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The Shelley Sisters #1
Una sposa riluttante (Le Sorelle Shelley Vol. 1)
Quando Jasper Kincaid, Conte di Harcourt, si è offerto di sposare una delle tre famigerate gemelle Shelley, lo ha fatto per la dote che gli avrebbe permesso di rimpinguare le sue casse vuote, non per qualcosa di sciocco come l’amore. Ma quando si accorge che al ballo di fidanzamento è Thomasina Shelley a presentarsi come sua fidanzata, e non la vera promessa sposa, scatta un desiderio che aveva ignorato fino a quel momento. E quando diventa chiaro che la sorella è scappata con un altro, si presenta l'opportunità di un matrimonio con un legame molto più profondo.
I sentimenti che Thomasina ha nutrito per Jasper non sono mai stati appropriati e dubita della prudenza di fingere di essere sua anche solo per una sera. Quando viene scoperta, tutto degenera rapidamente. All’improvviso si trova a dover sposare un uomo severo e affascinante che non è particolarmente contento della sua perfidia. Se a questo si aggiunge la preoccupazione per la sorte della sorella ribelle, ecco la ricetta che può portare alla passione... ma anche al più completo disastro.
Mentre i due giovani sposi lentamente diventano più uniti, Jasper si rende conto che la scomparsa della sua ex fidanzata potrebbe avere a che fare con il suo passato più di quanto avesse inizialmente previsto. E più a lungo lo terrà nascosto a Thomasina, più doloroso sarà il momento in cui la verità verrà a galla. Riusciranno ad avvicinarsi abbastanza da combattere insieme contro i pericoli dietro l’angolo? E riusciranno a sopravvivere e conoscere così il futuro che potrebbero avere?
I sentimenti che Thomasina ha nutrito per Jasper non sono mai stati appropriati e dubita della prudenza di fingere di essere sua anche solo per una sera. Quando viene scoperta, tutto degenera rapidamente. All’improvviso si trova a dover sposare un uomo severo e affascinante che non è particolarmente contento della sua perfidia. Se a questo si aggiunge la preoccupazione per la sorte della sorella ribelle, ecco la ricetta che può portare alla passione... ma anche al più completo disastro.
Mentre i due giovani sposi lentamente diventano più uniti, Jasper si rende conto che la scomparsa della sua ex fidanzata potrebbe avere a che fare con il suo passato più di quanto avesse inizialmente previsto. E più a lungo lo terrà nascosto a Thomasina, più doloroso sarà il momento in cui la verità verrà a galla. Riusciranno ad avvicinarsi abbastanza da combattere insieme contro i pericoli dietro l’angolo? E riusciranno a sopravvivere e conoscere così il futuro che potrebbero avere?
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 7, 2020
565 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
About the author
Jess Michaels
126 books1,572 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 131 reviews
January 25, 2020
4.25 "triple the fun" stars
This is the first book in a new series about triplet sisters Anne, Juliana, and Thomasina. In the time the story is set, multiple births were mostly in the form of twins, and in those cases, the survival rate was lower as death of the mother in childbirth and/or death of one or both of the twins typically arose as a result of complications and/or lack of medical knowledge -- to have had identical triplets AND their mother survive was a rarity, and because of that, the girls were always considered to be an oddity. Their own family has little to do with them, and they had few friends, but they always had each other.
Now that they have reached the age of 22, their father (who still cannot tell them apart and does not even attempt to do so) has decided to start marrying them off to serve his purposes of raising his place in society. He has determined that the eldest of the trio, Anne, will wed the Earl of Harcourt (Jasper Percival Stephen Kincaid) as the earl is in need of funds to refill the coffers his father and half-brother emptied during their time in the role before him. In making the match, the earl gains funds, and the triplets' father gains a titled son-in-law. But two of the three girls are very unhappy with the arrangement: Anne because she feels nothing for Harcourt and longs for freedom and adventure as she is known to be the "wild one" of the set, and Thomasina who is known as the serious one (considered by some to be boring) who began to develop feelings she never knew existed when she first laid eyes on the earl. As a loyal sister who always looks to please, Thomasina has felt horrible about coveting her sister's betrothed and has stifled those feelings by tamping them down and avoiding Jasper as much as possible. But when Anne comes to her to beg Thomasina to take her place for the last ball before their wedding only 1 week away, Thomasina cannot deny her request - she wants to believe it is because she wishes to help her sister, but she suspects it is more likely that she would like to pretend she is Jasper's and he is hers... even if it is just for one night.
Jasper realizes the instant his "betrothed" turns around that it is Thomasina wearing the daring gown only Anne would be so bold as to wear. For whatever reason, he has always been able to single Thomasina out from her other two sisters, though he is unable to tell the difference between Juliana and Anne. While he has resigned himself to wedding Anne to restore his wealth as she is who their father offered, he has not looked forward to it as there is no spark between them. But as passion was the downfall of his father and half-brother who were considered libertines and wastrels, he has no need for that in his life. And love is out of the question. So while Thomasina evokes feelings he is not prepared to own, he believes himself better off marrying Anne as their union will not distract him from the purpose of restoring the earldom to its previous status. But he wonders what game Anne and Thomasina are playing at to "swap" and attempt to deceive him, so he plays along with Thomasina's charade of pretending to be Anne for awhile. But when Thomasina flees his embrace out of guilt in wanting the kiss of a man intended for her sister, they both discover that Anne has run off with a man who wooed her unbeknownst to any of them - she convinced Thomasina to switch with her, and she is now gone to Gretna Green to elope with the mystery man only known as "Ellis" in her goodbye note to her sisters.
Once the triplets' father learns of this news, he is not worried for his daughter but is instead angry that she has put him in a bad position. Against his better judgment, Jasper offers a solution: he will wed Thomasina instead of Anne, and when Thomasina realizes that she could belong to the man she has been intrigued by since their first encounter, she readily agrees. But what will happen when Anne doesn't return as she promises in her letter? Who is this "Ellis" who is now threatening to keep her in exchange for an unknown treasure Jasper's brother held for him that he is desperate to regain possession of? And what will happen if Jasper opens himself up to caring for Thomasina only to possibly lose her to the villain who will seemingly stop at nothing to get what he wants?
What I liked:
--- Triplets were a novelty in this time period, so it makes for a little more original HR storyline basis, which is harder to find in this genre
--- Mystery, intrigue, and what will happen next kept me glued to the pages
--- Likeable mcs
--- Interesting "villain"
--- Solid set up for the next book in the series to see what happens with Anne
--- STEAMY GOODNESS - just the way I like it (early and often)!
What I didn't like as much:
--- A bit of a trite feel to the H in the whole "my father and brother damaged the family name and now I have to remove myself from feeling to restore things" situation
--- There were a couple of things/characters that felt out of place in the story (for example, the earl's right hand man - felt like more explanation should have come along with his role in the story)
Overall, a good read that I flew through with interesting plot points, likeable characters, steamy goodness, and the dangling carrot that makes me want to rush right out to grab book 2 and see what happens next!
Please note that I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Plot --- 4.25/5
Main Characters --- 4.25/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.25/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
This is the first book in a new series about triplet sisters Anne, Juliana, and Thomasina. In the time the story is set, multiple births were mostly in the form of twins, and in those cases, the survival rate was lower as death of the mother in childbirth and/or death of one or both of the twins typically arose as a result of complications and/or lack of medical knowledge -- to have had identical triplets AND their mother survive was a rarity, and because of that, the girls were always considered to be an oddity. Their own family has little to do with them, and they had few friends, but they always had each other.
Now that they have reached the age of 22, their father (who still cannot tell them apart and does not even attempt to do so) has decided to start marrying them off to serve his purposes of raising his place in society. He has determined that the eldest of the trio, Anne, will wed the Earl of Harcourt (Jasper Percival Stephen Kincaid) as the earl is in need of funds to refill the coffers his father and half-brother emptied during their time in the role before him. In making the match, the earl gains funds, and the triplets' father gains a titled son-in-law. But two of the three girls are very unhappy with the arrangement: Anne because she feels nothing for Harcourt and longs for freedom and adventure as she is known to be the "wild one" of the set, and Thomasina who is known as the serious one (considered by some to be boring) who began to develop feelings she never knew existed when she first laid eyes on the earl. As a loyal sister who always looks to please, Thomasina has felt horrible about coveting her sister's betrothed and has stifled those feelings by tamping them down and avoiding Jasper as much as possible. But when Anne comes to her to beg Thomasina to take her place for the last ball before their wedding only 1 week away, Thomasina cannot deny her request - she wants to believe it is because she wishes to help her sister, but she suspects it is more likely that she would like to pretend she is Jasper's and he is hers... even if it is just for one night.
Jasper realizes the instant his "betrothed" turns around that it is Thomasina wearing the daring gown only Anne would be so bold as to wear. For whatever reason, he has always been able to single Thomasina out from her other two sisters, though he is unable to tell the difference between Juliana and Anne. While he has resigned himself to wedding Anne to restore his wealth as she is who their father offered, he has not looked forward to it as there is no spark between them. But as passion was the downfall of his father and half-brother who were considered libertines and wastrels, he has no need for that in his life. And love is out of the question. So while Thomasina evokes feelings he is not prepared to own, he believes himself better off marrying Anne as their union will not distract him from the purpose of restoring the earldom to its previous status. But he wonders what game Anne and Thomasina are playing at to "swap" and attempt to deceive him, so he plays along with Thomasina's charade of pretending to be Anne for awhile. But when Thomasina flees his embrace out of guilt in wanting the kiss of a man intended for her sister, they both discover that Anne has run off with a man who wooed her unbeknownst to any of them - she convinced Thomasina to switch with her, and she is now gone to Gretna Green to elope with the mystery man only known as "Ellis" in her goodbye note to her sisters.
Once the triplets' father learns of this news, he is not worried for his daughter but is instead angry that she has put him in a bad position. Against his better judgment, Jasper offers a solution: he will wed Thomasina instead of Anne, and when Thomasina realizes that she could belong to the man she has been intrigued by since their first encounter, she readily agrees. But what will happen when Anne doesn't return as she promises in her letter? Who is this "Ellis" who is now threatening to keep her in exchange for an unknown treasure Jasper's brother held for him that he is desperate to regain possession of? And what will happen if Jasper opens himself up to caring for Thomasina only to possibly lose her to the villain who will seemingly stop at nothing to get what he wants?
What I liked:
--- Triplets were a novelty in this time period, so it makes for a little more original HR storyline basis, which is harder to find in this genre
--- Mystery, intrigue, and what will happen next kept me glued to the pages
--- Likeable mcs
--- Interesting "villain"
--- Solid set up for the next book in the series to see what happens with Anne
--- STEAMY GOODNESS - just the way I like it (early and often)!
What I didn't like as much:
--- A bit of a trite feel to the H in the whole "my father and brother damaged the family name and now I have to remove myself from feeling to restore things" situation
--- There were a couple of things/characters that felt out of place in the story (for example, the earl's right hand man - felt like more explanation should have come along with his role in the story)
Overall, a good read that I flew through with interesting plot points, likeable characters, steamy goodness, and the dangling carrot that makes me want to rush right out to grab book 2 and see what happens next!
Please note that I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
Plot --- 4.25/5
Main Characters --- 4.25/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.25/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
April 4, 2020
2.75/5. Nothing to raise the pulse here. Weak heroine, one of identical triplets, who spent 80% of the book being passive and unassertive. Bland hero with a huge case of misplaced shame over the conduct of his predecessors - his father and older brother. Love at first sight for her. Lust at first sight for him. I wasn't feeling the chemistry between this unevenly matched pair. The conflict between them wasn't really a much of a conflict, because why shouldn't he keep the investigation of her sister's (his original intended bride) whereabout from her, when she has never shown any inclination to really take a proactive part in the search or in any decision-making in her life thus far. Underdeveloped characters and relationships like that between the hero and his mother. The writing itself was also uneven, mixing a few strange phrasings with some well-written sections but it was never close to brilliant nor was the dialogue particularly sparkly. There was no bantering to be had between the two of them. Her sisters are the heroines of the next two books but their conducts were quite questionable in this one.
This was an ARC from NetGalley.
This was an ARC from NetGalley.
December 24, 2019
Series: The Shelley Sisters
Publication Date: 1/7/2020
Number of Pages: 280
OMGoodness – what a delightful book for this author to write as her return to full-length novels. The characters are delightful, the story is well-written and well-plotted, and the villain is mysterious (is he truly a villain?)
Nobody can tell the triplets apart, at least in looks. Anne is the wild one, the ‘free spirit’ who acts first and thinks later. Juliana is the calm, even-keeled, responsible ‘fixer’, who runs the household. Thomasina is the pleaser, the one who brings peace and comfort to others – even at the cost of her own. As far as their father is concerned, they are a commodity to be bartered in marriage as he chooses and they are totally interchangeable in his eyes. (You won’t like him.) He has negotiated a marriage contract for one of his daughters – and the groom doesn’t care which one – so, Anne is chosen because she is the most troublesome of the three and it will get her off his hands.
Jasper Percival Stephen Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt, is left to clean up the mess left behind by his father and his half-brother. He was never meant to be the Earl and both his cold, mean, hateful father and his errant half-brother made that abundantly clear to him. Yet, here he is, with a title he didn’t want, trying to clean up a mess he didn’t make by bartering himself and his title for a bride with a large dowry. He’ll marry one of the Shelley triplets and he doesn’t care which one – he’s never even met them. He has no intention of loving whichever one it is – he has spent his entire life building walls around himself and he has absolutely no intention of lowering those barriers for anyone. He will make that very, very, very plain to his new bride.
The three Shelley ladies, along with their father, have been staying at Jasper’s estate in the Lake District in preparation for Anne’s wedding to Jasper. Thomasina has found herself attracted to the Earl and she knows it is wrong and fights it as best she can. Yet, when Anne begs Thomasina to switch places with her and attend the final engagement ball in her place, Thomasina agrees – simply because Anne doesn’t care for Jasper and convinces Thomasina that she just needs the quiet time to come to grips with the marriage. When Thomasina returns to her rooms after she leaves the ball, she goes to check on Anne – and finds a note from Anne. Anne says that she’s found the love of her life and has run away to Gretna Green with him.
Jasper is incensed and insists that one of the other sisters fulfill Anne’s role. That will save scandal and still fill his coffers. However, it turns out he’s not quite so indifferent to the sisters as he’d thought and insists that Thomasina will be the one to replace Anne.
Jasper quickly learns that there is more to Anne’s disappearance than there first appeared to be. It seems his deceased half-brother may have set some things in motion that were now coming back to bite him and to harm the Shelley family. As Jasper and Thomasina grow closer, his fears for Anne – and then Thomasina grow as well. He tries to keep that knowledge from Thomasina – but isn’t able to do so. Can they salvage their relationship in the face of Jaspers' lack of sharing and untruths? Can they find what the villain wants and save Anne? Will Jasper finally realize that he loves Thomasina? You’ll just have to read the story to find the answer.
I definitely recommend this as a lovely read. I had hoped that there would be a trip to London and Jasper’s mother would realize what her coldness had cost her and that maybe there would be some softening in her. However, that didn’t happen and since the book has ended, I assume it will never happen. There is still a chance that the triplet’s father will finally have some sort of epiphany since there are two more books to go.
I can hardly wait for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 1/7/2020
Number of Pages: 280
OMGoodness – what a delightful book for this author to write as her return to full-length novels. The characters are delightful, the story is well-written and well-plotted, and the villain is mysterious (is he truly a villain?)
Nobody can tell the triplets apart, at least in looks. Anne is the wild one, the ‘free spirit’ who acts first and thinks later. Juliana is the calm, even-keeled, responsible ‘fixer’, who runs the household. Thomasina is the pleaser, the one who brings peace and comfort to others – even at the cost of her own. As far as their father is concerned, they are a commodity to be bartered in marriage as he chooses and they are totally interchangeable in his eyes. (You won’t like him.) He has negotiated a marriage contract for one of his daughters – and the groom doesn’t care which one – so, Anne is chosen because she is the most troublesome of the three and it will get her off his hands.
Jasper Percival Stephen Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt, is left to clean up the mess left behind by his father and his half-brother. He was never meant to be the Earl and both his cold, mean, hateful father and his errant half-brother made that abundantly clear to him. Yet, here he is, with a title he didn’t want, trying to clean up a mess he didn’t make by bartering himself and his title for a bride with a large dowry. He’ll marry one of the Shelley triplets and he doesn’t care which one – he’s never even met them. He has no intention of loving whichever one it is – he has spent his entire life building walls around himself and he has absolutely no intention of lowering those barriers for anyone. He will make that very, very, very plain to his new bride.
The three Shelley ladies, along with their father, have been staying at Jasper’s estate in the Lake District in preparation for Anne’s wedding to Jasper. Thomasina has found herself attracted to the Earl and she knows it is wrong and fights it as best she can. Yet, when Anne begs Thomasina to switch places with her and attend the final engagement ball in her place, Thomasina agrees – simply because Anne doesn’t care for Jasper and convinces Thomasina that she just needs the quiet time to come to grips with the marriage. When Thomasina returns to her rooms after she leaves the ball, she goes to check on Anne – and finds a note from Anne. Anne says that she’s found the love of her life and has run away to Gretna Green with him.
Jasper is incensed and insists that one of the other sisters fulfill Anne’s role. That will save scandal and still fill his coffers. However, it turns out he’s not quite so indifferent to the sisters as he’d thought and insists that Thomasina will be the one to replace Anne.
Jasper quickly learns that there is more to Anne’s disappearance than there first appeared to be. It seems his deceased half-brother may have set some things in motion that were now coming back to bite him and to harm the Shelley family. As Jasper and Thomasina grow closer, his fears for Anne – and then Thomasina grow as well. He tries to keep that knowledge from Thomasina – but isn’t able to do so. Can they salvage their relationship in the face of Jaspers' lack of sharing and untruths? Can they find what the villain wants and save Anne? Will Jasper finally realize that he loves Thomasina? You’ll just have to read the story to find the answer.
I definitely recommend this as a lovely read. I had hoped that there would be a trip to London and Jasper’s mother would realize what her coldness had cost her and that maybe there would be some softening in her. However, that didn’t happen and since the book has ended, I assume it will never happen. There is still a chance that the triplet’s father will finally have some sort of epiphany since there are two more books to go.
I can hardly wait for the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 6, 2020
A story in three parts
An interesting start to a new series, The Shelly Sisters. Triplets, so unusual an event that the sisters Thomasina, Juliana and Anne are seen more as sideshow entrants than young women in their own right.
They possess a truly awful father who never recognizes one from ethe other and is bent on marrying them off to increase his well being, never considering the well being of his daughters.
Anne is to be married to Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt, a man she feels nothing for. Jasper suffers his own problems trying to restore a ruined earldom whilst shaking off the indignity of his "father’s and brother’s bad behavior [that] had become painfully and pointedly clear to him." It fell to him as the new Earl to "fix what damage his father and his brother had done to their standing."
The night of her engagement ball Anne begs her sister Thomasina to give her a reprieve and take her place. And that's where things begin to unravel.
The thing is Thomasina is strongly attracted to Jasper. And Jasper? Well he knows it's Thomasina. He can tell her apart from her sisters. He really sees her. When Anne goes missing Thomasina agrees to marry Jasper, for as her father so succinctly and coldly puts it, they all look alike.
As the story unfolds we follow the responses to the missing Anne, we are introduced to a desperate business acquaintance of Jasper's brother Solomon (read villain) intent on finding a hidden 'treasure', and the marriage of Anne and Jasper.
A family story being told in three parts, this is a fascinating beginning.
A Victory Editing ARC via NetGalley
An interesting start to a new series, The Shelly Sisters. Triplets, so unusual an event that the sisters Thomasina, Juliana and Anne are seen more as sideshow entrants than young women in their own right.
They possess a truly awful father who never recognizes one from ethe other and is bent on marrying them off to increase his well being, never considering the well being of his daughters.
Anne is to be married to Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt, a man she feels nothing for. Jasper suffers his own problems trying to restore a ruined earldom whilst shaking off the indignity of his "father’s and brother’s bad behavior [that] had become painfully and pointedly clear to him." It fell to him as the new Earl to "fix what damage his father and his brother had done to their standing."
The night of her engagement ball Anne begs her sister Thomasina to give her a reprieve and take her place. And that's where things begin to unravel.
The thing is Thomasina is strongly attracted to Jasper. And Jasper? Well he knows it's Thomasina. He can tell her apart from her sisters. He really sees her. When Anne goes missing Thomasina agrees to marry Jasper, for as her father so succinctly and coldly puts it, they all look alike.
As the story unfolds we follow the responses to the missing Anne, we are introduced to a desperate business acquaintance of Jasper's brother Solomon (read villain) intent on finding a hidden 'treasure', and the marriage of Anne and Jasper.
A family story being told in three parts, this is a fascinating beginning.
A Victory Editing ARC via NetGalley
Read
April 14, 2022DNF at 40%
January 19, 2020
JM has better books. I was bored with H&h. If it was a novella, it would be better.
October 13, 2021
4 Stars!
*Wonders* Why did I stop reading Jess Michaels?
The Plot
Thomasina is in love with her sister's intended, Jasper (the Earl of Something or the other). When her sister requests Thomasina trade places with her at the engagement ball, she jumps at the opportunity, wanting to fulfil a fantasy! Jasper needs money to fill his empty coffers, he doesn't care which of the Shelly triplets he has to marry to get said dowry, they are all identical for heaven's sake. Somehow, he is always able to identify Thomasina out of the three. He knows she has stepped in for her sister, who has eloped or has she? Jasper's past is haunting him and the Shelly sisters might be the ones paying the price!
My Thoughts
- As a rule of thumb, Jess Michaels rarely disappoints. She has a way with words, which keeps the reader engaged. This one was no different. The plot was unique in a few different aspects - identical triplets, an unresolved mystery thread, hero & heroine paying for mistakes that were not theirs.
- What I loved was the element of intrigue surrounding the villain, who the hell is he? Looks like we shall have to read the next book to find out, this incomplete subplot is something I have rarely seen.
- The central plot is wickedly sweet, in love with sister's fiance, talk about inappropriate, but it never comes across as creepy, the insta-connect is cute.
- The main & secondary characters, all have their place in the story and they nicely added to the drama element of the book.
- The pacing is steady, the writing in this one felt more conversational as opposed to the other Michaels books but I did not mind, it was unfolding in real-time.
- Jasper's character is the quintessential love destroy's everything but his resistance is short-lived and that is rare. He had some depth to his character, tightly wound, attempting to avoid scandal, not a rake. He was a real hero, one who cried, needed mommy's approval and was trying to live with, what I have coined as "Imposter Syndrome of the Second Son". Doesn't hurt that he is caring & delicious.
- The only way to describe Thomasina would be, sweet. This girl was so pleasing. No excess drama or hysterics or simpering behaviour, just quiet, spot on stuff, got to love that.
- Though there is plenty of steam, to me, the chemistry felt a bit, lacklustre, just a smidge. Their conversational & intellectual chemistry was right on the mark.
My reccomendation
Loved it, intrigued, on to the next one.
*Wonders* Why did I stop reading Jess Michaels?
The Plot
Thomasina is in love with her sister's intended, Jasper (the Earl of Something or the other). When her sister requests Thomasina trade places with her at the engagement ball, she jumps at the opportunity, wanting to fulfil a fantasy! Jasper needs money to fill his empty coffers, he doesn't care which of the Shelly triplets he has to marry to get said dowry, they are all identical for heaven's sake. Somehow, he is always able to identify Thomasina out of the three. He knows she has stepped in for her sister, who has eloped or has she? Jasper's past is haunting him and the Shelly sisters might be the ones paying the price!
My Thoughts
- As a rule of thumb, Jess Michaels rarely disappoints. She has a way with words, which keeps the reader engaged. This one was no different. The plot was unique in a few different aspects - identical triplets, an unresolved mystery thread, hero & heroine paying for mistakes that were not theirs.
- What I loved was the element of intrigue surrounding the villain, who the hell is he? Looks like we shall have to read the next book to find out, this incomplete subplot is something I have rarely seen.
- The central plot is wickedly sweet, in love with sister's fiance, talk about inappropriate, but it never comes across as creepy, the insta-connect is cute.
- The main & secondary characters, all have their place in the story and they nicely added to the drama element of the book.
- The pacing is steady, the writing in this one felt more conversational as opposed to the other Michaels books but I did not mind, it was unfolding in real-time.
- Jasper's character is the quintessential love destroy's everything but his resistance is short-lived and that is rare. He had some depth to his character, tightly wound, attempting to avoid scandal, not a rake. He was a real hero, one who cried, needed mommy's approval and was trying to live with, what I have coined as "Imposter Syndrome of the Second Son". Doesn't hurt that he is caring & delicious.
- The only way to describe Thomasina would be, sweet. This girl was so pleasing. No excess drama or hysterics or simpering behaviour, just quiet, spot on stuff, got to love that.
- Though there is plenty of steam, to me, the chemistry felt a bit, lacklustre, just a smidge. Their conversational & intellectual chemistry was right on the mark.
My reccomendation
Loved it, intrigued, on to the next one.
March 14, 2020
Since his father and his half-brother before him were both wastrels and libertines of the worst order, Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt, must marry a wealthy bride to restore his fortunes. He offers for one of the well-dowered Shelley triplets and their father decides it will be Anne that Jasper marries. Until Jasper immediately recognizes that it is actually Thomasina Shelley pretending to be his fiance at their engagement ball. Desire that they've both been ignoring fires between them and when they realize that Anne has eloped with another, Thomasina and Jasper both have the opportunity for a meaningful marriage, if he'll allow it.
Thomasina has been fighting inappropriate feelings for Jasper since she first met him, but her worry for her runaway sister's safety shadows most of her other feelings. When Jasper learns that Anne's continued absence may have quite a bit to do with his own brother's past misdeeds, he keeps that fact from Thomasina, not wanting to add to her worries. With danger closing in on them and their relationship taking two steps forward and one back, their future is far from assured.
I was unsure about this one with the hero being engaged to someone else, but it totally worked and wasn't a problem at all. I liked Thomasina as a heroine; she had a brain and responded sensibly to situations rather than becoming shrewish. I wound up loving Jasper as a hero. He was so broody, with so much pain and vulnerability under his layers and I loved seeing Thomasina peel them back. There was plenty of steam, a little suspense, and enough loose ends to make me really want to continue with the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Thomasina has been fighting inappropriate feelings for Jasper since she first met him, but her worry for her runaway sister's safety shadows most of her other feelings. When Jasper learns that Anne's continued absence may have quite a bit to do with his own brother's past misdeeds, he keeps that fact from Thomasina, not wanting to add to her worries. With danger closing in on them and their relationship taking two steps forward and one back, their future is far from assured.
I was unsure about this one with the hero being engaged to someone else, but it totally worked and wasn't a problem at all. I liked Thomasina as a heroine; she had a brain and responded sensibly to situations rather than becoming shrewish. I wound up loving Jasper as a hero. He was so broody, with so much pain and vulnerability under his layers and I loved seeing Thomasina peel them back. There was plenty of steam, a little suspense, and enough loose ends to make me really want to continue with the next book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
December 27, 2019
A Reluctant Bride
The Shelley Sisters series #1
Jess Michaels
https://www.facebook.com/JessMichaels...
Release date 01/07/2020
Publisher The Passionate Pen LLC
Blurb :
When the Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt, offered to marry one of the infamous Shelley triplets, he was doing it for the dowry to refill his depleted coffers, not for anything so silly as love. But when he realizes it is Thomasina Shelley masquerading as his fiancée at their final engagement ball, not his true intended, a desire for her that he has been ignoring sparks. And when it becomes clear her sister has run away with another, an opportunity arises for a marriage with a much deeper connection.
Thomasina’s feelings for Jasper have never been appropriate and she doubted the prudence of pretending to be his even for just one night. Once she’s caught, everything escalates so quickly. Suddenly she’s going to marry this stern, fascinating man who is not particularly pleased at her perfidy. Add to that her worry about where her wayward sister has gone and it’s a recipe for both passion…and disaster.
As the two slowly grow closer, Jasper realizes his former fiancée’s disappearance may have more to do with his own past than he originally realized. And the longer he keeps that from Thomasina, the more painful it will be when the truth comes out. Can they let each other close enough to fight together against the dangers right around the corner? And will they survive to meet the future they could have if they do?
My review :
What drama will follow when the youngest of triplets switches her place with her affianced sister at her betrothal party ...
What a delightful read this first in a series is, I do think it is even the first full length novel I have read by Mrs Jess Michaels.
I love her novellas, and this story does not disappoint.
Here we are I traduces to three identical siblings, when I liked Juliana and Thomasina, I must say I do not really care about Anne, too selfish for my taste but maybe the next book in this series will correct my misconception.
So here we have Thomasina, the youngest and more quiet of the Shelley triplet, the one who was instantly drawn to the Earl of Hartcourt, alas he is betrothed to her sister Anne. So never will she hope to let her feelings free, but when circumstances put her position in jeopardy, she realizes she is quite happy to take her sister’s place at the altar.
Even if it is because of a deception she is now gaining her sister’s betrothed. While she never expected this outcome when she agreed to help her sister, as it was at first just a little deceit, so she thought.
Jasper did not care at first which of the siblings he would be marrying, he just needed the dowry. Then, how unsettling it became, as the more time passed, the more he had nothing to do with his actual fiancée when he wanted to spend more time with her shy sister. Unexpectedly, she is the one he can always tell apart. Still, when she becomes the one walking the aisle, he hold back, happy to give in his lust for her but unable to share more.
Thomasina has spent her life making do with the whispers about the oddities she and her sisters are, and her aloof of a father using them as spawns for his own gain. She is one to always trying to please, at first to win her cold father’s love because it is in her second nature, she feeds in obliging the others.
And for her new husband, she will do anything, hoping to win even if it is only a tiny bit of his heart, she wears her soul in her eyes, longing to see his reflect in his own.
Jasper lived with his father and bother’s excesses most of his adult’s life as a sword of Damocles waiting to strike. And it did strike, he just never anticipated he would be the one left to clean the mess and bear the title.
And while he could have resented Thomasina for her part in Anne’s deception as she was a participant even if not aware of the whole scheme. He is filled with relief as he has won the one of the sisters he is more and more looking for.
Yet he decides to put boundaries to their relationship, warning Thomasina to not hope for more than he can give her. But when they promised to never again lie to one another, he began to hold informations, to protect her he says to himself.
It is a lovely read that follow the journey of their rising feelings, from their epiphany to the sewing of the bonds that will link them or tear them apart if they are not cautious of how they deal with their sentiments and the trust they have put in one another.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author and preordered my own. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Shelley Sisters series #1
Jess Michaels
https://www.facebook.com/JessMichaels...
Release date 01/07/2020
Publisher The Passionate Pen LLC
Blurb :
When the Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt, offered to marry one of the infamous Shelley triplets, he was doing it for the dowry to refill his depleted coffers, not for anything so silly as love. But when he realizes it is Thomasina Shelley masquerading as his fiancée at their final engagement ball, not his true intended, a desire for her that he has been ignoring sparks. And when it becomes clear her sister has run away with another, an opportunity arises for a marriage with a much deeper connection.
Thomasina’s feelings for Jasper have never been appropriate and she doubted the prudence of pretending to be his even for just one night. Once she’s caught, everything escalates so quickly. Suddenly she’s going to marry this stern, fascinating man who is not particularly pleased at her perfidy. Add to that her worry about where her wayward sister has gone and it’s a recipe for both passion…and disaster.
As the two slowly grow closer, Jasper realizes his former fiancée’s disappearance may have more to do with his own past than he originally realized. And the longer he keeps that from Thomasina, the more painful it will be when the truth comes out. Can they let each other close enough to fight together against the dangers right around the corner? And will they survive to meet the future they could have if they do?
My review :
What drama will follow when the youngest of triplets switches her place with her affianced sister at her betrothal party ...
What a delightful read this first in a series is, I do think it is even the first full length novel I have read by Mrs Jess Michaels.
I love her novellas, and this story does not disappoint.
Here we are I traduces to three identical siblings, when I liked Juliana and Thomasina, I must say I do not really care about Anne, too selfish for my taste but maybe the next book in this series will correct my misconception.
So here we have Thomasina, the youngest and more quiet of the Shelley triplet, the one who was instantly drawn to the Earl of Hartcourt, alas he is betrothed to her sister Anne. So never will she hope to let her feelings free, but when circumstances put her position in jeopardy, she realizes she is quite happy to take her sister’s place at the altar.
Even if it is because of a deception she is now gaining her sister’s betrothed. While she never expected this outcome when she agreed to help her sister, as it was at first just a little deceit, so she thought.
Jasper did not care at first which of the siblings he would be marrying, he just needed the dowry. Then, how unsettling it became, as the more time passed, the more he had nothing to do with his actual fiancée when he wanted to spend more time with her shy sister. Unexpectedly, she is the one he can always tell apart. Still, when she becomes the one walking the aisle, he hold back, happy to give in his lust for her but unable to share more.
Thomasina has spent her life making do with the whispers about the oddities she and her sisters are, and her aloof of a father using them as spawns for his own gain. She is one to always trying to please, at first to win her cold father’s love because it is in her second nature, she feeds in obliging the others.
And for her new husband, she will do anything, hoping to win even if it is only a tiny bit of his heart, she wears her soul in her eyes, longing to see his reflect in his own.
Jasper lived with his father and bother’s excesses most of his adult’s life as a sword of Damocles waiting to strike. And it did strike, he just never anticipated he would be the one left to clean the mess and bear the title.
And while he could have resented Thomasina for her part in Anne’s deception as she was a participant even if not aware of the whole scheme. He is filled with relief as he has won the one of the sisters he is more and more looking for.
Yet he decides to put boundaries to their relationship, warning Thomasina to not hope for more than he can give her. But when they promised to never again lie to one another, he began to hold informations, to protect her he says to himself.
It is a lovely read that follow the journey of their rising feelings, from their epiphany to the sewing of the bonds that will link them or tear them apart if they are not cautious of how they deal with their sentiments and the trust they have put in one another.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author and preordered my own. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
January 5, 2020
Thomasina Shelly is hopelessly attracted to Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt. Hopeless because Jasper is engaged to marry her sister Anne in a week.
Theirs is not a love match, Jasper contracted a marriage with her father to marry one of the Shelly sisters who happen to be identical triplets. He didn’t care which one he married, he just needed the dowry to right the wrongs to the estate made by his father and brother. But the more time he has spent with the girls, the more he wishes he had asked for Thomasina.
Thomasina would never betray her sisters, she is the “good one” and when Anne expresses unhappiness about the marriage, she tries to comfort her and assure her that it will all work out – even though she wishes she was the one marrying Jasper. Anne is so upset that when she begs Thomasina to pretend to be her at the engagement ball so she can have a quiet evening alone, Thomasina reluctantly agrees. The problem is Jasper can do what no other can – he can tell Thomasina from her sisters. He wonders why she is pretending to be Anne and goes as far as to try and kiss her. Shocked, Thomasina runs from him and decides to tell Anne that she can’t continue the ruse – but so learns why Anne wanted her to pretend to be her – Anne has eloped.
When he learns of Anne’s elopement, Jasper insists that Thomasina marry him in Anne’s place and she agrees. Jasper is upset that she tried to trick him and makes her promise to always be honest with him, and in the spirit of honesty, he tells her that he is not looking for a love match and probably won’t be able to love her, he is attracted to her and he likes her and tells her that he hopes she can accept that.
Jasper learns who Anne eloped with – one of his wastrel brother Solomon’s friends. He then learns that Ellis Maitland has not married Anne, he has passed her off to a relative Rook Maitland and will not return her until Jasper returns the “treasure” his brother took from him before he died. Jasper has no idea what the treasure is and keeps this information from Thomasina.
They marry and it seems like things are going well between them, Thomasina knows she is in love with Jasper and tries to forge a deeper relationship, but when she learns he has been keeping secrets from her, she is crushed and Jasper realizes too late what he has lost.
I thought this was a good story, it is well written and flows at a good pace, with likeable characters, steamy love scenes, a bit of mystery and a HEA with a nice lead into the next book. This is the first book in a new series and I am happy to recommend it.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Theirs is not a love match, Jasper contracted a marriage with her father to marry one of the Shelly sisters who happen to be identical triplets. He didn’t care which one he married, he just needed the dowry to right the wrongs to the estate made by his father and brother. But the more time he has spent with the girls, the more he wishes he had asked for Thomasina.
Thomasina would never betray her sisters, she is the “good one” and when Anne expresses unhappiness about the marriage, she tries to comfort her and assure her that it will all work out – even though she wishes she was the one marrying Jasper. Anne is so upset that when she begs Thomasina to pretend to be her at the engagement ball so she can have a quiet evening alone, Thomasina reluctantly agrees. The problem is Jasper can do what no other can – he can tell Thomasina from her sisters. He wonders why she is pretending to be Anne and goes as far as to try and kiss her. Shocked, Thomasina runs from him and decides to tell Anne that she can’t continue the ruse – but so learns why Anne wanted her to pretend to be her – Anne has eloped.
When he learns of Anne’s elopement, Jasper insists that Thomasina marry him in Anne’s place and she agrees. Jasper is upset that she tried to trick him and makes her promise to always be honest with him, and in the spirit of honesty, he tells her that he is not looking for a love match and probably won’t be able to love her, he is attracted to her and he likes her and tells her that he hopes she can accept that.
Jasper learns who Anne eloped with – one of his wastrel brother Solomon’s friends. He then learns that Ellis Maitland has not married Anne, he has passed her off to a relative Rook Maitland and will not return her until Jasper returns the “treasure” his brother took from him before he died. Jasper has no idea what the treasure is and keeps this information from Thomasina.
They marry and it seems like things are going well between them, Thomasina knows she is in love with Jasper and tries to forge a deeper relationship, but when she learns he has been keeping secrets from her, she is crushed and Jasper realizes too late what he has lost.
I thought this was a good story, it is well written and flows at a good pace, with likeable characters, steamy love scenes, a bit of mystery and a HEA with a nice lead into the next book. This is the first book in a new series and I am happy to recommend it.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
January 6, 2020
Summer 1812
I know when I pick up a book by Jess Michaels I will immerse myself in a wonderful story and she never fails! As a side note, if you have not listened to one of her audibles, you don't know what you are missing!
The Shelley Triplets, yes three sisters that are really different in nature and their father was ready to get them married off. Anne was the one who loved fun and town, Julianna was the level one, calm and kept the peace, while Thomasina thought she was just boring, always the one to do the right thing, the good girl.
When Jasper, Lord Harcourt asked their father for one of the girl's hands in marriage, he told their father to pick. Can you just imagine? Interchangeable? Not in the least. But Anne was chosen who seemed the least similar in temperament and Thomasina developed feelings for him and this is their story.
Fate seems to step in and Anne elopes with one of Jasper's wastrel brother's friends who demands something from Jasper before he will return her to the family. He turns to Thomasina to stand in Anne's place and marry him!
A tangled web with a mystery, secrets, wonderful characters and an attraction that cannot be denied although some will try! Great start to a new series! Wonderful!
I know when I pick up a book by Jess Michaels I will immerse myself in a wonderful story and she never fails! As a side note, if you have not listened to one of her audibles, you don't know what you are missing!
The Shelley Triplets, yes three sisters that are really different in nature and their father was ready to get them married off. Anne was the one who loved fun and town, Julianna was the level one, calm and kept the peace, while Thomasina thought she was just boring, always the one to do the right thing, the good girl.
When Jasper, Lord Harcourt asked their father for one of the girl's hands in marriage, he told their father to pick. Can you just imagine? Interchangeable? Not in the least. But Anne was chosen who seemed the least similar in temperament and Thomasina developed feelings for him and this is their story.
Fate seems to step in and Anne elopes with one of Jasper's wastrel brother's friends who demands something from Jasper before he will return her to the family. He turns to Thomasina to stand in Anne's place and marry him!
A tangled web with a mystery, secrets, wonderful characters and an attraction that cannot be denied although some will try! Great start to a new series! Wonderful!
January 6, 2020
I’m so incredibly sad to have given a Jess Michaels book this low of a rating. I have read many, many of her books and I know she can do better. The plot was slow. I had no connection to any of the characters. Thomasina in other reviews I read was described as a “door mat” and she totally is. I don’t expect her to be Wonder Woman but a little back bone would be great. Then when you don’t care about any of the characters, the sex scenes don’t make any impact. The plot is just whatever. I love that so many of her others characters have the most amazing chemistry. The romance between Thomasina and Jasper seemed flat. Overall I’m so, so sad and disappointed but I hope her next book will be something that works better for me.
*Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
*Received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
January 2, 2020
When the Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt, offered to marry one of the infamous Shelley triplets, he was doing it for the dowry to refill his depleted coffers after his father & half brother have depleted them. He’s engaged to Anne but at their final engagement ball he realizes it is Thomasina Shelley masquerading as Anne a desire for her that he has been ignoring sparks. And when it becomes clear Anne has run away with another, an opportunity arises for a marriage with a much deeper connection. Thomasina’s feelings for Jasper have never been appropriate and she doubted the prudence of pretending to be his even for just one night. Once she’s caught, everything escalates so quickly. Suddenly she’s going to marry this stern, fascinating man who is not particularly pleased at her perfidy. Add to that her worry about where her wayward sister has gone and it’s a recipe for disaster or is it?
This is the start of a new series about identical triplets & once again the author's nailed it. Strong characters with plenty of depth, a very well written well placed plot & I was one happy reader. I was drawn in from the start & held captive all the way through & then the epilogue really shook me, talk about a twist! Thank goodness there’s not long to wait until the next instalment. I loved Jasper the Earl who was trying to restore his family’s reputation but hadn't wanted to be the Earl & he's also has his own guilt & grief to deal with. Thomasina is the selfless triplet who puts everyone else first & wants to please everyone, I loved how she grew throughout the book. Their attraction sizzled but they also confided in each other. A lovely read that I read in two sittings
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the start of a new series about identical triplets & once again the author's nailed it. Strong characters with plenty of depth, a very well written well placed plot & I was one happy reader. I was drawn in from the start & held captive all the way through & then the epilogue really shook me, talk about a twist! Thank goodness there’s not long to wait until the next instalment. I loved Jasper the Earl who was trying to restore his family’s reputation but hadn't wanted to be the Earl & he's also has his own guilt & grief to deal with. Thomasina is the selfless triplet who puts everyone else first & wants to please everyone, I loved how she grew throughout the book. Their attraction sizzled but they also confided in each other. A lovely read that I read in two sittings
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
February 16, 2020
What a wonderful book to a new series.
Thomasina is the perfect match to Jasper. She sees him for the true man he is. Jasper sees the light that shines in Thomasina that is different then the other triplets. Only there mother was ever able to tell them apart.
I can not wait for the next book.
Thomasina is the perfect match to Jasper. She sees him for the true man he is. Jasper sees the light that shines in Thomasina that is different then the other triplets. Only there mother was ever able to tell them apart.
I can not wait for the next book.
January 7, 2020
What a great start to a new series! Unusually, it involves triplets, who look very much alike but have very different personalities. Thomasina, the youngest and also the one who wishes to please everyone. Jasper Kincaid, Earl of Harcourt, is to marry Anne, as he needs her dowry. However, nothing works out as planned. Mr. Shelley, the girl’s father, thinks of no-one but himself. Jasper also had a very cruel father. This is an engaging story and it also has a mystery involving Ellis Maitland, which hasn’t been solved yet. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 28, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Jess Michaels has a stunning new series and it’s about to leave you speechless.
Love love love this book and the characters therein .
The sisters are wonderful, triplets born to a rich but unfeeling father.
One betrothed but then runs from her responsibilities, leaving another to take on her abandoned marriage promise to a prominent Earl.
A great idea and wonderful writing lead the way to a book that keeps you hooked throughout.
Excellent stuff
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Jess Michaels has a stunning new series and it’s about to leave you speechless.
Love love love this book and the characters therein .
The sisters are wonderful, triplets born to a rich but unfeeling father.
One betrothed but then runs from her responsibilities, leaving another to take on her abandoned marriage promise to a prominent Earl.
A great idea and wonderful writing lead the way to a book that keeps you hooked throughout.
Excellent stuff
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
August 1, 2024
More like this, please!
Identical triplets and their father can't tell them apart, but Jasper can!
He is about to marry Anne but she runs away just before the wedding and so because it wasn't a love match, he insists on marrying one of the other triplets.
Needless to say, Thomasina is chosen and she is absolutely delighted because she has very warm feelings for this man.
A beautifully written romance which kept me reading into the wee hours, lapping up the romance and delighting on how these two characters kept me glued to the pages. I definitely need an early night tonight to make up the lost sleep (smile) but it was well worth it!
I definitely have to recommend this book and need to get hold of the second one soon!
Identical triplets and their father can't tell them apart, but Jasper can!
He is about to marry Anne but she runs away just before the wedding and so because it wasn't a love match, he insists on marrying one of the other triplets.
Needless to say, Thomasina is chosen and she is absolutely delighted because she has very warm feelings for this man.
A beautifully written romance which kept me reading into the wee hours, lapping up the romance and delighting on how these two characters kept me glued to the pages. I definitely need an early night tonight to make up the lost sleep (smile) but it was well worth it!
I definitely have to recommend this book and need to get hold of the second one soon!
September 30, 2021
Such a great series. Can't wait for the next one. Loved these characters and story. Jess Michaels never disappoints. I've read everyone of her books. If you've never read her, be prepared because once you download one of her books, you will download every one of them.
January 7, 2020
A Reluctant Bride by Jess Michaels
The Shelley Sisters #1
Being one of the Shelley triplets has not been easy for Thomasina, Anne and Juliana. They were considered freaks and treated so by family and society. The same face on all three but definitely not the same as Anne is outgoing and the life of the party, Juliana needs to fix things and Thomasina wants to help and comfort. Since nobody can tell them apart it is no big deal for Thomasina to step into Anne’s shoes for a night and dance with the man she fell hard for when he was introduced as Anne’s intended...even though Anne did not want him. And...that is just the beginning of the tale of the Shelley sisters…
What I liked:
* Thomasina – all heart, giving and comfort putting herself last – she really loves Jasper but she also has spirit and a temper.
* Jasper – perhaps damaged by his childhood but a good man who is surprised by the connection he feels for Thomasina – and HOT indeed he is with his new wife.
* Wondering about Juliana and Anne – I am eager to find out who they really are and what men they will end up with.
* The story – it drew me in and made me feel for the triplets and for Jasper and all they managed to survive while growing up.
* The mystery still unresolved – What is the treasure and why is it so important? Will they find it and if so when?
* The relationship between Thomasina and Jasper
* The connection between the triplets
What I did not like:
* The father of the Shelley triplets – a man I who was more interested in himself than his family.
* Anne’s thoughtless action – although it did work out well for Thomasina
* Having to wait to find out what will happen next.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
The Shelley Sisters #1
Being one of the Shelley triplets has not been easy for Thomasina, Anne and Juliana. They were considered freaks and treated so by family and society. The same face on all three but definitely not the same as Anne is outgoing and the life of the party, Juliana needs to fix things and Thomasina wants to help and comfort. Since nobody can tell them apart it is no big deal for Thomasina to step into Anne’s shoes for a night and dance with the man she fell hard for when he was introduced as Anne’s intended...even though Anne did not want him. And...that is just the beginning of the tale of the Shelley sisters…
What I liked:
* Thomasina – all heart, giving and comfort putting herself last – she really loves Jasper but she also has spirit and a temper.
* Jasper – perhaps damaged by his childhood but a good man who is surprised by the connection he feels for Thomasina – and HOT indeed he is with his new wife.
* Wondering about Juliana and Anne – I am eager to find out who they really are and what men they will end up with.
* The story – it drew me in and made me feel for the triplets and for Jasper and all they managed to survive while growing up.
* The mystery still unresolved – What is the treasure and why is it so important? Will they find it and if so when?
* The relationship between Thomasina and Jasper
* The connection between the triplets
What I did not like:
* The father of the Shelley triplets – a man I who was more interested in himself than his family.
* Anne’s thoughtless action – although it did work out well for Thomasina
* Having to wait to find out what will happen next.
Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
October 6, 2023
Vanilla_91 - per RFS
.
Con la serie Le sorelle Shelley, Jess Michaels torna a regalarci emozioni dal sapore retrò.
Juliana, Anne e Thomasina Shelley sono tre gemelle, tanto simili nell’aspetto quanto differenti nel carattere.
Come il titolo ci anticipa, è proprio una sposa riluttante a dare il via a tutte le dinamiche.
Tra le tre sorelle, Anne è stata promessa in sposa al conte Jasper Kincaid, ma non si tratta certo di un matrimonio d’amore, dato che il gentiluomo necessita di una sposa che porti una dote importante e il padre delle tre giovani è interessato unicamente a contrarre matrimoni vantaggiosi per elevare la propria posizione sociale.
Quando Anne fugge per sottrarsi alle nozze combinate con un uomo che non ritiene adatto a sè, Thomasina deve “sostituirla”.
L’unione, nata per meri motivi economici, si rivela un matrimonio che potrebbe essere felice se solo Jasper decidesse di abbattere tutte quelle barriere che lo portano a tenere a distanza la sua nuova sposa.
Trovo sempre apprezzabili i romanzi della Michaels, ma questo in assoluto è il mio preferito.
Ho adorato a dismisura il personaggio di Thomasina, una figura che ha tutti quegli aspetti tipici di una dama dell’epoca, ma anche una determinazione e una caparbietà più simili a una donna “moderna”.
È un personaggio sempre equilibrato, delicato ma risoluto e consapevole del proprio valore di donna, una figura comprensiva e altruista, con una forza d’animo enorme alimentata proprio dalle sue fragilità. La caratterizzazione di questa figura della Michaels è davvero spettacolare!
Ho amato anche lo sviluppo del rapporto tra i due protagonisti: lento, passionale e ben raccontato con tanti momenti dolci e coinvolgenti. Quello di Jasper e Thomasina è un amore di quelli che fanno sognare, capace di abbattere le barriere, le paure e le differenze.
Questi personaggi e l’intera storia mi hanno lasciato davvero un bel senso di calore, è stata una di quelle letture che ti accarezzano l’anima con la loro semplicità e leggerezza.
Direi, a occhi chiusi, la più bella della Michaels!
Una sposa riluttante è un romanzo passionale, romantico e intrigante capace di ammaliare il lettore e coinvolgerlo senza riserve.
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Con la serie Le sorelle Shelley, Jess Michaels torna a regalarci emozioni dal sapore retrò.
Juliana, Anne e Thomasina Shelley sono tre gemelle, tanto simili nell’aspetto quanto differenti nel carattere.
Come il titolo ci anticipa, è proprio una sposa riluttante a dare il via a tutte le dinamiche.
Tra le tre sorelle, Anne è stata promessa in sposa al conte Jasper Kincaid, ma non si tratta certo di un matrimonio d’amore, dato che il gentiluomo necessita di una sposa che porti una dote importante e il padre delle tre giovani è interessato unicamente a contrarre matrimoni vantaggiosi per elevare la propria posizione sociale.
Quando Anne fugge per sottrarsi alle nozze combinate con un uomo che non ritiene adatto a sè, Thomasina deve “sostituirla”.
L’unione, nata per meri motivi economici, si rivela un matrimonio che potrebbe essere felice se solo Jasper decidesse di abbattere tutte quelle barriere che lo portano a tenere a distanza la sua nuova sposa.
Trovo sempre apprezzabili i romanzi della Michaels, ma questo in assoluto è il mio preferito.
Ho adorato a dismisura il personaggio di Thomasina, una figura che ha tutti quegli aspetti tipici di una dama dell’epoca, ma anche una determinazione e una caparbietà più simili a una donna “moderna”.
È un personaggio sempre equilibrato, delicato ma risoluto e consapevole del proprio valore di donna, una figura comprensiva e altruista, con una forza d’animo enorme alimentata proprio dalle sue fragilità. La caratterizzazione di questa figura della Michaels è davvero spettacolare!
Ho amato anche lo sviluppo del rapporto tra i due protagonisti: lento, passionale e ben raccontato con tanti momenti dolci e coinvolgenti. Quello di Jasper e Thomasina è un amore di quelli che fanno sognare, capace di abbattere le barriere, le paure e le differenze.
Questi personaggi e l’intera storia mi hanno lasciato davvero un bel senso di calore, è stata una di quelle letture che ti accarezzano l’anima con la loro semplicità e leggerezza.
Direi, a occhi chiusi, la più bella della Michaels!
Una sposa riluttante è un romanzo passionale, romantico e intrigante capace di ammaliare il lettore e coinvolgerlo senza riserve.
October 22, 2020
I recieved a free copy from netaglley in exchange for an honest review.
Like everything else I have read by Jess Michaels I really enjoyed this book. She has quickly become one of my go to authors.
The Shellby sisters are triples that one has been able to tell apart their entire lives including their own father, except for Jasper. Hep knows Thomasina immediately when she walks into a room (he still doesn't know who each of her twins are) which comes in handy when Anne convinces Thomasina to pretend to be her at Anne and Jasper's engagement ball.
When Anne runs away Thomasina agrees to wed Jasper instead since she has been in love with him since she met him even though he was engaged to her sister. Jasper after all didn't care which sister he married but he quickly falls for Thomasina even while trying to hold her at arms length.
Overall, I really liked the relationship between Jasper and Thomasina. There was some really sweet moments and the focus on there realtionship was great with some hunting for Anne thrown in which tests their relationship because Jasper doesn't want his family secrets to hurt Thomasina.
Can't wait to read the next in the series (and everything else put out by this author).
Like everything else I have read by Jess Michaels I really enjoyed this book. She has quickly become one of my go to authors.
The Shellby sisters are triples that one has been able to tell apart their entire lives including their own father, except for Jasper. Hep knows Thomasina immediately when she walks into a room (he still doesn't know who each of her twins are) which comes in handy when Anne convinces Thomasina to pretend to be her at Anne and Jasper's engagement ball.
When Anne runs away Thomasina agrees to wed Jasper instead since she has been in love with him since she met him even though he was engaged to her sister. Jasper after all didn't care which sister he married but he quickly falls for Thomasina even while trying to hold her at arms length.
Overall, I really liked the relationship between Jasper and Thomasina. There was some really sweet moments and the focus on there realtionship was great with some hunting for Anne thrown in which tests their relationship because Jasper doesn't want his family secrets to hurt Thomasina.
Can't wait to read the next in the series (and everything else put out by this author).
December 30, 2019
This was such a brilliant story and I enjoyed reading every page!! The Shelley Sisters are triplets who are identical....Anne, Juliana and Thomasina. This first book in the series is Thomasina's story and how she finds herself married to Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt.
I loved both their characters. Thomasina is such a caring soul and Jasper is a tortured man who tries to be completely unlike his father and older half brother! It is up to Thomasina to get through the walls he's erected around his heart and I love how she does it, with patience, love and believing in him. Add to that a villain (or is he?) who is searching for a treasure, a sister who is missing and a father who only sees his daughters as a commodity to be used to better his circumstances. A very well written story with lots of heat, passion, intrigue, danger, etc.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I loved both their characters. Thomasina is such a caring soul and Jasper is a tortured man who tries to be completely unlike his father and older half brother! It is up to Thomasina to get through the walls he's erected around his heart and I love how she does it, with patience, love and believing in him. Add to that a villain (or is he?) who is searching for a treasure, a sister who is missing and a father who only sees his daughters as a commodity to be used to better his circumstances. A very well written story with lots of heat, passion, intrigue, danger, etc.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
December 7, 2024
Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt, is betrothed to the eldest of the infamous Shelley triplets for the dowry to refill his family coffers. But when he realizes it is Thomasina Shelley masquerading as his fiancée at their final engagement ball, a desire for her that he has been ignoring sparks. When her sister runs away, Thomasina marries Jasper instead.
This is the first book in the Shelley Sisters series. I picked it up because I love twin shenanigans and was hoping it would be like Tracy Anne Warren’s The Husband Trap. But this one lacked Michaels’ usual spark for me. I thought it was just okay and the ending was not satisfying (unless you want to continue the series).
Tropes: Twins, Sibling’s Suitor, Marriage of Convenience, Runaway Bride/Kidnapping
Steam: 5
This is the first book in the Shelley Sisters series. I picked it up because I love twin shenanigans and was hoping it would be like Tracy Anne Warren’s The Husband Trap. But this one lacked Michaels’ usual spark for me. I thought it was just okay and the ending was not satisfying (unless you want to continue the series).
Tropes: Twins, Sibling’s Suitor, Marriage of Convenience, Runaway Bride/Kidnapping
Steam: 5
October 24, 2020
A Reluctant Bride is the first book in The Shelley Sisters series. I've had this book on my TBR list for a while and don't know why I have waited so long to read. Once I actually started reading my attention was caught. The plot was interesting and full of intrigue. I found the characters to be charming. The next book is introduced by the author by continuing with the mystery of the lost treasure.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 8, 2020
I loved this historical read! Japer needs a bride to refill the family’s finances. He agrees to marry Anne one of the Shelley triplets. Anne runs away and puts Thomasina in her place. Thomasina happens to love Jasper but can she show him they have a chance at a real marriage? Fast-paced read with plenty of drama and off the charts hot. Amazing characters and a story that draws you in from beginning to end. Looking forward to more in the series!
January 5, 2020
Oh my gosh I loved this one!
Thomasina & Jasper’s story is a fresh twist on the arranged marriage of HR reads. Great dialogue. Delicious chemistry and characters that had me hooked from page one. Who doesn’t love a broody hero!
I am definitely looking forward to Anne’s book next.
I received an arc of this book.
Thomasina & Jasper’s story is a fresh twist on the arranged marriage of HR reads. Great dialogue. Delicious chemistry and characters that had me hooked from page one. Who doesn’t love a broody hero!
I am definitely looking forward to Anne’s book next.
I received an arc of this book.
April 20, 2020
FINAL DECISION: This book was just bland to me. Nothing to remember or to really be interested in these characters. Indeed, the sister who runs away is more interesting than anything with this couple. Unfortunately, this was a miss from an author whose books I usually like.
THE STORY: Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt, has offered to marry one of the Shelley triplets, but realizes that the wrong sister is masquerading as his fiancee at their engagement ball. When he finds out that his true fiancee has run away, he ends up married to Thomasina instead.
OPINION: This was just a miss for me. The characters felt bland and uninteresting. I really didn't care about their story and the conflict felt contrived. The book was okay, but in a day I probably won't remember anything about the book. The most interesting parts of the book are that there are triplets and the disappearance of Thomasina's sister. Neither of these was enough to sustain the romance or the action in this book.
WORTH MENTIONING: I'm going to give this series a pass and re-read some of my other favorite's from this author.
CONNECTED BOOKS: A RELUCTANT BRIDE is the first book in the Shelley Sisters series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 2 stars.
NOTE: I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
THE STORY: Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt, has offered to marry one of the Shelley triplets, but realizes that the wrong sister is masquerading as his fiancee at their engagement ball. When he finds out that his true fiancee has run away, he ends up married to Thomasina instead.
OPINION: This was just a miss for me. The characters felt bland and uninteresting. I really didn't care about their story and the conflict felt contrived. The book was okay, but in a day I probably won't remember anything about the book. The most interesting parts of the book are that there are triplets and the disappearance of Thomasina's sister. Neither of these was enough to sustain the romance or the action in this book.
WORTH MENTIONING: I'm going to give this series a pass and re-read some of my other favorite's from this author.
CONNECTED BOOKS: A RELUCTANT BRIDE is the first book in the Shelley Sisters series.
STAR RATING: I give this book 2 stars.
NOTE: I received an eARC of this book from Netgalley. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
January 11, 2020
Oh my, this was wonderful. Couldn't put it down. A lovely hot romance story. Loved it!
It's going to be a great series.
5☆
It's going to be a great series.
5☆
March 23, 2020
3.5 Sterne
Nette Geschichte, könnte aber besser sein.
Nette Geschichte, könnte aber besser sein.
January 5, 2020
Review excerpted from my blog post over at FanSciHist (https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2020...)
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 3
Love story speed: Medium burn
Relationship dynamics: The Straight-Laced Earl (H) / The Timid Triplet (h)
Sexual content: Some; “on-screen” and explicit
Triggers: Parental indifference; recounted emotional child abuse
Grammar/Editing: My ARC had a couple of typos
Review: This is a fast-paced novel that is set during the Regency period (1812). While interesting and intriguing overall, the plot of the novel seems artificially prolonged by odd choices on the part of the main characters and the villain. Additionally, while it is mostly period-accurate, there is a curious lack of use of stays, which were standard undergarments for women during the period. This choice seems to mostly aid “easy access” during sex scenes.
Thomasina is the consummate “good girl” sacrificed by her father to make up for her sister’s poor decisions. She can be a bit petulant when she doesn’t get her way. Jasper insists on honesty within their relationship, but then immediately lies and otherwise makes poor decisions that are typical of men in romance novels. Their relationship is a bit rocky because Jasper is afraid of feeling, and Thomasina feels too much. In terms of the supporting characters, much is made of the mystical bond between multiples (in this case, triplets). Yet, the other two sisters seem to be mere glimpses of two-dimensional portraits. In point of fact, we learn more about the dead than the living. All this being said, I am still interested in continuing with the series because I know that Michaels is capable of excellent storytelling and, while not left on a cliffhanger, the story is still left in an interesting place for the second book to pick up from.
Pro Tip version: Never put off until tomorrow what can be done today.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating: 3.5 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 3
Love story speed: Medium burn
Relationship dynamics: The Straight-Laced Earl (H) / The Timid Triplet (h)
Sexual content: Some; “on-screen” and explicit
Triggers: Parental indifference; recounted emotional child abuse
Grammar/Editing: My ARC had a couple of typos
Review: This is a fast-paced novel that is set during the Regency period (1812). While interesting and intriguing overall, the plot of the novel seems artificially prolonged by odd choices on the part of the main characters and the villain. Additionally, while it is mostly period-accurate, there is a curious lack of use of stays, which were standard undergarments for women during the period. This choice seems to mostly aid “easy access” during sex scenes.
Thomasina is the consummate “good girl” sacrificed by her father to make up for her sister’s poor decisions. She can be a bit petulant when she doesn’t get her way. Jasper insists on honesty within their relationship, but then immediately lies and otherwise makes poor decisions that are typical of men in romance novels. Their relationship is a bit rocky because Jasper is afraid of feeling, and Thomasina feels too much. In terms of the supporting characters, much is made of the mystical bond between multiples (in this case, triplets). Yet, the other two sisters seem to be mere glimpses of two-dimensional portraits. In point of fact, we learn more about the dead than the living. All this being said, I am still interested in continuing with the series because I know that Michaels is capable of excellent storytelling and, while not left on a cliffhanger, the story is still left in an interesting place for the second book to pick up from.
Pro Tip version: Never put off until tomorrow what can be done today.
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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