and a little bit more for his captive.
Feuds and rivalries are all-consuming and the parties involved are so focused on their hatred that they don't consider the collateral damage. Matilda and Ava are caught in the crossfires of their family's enmity. Their fathers, grandfathers and brothers never considered how their pride, their own battle has affected their wives and daughters -- how wonderful it would have been for them if they were free to live a more normal life and this is part of what makes Jess Michaels's story so great: we get to read Ava's perspective and opinion on the matter. We hear her complaint and see her take action. Matilda's story ended sadly but Ava still has a chance at changing how her story ends.
"...You scar everyone around you, as did our fathers, our grandfathers, and all the rest back to the beginning, whenever that was."
- loc 1500
* * *
"You spoke to me of isolation, Christian, but you are lucky. You are isolated by choice, not by circumstances out of your control. You choose to be alone, you choose to lock people out, you choose pain. So yes, I pity anyone who would be so bull-headed."
- loc 1611
A kidnapping is a less-than-ideal situation for Ava but she courageously takes control over it. This is a surprising revelation for the duke (and for the readers) because we get the impression that Ava is a helpless wallflower -- but, apparently, there's more to her than meets the eye. I thought she was an admirable heroine who was undaunted in the face of adversity and managed to transform a negative event into a positive opportunity. She did what no man in her family could do: face the enemy and lay down terms. I loved how she moved and spoke with such grace, calm and sensitivity: how she treated Matilda's maid (who was serving her) and how she conducted herself in the Rothcastle household.
Innocence lost. Innocence found. Ava sacrifices her innocence to save her brother from Christian's revenge. Her selfless act is a moment of awakening for Christian -- and he regains a bit of his humanity and stops seeing Ava as the enemy. It's a wonderful moment but also one laced with a bit of sadness: their families have been sworn enemies for so long. There is no future for the two of them. The obstacle is not of their own making but existed even before their time: how does one make the change?
Old hatreds, hard lost, rose up in him as he pictured Windbury running wild. he loved the idea, thought the pain on Ava's face brought him no gratification. Those warring emotions, though, frustrated and angered him. How dare she alter his glee in an enemy's pain?
- loc 1894
What drives and defines Christian are very clear: he starts out as blinded by his anger of all the Windbury and his sole goal is to "win" the rivalry in his lifetime -- but, in the end, he undergoes a change of heart. What would precipitate changing one's whole life's philosophy? Love. Love is always the answer and Ava is Christian's saving grace.
Jess Michaels plots Taken by the Duke very well: by drawing out the tension of the rivalry, magnifying the bittersweet love story that grows between her hero and heroine, and resolving the conflict in an exciting, engrossing way. If my first paragraph wasn't clear, I'd like to reiterate at this point that this book is a winner for me. True story: After I finished reading this, I immediately ordered the second book, Pleasuring the Lady -- but now I'm afraid to read it because the third book, Beauty and the Earl isn't until April 2014 so I am trying to pace myself, and plan to savour the second book while waiting for the third. ^_^
July 1, 2013
Ever since I discovered Jess Michaels' writing I know that if I'm in the mood for some seriously scorching historical romance she is the person to go to. Her novels are sinfully delicious, addictive and oh so steamy! And it was just the same with her latest release Taken by the Duke, which is the first book in her brand new series, the Pleasure Wars series.
Taken by the Duke is a sensual Regency Romeo and Juliet retelling: the Rothcastles and Windburys have been feuding for so long they can't even remember what caused their rift. One fateful night the fighting between Lord Rothcastle and Lord Windbury results in a dreadful accident, which causes the death of Lady Matilda Rothcastle, beloved sister of one and lover of the other. That night changes both men. The grief, guilt and hatred festers until Christian Rothcastle devises the perfect revenge: he'll kidnap Lady Ava Windbury, sister of his arch-nemesis, will ruin and then discard her, bringing shame and scorn on the Windbury family.
However, he did not count on the beauty and gentle goodness of Lady Ava. No matter how hostile and rude he is towards her she is humble and kind, not wanting the perpetuate the constant battle and hate between the families. She is ready to sacrifice her virtue and reputation to gain peace and reconciliation between the Rothcastles and Windburys.
"And yet the result he likely hoped for was not coming to fruition. She felt no desire to distance herself. In fact, the more he spat at her like a feral barn cat, the more she felt driven to find out what she could about him. To make him see her, and by proxy her brother, as human."
"Perhaps if he delved deeply enough into her body, into her heart, he could take some of her power with him when they parted. A final gift from a woman who used his attempts to make her into a weapon of war, and instead embarked on a mission of peace."
Ava is not what Christian expected. She doesn't cry or beg but accepts her fate with calm and resignation. Despite her vulnerable state of having been kidnapped and kept captive, as well as being "only" a woman in a men's war Ava had some awe-inspiring inner strength and her gentleness and compassion did not mean she didn't possess a spine of steel. She was a strong woman using kindness as her shield against the world and its ugliness.
"He stared, still mesmerized as ever by the beauty of her form. She was so lithe and lovely, so graceful and yet so strong in her spirit. He had thought he could break her when he took her. Now he knew she would never be broken. And he envied her for that inner strength. For her confidence that she controlled her own happiness and refused to turn it over to any other person."
Christian is astonished and flummoxed by Ava and her every reaction, which simply defies every expectation or rule, and soon he finds himself unable to resist her. He wants her not because of his evil plans but because he wants to get close to her and enjoy her light and warmth while she is still there with him. It was moving to see how such a wisp of a woman thawed this hardened man, who has spent the past couple of years hating all the Windburys and what they stood for.
“I brought you here for revenge,” he said, his voice very soft. “I could think of nothing else when I took you. But now… I wonder if we could spend the rest of our time together, not in a bargain, not in a war, but just as lovers who want to share a brief moment in time.”
Jess Michaels gave us some great and vivid characters, Ava, Christian and Liam (Lord Windbury, and I hope the hero of the next novel in the series) were interesting characters the reader could sympathize with and root for, and the passion between Ava and Christian was hot, sensual, sweeping the reader along with the drift of the story. Besides the passion Jess Michaels also gave us some heart-wrenching emotions: reading about the men's suffering and guilt was both moving and heart-breaking.
Verdict: Taken by the Duke is a captivating sensual Regency Romeo and Juliet historical romance I gobbled up in mere hours, it was a gripping and entertaining story and I can't wait to read the next books in the series! :-)
Plot: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 9/10
Ending: 8/10
Cover: 9/10
I give Taken by the Duke 4.5 stars!
Taken by the Duke is a sensual Regency Romeo and Juliet retelling: the Rothcastles and Windburys have been feuding for so long they can't even remember what caused their rift. One fateful night the fighting between Lord Rothcastle and Lord Windbury results in a dreadful accident, which causes the death of Lady Matilda Rothcastle, beloved sister of one and lover of the other. That night changes both men. The grief, guilt and hatred festers until Christian Rothcastle devises the perfect revenge: he'll kidnap Lady Ava Windbury, sister of his arch-nemesis, will ruin and then discard her, bringing shame and scorn on the Windbury family.
However, he did not count on the beauty and gentle goodness of Lady Ava. No matter how hostile and rude he is towards her she is humble and kind, not wanting the perpetuate the constant battle and hate between the families. She is ready to sacrifice her virtue and reputation to gain peace and reconciliation between the Rothcastles and Windburys.
"And yet the result he likely hoped for was not coming to fruition. She felt no desire to distance herself. In fact, the more he spat at her like a feral barn cat, the more she felt driven to find out what she could about him. To make him see her, and by proxy her brother, as human."
"Perhaps if he delved deeply enough into her body, into her heart, he could take some of her power with him when they parted. A final gift from a woman who used his attempts to make her into a weapon of war, and instead embarked on a mission of peace."
Ava is not what Christian expected. She doesn't cry or beg but accepts her fate with calm and resignation. Despite her vulnerable state of having been kidnapped and kept captive, as well as being "only" a woman in a men's war Ava had some awe-inspiring inner strength and her gentleness and compassion did not mean she didn't possess a spine of steel. She was a strong woman using kindness as her shield against the world and its ugliness.
"He stared, still mesmerized as ever by the beauty of her form. She was so lithe and lovely, so graceful and yet so strong in her spirit. He had thought he could break her when he took her. Now he knew she would never be broken. And he envied her for that inner strength. For her confidence that she controlled her own happiness and refused to turn it over to any other person."
Christian is astonished and flummoxed by Ava and her every reaction, which simply defies every expectation or rule, and soon he finds himself unable to resist her. He wants her not because of his evil plans but because he wants to get close to her and enjoy her light and warmth while she is still there with him. It was moving to see how such a wisp of a woman thawed this hardened man, who has spent the past couple of years hating all the Windburys and what they stood for.
“I brought you here for revenge,” he said, his voice very soft. “I could think of nothing else when I took you. But now… I wonder if we could spend the rest of our time together, not in a bargain, not in a war, but just as lovers who want to share a brief moment in time.”
Jess Michaels gave us some great and vivid characters, Ava, Christian and Liam (Lord Windbury, and I hope the hero of the next novel in the series) were interesting characters the reader could sympathize with and root for, and the passion between Ava and Christian was hot, sensual, sweeping the reader along with the drift of the story. Besides the passion Jess Michaels also gave us some heart-wrenching emotions: reading about the men's suffering and guilt was both moving and heart-breaking.
Verdict: Taken by the Duke is a captivating sensual Regency Romeo and Juliet historical romance I gobbled up in mere hours, it was a gripping and entertaining story and I can't wait to read the next books in the series! :-)
Plot: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 9/10
Ending: 8/10
Cover: 9/10
I give Taken by the Duke 4.5 stars!
June 13, 2013
An erotic historical romance with an abundance of romance that takes it a step beyond.
TAKEN BY THE DUKE by Jess Michaels is more than I ever expected from an erotic historical romance. It’s powerful, fast-paced, and carries a poignancy that pulls you back to such greats as ROMEO AND JULIET, and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, two of Shakespeare’s plays that dealt with feuds and the damaging blow that ruination brought on by hatred could inflict upon honor and family. As I said at the beginning of this review, one of the things I enjoy most about historical romance is how easy it is to take a small piece of information that in today’s world might be only slightly noticeable, but in a past era, that same item could devastate.
A powerful story, engaging and charismatic characters, an intensity of emotion brought on by hatred that is slowly dissolved by a loving touch, kind words, and a love affair that leaves you breathless, TAKEN BY THE DUKE by Jess Michaels is a historical romance that will keep you captivated from its tragic beginning to its happily-ever-after.
I highly recommend TAKEN BY THE DUKE, a Pleasures War novel by Jess Michaels to anyone who enjoys a story built on the slippery slope of society’s quickness to indict even the most innocent on the actions of others. Seriously, even if you fear that erotic romance is too steamy for you, TAKEN BY THE DUKE is one that will keep you coming back for more - more romance, that is.
***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
TAKEN BY THE DUKE by Jess Michaels is more than I ever expected from an erotic historical romance. It’s powerful, fast-paced, and carries a poignancy that pulls you back to such greats as ROMEO AND JULIET, and MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, two of Shakespeare’s plays that dealt with feuds and the damaging blow that ruination brought on by hatred could inflict upon honor and family. As I said at the beginning of this review, one of the things I enjoy most about historical romance is how easy it is to take a small piece of information that in today’s world might be only slightly noticeable, but in a past era, that same item could devastate.
A powerful story, engaging and charismatic characters, an intensity of emotion brought on by hatred that is slowly dissolved by a loving touch, kind words, and a love affair that leaves you breathless, TAKEN BY THE DUKE by Jess Michaels is a historical romance that will keep you captivated from its tragic beginning to its happily-ever-after.
I highly recommend TAKEN BY THE DUKE, a Pleasures War novel by Jess Michaels to anyone who enjoys a story built on the slippery slope of society’s quickness to indict even the most innocent on the actions of others. Seriously, even if you fear that erotic romance is too steamy for you, TAKEN BY THE DUKE is one that will keep you coming back for more - more romance, that is.
***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
June 1, 2013
Wonderful historical romance paying homage to classic stories of Romeo and Juliet and Beauty and the Beast. Full review to come via Romance Junkies.
July 29, 2014
This was a very strange book to read right on the heels of What Happens in Scotland. In WHIS the hero and heroine didn't even meet back up until 47% of the way through the novel. In Taken by the Duke, the hero and heroine just had ridiculous sex constantly. (So many orgasms. If he breathed hard, she orgasmed.)
July 25, 2021
This was my first read by this author, though I've heard many good things about her books. This was exactly what I was hoping - an interesting story, well developed main characters, and it was pretty hot.
October 15, 2018
3,5 stars
April 23, 2023
It's an erotic romance and does not feel like a revenge story to me at all. The revenge part of the story wasn't that intense. The beginning was promising and created a vibe of a revenge story but it got lost.
It's a very light Sunday afternoon lazy read for me. Looking forward to the story of the brother of the heroine.
It's a very light Sunday afternoon lazy read for me. Looking forward to the story of the brother of the heroine.
February 6, 2023
This was such a beautiful and tragic romance. Two families who have hated each other forever. Can Ava Christian break the curse!
I enjoyed everything about this book. The characters and the attention to details. The main characters were so strong and so in love. This is a definite must read.
I enjoyed everything about this book. The characters and the attention to details. The main characters were so strong and so in love. This is a definite must read.
August 15, 2014
Taken by the Duke (Pleasure Wars, #1) was a fast-paced, erotic Regency tale of love and revenge in the vein of Romeo and Juliet. It was very sexual, but deeply emotional as well. I liked that there was a lot of interplay between the hero and heroine, followed by an action-filled finale. The story was well crafted and the transformation of their relationship was gradual and believable.
The stage is set when Matilda Rothcastle runs away with Liam Windbury. These star-crossed lovers are chased by her brother, Christian Rothcastle. A horrific accident occurs in which both gentlemen are seriously injured and Mathilda is killed and the long-standing feud between the two families becomes worse. Both Liam and Christian are filled with anger and guilt. Revenge is foremost in their minds. Christian concocts a scheme to kidnap Liam’s sister, Ava, and keep her long enough to ruin her. As Christian takes Ava to a remote estate they are both surprised to find they are attracted to each other. Ava bargains away her innocence to prevent further violence against her brother. Thus begins three weeks of sexual and emotional discovery as a tenuous relationship builds. Can intimacy build a bridge over a deep river of hatred?
There were many things I liked about Taken by the Duke. Ava was reasonable and rational, even when she was first abducted. She was tired of the senseless, harmful battle between the two families and did what she could to stop further trouble. Christian and Liam were some very angry, guilty, confused guys. The issues were not easily resolved; in fact, some were not resolved at all. There was a truly surprising twist at the end. The ending also provided a very nice setup for the next book in the series, which I very much look forward to reading. Regency readers that enjoy a good bit of spice will want to read this enjoyable and intriguing book.
**ARC provided by Author**
The stage is set when Matilda Rothcastle runs away with Liam Windbury. These star-crossed lovers are chased by her brother, Christian Rothcastle. A horrific accident occurs in which both gentlemen are seriously injured and Mathilda is killed and the long-standing feud between the two families becomes worse. Both Liam and Christian are filled with anger and guilt. Revenge is foremost in their minds. Christian concocts a scheme to kidnap Liam’s sister, Ava, and keep her long enough to ruin her. As Christian takes Ava to a remote estate they are both surprised to find they are attracted to each other. Ava bargains away her innocence to prevent further violence against her brother. Thus begins three weeks of sexual and emotional discovery as a tenuous relationship builds. Can intimacy build a bridge over a deep river of hatred?
There were many things I liked about Taken by the Duke. Ava was reasonable and rational, even when she was first abducted. She was tired of the senseless, harmful battle between the two families and did what she could to stop further trouble. Christian and Liam were some very angry, guilty, confused guys. The issues were not easily resolved; in fact, some were not resolved at all. There was a truly surprising twist at the end. The ending also provided a very nice setup for the next book in the series, which I very much look forward to reading. Regency readers that enjoy a good bit of spice will want to read this enjoyable and intriguing book.
**ARC provided by Author**
July 8, 2013
Taken By The Duke didn't have that Historical era feeling or setting. I could have been reading a Modern day romance. The story has nothing in it to tie you to the 1800's or make you believe you are reading a story based in the 1800's. The basic story was good not great but OK. When an author writes a story based on another great story by a great author. That author has to make there story as good as the previously written great story such as Romeo and Juliet!! But Jess Michaels did not do a good job in telling her version of a Romeo and Juliet. It miss the mark completely. I also felt that the ending was extremely rushed. Give the reader an epilog or more than a abrupt ending too the story.
July 6, 2013
4.25*
Book 1
This was a very good example of a historical erotic romance and I loved it. The characters were well suited to each other both strong willed people who thought they knew what they wanted out of their temporary forced situation. This book has a Montague and Capulet story line of a war between families so old that no one curently remembers the reason why they hate each other. The Winburys and Rothcastles of this story pay dearly for the long ago forgotten war. I loved Christian and Ava, my heart broke for Liam and I can't wait to read Portia's book.
Book 1
This was a very good example of a historical erotic romance and I loved it. The characters were well suited to each other both strong willed people who thought they knew what they wanted out of their temporary forced situation. This book has a Montague and Capulet story line of a war between families so old that no one curently remembers the reason why they hate each other. The Winburys and Rothcastles of this story pay dearly for the long ago forgotten war. I loved Christian and Ava, my heart broke for Liam and I can't wait to read Portia's book.
September 27, 2016
I was looking for a certain type of romance and this fit the bill but sadly the story suffered for that very reason. If you're looking for a historical romance with a high steam factor this should do it. Lots of people seem to like this author and I would definitely read her again but hopefully the next book I read has as much care go into the story-line as it does the steam factor.
Because then Hot Damn Baby!
Because then Hot Damn Baby!
February 3, 2021
Ms Michaels has written better than this. Both MC lacked depth and even the love scenes were more mechanical than sensual. The underlying plot and its resolution left much to be desired. Hoping the other books in the series are better.
June 26, 2013
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-taken-...
For generations the Rothcastles and Windburys have hated each other. No one living today knows why or even when the feud started, but the animosity between the two houses is well-known among the ton. Christian Rothcastle is out for revenge and Ava Windbury is how he intends to get it. On a tragic night six months prior Ava’s brother, Liam, and Christian were involved in an accident that resulted in the death of Christian’s sister. Now he plans to kidnap Ava and keep her away from her family until they feel her loss and know the same grief he has known.
Ava is a wallflower, the long-standing Rothcastle/Windbury battle has affected her life more than anyone realizes. She’s felt the stares and heard the gossip. After the fateful night six months earlier it’s only gotten worse. Her brother’s body may be healing, but his mind and heart are so broken that she fears he won’t ever be the man he used to be. When she is stolen away by Christian Rothcastle she knows she must try to end this ridiculous war between their families before it ruins anymore lives. She is willing to make a deal in exchange for peace and the life of her brother, she agrees to become Christian’s lover for a month, surrendering her body to him fully, if he will forgive the debt he feels is owed him by Liam and walk away from any further vengeance.
Ava is not what Christian expects. She doesn’t simper, or beg and plead. She’s innocent, yet strong and level-headed. One would think in this relationship that Christian would have all the power, but they’d be wrong. Christian and Ava come together at first because of a deal to satisfy a debt owed, but they immediately feel a pull between them and their relationship soon turns into more. Ava sets out to find a way to heal Christian and make him understand that the legacy between their families is stupid and wrong. That they can be the people to end it.
Ava is one of the best historical romance heroines I’ve read in quite a while. She’s smart, strong-willed and open to experiencing her desires. There is no lamenting her fate over and over or woe is me behavior. She’s very sensible and knows what giving up her virginity means, but ultimately is willing to sacrifice anything to save her family and see this feud end. She feels passion for Christian almost immediately and jumps into their affair with open eyes and full participation. Little by little she helps heal him, lessening his grief, helping his body mend.
I wanted to dislike Christian after the first chapter. I did, I found him to be irrational in his behavior and placing too much blame on Liam and not enough on himself. I could soon see he was blinded by his grief and the hatred passed down to him for years. As his affair with Ava progresses he tries desperately to hold on to his bitterness, he alternately finds himself wanting to be closer to her and then shutting her out to try and keep his distance. He is soon overcome with her positive personality and openness in their lovemaking. They have some amazingly hot love scenes. The sex is very prevalent throughout this story, but even during those scenes I could feel the emotion and romance between this couple. I never felt their relationship was only about sex and found their HEA to be very believable.
The surprise for me was how much I absolutely despised Ava’s brother at the end. After feeling such a significant loss and experiencing the love of Christian’s sister I would think he would understand and react less harshly to the decisions Ava makes at the end of the book. His handling and treatment of Ava once she comes home disgusted me. I know his book is probably coming up somewhere in this series and Ms. Michaels will have to do some bold writing to make me like or even have compassion for him again.
There is another small revenge mystery in the plot that culminates to bring Ava and Christian together. I saw it coming and while I wasn’t surprised at what happened, I was taken aback over this character’s motivations. I think I would have rather had Christian decide to come back to Ava all on his own without outside interference, but I was okay with how this couple found their HEA. All in all, Taken By the Duke was a lovely, romantic, highly erotic historical romance that had me glued to the page. Definitely recommend. Final Grade: B
Favorite Quote:
So you know my name.”
She stared at him as if he were daft. “Of course I know your name. I know it as well as my own– it has been pounded into me since nearly the day of my birth, just as I’m certain my family name has been seared into your mind and soul.”
For generations the Rothcastles and Windburys have hated each other. No one living today knows why or even when the feud started, but the animosity between the two houses is well-known among the ton. Christian Rothcastle is out for revenge and Ava Windbury is how he intends to get it. On a tragic night six months prior Ava’s brother, Liam, and Christian were involved in an accident that resulted in the death of Christian’s sister. Now he plans to kidnap Ava and keep her away from her family until they feel her loss and know the same grief he has known.
Ava is a wallflower, the long-standing Rothcastle/Windbury battle has affected her life more than anyone realizes. She’s felt the stares and heard the gossip. After the fateful night six months earlier it’s only gotten worse. Her brother’s body may be healing, but his mind and heart are so broken that she fears he won’t ever be the man he used to be. When she is stolen away by Christian Rothcastle she knows she must try to end this ridiculous war between their families before it ruins anymore lives. She is willing to make a deal in exchange for peace and the life of her brother, she agrees to become Christian’s lover for a month, surrendering her body to him fully, if he will forgive the debt he feels is owed him by Liam and walk away from any further vengeance.
“You are here to pay your brother’s debt and that is all. What we are doing is fucking, Ava. It is a vulgar term for a vulgar act. There is nothing and will never be anything more to it than that. Is that clear?”
Ava is not what Christian expects. She doesn’t simper, or beg and plead. She’s innocent, yet strong and level-headed. One would think in this relationship that Christian would have all the power, but they’d be wrong. Christian and Ava come together at first because of a deal to satisfy a debt owed, but they immediately feel a pull between them and their relationship soon turns into more. Ava sets out to find a way to heal Christian and make him understand that the legacy between their families is stupid and wrong. That they can be the people to end it.
Ava is one of the best historical romance heroines I’ve read in quite a while. She’s smart, strong-willed and open to experiencing her desires. There is no lamenting her fate over and over or woe is me behavior. She’s very sensible and knows what giving up her virginity means, but ultimately is willing to sacrifice anything to save her family and see this feud end. She feels passion for Christian almost immediately and jumps into their affair with open eyes and full participation. Little by little she helps heal him, lessening his grief, helping his body mend.
“I brought you here for revenge,” he said, his voice very soft. “I could think of nothing else when I took you. But now… I wonder if we could spend the rest of our time together, not in a bargain, not in a war, but just as lovers who want to share a brief moment in time.”
I wanted to dislike Christian after the first chapter. I did, I found him to be irrational in his behavior and placing too much blame on Liam and not enough on himself. I could soon see he was blinded by his grief and the hatred passed down to him for years. As his affair with Ava progresses he tries desperately to hold on to his bitterness, he alternately finds himself wanting to be closer to her and then shutting her out to try and keep his distance. He is soon overcome with her positive personality and openness in their lovemaking. They have some amazingly hot love scenes. The sex is very prevalent throughout this story, but even during those scenes I could feel the emotion and romance between this couple. I never felt their relationship was only about sex and found their HEA to be very believable.
The surprise for me was how much I absolutely despised Ava’s brother at the end. After feeling such a significant loss and experiencing the love of Christian’s sister I would think he would understand and react less harshly to the decisions Ava makes at the end of the book. His handling and treatment of Ava once she comes home disgusted me. I know his book is probably coming up somewhere in this series and Ms. Michaels will have to do some bold writing to make me like or even have compassion for him again.
There is another small revenge mystery in the plot that culminates to bring Ava and Christian together. I saw it coming and while I wasn’t surprised at what happened, I was taken aback over this character’s motivations. I think I would have rather had Christian decide to come back to Ava all on his own without outside interference, but I was okay with how this couple found their HEA. All in all, Taken By the Duke was a lovely, romantic, highly erotic historical romance that had me glued to the page. Definitely recommend. Final Grade: B
Favorite Quote:
“The only thing that has ever made me forget, made me forgive, made me want something beyond the brutal, laughable version of the life I’ve created for myself… is you.”
Read
October 27, 2021I found it, a unicorn of a (mainstream) regency novel in which the characters engage in butt stuff.
August 24, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I would’ve loved a little more angst. Also the h was such a perfect paragon!
July 12, 2013
Jess Michaels never failed me with her books. I had so much fun. Once I started it never want to stop. Read it for a day, that's how good it is! I loved both the h/h. It made be simple plot and predictable story. What captured me most is how the story went. It flowed fast and got straight to the point and wanting more in every page.
A 4.5 stars for this book. Can't wait for the second book!
A 4.5 stars for this book. Can't wait for the second book!
June 26, 2021
3 stars
It was a fun uncomplicated read
I liked the plot though i thought their animosity foolish and maybe exagerated without enough basis to be believable for readers
I liked the heroine's charactor but i did not love her because i felt no connection to any part of the story it was some how soulless not engaging enough .
I think the charactor developement was lacking i wanted to see more of their personality more of their history and i must say that it did not deliver in that regard, as it was more focused on erotic relations which is fine by me but if you are in the mood for more charactor developement and a more inspiring story and all i guess it would not entirely be to your satisfaction.
But i got what i expected which was an easy fun story with steamy bits and i enjoyed reading it
It was a fun uncomplicated read
I liked the plot though i thought their animosity foolish and maybe exagerated without enough basis to be believable for readers
I liked the heroine's charactor but i did not love her because i felt no connection to any part of the story it was some how soulless not engaging enough .
I think the charactor developement was lacking i wanted to see more of their personality more of their history and i must say that it did not deliver in that regard, as it was more focused on erotic relations which is fine by me but if you are in the mood for more charactor developement and a more inspiring story and all i guess it would not entirely be to your satisfaction.
But i got what i expected which was an easy fun story with steamy bits and i enjoyed reading it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 4, 2022
A perfect little spicy and witty romance story!
I loved how the heroine was written, in the sense that she was kidnapped but secretly had had a crush on the hero so she didn't fall to bits and hysterics while being kidnapped. And when the hero would get bossy with her, she would not cower, yet would calmly sass him back and leave him speechless. It was a delight to watch them fall in love.
The only thing that I would have liked to see differently was how the story wrapped up. Instead of the drama at the end, I would have loved to see the hero desperately missing her and grovel a bit more.
I loved how the heroine was written, in the sense that she was kidnapped but secretly had had a crush on the hero so she didn't fall to bits and hysterics while being kidnapped. And when the hero would get bossy with her, she would not cower, yet would calmly sass him back and leave him speechless. It was a delight to watch them fall in love.
The only thing that I would have liked to see differently was how the story wrapped up. Instead of the drama at the end, I would have loved to see the hero desperately missing her and grovel a bit more.
September 14, 2020
Ho letto questo libro incuriosita dalla trama, inoltre avevo voglia di buttarmi su un romanzo storico.
Lettura molto piacevole, si legge tranquillamente in un paio di giorni. Mi aspettavo un po' di più da questa storia, alcune vicende le ho trovate poco approfondite e la caratterizzazione dei personaggi è stata un po' carente. Mancavano alcuni elementi che avrebbero dato una spinta in più al libro. Nonostante tutto è una lettura che consiglio agli amanti del genere.
Lettura molto piacevole, si legge tranquillamente in un paio di giorni. Mi aspettavo un po' di più da questa storia, alcune vicende le ho trovate poco approfondite e la caratterizzazione dei personaggi è stata un po' carente. Mancavano alcuni elementi che avrebbero dato una spinta in più al libro. Nonostante tutto è una lettura che consiglio agli amanti del genere.
February 16, 2023
Sentimientos encontrados. Me gustó el romance.
Un poco dark quizá.
Pero la tragedia que originó todo... En fin, hace que no logre levantarme el ánimo.
Un poco dark quizá.
Pero la tragedia que originó todo... En fin, hace que no logre levantarme el ánimo.
July 2, 2013
If there is one genre that I have a soft spot for it's historical romance. Not just any historical romance, but erotic historical romance complete with a Duke. When I took on this review I knew I would enjoy this book but more than the erotic aspect of it, I loved the story of this book. Christian really takes an eye for an eye to a whole new level.
Welcome to the war between the House Rothcastle and House Windbury. No one alive knew why they never got along, but some long ago deceased relative started a war between the two families and it has raged for decades. But when the war goes to a whole new level leaving Christian Rothcastle and Liam Windbury severely injured and Christian's sister dead the war explodes. Stricken with grief, Christian will do anything and I mean anything to make the Windbury family suffer. So what better way than to go after Liam's own sister, Ava.
Ava has been a wallflower for as long as she can remember. The feud between her family and the Windbury family has left her without any suitors. She is forced to only interact with her aunt and her friend Portia and the few other women who only want to gain gossip from her. It's not until one night at a party that she sees Christian again does something spark deep within her. Christian still shows signs of the accident in his limp and the cane he now walks with but he returns to society anyway 6 months after the death of his sister. He devises a plan, kidnap Ava and make her brother feel lost without her the way he now feels about his sister. Christian's plan works, but he's surprised to find that Ava isn't like any other woman that he has encountered before. She's defiant and so very sure of herself, showing no fear even though she is scared. But not scared of Christian, scared of what she is feeling towards him.
The original plan was for her to just stay and he would let her go unharmed after he felt her brother had suffered her loss, but Christian quickly decides that he must have Ava for himself even for just a short period of time. So he makes Ava a deal that she cannot refuse. Sacrifice her virginity to him and he would let that pay the debt for her what her brother has done. Ava will do anything to try and stop the way between the two families which has ripped both families apart so she agrees. What Christian didn't except was not only for Ava to accept to stay for three weeks and have an affair with him, but what he feels when they are finally together. Christian is determined to make their affair only of a sexual nature but as time goes on and they grow closer to one another and their attraction grows, Christian feels his walls begin to break down and he lets Ava see the real him that no one ever gets to see. But deep down to Christian she is still the enemy and that is a fact he cannot overlook for a long time.
He finally decides that if Ava wants to leave, he'll let her go but she doesn't want to leave and is determined to stay for the entire agreement. So what happens with their feelings begin to grow towards truly caring for one another and what happens with Liam finds them together? Join Ava and Christian as they discover truths about what Christian's sister was really trying to do and who among them wants to hurt the Windbury family more than Christian does? But most of all will Christian ever be willing to accept Ava for who she is and let go of the hurt he feels deep in his heart?
I loved this story. I felt like I was right there along side the characters in this story and that is part of the reason why I love to read these stories. The characters were very well thought out and is was a beautiful story. Jess just has a way with words that draws you into the story and you find yourself up late at night reading, engrossed in the story and in serious need of a fan on more than one occasion. This was my first novel by Jess but it will not be my last as I look forward to reading the other novels in the Pleasure Wars series. This was an easy 5 stars for me!
***ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
Welcome to the war between the House Rothcastle and House Windbury. No one alive knew why they never got along, but some long ago deceased relative started a war between the two families and it has raged for decades. But when the war goes to a whole new level leaving Christian Rothcastle and Liam Windbury severely injured and Christian's sister dead the war explodes. Stricken with grief, Christian will do anything and I mean anything to make the Windbury family suffer. So what better way than to go after Liam's own sister, Ava.
Ava has been a wallflower for as long as she can remember. The feud between her family and the Windbury family has left her without any suitors. She is forced to only interact with her aunt and her friend Portia and the few other women who only want to gain gossip from her. It's not until one night at a party that she sees Christian again does something spark deep within her. Christian still shows signs of the accident in his limp and the cane he now walks with but he returns to society anyway 6 months after the death of his sister. He devises a plan, kidnap Ava and make her brother feel lost without her the way he now feels about his sister. Christian's plan works, but he's surprised to find that Ava isn't like any other woman that he has encountered before. She's defiant and so very sure of herself, showing no fear even though she is scared. But not scared of Christian, scared of what she is feeling towards him.
The original plan was for her to just stay and he would let her go unharmed after he felt her brother had suffered her loss, but Christian quickly decides that he must have Ava for himself even for just a short period of time. So he makes Ava a deal that she cannot refuse. Sacrifice her virginity to him and he would let that pay the debt for her what her brother has done. Ava will do anything to try and stop the way between the two families which has ripped both families apart so she agrees. What Christian didn't except was not only for Ava to accept to stay for three weeks and have an affair with him, but what he feels when they are finally together. Christian is determined to make their affair only of a sexual nature but as time goes on and they grow closer to one another and their attraction grows, Christian feels his walls begin to break down and he lets Ava see the real him that no one ever gets to see. But deep down to Christian she is still the enemy and that is a fact he cannot overlook for a long time.
He finally decides that if Ava wants to leave, he'll let her go but she doesn't want to leave and is determined to stay for the entire agreement. So what happens with their feelings begin to grow towards truly caring for one another and what happens with Liam finds them together? Join Ava and Christian as they discover truths about what Christian's sister was really trying to do and who among them wants to hurt the Windbury family more than Christian does? But most of all will Christian ever be willing to accept Ava for who she is and let go of the hurt he feels deep in his heart?
I loved this story. I felt like I was right there along side the characters in this story and that is part of the reason why I love to read these stories. The characters were very well thought out and is was a beautiful story. Jess just has a way with words that draws you into the story and you find yourself up late at night reading, engrossed in the story and in serious need of a fan on more than one occasion. This was my first novel by Jess but it will not be my last as I look forward to reading the other novels in the Pleasure Wars series. This was an easy 5 stars for me!
***ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review***
July 12, 2013
Blog Post: http://headouttheoven.blogspot.com/20...
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
An eye for an eye, a sin for a sin…
The Pleasure Wars, Book 1
Amid all the lies and scandals that fuel Society’s gossip mill, one truth has stood out: House Rothcastle and House Windbury have always hated each other.
Lady Ava Windbury prays the feud will someday end, to no avail. One dreadful night, her brother accidentally causes the death of Christian Rothcastle’s sister, a tragedy that leaves both men maimed.
Consumed by grief, Christian makes a grim decision. He will kidnap Lady Ava so that her family will feel the pain of loss as keenly as he feels the loss of his own sister. But once he has Ava in his clutches, desire takes unexpected hold. Even more surprising, she willingly surrenders to his every sexual whim—after haggling over the terms of giving up her virginity.
Too late, he realizes she is using her body for peace, not war. But just as their affair of revenges turns into an affair of the heart, the past rears its ugly head to take matters into its own hands…
Product Warnings
This book contains scenes of erotic seduction, sexual revenge and the healing power of love.
I have a secret: I like reading or watching movies about feuds. I have this list of the classic family feuds in fiction like the Capulet-Montague, Heathcliff–Linton, Corleone–Tattaglia, and Atreides–Harkonnen. Then there are the real family feuds in history like those of Hatfied -MacCoy, Oinaz -Gamboa, Ampuatuan-Mangudadatu, Talbot–Berkeley, Clanton/McLaury–Earp, and Campbell–MacDonald just to name a few. Should I include The Rothcastle-Windbury feud into the list of fictional feud greats?
Although I gravitate towards the MM genre these days, sometimes it just feels good to take on a good historical romance written by authors whose written work do not feel rushed or filled with empty text that fills page. The worse for me is when I see a great plot and main characters ruined for the chance to write erotica that do not work and do nothing to contribute to the story or the romance.
Jess Michaels has given us Taken By The Duke to enjoy and to enjoy and to enjoy. It is a tale filled with betrayal, angsts, attempts at reconciliation, lessons learned and of course, who can miss the erotica here? Those who follow or read this blog know that I have already read attempts on a take on Romeo and Juliet that did not quite pan out. Some reviewers have also commented that this is similar to that classic Shakespearean tale. I disagree for as the Montagues and Capulets let down their arms on the death of their children, the feud between the Wyndburys and the Rothcastles did not end. It read more like a status quo and seeing as this is just book one of The Pleasure Wars Series, we are sure to expect more from these families, or at best Liam, who may find peace on his installment.
The feud between the Rothcastle and Windbury families is bloody and tragic. Matilda Windbury restarted the war between the two families in the hopes of helping her brother. In a twist of fate, she found herself falling deeply in love with Liam Wyndbury. Unfortunately, it resulted to her death which began the tale of Ava and Christian.
There is also has a a light take on Stockholm Syndrome when Lady Ava finds herself responding sexually as well as emotionally to Christian in a kidnap situation. But then again, Christian also seems drawn to Ava - and not in the way he expected.
The Rothcastle-Winbury of Taken By The Duke is a very interesting read made more enjoyable by such a talented writer. It has just recently joined my list of favorite fictional feuds for it has all the elements of a great family feud. I know, this makes me sound bloodthirsty, but I get caught up with intricacies and politics of how feuds begin and end. No matter if they end in romance or in blood.
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
An eye for an eye, a sin for a sin…
The Pleasure Wars, Book 1
Amid all the lies and scandals that fuel Society’s gossip mill, one truth has stood out: House Rothcastle and House Windbury have always hated each other.
Lady Ava Windbury prays the feud will someday end, to no avail. One dreadful night, her brother accidentally causes the death of Christian Rothcastle’s sister, a tragedy that leaves both men maimed.
Consumed by grief, Christian makes a grim decision. He will kidnap Lady Ava so that her family will feel the pain of loss as keenly as he feels the loss of his own sister. But once he has Ava in his clutches, desire takes unexpected hold. Even more surprising, she willingly surrenders to his every sexual whim—after haggling over the terms of giving up her virginity.
Too late, he realizes she is using her body for peace, not war. But just as their affair of revenges turns into an affair of the heart, the past rears its ugly head to take matters into its own hands…
Product Warnings
This book contains scenes of erotic seduction, sexual revenge and the healing power of love.
I have a secret: I like reading or watching movies about feuds. I have this list of the classic family feuds in fiction like the Capulet-Montague, Heathcliff–Linton, Corleone–Tattaglia, and Atreides–Harkonnen. Then there are the real family feuds in history like those of Hatfied -MacCoy, Oinaz -Gamboa, Ampuatuan-Mangudadatu, Talbot–Berkeley, Clanton/McLaury–Earp, and Campbell–MacDonald just to name a few. Should I include The Rothcastle-Windbury feud into the list of fictional feud greats?
Although I gravitate towards the MM genre these days, sometimes it just feels good to take on a good historical romance written by authors whose written work do not feel rushed or filled with empty text that fills page. The worse for me is when I see a great plot and main characters ruined for the chance to write erotica that do not work and do nothing to contribute to the story or the romance.
Jess Michaels has given us Taken By The Duke to enjoy and to enjoy and to enjoy. It is a tale filled with betrayal, angsts, attempts at reconciliation, lessons learned and of course, who can miss the erotica here? Those who follow or read this blog know that I have already read attempts on a take on Romeo and Juliet that did not quite pan out. Some reviewers have also commented that this is similar to that classic Shakespearean tale. I disagree for as the Montagues and Capulets let down their arms on the death of their children, the feud between the Wyndburys and the Rothcastles did not end. It read more like a status quo and seeing as this is just book one of The Pleasure Wars Series, we are sure to expect more from these families, or at best Liam, who may find peace on his installment.
The feud between the Rothcastle and Windbury families is bloody and tragic. Matilda Windbury restarted the war between the two families in the hopes of helping her brother. In a twist of fate, she found herself falling deeply in love with Liam Wyndbury. Unfortunately, it resulted to her death which began the tale of Ava and Christian.
There is also has a a light take on Stockholm Syndrome when Lady Ava finds herself responding sexually as well as emotionally to Christian in a kidnap situation. But then again, Christian also seems drawn to Ava - and not in the way he expected.
The Rothcastle-Winbury of Taken By The Duke is a very interesting read made more enjoyable by such a talented writer. It has just recently joined my list of favorite fictional feuds for it has all the elements of a great family feud. I know, this makes me sound bloodthirsty, but I get caught up with intricacies and politics of how feuds begin and end. No matter if they end in romance or in blood.
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