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The Notorious Flynns #2
The Scoundrel's Lover
Annabelle Flynn is the sister of London’s two biggest libertines, and her reaction has been to become the picture of purity. But the sensual nature of her family has not been lost on her and she is troubled by urges she dare not follow. She ignores the demands of her body and instead throws herself into two different activities. One is pursuing a proper marriage in Society and the other is trying to save her broken brother by following him into the shocking Donville Masquerade, part of a hell run by the mysterious Marcus Rivers.
By day, Annabelle pursues ladylike endeavors and seeks a staid husband to combat the wild reputations of her brothers. By night, she inserts herself into Marcus’s business… and eventually she finds herself seduced into his bed.
But can a not-quite-proper lady and an entirely unsuitable cad find anything in common outside of the bedroom? And will Annabelle be willing to trade passion for cold, calculated ‘perfection’?
By day, Annabelle pursues ladylike endeavors and seeks a staid husband to combat the wild reputations of her brothers. By night, she inserts herself into Marcus’s business… and eventually she finds herself seduced into his bed.
But can a not-quite-proper lady and an entirely unsuitable cad find anything in common outside of the bedroom? And will Annabelle be willing to trade passion for cold, calculated ‘perfection’?
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2015
110 people are currently reading
520 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 105 reviews
July 29, 2016
I AM MAD. AND I AM SHOCKED.
When I read the blurb, I expected a sexier version of Dreaming of You or something similar. I've read 2 of Jess Michaels' books before, so I expected at least a decently written story. I expected at the very fucking least a decent romance between two people who couldn't resist the attraction between them, despite the obvious difference in their social stations.
And what the fuck did I get?
A wishy-washy invertebrate of a heroine who didn't know what she wanted in life. And a hero who persuaded her to have anal sex--just because he was so desperate to be inside her but he promised not to take her virginity.
ANAL SEX.
IN A ROMANCE NOVEL.
IN A HISTORICAL ROMANCE NOVEL.
WHAT THE FUCKING HELL.
I usually overlook historical inaccuracies but I draw the line with this one. What the fuck. Breaching the backside during those times was considered taboo. It was not as okay as Marcus played it out to be.
But this wasn't what really irked the shit out of me. It was why he did it that really pissed me off.
He did that just because he was selfish, because he wanted to take his pleasure but couldn't do so. GO DIE MOTHERFUCKER!!!!!!
And the heroine wasn't any better. She was so fucking useless and stupid that I wanted to kill her to put her out of her misery. She wanted intercourse with him in one instant, and then would cry off at the other. Seriously, girl, grow a brain cell during your spare time.
FUCK. I wasted two fucking hours for this bullshit. If you're suicidal or just bored with life, read this. If not, then save your money and read a real book.
When I read the blurb, I expected a sexier version of Dreaming of You or something similar. I've read 2 of Jess Michaels' books before, so I expected at least a decently written story. I expected at the very fucking least a decent romance between two people who couldn't resist the attraction between them, despite the obvious difference in their social stations.
And what the fuck did I get?
A wishy-washy invertebrate of a heroine who didn't know what she wanted in life. And a hero who persuaded her to have anal sex--just because he was so desperate to be inside her but he promised not to take her virginity.
ANAL SEX.
IN A ROMANCE NOVEL.
IN A HISTORICAL ROMANCE NOVEL.
WHAT THE FUCKING HELL.
I usually overlook historical inaccuracies but I draw the line with this one. What the fuck. Breaching the backside during those times was considered taboo. It was not as okay as Marcus played it out to be.
But this wasn't what really irked the shit out of me. It was why he did it that really pissed me off.
He did that just because he was selfish, because he wanted to take his pleasure but couldn't do so. GO DIE MOTHERFUCKER!!!!!!
And the heroine wasn't any better. She was so fucking useless and stupid that I wanted to kill her to put her out of her misery. She wanted intercourse with him in one instant, and then would cry off at the other. Seriously, girl, grow a brain cell during your spare time.
FUCK. I wasted two fucking hours for this bullshit. If you're suicidal or just bored with life, read this. If not, then save your money and read a real book.
March 3, 2015
Book release date, 3/10/2015
Story Rating ~ 3.5 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 4 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 4.5 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 4 Stars
It had been a while since I read an erotic historical romance, so when I saw this posted at NetGalley, I jumped on it and boy am I happy I did.
The Scoundrel’s Lover is book 2 in The Notorious Flynn series by Jess Michaels. I was a bit concerned going into this one seeing I have not read book 1 The Other Duke. As it turned out the concern was for nothing because this book does read well as a standalone.
Annabelle Flynn is trying to be a respectable lady of the ton and find herself a titled husband. She feels she can pull this off now that her older brother Rafe has become a Duke. The problem is, her younger brother Crispin has been running amuck, gambling his money away, drinking excessively and starting fights at his favorite gambling hell, The Donville Masquerade. Her brother Rafe does not seem to want to help Crispin out, so Annabelle decides to take matters in her own hands and goes to the club on her own to get Crispin out of the mess he has just gotten into. While she is there she runs into Marcus Rivers, an old friend of the family but also the owner of the club. These two are attracted to each other from the start and things heat up nicely between them.
I really liked both Annabelle and Marcus’s characters. Annabelle was very intelligent and an all-around great character. Marcus was sexy as hell and oh boy he had me all hot and bothered while reading the sexual encounters these two shared. The further into the book, the hotter it got.
I thought the story line was good but I felt it could have been a bit more interesting. However, the ending and the epilogue were FANTASTIC! The book ended on a very good note leaving me happy with the outcome. You can bet your sweet bippy I’ll be reading book 3, The Widow Wager when it releases April 21. This is Crispin story and I NEED to find out just what is going on with him.
*ARC of this story was kindly provided by Victory Editing via NETGALLEY for an honest review!*
Story Rating ~ 3.5 Stars
Hero Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heroine Rating ~ 4 Stars
Romance Rating ~ 4 Stars
Heat Level ~ 4.5 Stars
Ending ~ 5 Stars
Overall Rating ~ 4 Stars
It had been a while since I read an erotic historical romance, so when I saw this posted at NetGalley, I jumped on it and boy am I happy I did.
The Scoundrel’s Lover is book 2 in The Notorious Flynn series by Jess Michaels. I was a bit concerned going into this one seeing I have not read book 1 The Other Duke. As it turned out the concern was for nothing because this book does read well as a standalone.
Annabelle Flynn is trying to be a respectable lady of the ton and find herself a titled husband. She feels she can pull this off now that her older brother Rafe has become a Duke. The problem is, her younger brother Crispin has been running amuck, gambling his money away, drinking excessively and starting fights at his favorite gambling hell, The Donville Masquerade. Her brother Rafe does not seem to want to help Crispin out, so Annabelle decides to take matters in her own hands and goes to the club on her own to get Crispin out of the mess he has just gotten into. While she is there she runs into Marcus Rivers, an old friend of the family but also the owner of the club. These two are attracted to each other from the start and things heat up nicely between them.
I really liked both Annabelle and Marcus’s characters. Annabelle was very intelligent and an all-around great character. Marcus was sexy as hell and oh boy he had me all hot and bothered while reading the sexual encounters these two shared. The further into the book, the hotter it got.
I thought the story line was good but I felt it could have been a bit more interesting. However, the ending and the epilogue were FANTASTIC! The book ended on a very good note leaving me happy with the outcome. You can bet your sweet bippy I’ll be reading book 3, The Widow Wager when it releases April 21. This is Crispin story and I NEED to find out just what is going on with him.
*ARC of this story was kindly provided by Victory Editing via NETGALLEY for an honest review!*
March 20, 2015
I don't know why I was so excited to start this. But I was.
Having said that, I think my expectations were too high.
Don't get me wrong, I liked it. I just didn't love it.
It could've been because the heroine was in denial throughout 90% and we only get a little bit of spice compared to other books from this author. Yes, yes I'm a slut with my books.
Anyway, it's not a bad read and it's a standalone soo that's good, right?
Having said that, I think my expectations were too high.
Don't get me wrong, I liked it. I just didn't love it.
It could've been because the heroine was in denial throughout 90% and we only get a little bit of spice compared to other books from this author. Yes, yes I'm a slut with my books.
Anyway, it's not a bad read and it's a standalone soo that's good, right?
March 10, 2015
Annabelle Flynn's family has never has the best of reputations and she yearns for respectability outwardly, but inwardly she craves to explore her sensuality. Annabelle has decided in order to gain that respectability, she needs a husband with a title, but a title will not necessarily mix with those budding desires that come to light when she meets the gaze of her older brother's friend, Marcus Rivers.
The handsome rogue, Marcus Rivers could give a fig about what society says about him. As part owner of the reputed gaming hell and realm of other pleasures, the Donneville Masquerage, Marcus earns a very good living from the vices of others. Insisting he does not want a permanent relationship with anyone, Marcus has had his eyes on Annabelle Flynn for years, but the very fact that she is an innocent and the sister of his boyhood friends makes him resist the temptation to act.
When Annabelle appears at the Masquerade in order to help her wayward brother, she see what she has been missing and her urges outweigh her want for that respectability. Against their better judgement, both Marcus and Annabelle enter into a arrangement of sorts that has Marcus schooling Annabelle is the art of passion. Once they both have had a taste of one another, keeping it impersonal beomes impossible and feelings erupt that will make or break each of them.
Annabelle's need for a proper existence may lead to a rather cold and lonely one once she has experienced the steamy side of desire and her inner struggle to come to terms with her decisions, make The Scoundrel's Lover by Jess Michaels one sizzling read.
Author Jess Michaels has a way with words that embroil the reader into her world. Her characters are so perfectly contrived that one feels as if they know them intimately. Marcus Rivers is my ultimate in alpha heroes. His reputation preceeds him, but his inner feelings show the true man. Annabelle's need for the respect her family so easily wasted in the past clouds her true self and leads her down the wrong road to happiness. Respectability does not equal happiness and her her awakening to that realization is paramount in this tale.
This erotic historical romance is a must read. Jess Michaels doesn't push the envelope, she embraces it with the Notorious Flynns series and I thirst for the next story.
~KIMBERLY~
The handsome rogue, Marcus Rivers could give a fig about what society says about him. As part owner of the reputed gaming hell and realm of other pleasures, the Donneville Masquerage, Marcus earns a very good living from the vices of others. Insisting he does not want a permanent relationship with anyone, Marcus has had his eyes on Annabelle Flynn for years, but the very fact that she is an innocent and the sister of his boyhood friends makes him resist the temptation to act.
When Annabelle appears at the Masquerade in order to help her wayward brother, she see what she has been missing and her urges outweigh her want for that respectability. Against their better judgement, both Marcus and Annabelle enter into a arrangement of sorts that has Marcus schooling Annabelle is the art of passion. Once they both have had a taste of one another, keeping it impersonal beomes impossible and feelings erupt that will make or break each of them.
Annabelle's need for a proper existence may lead to a rather cold and lonely one once she has experienced the steamy side of desire and her inner struggle to come to terms with her decisions, make The Scoundrel's Lover by Jess Michaels one sizzling read.
Author Jess Michaels has a way with words that embroil the reader into her world. Her characters are so perfectly contrived that one feels as if they know them intimately. Marcus Rivers is my ultimate in alpha heroes. His reputation preceeds him, but his inner feelings show the true man. Annabelle's need for the respect her family so easily wasted in the past clouds her true self and leads her down the wrong road to happiness. Respectability does not equal happiness and her her awakening to that realization is paramount in this tale.
This erotic historical romance is a must read. Jess Michaels doesn't push the envelope, she embraces it with the Notorious Flynns series and I thirst for the next story.
~KIMBERLY~
February 14, 2015
I loved Marcus, "he drew back, suddenly understanding. "Are you talking about desire?" He's willing to go the distance to help his woman out, "I can get what I need, without penetrating you. And no matter how much I want to do that-" He somehow stifled a moan. "-I vow to you that I will not, Annabelle. I can give you pleasure, you can give me the same and I won't spoil you for whatever man is lucky enough to make you his bride. Will that satisfy you?" Sometimes a girl has to get creative to make her man see things her way, "I deserve that, I think. But I don't accept it. I did however, expect it, which is why you are currently tied naked to a bed." Marcus he's not one to let an opportunity pass, "then come up here. Straddle my mouth and let me ready you so it won't hurt as much when you finally...when we finally do this." I really enjoyed this book and Marcus.
February 25, 2015
Wow this book is spicy!! There is a plethora of love scenes that are decadent and alluring. Jess Michaels has created a book that balances a great plot, wonderful and complicated characters and fiery passion. It’s a lot harder to create than one would imagine and when executed well, it’s a delight for the reader.
We meet Annabelle Flynn in the first book in the series. She is part of the infamous Flynn family. Her father and brothers are notorious scoundrels and rakes. She is an exceptionally smart woman who longs for the one thing her family can’t give her – respectability. Her brother inherited the title of Duke the previous year and the ton has fawned all over him as he is a man and now a lofty lord, but that doesn’t mean the same thing for the two younger Flynn siblings.
Annabelle is in the midst of her first season. She wants to marry a Lord so that she is above suspicion and leaves behind the Flynn reputation. The author makes you really understand why she would bother with impressing the ton. She straddles two worlds. The first is the life she has always known – the fun and carefree life of a Flynn. The second is now the world of the Upper Ten Thousand. Since her brother has inherited the title and the lands, he is out in society regularly and Annabelle wants to be accepted for who she is and what she creates, rather than being forced upon the ton because they fear angering a duke.
Her brother Crispin has fared the worst in the year that changed the Flynn’s lives. Crispin is riding off the rails. He drinks to excess, gambles money like it’s growing on trees and disappears for days at a time. He ends up at a vice club run by family friend Marcus Rivers. Tall, dark and deadly handsome, he’s not just the club owner. He cares for the Flynn family, although he cares for Annabelle in a way that her family may not appreciate.
Crispin frequents Marcus’ club and when he sends for the family’s help, it’s Annabelle who arrives at his club. She is shocked by the actions of the randy men and women. Yet, she is so intrigued and aroused by what she sees. Marcus has wanted Annabelle for years. He has even watched her from a distance, so the fact that she is in his club and enraptured by what she sees makes Marcus hopeful.
The two have their tussles and Marcus allows her to return so she can spy on her brother and keep an eye on him. While she will be watching Crispin (and the bawdy acts around her), Marcus is observing her. After a passionate kiss, things between the two change.
Annabelle is desperately trying to fit into the ton. She wants to adore her season, but it feels like a chore. Everyone is so uptight and stiff. Yet, when she is at Marcus’ club, things are so opposite and free. How can the same people live such opposite lives?
With the question of sin on her mind, she visits Marcus to ask him a very important question. Things change and then the heat level hits the roof. She wants to know how Marcus can be around all this debauchery every night and not be affected by it. She is titillated and aroused by what she sees and as a young woman doesn’t know how to process all the lust she is feeling. Thankfully it’s Marcus to the rescue. They make a pact that she can sate her lust with Marcus, but he won’t take her virginity that she is saving for a husband.
Its heaven and hell for Marcus. He has her in his arms and bed, yet he doesn’t really have her. They explore each other with their bodies, hands and mouths. This book is so highly sensual. They were so hot together I wanted to yell at Annabelle to not waste a moment with the stuffy Earl that is courting her. It was such a thrilling story and I adored the relationship between the two. Marcus was head over heels in love with Annabelle –her body, her mind, her business acumen. He was a fierce lover and was so well matched by Annabelle’s passionate responses.
It’s such a titillating concept – a young miss and a well-seasoned rake slaking their lust in elicit trysts together. The strength of Jess Michaels is that this book is not just one sex scene after another strung together with a thimble of plot. It was a well-conceived plot that revolves around the sexual awakening of a fiery temptress and the man that has longed for her for years.
I love the setting of the gambling den. It’s an environment that I have really enjoyed in Lisa Kleypas’ Gamblers Series and her book Devil in Winter. There is something so exciting about the thrill of discovery and the hedonistic landscape all around the prim, young miss. Of course we have casinos now, but there is nothing today like the clubs that were frequented in this time. Maybe that is a good thing, but it’s a really fun environment to have a love story set in.
Jess Michaels is a great author. I really like her work and I’m so glad I got to read the next book in the Flynn Series. This book is highly entertaining and very sexy. Marcus is a wonderful character that has depth and complexity, which is explored naturally. Annabelle is such a fun woman who learns some very valuable lessons – in the bedroom and about life.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com
We meet Annabelle Flynn in the first book in the series. She is part of the infamous Flynn family. Her father and brothers are notorious scoundrels and rakes. She is an exceptionally smart woman who longs for the one thing her family can’t give her – respectability. Her brother inherited the title of Duke the previous year and the ton has fawned all over him as he is a man and now a lofty lord, but that doesn’t mean the same thing for the two younger Flynn siblings.
Annabelle is in the midst of her first season. She wants to marry a Lord so that she is above suspicion and leaves behind the Flynn reputation. The author makes you really understand why she would bother with impressing the ton. She straddles two worlds. The first is the life she has always known – the fun and carefree life of a Flynn. The second is now the world of the Upper Ten Thousand. Since her brother has inherited the title and the lands, he is out in society regularly and Annabelle wants to be accepted for who she is and what she creates, rather than being forced upon the ton because they fear angering a duke.
Her brother Crispin has fared the worst in the year that changed the Flynn’s lives. Crispin is riding off the rails. He drinks to excess, gambles money like it’s growing on trees and disappears for days at a time. He ends up at a vice club run by family friend Marcus Rivers. Tall, dark and deadly handsome, he’s not just the club owner. He cares for the Flynn family, although he cares for Annabelle in a way that her family may not appreciate.
Crispin frequents Marcus’ club and when he sends for the family’s help, it’s Annabelle who arrives at his club. She is shocked by the actions of the randy men and women. Yet, she is so intrigued and aroused by what she sees. Marcus has wanted Annabelle for years. He has even watched her from a distance, so the fact that she is in his club and enraptured by what she sees makes Marcus hopeful.
The two have their tussles and Marcus allows her to return so she can spy on her brother and keep an eye on him. While she will be watching Crispin (and the bawdy acts around her), Marcus is observing her. After a passionate kiss, things between the two change.
Annabelle is desperately trying to fit into the ton. She wants to adore her season, but it feels like a chore. Everyone is so uptight and stiff. Yet, when she is at Marcus’ club, things are so opposite and free. How can the same people live such opposite lives?
With the question of sin on her mind, she visits Marcus to ask him a very important question. Things change and then the heat level hits the roof. She wants to know how Marcus can be around all this debauchery every night and not be affected by it. She is titillated and aroused by what she sees and as a young woman doesn’t know how to process all the lust she is feeling. Thankfully it’s Marcus to the rescue. They make a pact that she can sate her lust with Marcus, but he won’t take her virginity that she is saving for a husband.
Its heaven and hell for Marcus. He has her in his arms and bed, yet he doesn’t really have her. They explore each other with their bodies, hands and mouths. This book is so highly sensual. They were so hot together I wanted to yell at Annabelle to not waste a moment with the stuffy Earl that is courting her. It was such a thrilling story and I adored the relationship between the two. Marcus was head over heels in love with Annabelle –her body, her mind, her business acumen. He was a fierce lover and was so well matched by Annabelle’s passionate responses.
It’s such a titillating concept – a young miss and a well-seasoned rake slaking their lust in elicit trysts together. The strength of Jess Michaels is that this book is not just one sex scene after another strung together with a thimble of plot. It was a well-conceived plot that revolves around the sexual awakening of a fiery temptress and the man that has longed for her for years.
I love the setting of the gambling den. It’s an environment that I have really enjoyed in Lisa Kleypas’ Gamblers Series and her book Devil in Winter. There is something so exciting about the thrill of discovery and the hedonistic landscape all around the prim, young miss. Of course we have casinos now, but there is nothing today like the clubs that were frequented in this time. Maybe that is a good thing, but it’s a really fun environment to have a love story set in.
Jess Michaels is a great author. I really like her work and I’m so glad I got to read the next book in the Flynn Series. This book is highly entertaining and very sexy. Marcus is a wonderful character that has depth and complexity, which is explored naturally. Annabelle is such a fun woman who learns some very valuable lessons – in the bedroom and about life.
Reviewed for www.kiltsandswords.com
February 25, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
An interesting concept.. Jess Michaels writes historical erotica.. It's funny because we all know they didn't have sex way back then, let alone fantasize about it.. And you know those ladies? They never ever thought about men, sex or their own bodies.. *grins* But seriously this book could possibly fit in with a few of the contemporary erotica books I have read..
Well written and enjoyable and with an excellent story it's easy to get lost in The Scoundrel's Lover, which is book two in Ms. Michaels' The Notorious Flynn Series. It's my first book in this series but I regret not getting involved earlier.
Annabelle Flynn is tired of paying the price of being the daughter and sister of a Flynn. Their antics are legendary and their behavior has skirted proper for years. But now her older brother has inherited a Dukedom so finally, Annabelle has a chance. If only society would work with her. Oh and if her other brother would get his act together. Desperate to take care of her troubled brother Annabelle takes a journey on the wild side (secretly) which soothes her Flynn heart but as attracted she is to the owner of the most notorious gaming hell, she still wants respectability.
Look in the dictionary for the words Original Bad Boy and Marcus Rivers is right there.. Gorgeous, wild and a perfect foil for a Flynn but as far from respectable as a man can get. Marcus dragged himself up from the stews, abject poverty and abuse he is an amazing man. And aside from success all he has ever really wanted was Annabelle Flynn. Only she's the sister of the two men who as boys, literally saved his life. How can he ever betray them? But when Annabelle comes calling, how can he not?
Especially erotic but a wonderful story. Follow your heart? Be who you are or who you are supposed to be? Dance to the proper tune? Or your own drum? Annabelle has a choice to make and it's harder than one would think.
An enjoyable read and worth keeping in mind when Book Three comes out.. The entire series shows huge promise.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Scoundrel's Lover, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on March 10, 2015
An interesting concept.. Jess Michaels writes historical erotica.. It's funny because we all know they didn't have sex way back then, let alone fantasize about it.. And you know those ladies? They never ever thought about men, sex or their own bodies.. *grins* But seriously this book could possibly fit in with a few of the contemporary erotica books I have read..
Well written and enjoyable and with an excellent story it's easy to get lost in The Scoundrel's Lover, which is book two in Ms. Michaels' The Notorious Flynn Series. It's my first book in this series but I regret not getting involved earlier.
Annabelle Flynn is tired of paying the price of being the daughter and sister of a Flynn. Their antics are legendary and their behavior has skirted proper for years. But now her older brother has inherited a Dukedom so finally, Annabelle has a chance. If only society would work with her. Oh and if her other brother would get his act together. Desperate to take care of her troubled brother Annabelle takes a journey on the wild side (secretly) which soothes her Flynn heart but as attracted she is to the owner of the most notorious gaming hell, she still wants respectability.
Look in the dictionary for the words Original Bad Boy and Marcus Rivers is right there.. Gorgeous, wild and a perfect foil for a Flynn but as far from respectable as a man can get. Marcus dragged himself up from the stews, abject poverty and abuse he is an amazing man. And aside from success all he has ever really wanted was Annabelle Flynn. Only she's the sister of the two men who as boys, literally saved his life. How can he ever betray them? But when Annabelle comes calling, how can he not?
Especially erotic but a wonderful story. Follow your heart? Be who you are or who you are supposed to be? Dance to the proper tune? Or your own drum? Annabelle has a choice to make and it's harder than one would think.
An enjoyable read and worth keeping in mind when Book Three comes out.. The entire series shows huge promise.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of The Scoundrel's Lover, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on March 10, 2015
April 23, 2021
Anal sex to preserve virginity is surprisingly rare in historical eroticas. Reading this, I believe it comes off more goofy than sexy and certainly doesn't fits well with a romance novel.
March 3, 2015
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
The Scoundrel's Lover by Jess Michaels is Book 2 in the Notorious Flynns series. I read Book 1 (The Other Duke) and really enjoyed it. Now, I don't know if this is a category yet but if not, I'm just going to call THIS book Historic Erotica!
Annabelle was a very cool character. She's grown up with her brothers who were total troublemakers (in a good way). They drank and caroused and loved women and had a blast. Now that Annabelle's older brother Rafe, from Book 1, has inherited the dukedom, Annabelle has a chance for a come-out in society. But her reputation is a bit tarnished by her brothers' actions. It was great, though, that she had zero ill will towards her brothers. She could have been angry or sad but she truly loves, no, adores her family and is willing to give her come-out a chance. I could understand why she'd want a boring, respectable life after seeing her brothers' wild ways but I was glad that she wasn't a prude or a kill-joy. I also liked her because I really liked heroines who are intelligent in historical romances, especially when when their family encourages it. Annabelle was a very lucky woman to have the family she did!
Marcus, though, was not so lucky. Not even close. His back story is revealed later on in the book so I don't really want to discuss it in case it ends up being a spoiler for some readers. But let's just say he had it rough. Of course, that's one of the things that I liked about Marcus - he started out from not much and became a success. I love the fact that he's the owner of this super scandalous gaming club. Especially since it's much more than just a gaming club, with the sex rooms and peep holes and all manner of naughtiness. Marcus may not have a title but he absolutely has honor and many of the qualities that titled gentlemen are supposed to have. But he really doesn't feel like a good man. I don't think Marcus ever gave it much thought, but once Annabelle enters his life, he begins to think about it. It was cool to watch him go from being satisfied with his life to wanting more, even if he feels like he doesn't deserve it. Of course, he DOES deserve it and it shows that in the way that he handles Annabelle and in the way he handles her brother, Crispin, who is going through a rough period during the story. I was easily able to see what a great guy he is and I liked being on the ride as he figured it out too.
Annabelle and Marcus were a fun couple! They were super hot together. The Sexy Time was steamy and plentiful. I was surprised at what Annabelle and Marcus got up to during the book. The went a LOT further than in any other historical romance I've read before. It was surprising and I freaking loved it. I liked how sweet and kind Marcus was to Annabelle and how he tried hard to protect her, her sensibilities and her reputation. It was tough to read how he had to hold part of himself back from her, thinking that she couldn't or wouldn't reciprocate his feelings and desires. But it was fun to be on the other side to see how Annabelle was always thinking of him and questioning her goals.
I would definitely recommend this book to historical romance fans who are looking for more/better/different Sexy Time. This book can be read as a stand-alone, although I read Book 1 first. The characters were complex and real, the Sexy Time was hot and way outside of what I'd read in historical romances before, the writing was great and the pace was steady. I think I'm officially a fan of Jess Michaels and I can't wait to tackle her back list!!
The Scoundrel's Lover by Jess Michaels is Book 2 in the Notorious Flynns series. I read Book 1 (The Other Duke) and really enjoyed it. Now, I don't know if this is a category yet but if not, I'm just going to call THIS book Historic Erotica!
Annabelle was a very cool character. She's grown up with her brothers who were total troublemakers (in a good way). They drank and caroused and loved women and had a blast. Now that Annabelle's older brother Rafe, from Book 1, has inherited the dukedom, Annabelle has a chance for a come-out in society. But her reputation is a bit tarnished by her brothers' actions. It was great, though, that she had zero ill will towards her brothers. She could have been angry or sad but she truly loves, no, adores her family and is willing to give her come-out a chance. I could understand why she'd want a boring, respectable life after seeing her brothers' wild ways but I was glad that she wasn't a prude or a kill-joy. I also liked her because I really liked heroines who are intelligent in historical romances, especially when when their family encourages it. Annabelle was a very lucky woman to have the family she did!
Marcus, though, was not so lucky. Not even close. His back story is revealed later on in the book so I don't really want to discuss it in case it ends up being a spoiler for some readers. But let's just say he had it rough. Of course, that's one of the things that I liked about Marcus - he started out from not much and became a success. I love the fact that he's the owner of this super scandalous gaming club. Especially since it's much more than just a gaming club, with the sex rooms and peep holes and all manner of naughtiness. Marcus may not have a title but he absolutely has honor and many of the qualities that titled gentlemen are supposed to have. But he really doesn't feel like a good man. I don't think Marcus ever gave it much thought, but once Annabelle enters his life, he begins to think about it. It was cool to watch him go from being satisfied with his life to wanting more, even if he feels like he doesn't deserve it. Of course, he DOES deserve it and it shows that in the way that he handles Annabelle and in the way he handles her brother, Crispin, who is going through a rough period during the story. I was easily able to see what a great guy he is and I liked being on the ride as he figured it out too.
Annabelle and Marcus were a fun couple! They were super hot together. The Sexy Time was steamy and plentiful. I was surprised at what Annabelle and Marcus got up to during the book. The went a LOT further than in any other historical romance I've read before. It was surprising and I freaking loved it. I liked how sweet and kind Marcus was to Annabelle and how he tried hard to protect her, her sensibilities and her reputation. It was tough to read how he had to hold part of himself back from her, thinking that she couldn't or wouldn't reciprocate his feelings and desires. But it was fun to be on the other side to see how Annabelle was always thinking of him and questioning her goals.
I would definitely recommend this book to historical romance fans who are looking for more/better/different Sexy Time. This book can be read as a stand-alone, although I read Book 1 first. The characters were complex and real, the Sexy Time was hot and way outside of what I'd read in historical romances before, the writing was great and the pace was steady. I think I'm officially a fan of Jess Michaels and I can't wait to tackle her back list!!
February 26, 2015
I got this ARC via Netgalley and I am very glad. I loved it. Again. Typical Jess Michaels.
“The Scoundrel’s lover” is the 2nd book in the “The Notorious Flynns” series by Jess and I’d say you should have read number one to understand some of the side characters because they are quite important in this storyline, especially Serafina.
Anabelle is the sister of the two rake Flynn brothers. But one of those turned into a respectable duke within the last year, married a wonderful woman (he never wanted) and now has a respectable place in society. The only problem is, the Flynn’s are famous for being notorious, libertines. Their sister on the other side wants to marry a man with title and money, a proper society marriage. Even if those men are boring and not really interested in her. So she had her debut, beautiful dresses and is part of the ton.
The only person who doesn’t care about the new status of the family Anabelle’s second brother (Crispin) , he drinks, plays and both too much. One night somebody knocks at the family door to ask Rafe for help be he refuses. Instead Anabelle goes, secretly, with the man and ends in a shocking establishment – Donville Masquarade – wearing a mask.
There she meets Marcus again, the owner and a former close friend to the family. In the beginning it isn’t a love story but a story of need but they never go all the way because of her idea to marry a proper man, somebody better than Marcus.
I love the way Jess builds up a storyline. She creates characters, she plays with them, makes them realize that they are wrong and puts them onto the right path. I am so thankful that I started to read in English again because if not I wouldn’t be able to read books like that, even if my reviews eventually make people rethink all their English grammar knowledge.
They, Anabelle and Marcus, are the perfect match of course, they have to be because he does what she wants, he respects her wishes even if it pains him.
There was only one small thing I missed – I have no clue how Anabelle looks. You know what mean? What kind of eyes does she have, what kind of nose – a Roman? – how are her hips formed? I didn’t get the picture this time.
Rating: 4.5 stars *****
“The Scoundrel’s lover” is the 2nd book in the “The Notorious Flynns” series by Jess and I’d say you should have read number one to understand some of the side characters because they are quite important in this storyline, especially Serafina.
Anabelle is the sister of the two rake Flynn brothers. But one of those turned into a respectable duke within the last year, married a wonderful woman (he never wanted) and now has a respectable place in society. The only problem is, the Flynn’s are famous for being notorious, libertines. Their sister on the other side wants to marry a man with title and money, a proper society marriage. Even if those men are boring and not really interested in her. So she had her debut, beautiful dresses and is part of the ton.
The only person who doesn’t care about the new status of the family Anabelle’s second brother (Crispin) , he drinks, plays and both too much. One night somebody knocks at the family door to ask Rafe for help be he refuses. Instead Anabelle goes, secretly, with the man and ends in a shocking establishment – Donville Masquarade – wearing a mask.
There she meets Marcus again, the owner and a former close friend to the family. In the beginning it isn’t a love story but a story of need but they never go all the way because of her idea to marry a proper man, somebody better than Marcus.
I love the way Jess builds up a storyline. She creates characters, she plays with them, makes them realize that they are wrong and puts them onto the right path. I am so thankful that I started to read in English again because if not I wouldn’t be able to read books like that, even if my reviews eventually make people rethink all their English grammar knowledge.
They, Anabelle and Marcus, are the perfect match of course, they have to be because he does what she wants, he respects her wishes even if it pains him.
There was only one small thing I missed – I have no clue how Anabelle looks. You know what mean? What kind of eyes does she have, what kind of nose – a Roman? – how are her hips formed? I didn’t get the picture this time.
Rating: 4.5 stars *****
March 11, 2015
Regency romance on the X rated side.
Afternoon tea and meaningless conversations or salacious desires and heady jasmine scents? The relationship drawn between what is respectable and acceptable and what is not. Annabelle Flynn must chose between the respectability of a disengaged Society marriage or the call of her wild side, the call of her Flynn-dom. The Flynn's, a by-word for Society's view of disrespect-ability. Can Annabella escape this? Does she really want to escape this? It seems like nature and nurture combine to confine her. The dark desires and lust explored, the impetus towards scandal, the voyeurism that tantalizes and draws Annabelle into that forbidden side are always at the forefront, despite her best intentions. I feel like I'm looking at a potential Elizabeth Bennett overcome by an Anna Steele doppelgänger. What started as Annabelle's rescue of her broken brother Crispin from himself at the notorious Donville Masquerade hell club run by the electrifying Marcus Rivers, turns into Annabelle's being drawn like a moth to the flame into excitement and illicit sexual activities, with Marcus as the focus of all that titillating addictive fascination that overtakes her.
Annabelle and Flynn are both fascinating characters. They have real stories but their sexual proclivities tend to drown out those stories. To marry for respectability and renounce your family or to pursue the not so hidden passion filled desires of your heart and remain true to those you love is the thrust of the storyline.
A NetGalley ARC
Afternoon tea and meaningless conversations or salacious desires and heady jasmine scents? The relationship drawn between what is respectable and acceptable and what is not. Annabelle Flynn must chose between the respectability of a disengaged Society marriage or the call of her wild side, the call of her Flynn-dom. The Flynn's, a by-word for Society's view of disrespect-ability. Can Annabella escape this? Does she really want to escape this? It seems like nature and nurture combine to confine her. The dark desires and lust explored, the impetus towards scandal, the voyeurism that tantalizes and draws Annabelle into that forbidden side are always at the forefront, despite her best intentions. I feel like I'm looking at a potential Elizabeth Bennett overcome by an Anna Steele doppelgänger. What started as Annabelle's rescue of her broken brother Crispin from himself at the notorious Donville Masquerade hell club run by the electrifying Marcus Rivers, turns into Annabelle's being drawn like a moth to the flame into excitement and illicit sexual activities, with Marcus as the focus of all that titillating addictive fascination that overtakes her.
Annabelle and Flynn are both fascinating characters. They have real stories but their sexual proclivities tend to drown out those stories. To marry for respectability and renounce your family or to pursue the not so hidden passion filled desires of your heart and remain true to those you love is the thrust of the storyline.
A NetGalley ARC
June 3, 2015
Unpredictable and scorching hot!
Protective of her siblings, Annabelle is a proud, stubborn and strong heroine with lots of courage. Marcus is a flawed hero who feels undeserving of Annabelle's attention - tortured much? They get together in order to help her brother, Crispin, who's the next sibling to get a book in the series! She’s not the innocent and timid heroine that most regency heroines are.
I adore Jess’s writing, it’s fluid and sexy. The Flynns are a complex family, one of the few I can say that is worthy of a series. The best scene in my opinion is the one she arranges a situation to make Marcus accept her love for him.
I didn't read the first book in the series - though now I really want to! I believe this novel can be read as a stand alone. The Scoundrel's Lover is one of my favorite books this year!
Disclosure: I received a review copy from the author via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Protective of her siblings, Annabelle is a proud, stubborn and strong heroine with lots of courage. Marcus is a flawed hero who feels undeserving of Annabelle's attention - tortured much? They get together in order to help her brother, Crispin, who's the next sibling to get a book in the series! She’s not the innocent and timid heroine that most regency heroines are.
I adore Jess’s writing, it’s fluid and sexy. The Flynns are a complex family, one of the few I can say that is worthy of a series. The best scene in my opinion is the one she arranges a situation to make Marcus accept her love for him.
I didn't read the first book in the series - though now I really want to! I believe this novel can be read as a stand alone. The Scoundrel's Lover is one of my favorite books this year!
Disclosure: I received a review copy from the author via Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
December 15, 2020
I never have good luck with Jess Michaels books....
March 10, 2015
This book is ridiculous. That’s always a bad thing – I’ve read some absurd things in my life, some of them in the historical genre, and enjoyed them thoroughly. Sadly, this wasn’t ridiculous in a good way. Mostly it was ridiculous beyond all bounds of sense and left me wanting to shake the heroine until her supposed brain started working again.
Ah, Annabelle, foolish, irritating Annabelle. I never understood why she was so obsessed with respectability. She has a happy family life, she’s rich, she’s intelligent, yes, her brothers have scandalous reputations but so what? Why did she care so much? What had she lost by not being seen as respectable? She’s free to be herself and wealthy enough to make all manner of choices denied other women. Yet after she gains entry to the ton, and finds it every bit as dull and stuffy as expected, she still wants to be respectable. Why? She knows deep down she’s not perfect and good, and it’s not like anyone else is pressuring her to marry, she doesn’t even have a yearning for children, so why all the fuss?
Speaking of fuss, I’m pretty sure that with a duke for a brother – newly minted or otherwise – and the fortune of the Flynns behind her, she’d have made a much bigger splash on the marriage mart. Especially as she’s supposed to be beautiful too. She’d have at least had a few fortune hunters after her, but no, apparently not, because her brother is not at all respectable. Rubbish, half the ton weren’t respectable. Money and the right breeding or connections covered a multitude of sins.
Which leads onto Annabelle’s most ridiculous behaviour – storming into Marcus’ den of vice to “save” her brother. Just what does she expect to be able to do when she insists on watching over Crispin? Not to mention her supposed quest for respectability. It’s no wonder Marcus is continually hurt by her bad-treatment of him. She’s willing to spend time at his club, explore all her passions, but oh no, not marriage. She wants to be respectable, you know. Being respectable is everything, especially when all the respectable people will look down on that family she’s cares so much for. Then she gets hurt when Marcus shuts her out. If only he really had, it would have served her completely right.
As for Marcus, on the whole he was okay, though his mild stalking behaviour was potentially worrying. Away from that he’s just a big wimp when it comes to Annabelle and let’s her walk all over him. I’m glad he respected her wishes, even when she did infuriate him, even if he did push the boundaries a little. Still, for the most part he was sexy enough to keep things interesting.
In all this is a ludicrous plot held together by tenuous threads to provide a venue for Annabelle’s debauchery while also putting up flimsy barriers to happiness. If you like your Regencies raunchy without any need for a decent plot, accurate historical fashions (where are her stays and petticoat(s)? I hope his shirt isn’t buttoned all the way down? Where’s his underwear? Normally I don’t care about these things, but it was all glaringly obvious and absent here), or anything really beyond scandalous sex without any consequences, then there’s plenty to enjoy here. For me, sadly, this was disappointing. I really enjoyed The Other Duke, but after this one I doubt I’ll bother with the next – especially as I don’t care if Crispin falls off a cliff.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
Ah, Annabelle, foolish, irritating Annabelle. I never understood why she was so obsessed with respectability. She has a happy family life, she’s rich, she’s intelligent, yes, her brothers have scandalous reputations but so what? Why did she care so much? What had she lost by not being seen as respectable? She’s free to be herself and wealthy enough to make all manner of choices denied other women. Yet after she gains entry to the ton, and finds it every bit as dull and stuffy as expected, she still wants to be respectable. Why? She knows deep down she’s not perfect and good, and it’s not like anyone else is pressuring her to marry, she doesn’t even have a yearning for children, so why all the fuss?
Speaking of fuss, I’m pretty sure that with a duke for a brother – newly minted or otherwise – and the fortune of the Flynns behind her, she’d have made a much bigger splash on the marriage mart. Especially as she’s supposed to be beautiful too. She’d have at least had a few fortune hunters after her, but no, apparently not, because her brother is not at all respectable. Rubbish, half the ton weren’t respectable. Money and the right breeding or connections covered a multitude of sins.
Which leads onto Annabelle’s most ridiculous behaviour – storming into Marcus’ den of vice to “save” her brother. Just what does she expect to be able to do when she insists on watching over Crispin? Not to mention her supposed quest for respectability. It’s no wonder Marcus is continually hurt by her bad-treatment of him. She’s willing to spend time at his club, explore all her passions, but oh no, not marriage. She wants to be respectable, you know. Being respectable is everything, especially when all the respectable people will look down on that family she’s cares so much for. Then she gets hurt when Marcus shuts her out. If only he really had, it would have served her completely right.
As for Marcus, on the whole he was okay, though his mild stalking behaviour was potentially worrying. Away from that he’s just a big wimp when it comes to Annabelle and let’s her walk all over him. I’m glad he respected her wishes, even when she did infuriate him, even if he did push the boundaries a little. Still, for the most part he was sexy enough to keep things interesting.
In all this is a ludicrous plot held together by tenuous threads to provide a venue for Annabelle’s debauchery while also putting up flimsy barriers to happiness. If you like your Regencies raunchy without any need for a decent plot, accurate historical fashions (where are her stays and petticoat(s)? I hope his shirt isn’t buttoned all the way down? Where’s his underwear? Normally I don’t care about these things, but it was all glaringly obvious and absent here), or anything really beyond scandalous sex without any consequences, then there’s plenty to enjoy here. For me, sadly, this was disappointing. I really enjoyed The Other Duke, but after this one I doubt I’ll bother with the next – especially as I don’t care if Crispin falls off a cliff.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
April 22, 2016
Oh em gee, what drivel. To be fair, I read this off reading one of my favorite historical romances of all time (The Highwayman. Go read it now.), which is sort of like having Bruce Springsteen open for you. Still, even if I hadn't just read such an engrossing, sexy, well-written book, I still would have seen this as a hollow, paint by numbers piece of poo. This is the sort of book that makes me feel shame at my addiction to romance. It's like an Archie comic, but not funny. Okay, Archie comics aren't funny, but my point is, this is someone churning out crap, because she doesn't respect our intelligence. I've read some other Jess Michaels (none of it memorable, so can't even list it), but she can write a decent sex scene and I'm a fan of smexy, so I figured I'd give it a try. Didn't compare the dates, but it felt like such a ripoff of Dreaming of You by Lisa Kleypas, but for the fact that Dreaming of You is one of my favorites and this one blew. I can't even describe what was so awful, except to say she was so clearly phoning it in. I actually started to wonder if there is some sort of software that can write romance novels -- just type in Gambling Hell, Owner, Duke, Class Conflict and boom! you get this stupid book. Annabelle is lame, Marcus is hollow, the family is a bit too permissive, even for me (if I read it correctly, I'm not sure I was because at this point I was so bored and annoyed I was speed reading, the mother was an accomplice in the unmarried daughter tying up the hero and f*cking his brains out.) Oooh, and on that note, at the end *spoiler here if you actually give a crap* she has a realization that he really loves her because he tells her to sit on his face before she sits on his peen to lose her virginity. He *must* love her that he's willing to go down on her to lube her up for the big event! I mean, really. My brain is turning to mush. I may actually try to get through Middlemarch again just to cleanse my soul. Avoid, avoid, avoid.
March 13, 2015
4 stars
I liked the book - but not quite as much as the first book The Other Duke.
I thought Annabelle was a good heroine - but she acted a bit stupid for a woman who was so smart in the first book.
Marcus was great. But he too acted a bit stupid. He has been fascinated by Annabelle for YEARS but thinking he was not worthy of her has kept his distance.
These two embark on a "kinda affair" while maintaining the delusion that the only reason she is coming to his club is to watch over her brother Crispin. Whatever lets you sleep at night I guess.
I understand Annabelle's desire to be respectable. But she seemed to be lying to herself. And Marcus was just as bad. He pretends that he hates her to push her away, so her dreams of respectability will be realized. Trust me - nobody finds a martyr for a hero sexy.
It seems like EVERYONE except Annabelle and Marcus knows that Annabelle won't be happy with a ton marriage. So bring on the heartache....
The writing is great. The love scenes are smoking hot. And all the characters are likable. But for a majority of the book Annabelle is dead set on having a ton marriage and then abruptly realizes that she doesn't. It just happened too fast and the resolution was too quick.
I don't regret reading the book and I will definitely read Crispin's book. I just wish this book had been paced a little better.
I liked the book - but not quite as much as the first book The Other Duke.
I thought Annabelle was a good heroine - but she acted a bit stupid for a woman who was so smart in the first book.
Marcus was great. But he too acted a bit stupid. He has been fascinated by Annabelle for YEARS but thinking he was not worthy of her has kept his distance.
These two embark on a "kinda affair" while maintaining the delusion that the only reason she is coming to his club is to watch over her brother Crispin. Whatever lets you sleep at night I guess.
I understand Annabelle's desire to be respectable. But she seemed to be lying to herself. And Marcus was just as bad. He pretends that he hates her to push her away, so her dreams of respectability will be realized. Trust me - nobody finds a martyr for a hero sexy.
It seems like EVERYONE except Annabelle and Marcus knows that Annabelle won't be happy with a ton marriage. So bring on the heartache....
The writing is great. The love scenes are smoking hot. And all the characters are likable. But for a majority of the book Annabelle is dead set on having a ton marriage and then abruptly realizes that she doesn't. It just happened too fast and the resolution was too quick.
I don't regret reading the book and I will definitely read Crispin's book. I just wish this book had been paced a little better.
March 10, 2015
Everything I want in a great historical romance. An entertaining story, interesting characters and a sexy romance. Annabelle is tired of her family’s notorious ways and wants to settle down with a proper gentleman. However, the heart wants what the heart wants and she ends up attracted to Marcus Rivers a family friend that owns a very improper club. Perhaps if she can feed her lust without becoming ruined she will be able to settle down but then again she is a Notorious Flynn after all. I loved this story as much as the first, couldn’t put it down. Plenty of drama and suspense and oh so sexy! I am looking forward to Crispin’s story!
April 4, 2015
I was expecting a little bit more from Arabella and Marcus because I was really waiting for this book, that in the end was not the best of the series, because in a way was absolutely unbelievable even for a Regency love story.
Mi aspettavo veramente qualcosa di meglio dalla storia di Arabella e Marcus perché mi sembravano i personaggi migliori della serie, ma purtroppo il loro libro si è rivelato qualcosa di assolutamente inverosimile, anche per un regency romance.
Mi aspettavo veramente qualcosa di meglio dalla storia di Arabella e Marcus perché mi sembravano i personaggi migliori della serie, ma purtroppo il loro libro si è rivelato qualcosa di assolutamente inverosimile, anche per un regency romance.
March 23, 2015
Absolutely loved this book! Reminded me in a way of "Devil in Winter" the Lisa Kleypas book and I just had to finish it all in one sitting!
May 10, 2023
Sonhos X desejos. Que paradoxo, não é mesmo? Sonhamos e logo desejamos alcançar. Porém, nem tudo o que pensamos querer é o certo para nós. Que grande ilusão, né? Vivemos buscando pensamentos e fantasias que de fato podem não significar nada em um plano maior.
Annabelle Flynn sempre quis ter respeitabilidade, seus irmãos e pai tinham uma imagem ruim perante a sociedade, a notoriedade dos Flynn era algo mal visto. Quando Rafe ganhou o título de seu primo a ideia de ser vista de outra forma a fez desejar uma vida diferente.
Com tantas mudanças, seu irmão Crispin vinha se perdendo cada vez mais em jogos e bebedeiras, e não dava brecha para que sua família o ajudasse. Annabelle não conseguiu ficar parada e com a ajuda de Marcus Rivers, dono do Donville Masquerade, um clube de jogos do qual seu irmão frequentava resolveu ficar de olho nele.
Engraçado como nós criamos situações para esconder nossos reais sentimentos.
Marcus é um homem incrível, seu foco sempre foi o trabalho e dar orgulho a todos aqueles que o ajudaram. Órfão, sofreu demais quando criança, mas foi adotado por um grande casal que o ensinou valores e ser o homem que é hoje.
Seu relacionamento com Annabelle nunca foi simples, pois nunca se achou digno de ser amado.
É uma história intensa em amores e rica em significados. A valorização do seu eu e caráter ao invés de status e títulos, mostrando que nossos sonhos são limitados e impregnados de ruídos. E só porque algo foge do nosso controle, não quer dizer que seja ruim.
O amor expande nossa visão, quebrando todo e qualquer impecílio que tente nos sabotar. Medos, erros e acertos, tudo são consequências dos nossos atos, por menores que sejam, a felicidade está no inesperado.
As vezes estamos tão cegos com nossos achismos e perdemos a noção de certo e errado. Existe o que acreditamos ser o certo e o que realmente é. Criamos algumas narrativas em nossas cabeças que acabam nos induzindo ao que acreditamos ser o ideal, mas na realidade não nascemos para viver o ideal e sim o extraordinário. Mas como identificar? Annabelle cismou que para ser feliz ela deveria buscar respeitabilidade. Seu pai e família viviam intensamente e essa imagem não era bem vista na sociedade. Quando seu irmão, Rafe, ganhou um título e passou a frequentar a alta sociedade Annabelle viu que uma porta se abriu para essa tão sonhada respeitabilidade.
Seu irmão Crispin, viva uma fase bem ruim de sua vida, não estava sabendo lidar com esse novo status da família, e com seus próprios problemas, e passou a se afundar cada vez mais em vícios e baderna. Annabelle não conseguiu ficar parada e com a ajuda de Marcus Rivers, dono do Donville Masquerade, um clube de jogos do qual seu irmão frequentava resolveu ficar de olho nele.
Marcus é um homem incrível, sobreviveu a uma infância abusiva e teve ajuda de pessoas que o ensinaram valores e a ser o homem íntegro que é hoje. Apesar de não se achar digno de amar e ser amado.
Seu meio de vida para muitos não é lícito, mas na realidade ele é apenas um empreendedor. Se o negócio dele ganhou tal notoriedade é porque tem demanda.
Seu relacionamento com Annabelle nunca foi simples ou espontâneo. Ele sempre sonhou com ela, mas nunca se permitiu tentar, mas toda essa confusão com Crispin acabou abrindo portas inesperadas e certos desejos não puderam ser evitados.
É uma história intensa em amores e desconstrói essa imagem da felicidade como algo fugaz. Construímos nossos sonhos com base em nossas vivências e atos, e limitamos nosso olhar para o novo. Pensamos micro quando a vida é macro.
O amor desse casal não foi fofo, mas sim quente como dois amantes vivendo o agora, mas o amanhã sempre vem, né? E agora? O amor simples e verdadeiro ou um sonho qualquer? Só ela é capaz de decidir.
Annabelle Flynn sempre quis ter respeitabilidade, seus irmãos e pai tinham uma imagem ruim perante a sociedade, a notoriedade dos Flynn era algo mal visto. Quando Rafe ganhou o título de seu primo a ideia de ser vista de outra forma a fez desejar uma vida diferente.
Com tantas mudanças, seu irmão Crispin vinha se perdendo cada vez mais em jogos e bebedeiras, e não dava brecha para que sua família o ajudasse. Annabelle não conseguiu ficar parada e com a ajuda de Marcus Rivers, dono do Donville Masquerade, um clube de jogos do qual seu irmão frequentava resolveu ficar de olho nele.
Engraçado como nós criamos situações para esconder nossos reais sentimentos.
Marcus é um homem incrível, seu foco sempre foi o trabalho e dar orgulho a todos aqueles que o ajudaram. Órfão, sofreu demais quando criança, mas foi adotado por um grande casal que o ensinou valores e ser o homem que é hoje.
Seu relacionamento com Annabelle nunca foi simples, pois nunca se achou digno de ser amado.
É uma história intensa em amores e rica em significados. A valorização do seu eu e caráter ao invés de status e títulos, mostrando que nossos sonhos são limitados e impregnados de ruídos. E só porque algo foge do nosso controle, não quer dizer que seja ruim.
O amor expande nossa visão, quebrando todo e qualquer impecílio que tente nos sabotar. Medos, erros e acertos, tudo são consequências dos nossos atos, por menores que sejam, a felicidade está no inesperado.
As vezes estamos tão cegos com nossos achismos e perdemos a noção de certo e errado. Existe o que acreditamos ser o certo e o que realmente é. Criamos algumas narrativas em nossas cabeças que acabam nos induzindo ao que acreditamos ser o ideal, mas na realidade não nascemos para viver o ideal e sim o extraordinário. Mas como identificar? Annabelle cismou que para ser feliz ela deveria buscar respeitabilidade. Seu pai e família viviam intensamente e essa imagem não era bem vista na sociedade. Quando seu irmão, Rafe, ganhou um título e passou a frequentar a alta sociedade Annabelle viu que uma porta se abriu para essa tão sonhada respeitabilidade.
Seu irmão Crispin, viva uma fase bem ruim de sua vida, não estava sabendo lidar com esse novo status da família, e com seus próprios problemas, e passou a se afundar cada vez mais em vícios e baderna. Annabelle não conseguiu ficar parada e com a ajuda de Marcus Rivers, dono do Donville Masquerade, um clube de jogos do qual seu irmão frequentava resolveu ficar de olho nele.
Marcus é um homem incrível, sobreviveu a uma infância abusiva e teve ajuda de pessoas que o ensinaram valores e a ser o homem íntegro que é hoje. Apesar de não se achar digno de amar e ser amado.
Seu meio de vida para muitos não é lícito, mas na realidade ele é apenas um empreendedor. Se o negócio dele ganhou tal notoriedade é porque tem demanda.
Seu relacionamento com Annabelle nunca foi simples ou espontâneo. Ele sempre sonhou com ela, mas nunca se permitiu tentar, mas toda essa confusão com Crispin acabou abrindo portas inesperadas e certos desejos não puderam ser evitados.
É uma história intensa em amores e desconstrói essa imagem da felicidade como algo fugaz. Construímos nossos sonhos com base em nossas vivências e atos, e limitamos nosso olhar para o novo. Pensamos micro quando a vida é macro.
O amor desse casal não foi fofo, mas sim quente como dois amantes vivendo o agora, mas o amanhã sempre vem, né? E agora? O amor simples e verdadeiro ou um sonho qualquer? Só ela é capaz de decidir.
March 5, 2021
Rating: 2 stars
What I Liked: I thought this had strong writing and a well-paced plot. It’s got quite a simple story and not very much happens in it beyond the two main characters exploring their attraction to one another, which was done quite well.
I thought the main romance was okay - it was quite steamy, but I thought the sweeter moments worked better.
What I Didn’t: I can’t really put my finger on it, but I didn’t really enjoy reading it. There was nothing massively objectionable about any of it, I just found no urge to actually carry on reading it. It took me a while to get into the plot of the story, but I still didn’t really care very much about anything that was happening.
The things I actively wasn’t so keen on - I did find Annabelle a little irritating, and the plotline involving Crispin felt too much like a contrivance to make Annabelle go to Marcus’ club.
Overall: I was disappointed in this book more than anything; I bought it because I saw it recommended for being a really steamy read. There was a lot of sex in it and that was well-written, but I found the plot a bit forced and I didn’t entirely buy their relationship as genuine, except from Marcus’ side of things. Nothing about the progression of the story of this book felt natural to me. But it did have strong writing and there were some sweet parts I quite liked.
I think it was mostly just a case of this not being the right book for me, more than anything being actively wrong with the book as a whole.
Would I Recommend It?: I think that this would work for some people, so yes, if you want a fairly steamy historical romance with a sibling’s best friend vibe then this is for you.
Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: I would, despite my reservations about this book in particular.
Content Warnings:
What I Liked: I thought this had strong writing and a well-paced plot. It’s got quite a simple story and not very much happens in it beyond the two main characters exploring their attraction to one another, which was done quite well.
I thought the main romance was okay - it was quite steamy, but I thought the sweeter moments worked better.
What I Didn’t: I can’t really put my finger on it, but I didn’t really enjoy reading it. There was nothing massively objectionable about any of it, I just found no urge to actually carry on reading it. It took me a while to get into the plot of the story, but I still didn’t really care very much about anything that was happening.
The things I actively wasn’t so keen on - I did find Annabelle a little irritating, and the plotline involving Crispin felt too much like a contrivance to make Annabelle go to Marcus’ club.
Overall: I was disappointed in this book more than anything; I bought it because I saw it recommended for being a really steamy read. There was a lot of sex in it and that was well-written, but I found the plot a bit forced and I didn’t entirely buy their relationship as genuine, except from Marcus’ side of things. Nothing about the progression of the story of this book felt natural to me. But it did have strong writing and there were some sweet parts I quite liked.
I think it was mostly just a case of this not being the right book for me, more than anything being actively wrong with the book as a whole.
Would I Recommend It?: I think that this would work for some people, so yes, if you want a fairly steamy historical romance with a sibling’s best friend vibe then this is for you.
Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: I would, despite my reservations about this book in particular.
Content Warnings:
December 30, 2016
Quattro stelle e mezzo.
Se il primo romanzo della serie è davvero bollente, questo si colloca una tacca ancora più in alto. A un certo punto la temperatura era talmente alta da rendermi necessaria una pausa per riordinare le idee.
Annabelle, sorella degli scapestrati Rafe (ora felicemente sposato) e Crispin, ha deciso che nonostante la fama della sua famiglia, vuole sposarsi con un esponente dell’Alta Società e così discostarsi dalle dicerie e gli scandali che hanno sempre seguito la sua famiglia fin dai tempi del padre. Ma qualcosa preoccupa Annabelle, il fratello Crispin sta attraversando un periodo difficile, beve come se non ci fosse un domani, scommette e perde ingenti somme di denaro e frequenta posti poco raccomandabili. Così, convinta di volerlo proteggere, si introduce al Donville Masquerade, un circolo molto esclusivo in cui le carte e l’alcol non sono l’unica attrattiva. Annabelle vuole proporre un patto al suo affascinante e misterioso proprietario ed è intenzionata ad ottenere quello che vuole in un modo o nell’altro.
Marcus Rivers è il proprietario di uno dei locali più famigerati di tutta Londra, non ha bisogno di niente e nessuno. Quando Annabelle Flynn, il centro dei suoi desideri più peccaminosi, si presenta al suo circolo per proporgli un patto così che possa tenere d’occhio suo fratello, lui sa bene che non dovrebbe accettare. Lei vuole sposarsi nel “bel mondo”, vuole una vita rispettabile ed essere vista in quel genere di circolo potrebbe rappresentare la sua rovina, ma non riesce proprio a dirle di no. E quando le cose tra loro si faranno troppo roventi per poterle frenare, la passione divampa sommergendoli. L’amore farà poi il resto. CrazyForRomance
Se il primo romanzo della serie è davvero bollente, questo si colloca una tacca ancora più in alto. A un certo punto la temperatura era talmente alta da rendermi necessaria una pausa per riordinare le idee.
Annabelle, sorella degli scapestrati Rafe (ora felicemente sposato) e Crispin, ha deciso che nonostante la fama della sua famiglia, vuole sposarsi con un esponente dell’Alta Società e così discostarsi dalle dicerie e gli scandali che hanno sempre seguito la sua famiglia fin dai tempi del padre. Ma qualcosa preoccupa Annabelle, il fratello Crispin sta attraversando un periodo difficile, beve come se non ci fosse un domani, scommette e perde ingenti somme di denaro e frequenta posti poco raccomandabili. Così, convinta di volerlo proteggere, si introduce al Donville Masquerade, un circolo molto esclusivo in cui le carte e l’alcol non sono l’unica attrattiva. Annabelle vuole proporre un patto al suo affascinante e misterioso proprietario ed è intenzionata ad ottenere quello che vuole in un modo o nell’altro.
Marcus Rivers è il proprietario di uno dei locali più famigerati di tutta Londra, non ha bisogno di niente e nessuno. Quando Annabelle Flynn, il centro dei suoi desideri più peccaminosi, si presenta al suo circolo per proporgli un patto così che possa tenere d’occhio suo fratello, lui sa bene che non dovrebbe accettare. Lei vuole sposarsi nel “bel mondo”, vuole una vita rispettabile ed essere vista in quel genere di circolo potrebbe rappresentare la sua rovina, ma non riesce proprio a dirle di no. E quando le cose tra loro si faranno troppo roventi per poterle frenare, la passione divampa sommergendoli. L’amore farà poi il resto. CrazyForRomance
November 30, 2020
(+18)
Annabelle Flynn busca um casamento adequado na sociedade,pois o comportamento de seus irmãos a fez perder amigos,sua reputação e talvez algumas propostas. Apesar de Rafe agora ser um duque, Crispin está fora de controle preocupando a todos na família. Certa noite, um recado é recebido pedindo para buscarem o rapaz e após se desesperar, Annabelle toma a frente e vai até um local saber mais sobre o irmão. Mas não é qualquer local: o Donville Masquerade é um clube de sexo e jogos. Annabelle se vê no meio daquela atmosfera envolvente que desperta seu lado sensual que ela tanto tenta esconder e é lá que a moça revê um amigo da família.
Marcus Rivers herdou o local: aquele era o seu domínio, sustento e comércio. Quando vê a bela Annabelle em seu espaço, não consegue impedir seus sentimentos pela mulher que ele deseja há anos. Ela precisa ficar de olho no irmão para evitar que se envolva em confusão e com um acordo, ela passa a visitar o clube devidamente mascarada para que não a reconheçam.
Com o tempo ela percebe que a sociedade não parece ser o seu lugar: a luxúria do clube é bem mais interessante e isso é evidente quando aceita se envolver com Marcus, desde que sua pureza permaneça intacta.
Os corações estão comprometidos e chegará o momento em que Annabelle terá de se decidir se um bom casamento será o bastante para competir com o homem que ela ama.
Leia e avalie nas plataformas! :)
Tem foto lá no meu ig:@alevadadanerd
Annabelle Flynn busca um casamento adequado na sociedade,pois o comportamento de seus irmãos a fez perder amigos,sua reputação e talvez algumas propostas. Apesar de Rafe agora ser um duque, Crispin está fora de controle preocupando a todos na família. Certa noite, um recado é recebido pedindo para buscarem o rapaz e após se desesperar, Annabelle toma a frente e vai até um local saber mais sobre o irmão. Mas não é qualquer local: o Donville Masquerade é um clube de sexo e jogos. Annabelle se vê no meio daquela atmosfera envolvente que desperta seu lado sensual que ela tanto tenta esconder e é lá que a moça revê um amigo da família.
Marcus Rivers herdou o local: aquele era o seu domínio, sustento e comércio. Quando vê a bela Annabelle em seu espaço, não consegue impedir seus sentimentos pela mulher que ele deseja há anos. Ela precisa ficar de olho no irmão para evitar que se envolva em confusão e com um acordo, ela passa a visitar o clube devidamente mascarada para que não a reconheçam.
Com o tempo ela percebe que a sociedade não parece ser o seu lugar: a luxúria do clube é bem mais interessante e isso é evidente quando aceita se envolver com Marcus, desde que sua pureza permaneça intacta.
Os corações estão comprometidos e chegará o momento em que Annabelle terá de se decidir se um bom casamento será o bastante para competir com o homem que ela ama.
Leia e avalie nas plataformas! :)
Tem foto lá no meu ig:@alevadadanerd
November 10, 2017
Reviewed by Amy W.
Book provided by Jess Michaels
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Annabelle Flynn hopes to make a match this Season in spite of her family heritage. With one reformed brother in tow, she’s planning a happy future.
Author Jess Michaels throws a kink in Annabelle’s plans in The Scoundrel’s Lover. As Annabelle plans to wade into the deep waters of the ton, her brother Crispin is getting into all sorts of trouble. In trying to help him, Annabelle is thrust into a world of debauchery and pleasure, a world that Marcus Rivers is all too comfortable in.
In this Regency tale, it’s fairly evident that Annabelle is caught between two worlds. On one hand, she is the ultimate debutante while on the other she is a woman with needs of her own. The chemistry between Marcus and Annabelle is evident and the author does an excellent job with the heat level between them.
While Marcus is everything she shouldn’t want, Annabelle has to get a taste of Society before she can make a decision about her future. When she finally makes up her mind, she creates what, to me, is the best scene in the book.
I found this to be an entertaining story and would certainly read more by this author.
Book provided by Jess Michaels
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Annabelle Flynn hopes to make a match this Season in spite of her family heritage. With one reformed brother in tow, she’s planning a happy future.
Author Jess Michaels throws a kink in Annabelle’s plans in The Scoundrel’s Lover. As Annabelle plans to wade into the deep waters of the ton, her brother Crispin is getting into all sorts of trouble. In trying to help him, Annabelle is thrust into a world of debauchery and pleasure, a world that Marcus Rivers is all too comfortable in.
In this Regency tale, it’s fairly evident that Annabelle is caught between two worlds. On one hand, she is the ultimate debutante while on the other she is a woman with needs of her own. The chemistry between Marcus and Annabelle is evident and the author does an excellent job with the heat level between them.
While Marcus is everything she shouldn’t want, Annabelle has to get a taste of Society before she can make a decision about her future. When she finally makes up her mind, she creates what, to me, is the best scene in the book.
I found this to be an entertaining story and would certainly read more by this author.
March 30, 2018
Wow! I loved this story. I always love to read anything by Jess Michaels. I loved the interactions between Marcus and Annabelle.
Annabelle has grown up with living with the stares and whispers because of her father and her brothers. She wants to have a respectable life and a respectable husband. She loves her family and knows that her brother is in trouble. Marcus is the owner of a gambling club and is good friends with her brothers. When she finds out that her brother is at his place, she goes there. Marcus has been fascinated by Annabelle since he first met her. He believes that he is beneath her but that doesn't stop him from being drawn to her. He allows her to be in his club to watch over her brother. This is also gives him a chance to get to know her better. Their chemistry is off the roof. Will Annabelle choose chemistry and passion or will she choose the life she always wanted?
Highly recommend this book and series.
Annabelle has grown up with living with the stares and whispers because of her father and her brothers. She wants to have a respectable life and a respectable husband. She loves her family and knows that her brother is in trouble. Marcus is the owner of a gambling club and is good friends with her brothers. When she finds out that her brother is at his place, she goes there. Marcus has been fascinated by Annabelle since he first met her. He believes that he is beneath her but that doesn't stop him from being drawn to her. He allows her to be in his club to watch over her brother. This is also gives him a chance to get to know her better. Their chemistry is off the roof. Will Annabelle choose chemistry and passion or will she choose the life she always wanted?
Highly recommend this book and series.
March 28, 2022
Nessa continuação da série Os Notórios Flynn, conhecemos a história de, Annabelle Flynn, que por conta da vida nada convencional de seus irmãos, Rafe e Crispin, sofre com o preconceito da sociedade.
Dividida entre encontrar um marido e salvar seu irmão Crispin, irá adentrar em um mundo completamente fora dos padrões exigidos pela sociedade e poderá pôr seus planos de se casar, por água abaixo.
Marcus Rivers, amigo da família, será seu guia e professor nessa jornada onde tudo pode acontecer.
Se no primeiro livro as cenas picantes poderíamos classificar como uma pimenta Jalapeño, nesta sequência a ardência é do nível Caiena.
Aqui Jess Michaels, optou por enfatizar as necessidades femininas com cenas bem descritivas e um mocinho pra lá de atencioso.
Temas como, violência infantil, preconceito de gênero, alcoolismo e vício em jogos são abordados de forma leve.
E mais uma vez, o protagonista cativou por suas dores e carisma.
Indico a leitura.
Dividida entre encontrar um marido e salvar seu irmão Crispin, irá adentrar em um mundo completamente fora dos padrões exigidos pela sociedade e poderá pôr seus planos de se casar, por água abaixo.
Marcus Rivers, amigo da família, será seu guia e professor nessa jornada onde tudo pode acontecer.
Se no primeiro livro as cenas picantes poderíamos classificar como uma pimenta Jalapeño, nesta sequência a ardência é do nível Caiena.
Aqui Jess Michaels, optou por enfatizar as necessidades femininas com cenas bem descritivas e um mocinho pra lá de atencioso.
Temas como, violência infantil, preconceito de gênero, alcoolismo e vício em jogos são abordados de forma leve.
E mais uma vez, o protagonista cativou por suas dores e carisma.
Indico a leitura.
November 15, 2021
Amei essa leitura. É rápida, fluída e tem hot na medida certa.
Annabelle preocupada com o seu irmão caçula, vai até o clube de Marcus Rivers, ele é um amigo de seu pai e seus irmãos e a deixa entrar sob a sua proteção.
Mas ao ver Annabelle, Marcus reacende uma antiga e irresistível paixão.
E juntos eles protagonizam passagens deliciosas para leitores de romance nenhum botar defeito.
Super recomendo.
Annabelle preocupada com o seu irmão caçula, vai até o clube de Marcus Rivers, ele é um amigo de seu pai e seus irmãos e a deixa entrar sob a sua proteção.
Mas ao ver Annabelle, Marcus reacende uma antiga e irresistível paixão.
E juntos eles protagonizam passagens deliciosas para leitores de romance nenhum botar defeito.
Super recomendo.
March 28, 2023
3.5 ⭐️
Reading this again I realised it wasn’t a book I remembered being memorable. I think it’s because it truly lacked big time particularly with the heroine. I know she meant be a firecracker hellion but it came across to me like a skanky brat to be honest.
I didn’t feel it much but it all had the makings of great book and I so wanted to love it especially for Marcus. Aside from her , I loved the setting and the risky scenes.
Oh well , next one
Reading this again I realised it wasn’t a book I remembered being memorable. I think it’s because it truly lacked big time particularly with the heroine. I know she meant be a firecracker hellion but it came across to me like a skanky brat to be honest.
I didn’t feel it much but it all had the makings of great book and I so wanted to love it especially for Marcus. Aside from her , I loved the setting and the risky scenes.
Oh well , next one
April 17, 2024
Fast read. Sensual, honest, emotionally impactful. Marcus is awed by her brilliance and beauty. Her head, her heart, and her body have incongruous desires. The story is about her sorting it all out. In the meantime, her family is so very supportive ❤️. She LOVES her brothers and considers them her friends.
The intimacy is scorching hot 5* wow
🌶🌶🌶🌶
The intimacy is scorching hot 5* wow
🌶🌶🌶🌶
May 26, 2021
Aí que livro incrível, a escrita da autora realmente é muito muito boa você se ver perdido na história em segundos lendo. Amei a história construída, a gentileza e o respeito entre ambos, só queria mais um pouquinho no epílogo.
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