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The Pleasure Wars #4
Beautiful Distraction
Can true love begin with a lie?
The Pleasure Wars, Book 4
It has been a particularly trying day for Olivia Cranfield. Despite her impeccable manners, stylish clothing and posh accent, another protector has detected her lowborn status and rejected her out of hand.
When fellow courtesan Violet invites her to come to Bath to help with the wicked seduction of the scarred, reclusive Earl of Windbury, Olivia jumps at the offer, eager for some excitement and a change of scenery.
The moment Malcolm Graham lays eyes on the delectable woman lurking in the bathhouse alley, he knows she’s a decoy to keep him busy while her friend seduces the earl inside. For a moment, he allows her to play her game…but one touch, and all he can think about is ending the two years of self-denial he’s endured in the name of friendship.
Instant attraction quickly turns into a decidedly erotic affair that makes Olivia question all she’s ever known about passion. But when the truth behind Violet’s assignment comes to light, betrayal threatens to bring everything they’ve built crashing down around Olivia’s broken heart.
Warning: This book contains a lady lying for a good cause, a gentleman as loyal to his friends as he is passionate in the bedchamber, and a steamy affair that will change them both forever.126 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 24, 2014
119 people are currently reading
347 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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October 29, 2021Bit of advice: don’t read a historical romance right after going to the dentist. All I can think about now is the state of their gums.
July 29, 2017
This historical romance novella is the fourth and last story in The Pleasure Wars series. The author's warning: This book contains a lady lying for a good cause, a gentleman as loyal to his friends as he is passionate in the bedchamber, and a steamy affair that will change them both forever.
This novella goes hand-in-hand with the previous story so much that many scenes and conversations are repeated from that book and we get a glimpse as to what then happened between those scenes with Olivia and Malcolm. I was hoping for more personal revelations as to who these two are as people but it seemed more repetitious than revelatory.
Taken By the Duke: 2+ stars
Pleasuring the Lady: 3 stars
Beauty and the Earl: 4- stars
Beautiful Distraction: 3 stars
Olivia Cranfield has impeccable manners, wears stylish clothing, and talks with a posh accent, but another protector has detected her lady lowborn status and rejected her. When her friend Violet invites Olivia to Bath to help her, Olivia jumps at the offer and soon finds herself falling in love with the right-hand man of an Earl. Olivia is likeable.
Malcolm Graham first encounters Olivia lurking before him in the bathhouse and he's canny enough to realise she is a decoy when he notices another woman slip by him into the bathhouse where his friend, the Earl, is bathing. Malcolm has denied himself any pleasure while serving as the Earl's man of affairs for five years. Helping his dearest friend recover from a horrific accident has token it's toll on Malcolm personally so the beautiful distraction is welcomed by him.
Olivia and Malcolm start a torrid affair pretty much the day after meeting. Their sexy times are non-stop. It would be hard for this book to be a stand-alone read, instead it's a nice companion to book three.
I recommend this series.
This novella goes hand-in-hand with the previous story so much that many scenes and conversations are repeated from that book and we get a glimpse as to what then happened between those scenes with Olivia and Malcolm. I was hoping for more personal revelations as to who these two are as people but it seemed more repetitious than revelatory.
Taken By the Duke: 2+ stars
Pleasuring the Lady: 3 stars
Beauty and the Earl: 4- stars
Beautiful Distraction: 3 stars
Olivia Cranfield has impeccable manners, wears stylish clothing, and talks with a posh accent, but another protector has detected her lady lowborn status and rejected her. When her friend Violet invites Olivia to Bath to help her, Olivia jumps at the offer and soon finds herself falling in love with the right-hand man of an Earl. Olivia is likeable.
Malcolm Graham first encounters Olivia lurking before him in the bathhouse and he's canny enough to realise she is a decoy when he notices another woman slip by him into the bathhouse where his friend, the Earl, is bathing. Malcolm has denied himself any pleasure while serving as the Earl's man of affairs for five years. Helping his dearest friend recover from a horrific accident has token it's toll on Malcolm personally so the beautiful distraction is welcomed by him.
Olivia and Malcolm start a torrid affair pretty much the day after meeting. Their sexy times are non-stop. It would be hard for this book to be a stand-alone read, instead it's a nice companion to book three.
I recommend this series.
May 23, 2018
This book could have been awesome but it fell flat; it felt like Michaels was just cranking something out as quickly as possible to be done with it. No disrespect to her (because I love her) but there was less (writing) passion, less character development, less plot development, less everything, really... "Beautiful Distraction" is basically a retelling of "Beauty and the Earl" from Olivia & Malcolm's POV, but nothing new was added. It's a shame; this series is awesome. I'm always sad when the last book burns out (Like Collin's Mockingjay)....
Great sex scenes though :)
Great sex scenes though :)
March 13, 2023
The last book in a series of 4… I’ve not read much of Ms Michael’s, but I have to say I enjoyed the entire series… the first book in the series Taken by the Duke was my favorite … the story line throughout the 4 books was a great read all the way at thru, and you should read them in order for sure because the story line is connected. Excellent character development in each book made the read even better. The sex is pretty hot in all the books, so if that’s not your thing, here is your warning …
I very highly recommend the entire series.
I very highly recommend the entire series.
May 11, 2025
Lovely but a bit repetitive
I did enjoy the story. I liked the characters in the last book. The only disappointing thing is that the story has already been told in the previous book. It would have been so much better to have the two combined and not know the ending ahead of time.
I did enjoy the story. I liked the characters in the last book. The only disappointing thing is that the story has already been told in the previous book. It would have been so much better to have the two combined and not know the ending ahead of time.
September 22, 2017
Couldn't even finish it - wildly overwrought
May 28, 2019
I liked that this book gave you the full Olivia and Malcolm story, but a lot of it was a repeat from Beauty and the Earl. I did like that since the outcome was already known, it was a quick read.
March 7, 2022
Great book…highly recommended….
August 14, 2023
A passionate steamy romance that changes everything for Olivia and Malcolm. A beautiful conclusion to The Pleasure Wars.
December 11, 2025
A fun side-by-side with Viola's story - nice way to wrap up this series.
June 24, 2014
Disclosure: I requested this review copy from the author. Thank you to Jess Michaels for the opportunity. Yes, this is an honest review.
* * *
I had the pleasure of reading Malcolm and Olivia's love story in Beauty and the Earl . I had a very good impression of Olivia and Malcolm and the very deep friendships they shared with Violet and Liam and it was also interesting to compare the two love stories as they developed side-by-side, and I'm glad that Jess Michaels has decided to (re)tell their story from their own points of view.
We believe Olivia to be a bit flighty and whimsical, not being able to settle on any one protector for an extended period of time, and Beautiful Distraction explains why this is so. Olivia the courtesan is a construct born of years of training and constant vigilance: she has to consciously control her accent and her manners and always fears that she would slip up. In reality, Olivia is, perhaps, born of the lowest rungs in society and this is a fact of her existence that she strives so hard to keep, because she is afraid that no man would want her if they knew. She exudes an outward confidence, but, deep inside, Olivia is consumed by her insecurities and fears. My heart broke for her when she wouldn't accept the room Malcolm had prepared for her at Liam's house in Bath, thinking she wasn't worthy of it --
Malcolm's background is a bit more vague, but what is clear is that Malcolm also walks on the edges of good society and constantly struggles with his place in it. He is friends with Liam, Earl of Windbury, but he also works for Liam, Earl of Windbury. It's a strange situation, but Mal has done a very good job of taking care of his friend and his friend's estate. Considering his selflessness, I am glad that Mal was able to find a measure of peace and companionship in Olivia, although the beginnings of their relationship was also suspect: Olivia was meant to distract Mal, while Violet was spying on Liam ... but it was clear from the very beginning that there were sparks of interest flying between the two. It was less a job and more a pleasure.
The interesting thing (and, perhaps the reason why fans of the author's Pleasure Wars series should read this novella) is when Violet's connection to Ava and the Duke of Rothcastle is revealed and Liam and Malcolm both feel the pain of being betrayed by their loved ones. I always wondered what Olivia did when she decided to stay behind while Violet returned to London ... and Michaels does a very good job of fleshing out this part of the story.
As a companion piece to Beauty and the Earl , this accomplishes it's purpose and rounds out the story of Violet, Liam, Malcolm and Olivia, but Beautiful Distraction also works well as a stand-alone in telling the sweet story of two ordinary people who have discovered a very special love worth fighting for.
* * *
I had the pleasure of reading Malcolm and Olivia's love story in Beauty and the Earl . I had a very good impression of Olivia and Malcolm and the very deep friendships they shared with Violet and Liam and it was also interesting to compare the two love stories as they developed side-by-side, and I'm glad that Jess Michaels has decided to (re)tell their story from their own points of view.
We believe Olivia to be a bit flighty and whimsical, not being able to settle on any one protector for an extended period of time, and Beautiful Distraction explains why this is so. Olivia the courtesan is a construct born of years of training and constant vigilance: she has to consciously control her accent and her manners and always fears that she would slip up. In reality, Olivia is, perhaps, born of the lowest rungs in society and this is a fact of her existence that she strives so hard to keep, because she is afraid that no man would want her if they knew. She exudes an outward confidence, but, deep inside, Olivia is consumed by her insecurities and fears. My heart broke for her when she wouldn't accept the room Malcolm had prepared for her at Liam's house in Bath, thinking she wasn't worthy of it --
His brow wrinkled at her refusal of the room. "If you don't like it --"
She cut him off by spinning on him. "Oh no, it isn't that I'm ungrateful. It's beautiful. But ..." She hesitated and heat flooded her cheeks. "Malcolm, you understand I am a courtesan, don't you?"
He nodded slowly. "Yes. Our first conversation made that clear."
She held up her hands and motioned to the room. The reminder had to make him see.
"And?" he said when it was clear she wouldn't speak.
She huffed out her breath. So he would force her to speak her humiliation. "This room is for someone above my station, Mal. If I stay here ..."
She trailed off and her blush grew even hotter.
- loc 588
Malcolm's background is a bit more vague, but what is clear is that Malcolm also walks on the edges of good society and constantly struggles with his place in it. He is friends with Liam, Earl of Windbury, but he also works for Liam, Earl of Windbury. It's a strange situation, but Mal has done a very good job of taking care of his friend and his friend's estate. Considering his selflessness, I am glad that Mal was able to find a measure of peace and companionship in Olivia, although the beginnings of their relationship was also suspect: Olivia was meant to distract Mal, while Violet was spying on Liam ... but it was clear from the very beginning that there were sparks of interest flying between the two. It was less a job and more a pleasure.
The interesting thing (and, perhaps the reason why fans of the author's Pleasure Wars series should read this novella) is when Violet's connection to Ava and the Duke of Rothcastle is revealed and Liam and Malcolm both feel the pain of being betrayed by their loved ones. I always wondered what Olivia did when she decided to stay behind while Violet returned to London ... and Michaels does a very good job of fleshing out this part of the story.
She met his stare, holding it until she sensed his discomfort. "I would never turn you away, Malcolm Graham. Even if I have to wait a year or ten years. I'll be here, waiting for you to hear me. And some day you will hear me. Only then will we be able to decide where we go from here."
- loc 1475
As a companion piece to Beauty and the Earl , this accomplishes it's purpose and rounds out the story of Violet, Liam, Malcolm and Olivia, but Beautiful Distraction also works well as a stand-alone in telling the sweet story of two ordinary people who have discovered a very special love worth fighting for.
September 10, 2016
4 1/2 stars read! If you read BEAUTY AND THE EARL then this is a must read, because it's the perfect other side of the story with Malcom and Olivia.
Olivia Cranfield accompanies her best friend to Bath when Violet accepts the assignment of getting close to and seducing the Earl of Windbury. Wanting to help in any way possible, Olivia agrees to act as a distraction when Violet needs to get past the large man watching the entrance to the private bath where the Earl is trying to relax undisturbed. Disturbing the Earl is the last thing in Violet’s mind but without Olivia’s assistance, she’ll surely not gain entrance.
Malcolm Graham isn’t a fool and he’s fully aware that while the lovely and desirable Olivia is distracting him, her eager friend is inside the baths entertaining his old friend who had become entirely too curmudgeonly lately and would surely benefit from the delights the beauty might bestow on him. Meanwhile, his own attentions are fully held by the lovely woman he’d like very much to get to know better.
When Olivia accompanies Violet to stay at the Earl’s estate, Malcolm and Olivia get to know each other much better. There attraction to each other is fast, thrilling, and very passionate. Both begin to wonder if there is something more to life than the path each has accepted as their place in life. Each begins to question whether two people from such different worlds can come together and build a life together. But when the truth comes out as to the reason for Violet being with the Earl and the part Olivia played in the deception, everything falls apart leaving broken hearts in the wake.
Jess Michaels writes such amazing characters they easily become like old friends to us by the end of her series making it that much harder to say good-bye but in giving us Olivia and Malcolm’s story, even though it’s simply the same story from another side, we get the full story of the amazing cast of the Pleasure Wars series.
BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION, book four in the Pleasure Wars series by Jess Michaels is as endearing, enlightening, and passionate as its predecessor, BEAUTY AND THE EARL, but this one has our hero and heroine battling their individual loyalties to dear friends when telling the truth threatens to destroy a blossoming love. Jess always manages to pull at our heartstrings with such finesse that we forgive her in the end when everyone gets their happily-ever-after.
I highly recommend BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION by Jess Michaels to anyone who loves a well-written, heartwarming, romance filled with mischief, passion, and containing enough angst to keep us on the edge worrying if there will truly be an HEA for Olivia and Malcolm. If you haven’t read this amazing Pleasure Wars series, I truly recommend that you do and start at the beginning with TAKEN BY THE DUKE, you’ll be hooked and reading straight through until you gain your closure as I did with BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION.
***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
Olivia Cranfield accompanies her best friend to Bath when Violet accepts the assignment of getting close to and seducing the Earl of Windbury. Wanting to help in any way possible, Olivia agrees to act as a distraction when Violet needs to get past the large man watching the entrance to the private bath where the Earl is trying to relax undisturbed. Disturbing the Earl is the last thing in Violet’s mind but without Olivia’s assistance, she’ll surely not gain entrance.
Malcolm Graham isn’t a fool and he’s fully aware that while the lovely and desirable Olivia is distracting him, her eager friend is inside the baths entertaining his old friend who had become entirely too curmudgeonly lately and would surely benefit from the delights the beauty might bestow on him. Meanwhile, his own attentions are fully held by the lovely woman he’d like very much to get to know better.
When Olivia accompanies Violet to stay at the Earl’s estate, Malcolm and Olivia get to know each other much better. There attraction to each other is fast, thrilling, and very passionate. Both begin to wonder if there is something more to life than the path each has accepted as their place in life. Each begins to question whether two people from such different worlds can come together and build a life together. But when the truth comes out as to the reason for Violet being with the Earl and the part Olivia played in the deception, everything falls apart leaving broken hearts in the wake.
Jess Michaels writes such amazing characters they easily become like old friends to us by the end of her series making it that much harder to say good-bye but in giving us Olivia and Malcolm’s story, even though it’s simply the same story from another side, we get the full story of the amazing cast of the Pleasure Wars series.
BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION, book four in the Pleasure Wars series by Jess Michaels is as endearing, enlightening, and passionate as its predecessor, BEAUTY AND THE EARL, but this one has our hero and heroine battling their individual loyalties to dear friends when telling the truth threatens to destroy a blossoming love. Jess always manages to pull at our heartstrings with such finesse that we forgive her in the end when everyone gets their happily-ever-after.
I highly recommend BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION by Jess Michaels to anyone who loves a well-written, heartwarming, romance filled with mischief, passion, and containing enough angst to keep us on the edge worrying if there will truly be an HEA for Olivia and Malcolm. If you haven’t read this amazing Pleasure Wars series, I truly recommend that you do and start at the beginning with TAKEN BY THE DUKE, you’ll be hooked and reading straight through until you gain your closure as I did with BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION.
***eARC provided by author in exchange for an honest and unscripted review.
June 30, 2014
A fun, quick read, Beautiful Distraction is the fourth installment of the Pleasure Wars series by Jess Michaels. Unlike the other books in this series, this installment is a short novella - only 126 pages. It overlaps with the third book in the series, Beauty and the Earl, however you do not need to read that book to enjoy this one! Though, of course, reading the whole series is recommended, if only to get a complete look at the full cast of characters.
I really enjoy a good series that showcases different characters in each book and Beautiful Distraction is no exception. In this book, the hero and heroine are the close friends of the previous book's hero and heroine. Malcolm and Olivia are both steadfastly loyal to their friends, Liam and Violet. This loyalty informs the choices both Malcolm and Olivia make later in the novella and you can't help but root for both of them at the same time - despite the two characters having two different goals! Malcolm and Olivia's attraction to one another is instant and passionate, quickly turning lust into love. The story draws you in quickly and keeps you wondering what will happen next. As with almost all of Jess Michaels' books, when I got to the end I said, "That's it!?" But in a good way! I liked these characters and wanted to see more of them beyond what happened at "The End." I was not ready to let them go.
One of the trickiest things above writing a novella is that an author must introduce characters, build a story, and wrap it up in a satisfying conclusion, all without the reader feeling rushed or left with lingering questions. This may sound easy, but I personally think the novella is one of the hardest writing forms, simply because an author must do all those things just as well as would be expected from a full-length novel. That's a tall order! Jess Michaels comes very close to delivering that order in Beautiful Distraction, but ultimately falls just a little short. I though the characters' declarations of love and Malcolm's forgiveness came too quickly and there was a lingering plot point that was never resolved. I'm not sure if this is because I haven't read Beauty and the Earl yet or merely a limitation of the novella format.
I still recommend checking out this short piece. It's only 99 cents on Amazon (at the time of this post) and is a fun introduction to Jess Michaels' characters and writing style. For anyone who has read Beauty and the Earl, it's also a great filler explaining what was happening between Malcolm and Olivia while Liam and Violet were busy elsewhere.
~~
Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews
I really enjoy a good series that showcases different characters in each book and Beautiful Distraction is no exception. In this book, the hero and heroine are the close friends of the previous book's hero and heroine. Malcolm and Olivia are both steadfastly loyal to their friends, Liam and Violet. This loyalty informs the choices both Malcolm and Olivia make later in the novella and you can't help but root for both of them at the same time - despite the two characters having two different goals! Malcolm and Olivia's attraction to one another is instant and passionate, quickly turning lust into love. The story draws you in quickly and keeps you wondering what will happen next. As with almost all of Jess Michaels' books, when I got to the end I said, "That's it!?" But in a good way! I liked these characters and wanted to see more of them beyond what happened at "The End." I was not ready to let them go.
One of the trickiest things above writing a novella is that an author must introduce characters, build a story, and wrap it up in a satisfying conclusion, all without the reader feeling rushed or left with lingering questions. This may sound easy, but I personally think the novella is one of the hardest writing forms, simply because an author must do all those things just as well as would be expected from a full-length novel. That's a tall order! Jess Michaels comes very close to delivering that order in Beautiful Distraction, but ultimately falls just a little short. I though the characters' declarations of love and Malcolm's forgiveness came too quickly and there was a lingering plot point that was never resolved. I'm not sure if this is because I haven't read Beauty and the Earl yet or merely a limitation of the novella format.
I still recommend checking out this short piece. It's only 99 cents on Amazon (at the time of this post) and is a fun introduction to Jess Michaels' characters and writing style. For anyone who has read Beauty and the Earl, it's also a great filler explaining what was happening between Malcolm and Olivia while Liam and Violet were busy elsewhere.
~~
Originally posted at Plot Twist Reviews
May 15, 2014
Beautiful Distraction by Jess Michaels
This is a short story about a love that crosses social lines at a time when those lines were pretty rigid. It's a story that makes you want to stand up and cheer.
Olivia is a courtesan who just broke up with her latest protector. She's asked by her best friend and fellow courtesan to go to Bath with her to help seduce a titled gentleman who is now a recluse. Olivia is supposed to be the distraction for this gentleman's man of affairs. After her breakup with her protector, Olivia figures, why not. Her pervious protector detected her low born status and threw that in her face. It's a very guarded secret to her because what titled gentleman would want a low born courtesan? She thinks a little time out of town will do her good. She, however is unprepared for Malcolm.
Malcolm recognizes the woman on the street as beautiful but also as a courtesan. Nonetheless, he finds himself attracted to her. He is the man of affairs for his best friend from school. His friend is wasting his life away in grief after his love's untimely death years ago. Malcolm seems to calm his friend's moods but finds it refreshing that his friend is attracted to a woman at Bath. It will give him more time to pursue the beauty he has seen.
Olivia and Malcolm start a torrid love affair when his friend invites Olivia and her friend to stay at his house for a while. As their relationship progresses into love, Olivia knows she must tell Malcolm the real reason she's there. Will he be able to overlook her not only being a courtesan but also her deceit?
I enjoy Jess Michaels' books as Jenna Petersen. I could never fully engage with this one though. It wasn't bad but it didn't hold my interest. I guess I never bought into them being a couple with her current occupation. Malcolm was a titled gentleman himself but risked all to be with Olivia. That part did make me want to cheer but it was still unbelievable. It did have some really hot though.
Reviewed by Naughty Book Snitch Kay.
Book given by author in exchange for an honest review.
This is a short story about a love that crosses social lines at a time when those lines were pretty rigid. It's a story that makes you want to stand up and cheer.
Olivia is a courtesan who just broke up with her latest protector. She's asked by her best friend and fellow courtesan to go to Bath with her to help seduce a titled gentleman who is now a recluse. Olivia is supposed to be the distraction for this gentleman's man of affairs. After her breakup with her protector, Olivia figures, why not. Her pervious protector detected her low born status and threw that in her face. It's a very guarded secret to her because what titled gentleman would want a low born courtesan? She thinks a little time out of town will do her good. She, however is unprepared for Malcolm.
Malcolm recognizes the woman on the street as beautiful but also as a courtesan. Nonetheless, he finds himself attracted to her. He is the man of affairs for his best friend from school. His friend is wasting his life away in grief after his love's untimely death years ago. Malcolm seems to calm his friend's moods but finds it refreshing that his friend is attracted to a woman at Bath. It will give him more time to pursue the beauty he has seen.
Olivia and Malcolm start a torrid love affair when his friend invites Olivia and her friend to stay at his house for a while. As their relationship progresses into love, Olivia knows she must tell Malcolm the real reason she's there. Will he be able to overlook her not only being a courtesan but also her deceit?
I enjoy Jess Michaels' books as Jenna Petersen. I could never fully engage with this one though. It wasn't bad but it didn't hold my interest. I guess I never bought into them being a couple with her current occupation. Malcolm was a titled gentleman himself but risked all to be with Olivia. That part did make me want to cheer but it was still unbelievable. It did have some really hot though.
Reviewed by Naughty Book Snitch Kay.
Book given by author in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2014
Original Blog Post: http://www.multitaskingmommas.com/201...
I was really conflicted while reading this. This is set in the Regency times, when women were second class citizens and those who were independent was almost unheard of. Those who had no security, no name to back them up in society, were either set aside or had to make do on their own. Many who were beautiful and had no other choice became courtesans, those who were not were made to fend for themselves in whatever other means they could. In short, these were not good times for women of independent nature to have lived in. (Forgive me if I am generalizing -ooops!)
Malcolm Graham is the best friend and employee of the Earl of Windbury. Since the death of his beloved in an accident, said Earl had become reclusive and likely to fall into ennui or as we call it now: depression. The times were not good for said Earl and Malcolm had to basically run everything, including his life. When he chances on a beautiful woman, he knows she is a Beautiful Distraction so her friend could seduce his best friend the Earl. However, there is no denying the attraction between Malcolm and Olivia, she is a beautiful woman, independent and seductive. As her role in her friend Violet's scheme surfaces, their passion burns brightly but the trust is absent.
The lies and deceit build up and it is trying for both Malcolm and Olivia. Their love for each other turns more on the desperate side and it was quite a ride reading this. The source of conflict for me was my knowledge that nothing good would come out of their love, even if this does have an HEA ending. Their love does conquer both their fears and mistrust but there is that telling shadow of a doubt they both will not have an easy time in Regent society.
I love this book. It was lightly done, quite erotic really, but the love was really up front and present all throughout and it gave that sense of hope that love does sort of conquer all at times. A beautiful installment to The Pleasure Wars series.
I was really conflicted while reading this. This is set in the Regency times, when women were second class citizens and those who were independent was almost unheard of. Those who had no security, no name to back them up in society, were either set aside or had to make do on their own. Many who were beautiful and had no other choice became courtesans, those who were not were made to fend for themselves in whatever other means they could. In short, these were not good times for women of independent nature to have lived in. (Forgive me if I am generalizing -ooops!)
Malcolm Graham is the best friend and employee of the Earl of Windbury. Since the death of his beloved in an accident, said Earl had become reclusive and likely to fall into ennui or as we call it now: depression. The times were not good for said Earl and Malcolm had to basically run everything, including his life. When he chances on a beautiful woman, he knows she is a Beautiful Distraction so her friend could seduce his best friend the Earl. However, there is no denying the attraction between Malcolm and Olivia, she is a beautiful woman, independent and seductive. As her role in her friend Violet's scheme surfaces, their passion burns brightly but the trust is absent.
The lies and deceit build up and it is trying for both Malcolm and Olivia. Their love for each other turns more on the desperate side and it was quite a ride reading this. The source of conflict for me was my knowledge that nothing good would come out of their love, even if this does have an HEA ending. Their love does conquer both their fears and mistrust but there is that telling shadow of a doubt they both will not have an easy time in Regent society.
I love this book. It was lightly done, quite erotic really, but the love was really up front and present all throughout and it gave that sense of hope that love does sort of conquer all at times. A beautiful installment to The Pleasure Wars series.
July 2, 2014
Featured on What-to-Read-Wednesday at www.fictionvixen.com
http://fictionvixen.com/read-wednesda...
For readers familiar with the Pleasure Wars series by Jess Michaels this couple will be quite familiar. Mal and Olivia were first introduced in book three, Pleasure and the Earl and played a supporting role to the lead couple. I was intrigued by their love story and to be completely honest was more interested in them than I was in the main romance. When I found out they were getting their own novella I was very pleased.
Beautiful Distraction is a short novella, only about 120 pages and is so very, very sexy. Ms. Michaels is known for her historical erotica and she pulls no punches with Mal and Olivia. They don’t have a lot of page time, but what they do have is taken up with sensual love scenes and plenty of angst and emotion.
Novellas are tricky, even though they are so short I still expect an introduction to the characters, realistic build up to the romance and a believable happily ever after. Having already been introduced to these characters this story worked for me. I do wonder how readers who haven’t read the previous installment will feel. Some might be lost or feel like this was too rushed.
Regardless, I think this was a wonderful way to end this series and am very glad that the characters I previously found so intriguing were given the chance to have their moment in the spotlight.
Favorite Quote:
“But do you do anything for yourself, Olivia?” he pressed, tilting his head to explore her pretty face closer. “Or are you so wrapped up in her welfare that you forget your own, forget what you want and need?”
http://fictionvixen.com/read-wednesda...
For readers familiar with the Pleasure Wars series by Jess Michaels this couple will be quite familiar. Mal and Olivia were first introduced in book three, Pleasure and the Earl and played a supporting role to the lead couple. I was intrigued by their love story and to be completely honest was more interested in them than I was in the main romance. When I found out they were getting their own novella I was very pleased.
Beautiful Distraction is a short novella, only about 120 pages and is so very, very sexy. Ms. Michaels is known for her historical erotica and she pulls no punches with Mal and Olivia. They don’t have a lot of page time, but what they do have is taken up with sensual love scenes and plenty of angst and emotion.
Novellas are tricky, even though they are so short I still expect an introduction to the characters, realistic build up to the romance and a believable happily ever after. Having already been introduced to these characters this story worked for me. I do wonder how readers who haven’t read the previous installment will feel. Some might be lost or feel like this was too rushed.
Regardless, I think this was a wonderful way to end this series and am very glad that the characters I previously found so intriguing were given the chance to have their moment in the spotlight.
Favorite Quote:
“But do you do anything for yourself, Olivia?” he pressed, tilting his head to explore her pretty face closer. “Or are you so wrapped up in her welfare that you forget your own, forget what you want and need?”
June 26, 2014
The last book in the Pleasure Wars series, Beautiful Distraction tells the story of Olivia Cranfield and Malcolm Graham and happens concurrently as the third book Beauty and the Earl. I have been waiting to read this book because I was really intrigued by Olivia and Malcolm.
Olivia, a courtesan and Violet's friend, decides to go with her to Bath after her previous protector has left her. Once there, she helps Violet ensnare the Liam, the Earl of Windbury by distracting his best friend and companion Malcolm Graham. What starts out as a steamy affair turns into love as both Olivia and Malcolm find solace in each other's arms. When Violet's read motives are revealed, Olivia's lies also come to light which results in a break between her and Malcolm.
Although Beautiful Distraction is a novella I felt that it was written well with all the characters fully developed because we read about them in Beauty and the Earl. I felt the ending was a little bit abrupt and Malcom's forgiveness given a little bit too quick for my taste. While reading, I also had flashes of the scenes from Beauty and the Earl which filled up for the other parts that were not mentioned in this book.
Beautiful Distraction is another steamy and delightful read, 4 Hearts!
I recommend reading Beauty and the Earl first to understand more about Olivia's reasons why she did what she did.
Format: ebook ARC | free in exchange for an honest review
Source: Author
Originally Reviewed on my blog I Heart Romance
Olivia, a courtesan and Violet's friend, decides to go with her to Bath after her previous protector has left her. Once there, she helps Violet ensnare the Liam, the Earl of Windbury by distracting his best friend and companion Malcolm Graham. What starts out as a steamy affair turns into love as both Olivia and Malcolm find solace in each other's arms. When Violet's read motives are revealed, Olivia's lies also come to light which results in a break between her and Malcolm.
Although Beautiful Distraction is a novella I felt that it was written well with all the characters fully developed because we read about them in Beauty and the Earl. I felt the ending was a little bit abrupt and Malcom's forgiveness given a little bit too quick for my taste. While reading, I also had flashes of the scenes from Beauty and the Earl which filled up for the other parts that were not mentioned in this book.
Beautiful Distraction is another steamy and delightful read, 4 Hearts!
I recommend reading Beauty and the Earl first to understand more about Olivia's reasons why she did what she did.
Format: ebook ARC | free in exchange for an honest review
Source: Author
Originally Reviewed on my blog I Heart Romance
April 12, 2016
“The next time you see me, Olivia Cranfield, offer yourself to me again. But this time, I want you to do it only for your own pleasure. And mine.”
WELL THEN.
Beautiful Distraction is the 4th and final book of The Pleasure Wars series by Jess Michaels. Since its story is interwoven together with Beauty and the Earl, there wasn't much surprise as far as plot goes, which turned out to be a kind of double edged sword. On one hand, I loved Beauty and the Earl so I was quite eager to read up on Olivia and Mal. And though I wasn't disappointed, I just wanted...MORE.
Olivia and Mal are such a well matched pair. Both are passionate, strong willed and fiercely loyal to those they care about most. So, because this couple left such a strong impression on me, I almost wish that they’d had a completely separate story all their own, one that was not so tethered to another. Regardless of this nitpick, I enjoyed this novella immensely.
It was Olivia and Mal themselves that made this such a worthwhile read, Olivia most of all. She was such a little firecracker, cheeky and brave, she possessed everything that makes a great heroine. Mal’s wittiness and tender nature likewise was a nice change from the frankly overdone oh woe is me brooding hero types I’m used to seeing in HR. And their rapport was the best of the series in my opinion. I think I enjoyed their banter more than the love scenes *GASP*. All in all, this was a wonderful postscript of the series.
WELL THEN.
Beautiful Distraction is the 4th and final book of The Pleasure Wars series by Jess Michaels. Since its story is interwoven together with Beauty and the Earl, there wasn't much surprise as far as plot goes, which turned out to be a kind of double edged sword. On one hand, I loved Beauty and the Earl so I was quite eager to read up on Olivia and Mal. And though I wasn't disappointed, I just wanted...MORE.
Olivia and Mal are such a well matched pair. Both are passionate, strong willed and fiercely loyal to those they care about most. So, because this couple left such a strong impression on me, I almost wish that they’d had a completely separate story all their own, one that was not so tethered to another. Regardless of this nitpick, I enjoyed this novella immensely.
It was Olivia and Mal themselves that made this such a worthwhile read, Olivia most of all. She was such a little firecracker, cheeky and brave, she possessed everything that makes a great heroine. Mal’s wittiness and tender nature likewise was a nice change from the frankly overdone oh woe is me brooding hero types I’m used to seeing in HR. And their rapport was the best of the series in my opinion. I think I enjoyed their banter more than the love scenes *GASP*. All in all, this was a wonderful postscript of the series.
June 25, 2014
Sweet Novella That Tells The Secondary Romance from BEAUTY AND THE EARL
BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION is a novella that tells the secondary romance from BEAUTY AND THE EARL from the perspective of those characters. Readers of BEAUTY AND THE EARL will be familiar with the scenes in BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION because the same scenes are repeated just told from the point of view of Olivia Cranfield and Malcolm Graham.
Olivia is a courtesan who has traveled with her friend to Bath in order to track down the Earl of Windbury and spy on him. Olivia agrees to be a distraction for her friend and occupy Malcolm (the Earl's friend). Olivia and Malcolm quick end up falling in love but when the truth about the women's deception is uncovered, Olivia fears that she has lost Malcolm.
I really liked this story because of the different picture it gives of the BEAUTY AND THE EARL story. Olivia and Malcolm are less complicated characters and their romance is sweeter, but I really liked how Malcolm always treated Olivia with respect.
For fans of BEAUTY AND THE EARL this is a must read. For those who haven't read the novel, this novella will give an introduction to that book without giving everything away.
BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION is a novella that tells the secondary romance from BEAUTY AND THE EARL from the perspective of those characters. Readers of BEAUTY AND THE EARL will be familiar with the scenes in BEAUTIFUL DISTRACTION because the same scenes are repeated just told from the point of view of Olivia Cranfield and Malcolm Graham.
Olivia is a courtesan who has traveled with her friend to Bath in order to track down the Earl of Windbury and spy on him. Olivia agrees to be a distraction for her friend and occupy Malcolm (the Earl's friend). Olivia and Malcolm quick end up falling in love but when the truth about the women's deception is uncovered, Olivia fears that she has lost Malcolm.
I really liked this story because of the different picture it gives of the BEAUTY AND THE EARL story. Olivia and Malcolm are less complicated characters and their romance is sweeter, but I really liked how Malcolm always treated Olivia with respect.
For fans of BEAUTY AND THE EARL this is a must read. For those who haven't read the novel, this novella will give an introduction to that book without giving everything away.
July 22, 2016
This is book 4 in the Pleasure Wars series and is a novella.
Having just lost her latest protector, Olivia Cranfield decides to join her friend on a trip to Bath. Violet has a job to do and Olivia goes along to help her seduce the Earl of Windbury. The Earl has a best friend that needs distracting and Olivia is up for the task.
Malcolm Graham knows that Olivia is just distracting him so that her friend can get to the Earl, but he can't fight is attraction to her. He feels an instant connection to her that he can't deny.
What started out as a fun interlude, quickly escalates into something more. How will Malcolm react when he learns that truth about what Olivia and Violet are up to?
Let me start by saying that you will enjoy this story much better if you have already read The Beauty and the Earl. The two stories run concurrent to each other.
I really enjoyed Olivia when I read the Beauty and the Earl, so it was nice to see the events unfold from her perspective. This story was different from most historical romances as it involved a courtesan, but it is still throughly enjoyable.
If you are looking for a quick, delightful read, you will not be disappointed.
Having just lost her latest protector, Olivia Cranfield decides to join her friend on a trip to Bath. Violet has a job to do and Olivia goes along to help her seduce the Earl of Windbury. The Earl has a best friend that needs distracting and Olivia is up for the task.
Malcolm Graham knows that Olivia is just distracting him so that her friend can get to the Earl, but he can't fight is attraction to her. He feels an instant connection to her that he can't deny.
What started out as a fun interlude, quickly escalates into something more. How will Malcolm react when he learns that truth about what Olivia and Violet are up to?
Let me start by saying that you will enjoy this story much better if you have already read The Beauty and the Earl. The two stories run concurrent to each other.
I really enjoyed Olivia when I read the Beauty and the Earl, so it was nice to see the events unfold from her perspective. This story was different from most historical romances as it involved a courtesan, but it is still throughly enjoyable.
If you are looking for a quick, delightful read, you will not be disappointed.
June 24, 2014
Beautiful Distraction by Jess Michaels is a fresh, fun, hot read that left me smiling... and blushing at times as well.
Malcolm see's Olivia for what she is from the beginning, but there is something with the instant attraction... or just plain lust that makes him seek more. Their chemistry builds and somewhere along the path the red hot lust starts to look a little more pink.. a little more like love.
There are times where I wanted to scream and times I laughed and times where I felt a tear slipping down my cheek. I was routing for Malcolm & Olivia's HEA well before the halfway point of the story.
I throughly enjoyed this book. I hadn't read the Beauty and the Earl, so the story was fresh for me, but after reading this I want to read Beauty and the Earl, because I want more of Violet and the Earl. I am not normally one to read a book out of order, but I read this one that way and still found it very enjoyable. Jess Michaels is a talented writer, and I love a book where my heart strings feel a little tug and this one brought out that feeling for me.
I gave this book 4.5 stars and can't wait for more from this author!
Malcolm see's Olivia for what she is from the beginning, but there is something with the instant attraction... or just plain lust that makes him seek more. Their chemistry builds and somewhere along the path the red hot lust starts to look a little more pink.. a little more like love.
There are times where I wanted to scream and times I laughed and times where I felt a tear slipping down my cheek. I was routing for Malcolm & Olivia's HEA well before the halfway point of the story.
I throughly enjoyed this book. I hadn't read the Beauty and the Earl, so the story was fresh for me, but after reading this I want to read Beauty and the Earl, because I want more of Violet and the Earl. I am not normally one to read a book out of order, but I read this one that way and still found it very enjoyable. Jess Michaels is a talented writer, and I love a book where my heart strings feel a little tug and this one brought out that feeling for me.
I gave this book 4.5 stars and can't wait for more from this author!
November 10, 2014
A wonderful addition to the Pleasure Wars series. Though it is related to the other books in the series, it can be read as a standalone - however, I don't suggest it because the other books are wonderful. Jess Michaels deftly captures the mores of the day, when women were second class citizens, no voice, often left to become courtesans. Olivia and Violet are friends. When Violet sets out to seduce Liam, who is depressed, Olivia is pressed into service to seduce Liam's estate manager, Malcolm. And oh my - the connection between Olivia, who is desperately trying to hide her humble beginnings, and Malcolm, is incendiary. From the moment they meet, the sparks fly. I love this author's erotic historicals. So well done and hot!! Though a novella, it does not feel rushed or in any way lacking a fully thought out story. Onto the next Jess Michaels!!
June 24, 2014
If you have not read Beauty and the Earl yet, I recommend you do that because it will make you understand more of what this novella is about because both are written in the same timeline.
I'm so happy Jess wrote a novella for Olivia and Mal. Their love blossom in the third book of the series and we didn't get a chance to read how it grew until this novella got release. The passion that these two have for each other was hot. Olivia intended to distract Mal from his friend so that her friend could go to him but who knew it was a win-win situation. Having read the third book already, I knew how it was going to end but it still made me all jumpy and happy because it was a HEA.
I'm so happy Jess wrote a novella for Olivia and Mal. Their love blossom in the third book of the series and we didn't get a chance to read how it grew until this novella got release. The passion that these two have for each other was hot. Olivia intended to distract Mal from his friend so that her friend could go to him but who knew it was a win-win situation. Having read the third book already, I knew how it was going to end but it still made me all jumpy and happy because it was a HEA.
July 3, 2014
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, & The Unread:
A behind-the-scenes novella about what Olivia was doing while Violet and Liam were falling for each other. I actually prefer this story to the novel it accompanies, even though the conflict over whether Olivia’s humble background makes her an unsuitable wife for Malcolm feels rather glossed over. On the other hand, I love Malcolm’s uncompromising loyalty towards Liam and the way their friendship survives in spite of Liam’s bad behaviour in the aftermath of his accident and then following Ava’s wedding.
A behind-the-scenes novella about what Olivia was doing while Violet and Liam were falling for each other. I actually prefer this story to the novel it accompanies, even though the conflict over whether Olivia’s humble background makes her an unsuitable wife for Malcolm feels rather glossed over. On the other hand, I love Malcolm’s uncompromising loyalty towards Liam and the way their friendship survives in spite of Liam’s bad behaviour in the aftermath of his accident and then following Ava’s wedding.
July 12, 2014
Beautiful Distraction is just that. A nice distraction for an afternoon. It is a novella that would not stand as well on its own; it is however a very nice follow-up companion to Beauty and the Earl filling in the side story there. I had hoped that this book would reveal more of these two characters and their own story, but mostly it just fills in the scenes we already glimpsed. While I did wish for more out of this story and it did not have the heat of the other books, it was still an enjoyable read.
June 24, 2014
I was so happy to see this book written I loved these two characters in Beauty and the Earl. Olivia is supposed to be a distraction to Malcolm while her best friend seduces his best friend the Earl of Windbury. Olivia is instantly attracted to Malcolm and being a distraction for her friend in not a problem. They soon discover their feelings for each other run deep and their budding new relationship could be destroyed through lies and deceit. I was happy to learn some history on both of these characters and what happened in their past to shape them into who they became. Wonderful read!
July 16, 2014
Short and good
I gave this a 4 star instead of a 5, because it did not have an epilogue about the two characters, which I felt was needed. It finished too abruptly. Left me with wanting to know more how they ended up.
I loved Malcon Graham and Olivias short story. Their story intertwined with Violet and Liam's story. It felt very real. This author is very descriptive and I love that about her passionate love scenes. Her character development is amazing.
Looking forward to starting her new series.
I gave this a 4 star instead of a 5, because it did not have an epilogue about the two characters, which I felt was needed. It finished too abruptly. Left me with wanting to know more how they ended up.
I loved Malcon Graham and Olivias short story. Their story intertwined with Violet and Liam's story. It felt very real. This author is very descriptive and I love that about her passionate love scenes. Her character development is amazing.
Looking forward to starting her new series.
December 3, 2014
LOVE this author!!
LOVE this series!!!
So sexy, passionate, heartbreaking!!! Can't get enough!!!
I love her secondary characters as well. I LOVE seeing other characters from previous books included.
It really is a gem of a series and if you never read another Historical Romance....READ THESE!!!!
Taken By The Duke
Pleasuring The Lady
Beauty And The Earl
and this one, Beautiful Distraction
REALLY!!!! Beautiful journey's!!!
Jess Michaels is an automatic 1click author for me!
LOVE this series!!!
So sexy, passionate, heartbreaking!!! Can't get enough!!!
I love her secondary characters as well. I LOVE seeing other characters from previous books included.
It really is a gem of a series and if you never read another Historical Romance....READ THESE!!!!
Taken By The Duke
Pleasuring The Lady
Beauty And The Earl
and this one, Beautiful Distraction
REALLY!!!! Beautiful journey's!!!
Jess Michaels is an automatic 1click author for me!
July 1, 2014
(The Pleasure Wars) book/novella #4 is a fun and emotional fast read. This is the story of Olivia Cranfield and Malcolm Graham from book #3 "Beauty and the Earl". They come from different worlds and different stations in life but neither can deny their attraction to each other. Deceit brought them together but can they weather the fallout?
This is not a stand alone story or series. I highly recommend you start with book #1"Taken by the Duke".
This is not a stand alone story or series. I highly recommend you start with book #1"Taken by the Duke".
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