What do you think?
Rate this book
Pleasure Emporium #1
When a Lady Misbehaves
AN EROTIC SECRET
As a maid at The Pleasure Emporium, Miss April Jardine has witnessed her share of sinful acts, but nothing as brazen as her own money-making scheme. By blackmailing the gentlemen named in the Madame's private diaries, April can escape a life of drudgery—as long as she avoids the hangman's noose. All goes swimmingly until she crosses paths with Lord Blackheath, the most powerful judge in England. His wicked gaze suggests he is torn between exposing April and seducing her—and April is only too pleased to oblige.
A SCANDALOUS EMBRACE
Blackheath has no doubt that the alluring firebrand could cripple his family's finances and reputation with the bat of an eyelash. And yet…April outshines every dull Society belle he's ever known, and nothing compares to the sensual bliss they share. But trusting this scheming Miss could cost him everything. Will he ever be able to welcome her into his home—and his heart?
As a maid at The Pleasure Emporium, Miss April Jardine has witnessed her share of sinful acts, but nothing as brazen as her own money-making scheme. By blackmailing the gentlemen named in the Madame's private diaries, April can escape a life of drudgery—as long as she avoids the hangman's noose. All goes swimmingly until she crosses paths with Lord Blackheath, the most powerful judge in England. His wicked gaze suggests he is torn between exposing April and seducing her—and April is only too pleased to oblige.
A SCANDALOUS EMBRACE
Blackheath has no doubt that the alluring firebrand could cripple his family's finances and reputation with the bat of an eyelash. And yet…April outshines every dull Society belle he's ever known, and nothing compares to the sensual bliss they share. But trusting this scheming Miss could cost him everything. Will he ever be able to welcome her into his home—and his heart?
350 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 30, 2007
4 people are currently reading
206 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 8, 2012
This is a such a fun, clever, witty and heart-melting romance. I picked this book up without a clue who the author is, nor had I read any reviews of this book. I based my purchase solely on two things. First, the endorsement by Lisa Kleypas compelled me (I know, I know, I've been burned more times than not when buying books solely on the endorsement!). The second reason was the first few pages just grabbed me. I love historical romances; especially those that can make me both laugh and cry, so I thought I'd give a try. And I really enjoyed it! I will read this author again. Her writing is fresh and so clever. The passion felt so real, the characters were full of life, and the story never had a lull. I'd rate the love scenes and sensuality somewhere around medium warm. Not quite the hot and spicy romances that I prefer, but it was a very satisfying romance story.
This is a great Cinderella-ish type story, with a young, feisty heroine named April (the Dustbin Dutchess) and Riley, the rich, handsome and titled hero. They come from different worlds, but when they collide the sparks really fly. April begins as a kitchen maid at a whorehouse, but daydreams constantly of a better life. She is fascinated by the upper class and follows the gossip rags. She hates that her birth has forced her into servitude and gives her no other options. She is unusual for a servant girl as she is intelligent, morally good, and fairly well educated by her late father. Out of desperation to save her virtue, she plots to make a better life by pretending to be the daughter of a famous courtesan. This sums up chapter 1, and I will stop there.
I would recommend that you read this book before reading too many reviews, as you really don't want the story spoiled for you. This book has sevaral "I didn't see that coming!" moments, which may be revealed in some reviews.
This is a great Cinderella-ish type story, with a young, feisty heroine named April (the Dustbin Dutchess) and Riley, the rich, handsome and titled hero. They come from different worlds, but when they collide the sparks really fly. April begins as a kitchen maid at a whorehouse, but daydreams constantly of a better life. She is fascinated by the upper class and follows the gossip rags. She hates that her birth has forced her into servitude and gives her no other options. She is unusual for a servant girl as she is intelligent, morally good, and fairly well educated by her late father. Out of desperation to save her virtue, she plots to make a better life by pretending to be the daughter of a famous courtesan. This sums up chapter 1, and I will stop there.
I would recommend that you read this book before reading too many reviews, as you really don't want the story spoiled for you. This book has sevaral "I didn't see that coming!" moments, which may be revealed in some reviews.
February 27, 2010
I bought this because it had a Lisa Kleypas recommendation on it, but I was sorry I did so. The plot is original as in a scullery maid that works in a brothel and a Duke falling in love with her and I was so looking forward to reading it, but the characters fall flat.
The Hero is Lord Riley Blackheath and then we have April who lies her way into the dukes house pretending to be a long lost daughter from a liason he had with a prostitute. I love it when the poor misfortunate Heroine strives against the odds and makes her future better.But it dosen't work here.It has too many mistakes and though I love fantasy in my books it was all too far fetched for me.
This is where my problems lie, she is accepted immediately and then we are supposed to believe this scullery maid walks, dances and talks like lady,that nobody notices? She cannot ride a horse and after the Hero Riley trots her around on a horse once,she rides side saddle in a hunt? She has never held a bow ,yet she wins an archery bet and even fires an arrow through the legs of her rival pinning her dress to the ground? It is winter yet they are spending hours in a cave with no mention of the cold?
There is no chemistry between the H/H and April was not likeable at all.The poor Heroine falling for a titled gent has been done much better and more believable by other authors. On the upside there are a couple of small twists in the story and one or two nice moments with Riley.
The Hero is Lord Riley Blackheath and then we have April who lies her way into the dukes house pretending to be a long lost daughter from a liason he had with a prostitute. I love it when the poor misfortunate Heroine strives against the odds and makes her future better.But it dosen't work here.It has too many mistakes and though I love fantasy in my books it was all too far fetched for me.
This is where my problems lie, she is accepted immediately and then we are supposed to believe this scullery maid walks, dances and talks like lady,that nobody notices? She cannot ride a horse and after the Hero Riley trots her around on a horse once,she rides side saddle in a hunt? She has never held a bow ,yet she wins an archery bet and even fires an arrow through the legs of her rival pinning her dress to the ground? It is winter yet they are spending hours in a cave with no mention of the cold?
There is no chemistry between the H/H and April was not likeable at all.The poor Heroine falling for a titled gent has been done much better and more believable by other authors. On the upside there are a couple of small twists in the story and one or two nice moments with Riley.
January 16, 2010
April is a commoner working as a maid at the verge of becoming a prostitute. Riley is Marquess who happens to be a barrister. Now how do they meet?
Well, add a diary, some fraud, a bit of mistaken identity, and a crazy bitch who wants to marry Riley. Anyway, this has proved to be quite a story. Its actually really entertaining, with the witty dialogue and some intrigue. It doesn't really follow the general patterns of a regency romance.
Therefore, I absolutely loved it. Now, there was a drawback. While the writing was suberb and the characters were quite likable, there was the missing factor of sex. I know, I feel slightly uncultured for this, but considering the entire premise and the Heroine's background, I was expecting something more... titillating. It was surprisingly tame, but an adventure to read.
Well, add a diary, some fraud, a bit of mistaken identity, and a crazy bitch who wants to marry Riley. Anyway, this has proved to be quite a story. Its actually really entertaining, with the witty dialogue and some intrigue. It doesn't really follow the general patterns of a regency romance.
Therefore, I absolutely loved it. Now, there was a drawback. While the writing was suberb and the characters were quite likable, there was the missing factor of sex. I know, I feel slightly uncultured for this, but considering the entire premise and the Heroine's background, I was expecting something more... titillating. It was surprisingly tame, but an adventure to read.
December 18, 2008
this was a good book. i didn't like that the hero was so forgiving! ugh! the chick had blackmailed other people for money...because she was tired of her life as a scullery maid. anyway, she tried to blackmail his family. he thought she was a liar from the beginning and hated what she did and yet, he still fell in love with her. he even went to prison for her and then defended her at her own trial. oh he was a peer of the realm and a circuit court judge. but overall, it was a funny and engaging story. i would read another book by this author.
May 12, 2014
April Jardine is a scullery maid in a "house of ill repute". She steals Madame's diary and decides to blackmail lords of the ton who have been identified in Madame's diary. She meets her match in Riley Hawthorne, Lord Blackheath -- a circuit court judge. Will he discover her crime? And, what will he do if he finds out? Will he have her arrested and thrown in Newgate Prison or does he have some other punishment in mind?
August 3, 2010
When a lady Misbehaves...I originally picked this book because of Lisa Kleypas' endorsement but it was not what I was expecting. I feel you either like it or not, but this book is confusing or maybe I just didn't get it. I did like the unique idea of the story line, but alot of the book really left me wanting something more. The idea of a common born lady striving for a better life, especially having the other option to sell her body, was a really good concept. I like a strong heroine that puts her future in her own hands no matter what it takes but the book fell short with many of the scenes being unrealistic. Here are some of the issues I had with this book:
First April was a liar, how Riley ever could see her inner qualities is beyond me, because throughout the book April was a mean, selfish, and amoral girl. The only insight was her admission of wanting to be included in the family but actions speak louder than words and most of her actions were not one of a nice person. Second, how did she become proficient in shooting archery after ONE short lesson? Or became a sufficient horsewoman after ONE gallop (bareback mind you) through the woods to be able go on a hunt? These types of scenes made the book unrealistic. April's behavior towards her best friend was awful. April's immaturity through most of the book was kind of embarrassing. Third, when did Riley decide he loved her. Here is where I felt the storyline was rushed, I didn't feel him fall in love with her. It was like he woke up one morning and he loved her. And what did she do to deserve that love because I didn't see anything
With that said there were some really good parts, the one that sticks out is when Riley confronts April and says he knows they are not related then kisses her and says that is how he knows. I also enjoyed Agatha, she made a great villain and her chemistry with Northam was perfect.
I did finish this book, but found myself skimming the pages. This is her debut and there is potential there, I just hope her next books (which I bought because of Lisa's endorsement) are better. If this book would have not been so unrealistic it would have been pretty good. But as is falls short.
First April was a liar, how Riley ever could see her inner qualities is beyond me, because throughout the book April was a mean, selfish, and amoral girl. The only insight was her admission of wanting to be included in the family but actions speak louder than words and most of her actions were not one of a nice person. Second, how did she become proficient in shooting archery after ONE short lesson? Or became a sufficient horsewoman after ONE gallop (bareback mind you) through the woods to be able go on a hunt? These types of scenes made the book unrealistic. April's behavior towards her best friend was awful. April's immaturity through most of the book was kind of embarrassing. Third, when did Riley decide he loved her. Here is where I felt the storyline was rushed, I didn't feel him fall in love with her. It was like he woke up one morning and he loved her. And what did she do to deserve that love because I didn't see anything
With that said there were some really good parts, the one that sticks out is when Riley confronts April and says he knows they are not related then kisses her and says that is how he knows. I also enjoyed Agatha, she made a great villain and her chemistry with Northam was perfect.
I did finish this book, but found myself skimming the pages. This is her debut and there is potential there, I just hope her next books (which I bought because of Lisa's endorsement) are better. If this book would have not been so unrealistic it would have been pretty good. But as is falls short.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2016
April, depois que seu pai a expulsou de casa por não querer se entregar a alguém indesejado, foi parar no Bordel Empório do Prazer, não como prostituta, mas como arrumadeira, pois não desejava vender seu corpo. Ela era uma sonhadora que se imaginava em meio a sociedade londrina, em meio a riqueza e tudo.
Porém, uma imposição da dona do Bordel, a força a reagir. E ao descobrir um diário da madame, decide chantagear alguns nobres dizendo que era filha ilegítima deles com a dona do Bordel. E de quebra leva sua melhor amiga com intuito de tirá-la dessa vida de prostituição.
Mas tudo dar errado com o último chantageado, que a acolhe com carinho, junto com o filho mais novo; já o mais velho, Lord Blackheath, a acha uma tremenda trapaceira. E duvida desde o início que ela seja sua irmã, visto que, ambos se sentem atraídos um por outro.
Mas como revelar a verdade para ele, um magistrado correto demais, que não aceita mentiras.
Mas April terá que aceitar seu destino e corrigir seus erros. E quando, a verdade vem à tona, ambos terão que lutar para viver o amor destruído pelas mentiras.
A autora conseguiu ser coerente e ardilosa, pois construiu personagens com defeitos sem a perfeição previsível em alguns livros com uma anti-heroína e um homem que prezava a honestidade acima de tudo.
E soube usar com maestria um julgamento que parecia não ter uma saída possível. Recomendo sim.
Porém, uma imposição da dona do Bordel, a força a reagir. E ao descobrir um diário da madame, decide chantagear alguns nobres dizendo que era filha ilegítima deles com a dona do Bordel. E de quebra leva sua melhor amiga com intuito de tirá-la dessa vida de prostituição.
Mas tudo dar errado com o último chantageado, que a acolhe com carinho, junto com o filho mais novo; já o mais velho, Lord Blackheath, a acha uma tremenda trapaceira. E duvida desde o início que ela seja sua irmã, visto que, ambos se sentem atraídos um por outro.
Mas como revelar a verdade para ele, um magistrado correto demais, que não aceita mentiras.
Mas April terá que aceitar seu destino e corrigir seus erros. E quando, a verdade vem à tona, ambos terão que lutar para viver o amor destruído pelas mentiras.
A autora conseguiu ser coerente e ardilosa, pois construiu personagens com defeitos sem a perfeição previsível em alguns livros com uma anti-heroína e um homem que prezava a honestidade acima de tudo.
E soube usar com maestria um julgamento que parecia não ter uma saída possível. Recomendo sim.
February 26, 2012
I thought this book, by a debut author, was very intriguing and original! The story begins with our heroine taking a scandalous journal from her madame. While thinking to make a few, quick pounds from blackmailing the lofty lords in posing as their illegitimate daughter, she gets more than she bargains for when one of them actually believes her! However, his eldest son is not so convinced that she belongs in the family, so things begin to heat up. I was caught from the first chapter and would certainly recommend it!
November 3, 2016
I really enjoyed this book because it seemed to be really different than most romance. It read like I was watching a movie. Definitely want to read more by this author. April Jardine works as scullery maid at the emporium and dreams of a better life. She finds the madames diary of men she has had affairs with and leaves the emporium and blackmails them for money. She meets Lord Blackheath (the son of someone she wants to blackmail) and he is a powerful English judge. Good storyline. 5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2009
Made it to page 50.
So very annoyed. I can suspend reality. Vampire? Sure. Werewolf? Ok. Housemaid becomes duchess? No problem.
But this? This was just beyond believability.
Done, the library can have it back.
So very annoyed. I can suspend reality. Vampire? Sure. Werewolf? Ok. Housemaid becomes duchess? No problem.
But this? This was just beyond believability.
Done, the library can have it back.
February 9, 2014
Michelle Marcos is definitely a brilliant author. I find the whole story very engaging and it has depth. I had a big LOL in the scene where the heroine argued his father-in-law in chapter 17,really unexpected, but hilarious. This will be not my last with this author but only the beginning.
October 29, 2013
A maid from Pleasure Emporium steal the Madams diary and pretends to be the illigitamate daughter of several rich noblemen, but falls in love with a supposed half-brother. Unpredicatable and well-writen.
January 13, 2009
I get that the guys would fall for a "bad girl" but with his job, I REALLY can't see him trusting her ever so it seemed a little far-fatched...even for a romance!
June 30, 2012
I didn't like April thru most of the book, but looking at her after Riley defended her in court made the story very likable.
September 20, 2013
One word:SIZZLING
September 14, 2008
I love this series and the whole idea for the plot is ingenious.
July 21, 2019
I was really excited to read this after reading on the blurb that the heroine was a scullery maid and the hero a judge because I though “YES! A book not set amongst the Ton!”. Well it turns out it’s more on the fringes of the Ton because the hero may be a judge but he’s also a Marquess. The best thing about this book though was the heroine, or should I say anti-heroine because she is a con woman and not a particularly nice one. So bring on the redemption!
.
The heroine is a scullery maid (lowest of low) in a bordello and she sees an opportunity to further herself when she steals the madam’s diary and sets about blackmailing her clientele. That is until she her “I’m your secret daughter” con stops working when she gets welcomed with open arms into the family of a Duke. The Duke’s oldest son, however, doesn’t buy a bar of what she says and sets about getting to the bottom of it.
.
I have to admit I didn’t like the heroine at all- she was a con woman only out for herself for purely monetary gain and didn’t care who she hurt, so I like to see how redemption can come when I actively dislike a character- and this one was good. My biggest complaint about this book was how neatly it was all wrapped up- almost too neatly. It also went overboard sappy towards the end after having some edge through it otherwise, so that kind of jarred me out of the reading experience. Overall though I really enjoyed it because it offered something different to most historical romances.
.
The heroine is a scullery maid (lowest of low) in a bordello and she sees an opportunity to further herself when she steals the madam’s diary and sets about blackmailing her clientele. That is until she her “I’m your secret daughter” con stops working when she gets welcomed with open arms into the family of a Duke. The Duke’s oldest son, however, doesn’t buy a bar of what she says and sets about getting to the bottom of it.
.
I have to admit I didn’t like the heroine at all- she was a con woman only out for herself for purely monetary gain and didn’t care who she hurt, so I like to see how redemption can come when I actively dislike a character- and this one was good. My biggest complaint about this book was how neatly it was all wrapped up- almost too neatly. It also went overboard sappy towards the end after having some edge through it otherwise, so that kind of jarred me out of the reading experience. Overall though I really enjoyed it because it offered something different to most historical romances.
July 14, 2018
Enjoyable! I wouldn't say I loved the characters, but I did like the premise of the book.
April 18, 2019
Dnf 20%. So far I only get April‘s POV. To make matters worse, I don‘t like her.
March 9, 2020
A rather thin plot which stretched the imagination. And for two people who were so intelligent they did some really stupid things. However it had its moments hence the three stars.
July 15, 2022
Love this book
I would recommend this product to anyone who love romance.
I would have loved more sex scenes through. Wonderful, can't wait until the next one.
I would recommend this product to anyone who love romance.
I would have loved more sex scenes through. Wonderful, can't wait until the next one.
February 8, 2011
As romance novels go, this is the first one I have read with such a selfish, self possessed heroine. April Jardine is on a mission, to become more than a simple scullery maid and her desperation reaches a point where she doesn't care what she has to do, to get there. Until she meets the Blackheaths.. The first family in her blackmail list that hasn't wanted to hasitly pay for her silence (posing as an unwanted bastard daughter) and push her out the door.
She is so blind to the depths that she is willing to go, and ignorant of the lives she is affecting, that it very quickly goes out of her control. There are a few moments of redemption that pass her by unfulfilled, until the very last minute when she is ultimately exposed. Further testiment to her tenacity and determination.
All this aside, the build up with between the two main characters was good, it was gradual and certainly did not happen fast at all, it was over 100 pages before they ever started to think about eachother in a slightly romantic sense. Furthermore, none of the nitty gritty happens for ages, its more about the story and April learning her lesson the hard way. The Blackheath family their issues, the affect her lies has on them and how can she possibly earn forgiveness.
The struggle of the heroine is something that you can relate to, which makes you keep reading despite her character flaws. I really liked her independance and fiestiness..
This seemed more about the lesson of learning what affect one person can have on others, rather than a standard 'boy meets girl'= weak at the knees passion, romance story.
I think there was more to this story than what you first read. Everyone makes mistakes I suppose...
She is so blind to the depths that she is willing to go, and ignorant of the lives she is affecting, that it very quickly goes out of her control. There are a few moments of redemption that pass her by unfulfilled, until the very last minute when she is ultimately exposed. Further testiment to her tenacity and determination.
All this aside, the build up with between the two main characters was good, it was gradual and certainly did not happen fast at all, it was over 100 pages before they ever started to think about eachother in a slightly romantic sense. Furthermore, none of the nitty gritty happens for ages, its more about the story and April learning her lesson the hard way. The Blackheath family their issues, the affect her lies has on them and how can she possibly earn forgiveness.
The struggle of the heroine is something that you can relate to, which makes you keep reading despite her character flaws. I really liked her independance and fiestiness..
This seemed more about the lesson of learning what affect one person can have on others, rather than a standard 'boy meets girl'= weak at the knees passion, romance story.
I think there was more to this story than what you first read. Everyone makes mistakes I suppose...
September 4, 2012
This is a debut novel.
April's character takes the first ten chapters to like and then it is because a combination of Marcos finally getting the woeful life of a maid across and appearance of a rival, the appropriately named Lady H-Agatha.
April is mercenary in her desire to leave the life of a scullery maid, this becomes desperate when Madame insists that April either become a "Lady of the Night" or leave. April takes a third option, stealing Madame's journal and blackmailing the noblemen in it, pretending to be their by-blow.
Eventually April presents herself to the Duke of Hawthorne, only to discover that he isn't dismayed at the thought of her and welcomes her into the family.
The story is good if some aspects of timing are off, and the premise of a scullery maid and a Marquess (future Duke) is different and fresh. The setting is unique, as it is pre-Regency (I had to google Queen Charlotte as the Charlotte I knew of was a Princess, never a Queen). Oh and Jenny, April's friend gets a HEA as well which is sweet.
Don't be discouraged by the beginning, it's worth a read.
April's character takes the first ten chapters to like and then it is because a combination of Marcos finally getting the woeful life of a maid across and appearance of a rival, the appropriately named Lady H-Agatha.
April is mercenary in her desire to leave the life of a scullery maid, this becomes desperate when Madame insists that April either become a "Lady of the Night" or leave. April takes a third option, stealing Madame's journal and blackmailing the noblemen in it, pretending to be their by-blow.
Eventually April presents herself to the Duke of Hawthorne, only to discover that he isn't dismayed at the thought of her and welcomes her into the family.
The story is good if some aspects of timing are off, and the premise of a scullery maid and a Marquess (future Duke) is different and fresh. The setting is unique, as it is pre-Regency (I had to google Queen Charlotte as the Charlotte I knew of was a Princess, never a Queen). Oh and Jenny, April's friend gets a HEA as well which is sweet.
Don't be discouraged by the beginning, it's worth a read.
December 11, 2009
I am so glad I didn't grow up in London in the 1700s where women were chattel and had no say in anything. April Jardine is orphaned at 18 and homeless. She finds work at a brothel working in the kitchen until one day the madame insists she work for the house and not as a maid. April finds this abhorant and flees taking the madames diary. The diary provides all kinds of scandalous information on high ranking nobles. April decides to blackmail some of them for money since her options are limited. One such person is the Duke of Westbrook, who had an affair and a child with the madame. Low and behold the Duke's son is skeptical of April's story and does all he can to uncover her perfidy...falling in love as a result. The further adventures of Riley and April are rather amusing and touching. I enjoyed this book and Ms. Marcos' writing style.
December 19, 2010
This book was so-so. It seemed the hero and heroine went from just meeting to falling madly in love--all in one fell swoop! I like a little more "friction" between my H&H before they finally "become enamored". However, the hero's public profession of love was quite romantic. Unfortunately, the only real intimate moment came towards the end of the book and was just a bit too verbose for my taste.
Plot = B-
Romance = C
Sex = D
STORY = C
Plot = B-
Romance = C
Sex = D
STORY = C
July 6, 2015
This was a DNF for me. It had been sitting on my shelves for a long time, but when I finally picked it up I couldn't get into it. I had difficulty buying the premise, and too many nagging thoughts about the set-up and characters kept me from finishing it.
Based on the reviews it's clear many others enjoyed it, but it simply wasn't to my taste.
I will try other books by Ms. Marcos, because I seldom judge an author based on a one-book experience.
Based on the reviews it's clear many others enjoyed it, but it simply wasn't to my taste.
I will try other books by Ms. Marcos, because I seldom judge an author based on a one-book experience.
June 2, 2016
Unbelieveable.
Really, I couldn't believe the characters or the story.
The heroine was a nasty piece of work who lied then kept on lying. I didn't like her, or care about her, and found it hard to believe the characters would.
Did not finish - can't remember the last time I did that. Got half way through and realised it wasn't going to get any better. Then read the end and felt I'd dodged a bullet by not wasting my time.
Really, I couldn't believe the characters or the story.
The heroine was a nasty piece of work who lied then kept on lying. I didn't like her, or care about her, and found it hard to believe the characters would.
Did not finish - can't remember the last time I did that. Got half way through and realised it wasn't going to get any better. Then read the end and felt I'd dodged a bullet by not wasting my time.
March 20, 2015
I detested the heroine at the beginning of the book. At the end? I still detested her! And I had my doubts about the hero's brilliant legal mind. I just don't understand how he fell in love with her. I also believed the story was ridiculously far fetched. I have read the third book in this series and enjoyed it, so I've not given up on this author.
April 8, 2016
A pleasure emporium? Don't imagine - dive in! A great read!
August 10, 2010
Wanted to like it, but not gonna happen.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews