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The Wicked Woodleys #1
Forbidden
* * * A hot historical romance from USA TODAY Bestselling Romance Author Jess Michaels * * *
Jude Samson has worked for the Woodley family for such a long time that he is seen as a brother. But he has very unbrotherly feelings toward the youngest of the clan, Lady Audrey. When they find themselves off at the family's country estate, long simmering desires will come to the forefront and Jude won't be able to stop himself from taking that one, oh-so-forbidden taste.
After seeing what it has done to her family, Audrey is afraid of passion. But the moment Jude touches her, fear is washed away by intense and powerful lust. Only Jude has a secret that could destroy everything that is beginning to develop between them. And when it comes out, it will change everything.
251 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 24, 2015
811 people are currently reading
735 people want to read
About the author
Jess Michaels
126 books1,574 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 120 reviews
August 22, 2015
This is a sexy, sweet friends to lovers story. Jude Samson has been a part of the Woodley family through the strong bonds of friendship for years. Ever since his uncle shunned he and his mother and refused to acknowledge them in polite society, Jude has served the Woodleys. He sees himself as just another servant, but they see him as a close friend and confidante. Lady Audrey sees him as even more than that and has for years. In this story, the two are presented with many opportunities for alone time and one thing leads to another...
I felt like I was missing a chunk of history with this family, almost as if this was a second book in the series. Audrey's sister ran off awhile back, and that was a major focal point of the plot, but it was a bit confusing to me. Jude is carrying this (unwarranted) guilt over something that has to do with the sister's disappearance, and I expected big things to happen after that revelation, but it never really came. I guess I felt like the story was constantly on the verge of something big, but it fell short.
The romance was nice. Audrey is perhaps a bit headstrong at this moment, but it seems she's always been an average sister/daughter and is just now ready for something to happen in her life. Her sister's disappearance after marriage to a man-ogre affected her greatly. Jude is an average guy, it seems. Not a huge standout character but a good person, a good friend, and a talented lover. As per usual, the sex was too frequent for me to get too excited about it, but that's a problem I have often. Less is more, but I think I'm usually alone in those thoughts. What was here was perfectly spicy, on the edge of erotic.
A nice story. Not my fave Jess Michaels but a nice start to a new series/family.
Advance copy provided for review
I felt like I was missing a chunk of history with this family, almost as if this was a second book in the series. Audrey's sister ran off awhile back, and that was a major focal point of the plot, but it was a bit confusing to me. Jude is carrying this (unwarranted) guilt over something that has to do with the sister's disappearance, and I expected big things to happen after that revelation, but it never really came. I guess I felt like the story was constantly on the verge of something big, but it fell short.
The romance was nice. Audrey is perhaps a bit headstrong at this moment, but it seems she's always been an average sister/daughter and is just now ready for something to happen in her life. Her sister's disappearance after marriage to a man-ogre affected her greatly. Jude is an average guy, it seems. Not a huge standout character but a good person, a good friend, and a talented lover. As per usual, the sex was too frequent for me to get too excited about it, but that's a problem I have often. Less is more, but I think I'm usually alone in those thoughts. What was here was perfectly spicy, on the edge of erotic.
A nice story. Not my fave Jess Michaels but a nice start to a new series/family.
Advance copy provided for review
March 26, 2016
I love the friends-to-lovers trope, so I picked up this Jess Michaels historical romance. I've read some of this author's books before, but it has been awhile, and I forgot how much the bedroom times overwhelm her stories. If you are in the mood for sexy times, she does a good job of framing endearing characters and plot around the hanky-panky. If you are more absorbed by plot and just want a few sensual scenes, you should probably look elsewhere.
The friends-to-lovers theme was dominant within the plot, and we see both perspectives. I liked how conflicted Jude was in acting on his attraction to Audrey. His guilt was palpable and added an edge to the emotion of the story. Audrey was a fairly average character, but I felt her fear of intimacy as a reason to have relations with Jude to be ridiculous and completely uncharacteristic of a woman of the time period. Big ugh.
This story had a few hiccups, and like a couple of other reviewers, I felt dropped into the drama of the missing sister, even though this is book one. I felt a little adrift in regards to the backstory. However, Michaels has an effortless style and her prose flows well. It is an easy way to spend an afternoon in another time and place.
The friends-to-lovers theme was dominant within the plot, and we see both perspectives. I liked how conflicted Jude was in acting on his attraction to Audrey. His guilt was palpable and added an edge to the emotion of the story. Audrey was a fairly average character, but I felt her fear of intimacy as a reason to have relations with Jude to be ridiculous and completely uncharacteristic of a woman of the time period. Big ugh.
This story had a few hiccups, and like a couple of other reviewers, I felt dropped into the drama of the missing sister, even though this is book one. I felt a little adrift in regards to the backstory. However, Michaels has an effortless style and her prose flows well. It is an easy way to spend an afternoon in another time and place.
December 4, 2016
After the first 20% I hit search for Claire and skimmed the rest only to find out what was going on with her. Spoiler alert: not much.
February 12, 2020
3 Stars
June 2, 2019
2.5 stars
August 7, 2015
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.
I've read a few of Jess Michaels' books and have really enjoyed them. The Notorious Flynns series was really great. This book starts a new historical romance series for her with The Wicked Woodleys. I enjoyed this book but something was missing...
I thought Audrey was just an okay character. The problem was that I never really connected with her all that much. She had all the right characteristics: sweet, innocent, kind, trusting. But she felt... I don't know... robotic to me. Like, she was going through the motions of being a real person but she never actually felt like a real person. Or there were no "stakes" for her because nothing that she did mattered. I don't know; it's hard to explain. Something was definitely missing from Audrey but I couldn't ever figure out what it was.
Jude was an interesting character. He's a legitimate son of an aristocrat but his father's family disowned him and his mother when his father died. Since he was no longer titled, he had to eventually take up a trade and was welcomed into Audrey's family as their man of affairs. First, he grew up with Audrey and her brother Edward (the future duke). He became like family and the Woodleys loved him like a son or a brother. Later, when Jude needed a job, he became Edward's man of business. So Jude had to straddle the line between being a family member and being a servant. I really felt for him and hated that he didn't have the freedom to be who he was supposed to be. But he was a good man, was very smart, and he loved Audrey to distraction so it was easy to like him.
The Sexy Time was very plentiful and super hot. There was a lot more Sexy Time here than in most historical romance novels. I would almost classify this as an erotic historical romance. I only wish I had connected to Audrey more. The relationship between her and Jude felt more one-sided because she only seemed to be parroting emotions as opposed to actually feeling them. Again, it's tough to explain but Audrey didn't move me at all.
This was a pretty good book. I didn't love the heroine but the hero was pretty great. There is a great deal that hadn't been explained by the end of the book though. Audrey has a sister, Claire, who run away and/or was abducted but her disappearance wasn't really a disappearance and I didn't have enough of a connection with anyone to care about her at all. That's important because her absence is what keeps a dark cloud hanging over the whole family and over the book in general. There were no laughs and this is not what I would call a fun book to read. But this author has already proven, at least to me, that she can write really great books that I love so I'll probably stick around for the next book in this series.
I've read a few of Jess Michaels' books and have really enjoyed them. The Notorious Flynns series was really great. This book starts a new historical romance series for her with The Wicked Woodleys. I enjoyed this book but something was missing...
I thought Audrey was just an okay character. The problem was that I never really connected with her all that much. She had all the right characteristics: sweet, innocent, kind, trusting. But she felt... I don't know... robotic to me. Like, she was going through the motions of being a real person but she never actually felt like a real person. Or there were no "stakes" for her because nothing that she did mattered. I don't know; it's hard to explain. Something was definitely missing from Audrey but I couldn't ever figure out what it was.
Jude was an interesting character. He's a legitimate son of an aristocrat but his father's family disowned him and his mother when his father died. Since he was no longer titled, he had to eventually take up a trade and was welcomed into Audrey's family as their man of affairs. First, he grew up with Audrey and her brother Edward (the future duke). He became like family and the Woodleys loved him like a son or a brother. Later, when Jude needed a job, he became Edward's man of business. So Jude had to straddle the line between being a family member and being a servant. I really felt for him and hated that he didn't have the freedom to be who he was supposed to be. But he was a good man, was very smart, and he loved Audrey to distraction so it was easy to like him.
The Sexy Time was very plentiful and super hot. There was a lot more Sexy Time here than in most historical romance novels. I would almost classify this as an erotic historical romance. I only wish I had connected to Audrey more. The relationship between her and Jude felt more one-sided because she only seemed to be parroting emotions as opposed to actually feeling them. Again, it's tough to explain but Audrey didn't move me at all.
This was a pretty good book. I didn't love the heroine but the hero was pretty great. There is a great deal that hadn't been explained by the end of the book though. Audrey has a sister, Claire, who run away and/or was abducted but her disappearance wasn't really a disappearance and I didn't have enough of a connection with anyone to care about her at all. That's important because her absence is what keeps a dark cloud hanging over the whole family and over the book in general. There were no laughs and this is not what I would call a fun book to read. But this author has already proven, at least to me, that she can write really great books that I love so I'll probably stick around for the next book in this series.
August 19, 2015
Every time I read a book by Jess Michaels, I feel the need for a cold shower and a cigarette afterwards. In the case of FORBIDDEN, the first in the Wicked Woodleys series, I also needed a tissue for a few tears.
After numerous family disappointments that have shaped his life, Jude Samson has accepted his lot in life. Taken in as family by the Woodleys and treated as a brother, Jude is eldest brother, Edward Woodley's man of business, but ever since he was a young man he has held Woodley sibling, Audrey in the highest of regards. No one knows that beneath his cool demeanor, Jude has the most passionate of thoughts about Audrey.
When Audrey's sister Claire runs off to marry a rogue who would ruin her, the entire family is affected by her loss, but Audrey the most since the sisters had been so close. Believing that passion is the downfall of her family, Audrey tries her best to hold her emotions at bay. Now in her twenty-fourth year, it is time for her to settle on a husband, but Audrey can only think of the man her family took in so many years ago, Jude Samson.
Noting that Audrey has been discomfited and withdrawn as of late, her mother suggests the two of them depart for the family's country estate, which will be her dower home since Edward has re-married, to help her in renovating some of the rooms to her taste. When Edward tasks Jude with helping the pair in these renovations he unknowingly throws a match into a box of tinder by having Jude and Audrey spend time alone.
Audrey's fear of passion is chipped away when she begins to realize that Jude feels as deeply for her as she for him, but only an affair will be possible between these two since Jude has a few skeletons in his closet that could leave him tossed aside by the Woodleys if they find out that he has something to do with Claire's disappearance. Although Jude also feels he is only a servant to the Woodleys, Audrey knows that is not true, but convincing Jude he is worthy of her is difficult. Jude's and Audrey's illicit affair teems with desire, but will it be enough to purge the emotions that bring the two together. Methinks not.
Where does one go after Jess Michaels NOTORIOUS FLYNNS? Why the WICKED WOODLEYS, of course. FORBIDDEN is a not only a tale with great passion, it is also one of familial love and kinship. After Claire's disappearance the Woodleys struggle to keep one another close even with such loss. The Woodleys evident love for one another is alluring and wonderful. Jude is a strong male on a mission, to put his baser feelings for the beauty named Audrey aside. Happily, he fails in that regard and thus he and the fiery Audrey make for a steamy tale. I look forward to more about the Woodleys as I have now adopted them as my own.
~KIMBERLY~
February 10, 2016
I am so glad when Mrs. Jess Michaels's continued with a new series "The Wicked Woodleys from the previous the Notorious Flynns series. Lady Audrey Woodley could never find the right guy for her because she is in love with Jude Samson. She knows he will never look at her in that way. Jude Samson know his status in the ton. He will never be good enough for Lady Audrey. Not when he works for her brother. He can't keep her out of his mind and his heart. When they are forced together for a project. The sparks fly. You have to hold on to keep the stream from fogging up your glasses. This is a wonderful book and I can't wait for read more this series. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher thru NetGalley for an honest review. This fact has no effect on my review in any way.
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August 17, 2015
I received Forbidden for free in exchange for an honest review.
Probably closer to a 3.5.
Forbidden is considered an erotic romance, and with good reason. It definitely has a strong erotic bent, where the focus is on the physical relationship. Seriously. There's sex. And a lot of it.
That is not a complaint. Not a complaint AT ALL.
It's just, if you're looking for a typical historical romance, this is likely not the book for you. Forbidden is focused on the relationship between Jude and Audrey and while there are factors that keep them apart, they don't necessarily drive the plot forward.
One thing that erotica struggles with is the love/sex line, and Jess Michaels skirts that nicely by presenting us with two characters who have loved each other from afar for years, but haven't been able to act on them because of their positions and expectations. That made their sexual tension incredibly believable and hot.
The one issue I had with this was that a lot of motivations are told to us. Audrey is afraid of passion, etc. And while this is fine, it wasn't enough for me to connect to her character and why she acted the way she did. I didn't know enough of Audrey's family and what they'd gone through for me to understand it, and the plot thread of Claire was not really resolved. It was more than a tease than anything. I would have liked more closure on it, but I also figure that Claire's story will be woven throughout the other Wicked Woodleys stories.
If you're looking for a decent erotica with a historical romantic bent, Forbidden is a good option. I'd pick up more Jess Michaels books.
Probably closer to a 3.5.
Forbidden is considered an erotic romance, and with good reason. It definitely has a strong erotic bent, where the focus is on the physical relationship. Seriously. There's sex. And a lot of it.
That is not a complaint. Not a complaint AT ALL.
It's just, if you're looking for a typical historical romance, this is likely not the book for you. Forbidden is focused on the relationship between Jude and Audrey and while there are factors that keep them apart, they don't necessarily drive the plot forward.
One thing that erotica struggles with is the love/sex line, and Jess Michaels skirts that nicely by presenting us with two characters who have loved each other from afar for years, but haven't been able to act on them because of their positions and expectations. That made their sexual tension incredibly believable and hot.
The one issue I had with this was that a lot of motivations are told to us. Audrey is afraid of passion, etc. And while this is fine, it wasn't enough for me to connect to her character and why she acted the way she did. I didn't know enough of Audrey's family and what they'd gone through for me to understand it, and the plot thread of Claire was not really resolved. It was more than a tease than anything. I would have liked more closure on it, but I also figure that Claire's story will be woven throughout the other Wicked Woodleys stories.
If you're looking for a decent erotica with a historical romantic bent, Forbidden is a good option. I'd pick up more Jess Michaels books.
February 13, 2016
This is the first book in the series : The Wicked Woodleys". I have read several Jess Michaels books and she never lets me down. Her books are really a good, quick and a hot read! Our hero, Jude Samson is seen a brother of sorts to the Woodley family. But Jude does not have "brotherly" feelings toward the heroine and youngest of the family. Our heroine, it would appear that Jude has another secret of sorts to keep them from finding out. Lady Audrey is missing her sister, that left a year ago. Also she is trying deal with her feelings for Jude as he is doing with his feelings for her. Neither knows the other one is feeling more than friendship toward each other. This starts our story of love and passion with them being put to the test by being off on the family country estate. I am so glad to have this book and hope that you to will enjoy it!
July 30, 2019
Although this has an interesting plot, the execution is a tad slow-moving. I usually enjoy Miss Michael's books but this one was hard to get through. I am going to skip #2 & #3 because I am really curious about #4, Claire's story.
However, I must say I liked the chemistry between Jude and Lady Audrey. I am also glad her family helped Jude work through his issues when they could have just turned their backs on him.
However, I must say I liked the chemistry between Jude and Lady Audrey. I am also glad her family helped Jude work through his issues when they could have just turned their backs on him.
November 3, 2020
This was fine. It ended up being my final read with Audible Escape.
For a book to be called "Forbidden" this wasn't that forbidden. The forbidden aspect was that the hero was the man of affairs for the heroine's brother. And the brother has a high ranking title. However, it was very clearly established that the hero was a part of their family and was more friend/family than servant. He was also born to a titled father, but his father's family basically doesn't acknowledge him or his mother after the father's death. Because of all that, any forbidden aspect was gone. So I never got a forbidden vibe from this relationship. Besides the secret that the hero is keeping from the family, there wasn't much standing in the way of them being together.
Overall this was fine. I liked the characters, I liked the narration, and I finished this story in a few hours but there wasn't a whole lot that gripped me and I have zero interest in continuing with the series.
For a book to be called "Forbidden" this wasn't that forbidden. The forbidden aspect was that the hero was the man of affairs for the heroine's brother. And the brother has a high ranking title. However, it was very clearly established that the hero was a part of their family and was more friend/family than servant. He was also born to a titled father, but his father's family basically doesn't acknowledge him or his mother after the father's death. Because of all that, any forbidden aspect was gone. So I never got a forbidden vibe from this relationship. Besides the secret that the hero is keeping from the family, there wasn't much standing in the way of them being together.
Overall this was fine. I liked the characters, I liked the narration, and I finished this story in a few hours but there wasn't a whole lot that gripped me and I have zero interest in continuing with the series.
July 7, 2017
Wenn ein Buch mit einer Hochzeit beginnt, das Brautpaar aber nicht die Hauptpersonnen sind, denke ich immer ob ich gerade den zweiten Teil einer Serie lese. Diesmal bin ich mitten im Buch drauf gekommen, dass ich die Geschichte des Brautpaares schon gelesen habe. Sie gehört zu einer anderen Serie. Also zuerst die Notorious Flynn Serie lesen und dann diese Serie.
August 8, 2015
*I got this copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
As everybody probably know I love Jess Michael’s books – her stories, her characters, her way of describing fashion and the dialogues of course. This one is the 1st of a new series called “The Wicked Woodleys”.
Audrey, the youngest of the Woodley Clan (and the only girl) is unmarried, living with her mother and has feelings for Jude Samson, her brother’s man of affairs. Because of her brother’s new marriage and many other things their mother thinks it would be the best to go to the countryside to make some renovations in Audrey’s favorite house.
Of course Audrey and Jude fall in love and she knows very well what she wants from him – passion. She wants to know how it feels to be wanted and Jude has loved her for years so in the beginning its easy for him to kiss her but the further they go the more complicated it gets. Next to all that he’s a servant and she is the sister of the boss, an aristocrat.
So Samson has to dive into his own past and the family’s past because there are secrets nobody talks about. There are things hidden …
I liked the twist with Jude’s family’s past and the things connected to it. I also really enjoyed to learn about Claire, Audrey’s sister, and why she ran away but I didn’t really get why she wants to stay with her husband but maybe – hopefully – we’ll learn more about this complex and dangerous relationship in one of the other books.
Funny was also Audrey’s mother and her illness because she had a cold, suddenly a high fever and with some herbs she is much better again. Unfortunately doctors during those years let their patients bleed quite too often, unnecessarily. Jess made a point there.
It’s a really a great book, a lovely story and I went through it within hours. I really loved it.
5*****
PS: Jess always has those covers I love so much.
As everybody probably know I love Jess Michael’s books – her stories, her characters, her way of describing fashion and the dialogues of course. This one is the 1st of a new series called “The Wicked Woodleys”.
Audrey, the youngest of the Woodley Clan (and the only girl) is unmarried, living with her mother and has feelings for Jude Samson, her brother’s man of affairs. Because of her brother’s new marriage and many other things their mother thinks it would be the best to go to the countryside to make some renovations in Audrey’s favorite house.
Of course Audrey and Jude fall in love and she knows very well what she wants from him – passion. She wants to know how it feels to be wanted and Jude has loved her for years so in the beginning its easy for him to kiss her but the further they go the more complicated it gets. Next to all that he’s a servant and she is the sister of the boss, an aristocrat.
So Samson has to dive into his own past and the family’s past because there are secrets nobody talks about. There are things hidden …
I liked the twist with Jude’s family’s past and the things connected to it. I also really enjoyed to learn about Claire, Audrey’s sister, and why she ran away but I didn’t really get why she wants to stay with her husband but maybe – hopefully – we’ll learn more about this complex and dangerous relationship in one of the other books.
Funny was also Audrey’s mother and her illness because she had a cold, suddenly a high fever and with some herbs she is much better again. Unfortunately doctors during those years let their patients bleed quite too often, unnecessarily. Jess made a point there.
It’s a really a great book, a lovely story and I went through it within hours. I really loved it.
5*****
PS: Jess always has those covers I love so much.
August 3, 2015
I was so excited to get the advanced copy of the new series "The Wicked Woodleys", there is a lot of mystery in the goings on in the family. There are 3 brothers, 2 sisters and a widowed mother. This first book focuses on the youngest sister Lady Audrey, she is 24 (almost on the shelf) being a beautiful and from a good family has not found her a husband and family. Could it be because she is hiding feelings for her brother Edwards, best friend? Jude is quite a hero, he is pretty much the NICEST hero I have ever read, in stating that he is not remotely weak or unmasculine. His lineage is as good as the Woodley family, but his father's marriage to his mother was not a marriage of advantage and both Jude and his mother suffered from this. Jude however found a family inside the Woodley household as well as the love of his life Audrey whom he has loved for 7 years. He however is at a disadvantage as he is not treated as a peer by the world and actually works for Edward making him unlikely to be considered a good match for Audrey as he is (in his mind) "the help".
The story is a buildup to a powerful, addicting relationship between our heroine and our hero, the road however is bumpy, there is a new marriage with a brother who has had a terrible marriage previously, there is a missing sister (who has apparently married a villain) and is missing. The story is a wonderful rich story and I loved the characters. I look very forward to reading the next book in the series...
thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
The story is a buildup to a powerful, addicting relationship between our heroine and our hero, the road however is bumpy, there is a new marriage with a brother who has had a terrible marriage previously, there is a missing sister (who has apparently married a villain) and is missing. The story is a wonderful rich story and I loved the characters. I look very forward to reading the next book in the series...
thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
September 13, 2023
Jude and Audrey.
He has been in love with her since he first met her. It has been years… and she also has been secretly in love with him. They are asked to remodel her summer home together which gives them lots of time together. They finally kiss… which leads to more against a tree… and then secret meetings at night in his cottage… and then a declaration of love from both but he feels he isn’t worthy and has secrets.
I loved this little love story how he has wanted her forever (hj scene of yearning) and then finally gets the girl.. and then she loves him too. He finds out later that her brothers are fine with him marrying their sister that they encourage it.
Some hot 🔥🔥❤️ scenes but mostly a lovely, long time yearning for love.
He has been in love with her since he first met her. It has been years… and she also has been secretly in love with him. They are asked to remodel her summer home together which gives them lots of time together. They finally kiss… which leads to more against a tree… and then secret meetings at night in his cottage… and then a declaration of love from both but he feels he isn’t worthy and has secrets.
I loved this little love story how he has wanted her forever (hj scene of yearning) and then finally gets the girl.. and then she loves him too. He finds out later that her brothers are fine with him marrying their sister that they encourage it.
Some hot 🔥🔥❤️ scenes but mostly a lovely, long time yearning for love.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2017
It's been a while since I've read a Jess Michaels book. After finishing this one, I can't believe I waited so long.
This story hooked me from start to finish. It has all the elements I adore. Friends turned lovers, forbidden romance, hero who secretly pines for the heroine for years, a bit of mystery and let's not forget super passionate love scenes.
The romance between the hero and heroine reminded me a little bit of Lisa Kleypas's Scandal in Spring--only steamier.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
This story hooked me from start to finish. It has all the elements I adore. Friends turned lovers, forbidden romance, hero who secretly pines for the heroine for years, a bit of mystery and let's not forget super passionate love scenes.
The romance between the hero and heroine reminded me a little bit of Lisa Kleypas's Scandal in Spring--only steamier.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
August 7, 2015
It was a nice book even if the story of Judd and Audrey was not so captivating like the others I read by jess Michaels before, anyway it was funny and entertaining to read.
Libro caruccio, anche se la storia di Judd e Audrey non é stata coinvolgente come le precedenti che ho letto, sempre scritte dalla stessa autrice, comunque divertente.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND THE PASSIONATE PEN FOR THE PREVIEW!
Libro caruccio, anche se la storia di Judd e Audrey non é stata coinvolgente come le precedenti che ho letto, sempre scritte dalla stessa autrice, comunque divertente.
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND THE PASSIONATE PEN FOR THE PREVIEW!
April 2, 2019
3.5 stars. This story has a lot of sex scenes and is only 251 pages long. I would label this book as a Historical Romance erotica. I liked it.
The things I liked about this story is the Hero is not a rake, he has had past sexual experience with widows and such but they are not so numerous. All we know about them is that when he "tupped" them he would pretend it was the heroine.
I liked that their was a strong loving bond with the heroines family.
I even liked the many sex scenes the hero and heroine had before they got caught. I enjoyed the hero and heroines HEA.
Things that were meh to me: The first is that the hero and heroine have been in love with each other for seven years without him doing any courting. (She was 17 when they meet so now 24 ish. But we know he has been in love with her for those years. However it is the heroine that has to basically be the aggressor before he breaks down and they have sexy time. (In some of their numerous sex scenes the heroine has to travel from her home around midnight to his cabin on the property alone in the dark).
Second, since he works for her brother he feels like he is beneath her and does not court her due to that. He still feels that way after sex and the author keeps this trope going on way too long for this short story. We learn through out the book that, since he feels beneath her the hero avoids her as much as he can those seven years.
Three, the Claire (heroine's sister) mystery bugged me. I started not liking Claire and what she has done to her family by disappearing. I do not care (so far) why she has married a villain. I just do not understand why she is avoiding such a loving family.
Lastly, the heroine does a tstl thing (it works out fine) to find her sister that irked me.
The things I liked about this story is the Hero is not a rake, he has had past sexual experience with widows and such but they are not so numerous. All we know about them is that when he "tupped" them he would pretend it was the heroine.
I liked that their was a strong loving bond with the heroines family.
I even liked the many sex scenes the hero and heroine had before they got caught. I enjoyed the hero and heroines HEA.
Things that were meh to me: The first is that the hero and heroine have been in love with each other for seven years without him doing any courting. (She was 17 when they meet so now 24 ish. But we know he has been in love with her for those years. However it is the heroine that has to basically be the aggressor before he breaks down and they have sexy time. (In some of their numerous sex scenes the heroine has to travel from her home around midnight to his cabin on the property alone in the dark).
Second, since he works for her brother he feels like he is beneath her and does not court her due to that. He still feels that way after sex and the author keeps this trope going on way too long for this short story. We learn through out the book that, since he feels beneath her the hero avoids her as much as he can those seven years.
Three, the Claire (heroine's sister) mystery bugged me. I started not liking Claire and what she has done to her family by disappearing. I do not care (so far) why she has married a villain. I just do not understand why she is avoiding such a loving family.
Lastly, the heroine does a tstl thing (it works out fine) to find her sister that irked me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2020
3.5 stars
I was excited to read more from Jess Michaels, especially when I found out her Wicked Woodleys series is currently available in KU. And the blurb for Forbidden in particular appealed to me, hitting on a few of my favorite tropes, like friends-to-lovers and cross-class romance where the heroine is higher in rank.
I very much liked and felt for Jude. I understood his sense of not really belonging to the aristocratic world, given the way his father’s family ostracized him, yet also finding a home with the much more compassionate Woodleys and feeling immense guilt for betraying them, both in aiding one daughter in absconding with a scoundrel (something I wish had been fleshed out a little more) and in entering into an affair with another, Audrey.
I’m a bit less sure what to think about Audrey. I can understand being afraid of giving into passion, given what it’s done to her family, but given how much depth is put into Jude’s backstory and development, she almost feels bland by comparison. She does have a bit of a plot arc of finding her sister, but I never had the sense there was a full fledged character arc for her.
And while this is definitely hotter than the other more recent Michaels books I’ve read (although more in the frequency of the scenes than the “heat” of the scenes themselves), I still felt their chemistry and was invested in that aspect as much as the external plot, even if I wasn’t 100% invested in both characters.
I enjoyed this one, and will definitely be continuing the series to see what the Woodleys get up to next. I recommend this to anyone who loves erotic historical romance.
I was excited to read more from Jess Michaels, especially when I found out her Wicked Woodleys series is currently available in KU. And the blurb for Forbidden in particular appealed to me, hitting on a few of my favorite tropes, like friends-to-lovers and cross-class romance where the heroine is higher in rank.
I very much liked and felt for Jude. I understood his sense of not really belonging to the aristocratic world, given the way his father’s family ostracized him, yet also finding a home with the much more compassionate Woodleys and feeling immense guilt for betraying them, both in aiding one daughter in absconding with a scoundrel (something I wish had been fleshed out a little more) and in entering into an affair with another, Audrey.
I’m a bit less sure what to think about Audrey. I can understand being afraid of giving into passion, given what it’s done to her family, but given how much depth is put into Jude’s backstory and development, she almost feels bland by comparison. She does have a bit of a plot arc of finding her sister, but I never had the sense there was a full fledged character arc for her.
And while this is definitely hotter than the other more recent Michaels books I’ve read (although more in the frequency of the scenes than the “heat” of the scenes themselves), I still felt their chemistry and was invested in that aspect as much as the external plot, even if I wasn’t 100% invested in both characters.
I enjoyed this one, and will definitely be continuing the series to see what the Woodleys get up to next. I recommend this to anyone who loves erotic historical romance.
August 16, 2022
3 1/2 stars. I usually love the friends-to-lovers trope, and though Jude and Audrey have good chemistry, I agree with other reviewers that you feel somewhat dumped into this storyline, as if there's an unpublished prequel out there. Audrey's sister, Claire, is missing but the details remain vague until later in the book. Family members have supposedly been looking frantically for Claire, but they never thought to get the authorities involved or at least hire Runners? That's the main tip-off that this is going to be much more about angst and steam than anything else.
While the MCs' relationship seems rather instalust-ish (is that a word?) and borders on obsessiveness--the couple just cannot control their animal urges--the plot progresses slowly. Audrey is too modern to be realistic. I wanted to like Jude, but instead mostly felt sorry for him. I would have felt more admiration if he'd confessed details that would have helped them locate the sister sooner. Also, I'm all for steam in books, but a sex scene is thrown in basically anytime the plot should be progressing, including right after a pivotal scene toward the end. The timing didn't work for me.
Just FYI: The book ends on a cliff-hanger, with the issue with Claire unresolved.
Steam level:4-5. If you like lots of explicit scenes, you'll probably enjoy this book more than I did.
While the MCs' relationship seems rather instalust-ish (is that a word?) and borders on obsessiveness--the couple just cannot control their animal urges--the plot progresses slowly. Audrey is too modern to be realistic. I wanted to like Jude, but instead mostly felt sorry for him. I would have felt more admiration if he'd confessed details that would have helped them locate the sister sooner. Also, I'm all for steam in books, but a sex scene is thrown in basically anytime the plot should be progressing, including right after a pivotal scene toward the end. The timing didn't work for me.
Just FYI: The book ends on a cliff-hanger, with the issue with Claire unresolved.
Steam level:4-5. If you like lots of explicit scenes, you'll probably enjoy this book more than I did.
December 31, 2016
What a naughty, randy girl is that Lady Aubrey! After watching what passion has done to her family members, from the distructive marriages of her siblings to the heartache her mom suffered after the death of her father, Aubrey Woodley is afraid to enter into an intimate relationship. Perhaps that is why after numerous seasons with The Ton, she still finds herself unwed. Her mother determines it is time for a break from the London social scene, so the two find themselves at their country abode, being remodeled as her mom's dowager house. Accompanying them is Aubrey's childhood heartthrob, Jude Samson. Born the grandson of a viscount, he was never quite accepted into that family due to their disapproval of his father's choice of bride, so it is not surprising that upon his dad's death, both mother and son found themselves permanently estranged. When Edmund Woodley offered him a job as steward to his estate, Samson quickly becomes like a member of the family, but Aubrey definitely doesn't think of him as a brother. From the moment they met, she felt a strong attraction to this adopted sibling. Due to their close proximity in this out of the way locale, she decides he just might be the one to help her get over this fear of ardor - someone she implicitly trusts. Unable to thwart her forward advances, Samson awakens Aubrey's inner libido, not only taking her virginity, but introducing her to pleasures she can't resist. The affair is only supposed to last for the three weeks they are relegated to the solitude of country life, especially with mom sick in bed with a cold. Samson, who secretly has been in love with Aubrey from the first time he saw her, experiences a variety of feelings from anger about being used to guilt at betraying her brothers who have befriended him, but mostly he is consumed with pure lust. The two lovebirds can't keep their hands off of each other and they explore their sexuality, not only in his cabin, but all over the grounds. Aubrey is a natural, giving as good as she gets as she discovers the joys associated with passion. Yet when her mother's cold turns into something more serious, her maid threatens to reveal all, and her brothers show up, the fun and games appear to be over. Complications ensue as reality returns to their lives and guilty secrets are revealed.
Forbidden by Jess Michaels is book one in the Wicked Woodley's Series. A continuation of the Notorious Flynns series, this Regency Romance picks up after the marriage of Mary Quinn to Edmund, the Marquis of Woodley, detailed in the novella A Marquis for Mary (The Notorious Flynns, #5). As Mary acclimates to her new husband and inlaws, we discover that sister-in-law Claire has run off with a con man and now lives a life of crime, refusing to return home to her loved ones, including her twin brother Gabriel. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance are merely alluded to, leaving the reader searching for a nonexistent prequel to explain the backstory.
This book is definitely one note, with too much repetitive introspection (even the sexual encounters, although erotic, become same old/same old) and not enough of a plot to sustain an entire book. The story I wanted to read was the one about Claire and her evil spouse. Now that sounded interesting. My guess is that Claire's story is the glue which will bind the series together, with Michaels teasing us by slowly revealing the details until the last book in the series ties it all up in a neat bow. This will be fine if the other stories garner our interest, but this first book was a disappointment. Hopefully younger brother Evans love affair will contain a meatier tale and the Flynns (who always entertain) will actually play a role in the continuing saga. Two and a half stars
Forbidden by Jess Michaels is book one in the Wicked Woodley's Series. A continuation of the Notorious Flynns series, this Regency Romance picks up after the marriage of Mary Quinn to Edmund, the Marquis of Woodley, detailed in the novella A Marquis for Mary (The Notorious Flynns, #5). As Mary acclimates to her new husband and inlaws, we discover that sister-in-law Claire has run off with a con man and now lives a life of crime, refusing to return home to her loved ones, including her twin brother Gabriel. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance are merely alluded to, leaving the reader searching for a nonexistent prequel to explain the backstory.
This book is definitely one note, with too much repetitive introspection (even the sexual encounters, although erotic, become same old/same old) and not enough of a plot to sustain an entire book. The story I wanted to read was the one about Claire and her evil spouse. Now that sounded interesting. My guess is that Claire's story is the glue which will bind the series together, with Michaels teasing us by slowly revealing the details until the last book in the series ties it all up in a neat bow. This will be fine if the other stories garner our interest, but this first book was a disappointment. Hopefully younger brother Evans love affair will contain a meatier tale and the Flynns (who always entertain) will actually play a role in the continuing saga. Two and a half stars
September 17, 2020
Thumbs Up!
Jess Michaels has written a really captivating romantic story in this, the first of the series.
In it you meet a family, the Woodleys, in their story filled with a broken marriage, and newly wedded couple, a caring mother, a lost sister and above all, two fascinating main characters, Audrey and Jude who are steadfast in their personal beliefs and ideas and blindly follow them.
Of course, after all the goings on, they both admit to their love for each other and there is a happy ever after ending - it wouldn't be a Historical Romance if there wasn't, now would it?
But, it is so nicely written that it kept me reading and getting more and more involved with these characters and their stories.
This author doesn't disappoint and I am giving this one a big "thumbs up", mainly for the purely enjoyable experience of reading it!
Jess Michaels has written a really captivating romantic story in this, the first of the series.
In it you meet a family, the Woodleys, in their story filled with a broken marriage, and newly wedded couple, a caring mother, a lost sister and above all, two fascinating main characters, Audrey and Jude who are steadfast in their personal beliefs and ideas and blindly follow them.
Of course, after all the goings on, they both admit to their love for each other and there is a happy ever after ending - it wouldn't be a Historical Romance if there wasn't, now would it?
But, it is so nicely written that it kept me reading and getting more and more involved with these characters and their stories.
This author doesn't disappoint and I am giving this one a big "thumbs up", mainly for the purely enjoyable experience of reading it!
December 8, 2024
I thought I had enjoyed Danielle O'Farrell's narration in the past but she really got on my nerves with this book. Her male voice is always pinched, forced, and gruff no matter whether he is supposed to be speaking softly, seductively, even conversational voice, or making strong declarations; it's all the same grating voice.
It's already chapter 10 and I know nothing about either of the two main characters. The story is weak, same ole, same ole he pines for Audrey, Audrey wants him to provide a sexual education, they are intimate like rabbits, and some mysterious angst is a consistent cloud.
If you're reading for the sex, 🌶🌶🌶 search for it, read it, and you'll get all that is worthwhile in this book because otherwise it's a huge disappointment 😞
It's already chapter 10 and I know nothing about either of the two main characters. The story is weak, same ole, same ole he pines for Audrey, Audrey wants him to provide a sexual education, they are intimate like rabbits, and some mysterious angst is a consistent cloud.
If you're reading for the sex, 🌶🌶🌶 search for it, read it, and you'll get all that is worthwhile in this book because otherwise it's a huge disappointment 😞
dnf
December 3, 2018Ugh, DNF at about 25% ... I usually adore historical romance novels (particularly British Regency), and I'm rather fond of the friends to lovers trope, so I was looking forward to this. It's not that anything was particularly wrong or bad, but I could not get into the story and didn't care for either of the main characters. I enjoy a bit of heat and sex in my romances when it is done well and fits within the story and the characters. This jumped in pretty quickly with some heavy grinding and fingering, which just did not work with the story. IDK, probably just me, I'm sure others may enjoy this. I hate not finishing a book, but there are just too many better books in the genre.
November 3, 2016
"For years he had born a secret. And with each passing day, it weighed more heavily on him."
THE STORY: Lady Audrey Woodley has been fascinated with Jude Samson for years. The friend and man of business of her older brother, the Marquis of Woodley. Although born of a good family, Jude and his mother were shunned by his father's family after his death and Jude has had to make his own way in the world. Although Jude has strong feelings for Audrey, he knows that they have no future together. He believes that his status as an employee disqualifies him from having a relationship with Audrey. Even worse, Jude has been keeping secrets that he knows that will make Audrey hate him if she knew. When the two end up unchaperoned at the family's country estate, Jude and Audrey cannot contain the passion that bursts between them. Jude knows that when his secrets are discovered that Audrey will never forgive him and he risks losing the family he loves.
OPINION: Michaels introduces readers to a fun, intriguing, sexy family that have enough secrets to justify the series that this books kicks off.
The Woodleys siblings are comprised of Edward (the Marquis), Evan, Gabriel, Claire and Audrey. Edward is newly married (A MARQUIS FOR MARY). The older sister has disappeared after running off to marry a man who turned out to be a scoundrel. Claire's disappearance negatively effects all the members of the family -- most especially Audrey who now fears passion as a result. Audrey is supposed to be hunting for a husband, but has lost interest because she worries about allowing her passions to lead her astray.
To give Audrey a break from the Season, her mother and she travel to the family’s country house that is being remodeled. Edward sends an unhappy Jude along to handle the business issues. Their seclusion allows the longtime friendship between Jude and Audrey to blossom into passion and love. Audrey and Jude do not plan on a longtime relationship even though each is attached to the other. Their passionate relationship begins on the excuse of showing Audrey that she doesn’t have to fear passion, but both clearly know that it is only an excuse and the trust is that Jude and Audrey have wanted one another for years.
The characters here are fresh and fun. Like the Flynn series, the Woodleys are not stuffy, staid typical ton. This is a family and they have deep connections to one another and their missing sibling has left a hole in their lives. Each of the siblings experiences that differently and Michael has managed to distinguish each of the Woodley siblings through their response to their loss.
Audrey is the more reasonable daughter. After what happened to Claire, Audrey fears and yet yearns for passion and love. She is not bound by convention and doesn’t allow expectations to interfere with her desire for Jude.
Jude has wanted a family like the Woodleys. Although they consider him a part of the family, Jude has been damaged by the rejection of his own family and cannot help but expect for the Woodleys to ultimately reject him as well. He knows that his affair with Audrey will ultimately separate him from the only family he has ever known but he cannot resist her. He wants the chance to love her and to show her that she doesn’t have to fear her passions. Jude has made poor decisions in the past and believes that Audrey will never forgive him. He is filled with guilt and yet continues to do what he feels best even if it means lying to Audrey.
I love these books where there are conflicts arising over the stations of the characters and Michaels does a great job reversing the usual trope of the woman being of a lower working class. (Michaels has a similar cross-station story in the excellent NO GENTLEMAN FOR GEORGINA). This book doesn’t shy from confronting the inadequacy that Jude feels because he is employed by Audrey’s brother.
What is also wonderful is the strong love that the Woodleys have for one another – and also for Jude even though he insists on not accepting that the Woodleys really do see him as family.
Finally, this book is really hot. Michaels has built on a true emotional relationship to make the sexual relationship between these characters not only hot and sexy, but also emotionally engaging. Michaels does a great job in writing hot sex scenes and her most recent books have also created fully developed engaging characters. Her characters are likeable people and it makes it easier to root for their happy endings.
WORTH MENTIONING: There is a fascinating story regarding the missing sister Claire that I look forward to discovering more about in future books. Her story appears to be an ongoing dilemma for the family that will cover several books.
FINAL DECISION: Likeable characters, sexy romance and secrets that threaten to tear them apart, FORBIDDEN is definitely a book I recommend. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to find out more about these Woodleys.
CONNECTED BOOKS: FORBIDDEN is the first book in the Wicked Woodley's series. There is a prequel story about the oldest brother called A Marquis for Mary. That novella is not necessary to read to enjoy this book, but I recommend reading it first anyway because it introduces the Woodley family.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in order to provide an honest review of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
THE STORY: Lady Audrey Woodley has been fascinated with Jude Samson for years. The friend and man of business of her older brother, the Marquis of Woodley. Although born of a good family, Jude and his mother were shunned by his father's family after his death and Jude has had to make his own way in the world. Although Jude has strong feelings for Audrey, he knows that they have no future together. He believes that his status as an employee disqualifies him from having a relationship with Audrey. Even worse, Jude has been keeping secrets that he knows that will make Audrey hate him if she knew. When the two end up unchaperoned at the family's country estate, Jude and Audrey cannot contain the passion that bursts between them. Jude knows that when his secrets are discovered that Audrey will never forgive him and he risks losing the family he loves.
OPINION: Michaels introduces readers to a fun, intriguing, sexy family that have enough secrets to justify the series that this books kicks off.
The Woodleys siblings are comprised of Edward (the Marquis), Evan, Gabriel, Claire and Audrey. Edward is newly married (A MARQUIS FOR MARY). The older sister has disappeared after running off to marry a man who turned out to be a scoundrel. Claire's disappearance negatively effects all the members of the family -- most especially Audrey who now fears passion as a result. Audrey is supposed to be hunting for a husband, but has lost interest because she worries about allowing her passions to lead her astray.
To give Audrey a break from the Season, her mother and she travel to the family’s country house that is being remodeled. Edward sends an unhappy Jude along to handle the business issues. Their seclusion allows the longtime friendship between Jude and Audrey to blossom into passion and love. Audrey and Jude do not plan on a longtime relationship even though each is attached to the other. Their passionate relationship begins on the excuse of showing Audrey that she doesn’t have to fear passion, but both clearly know that it is only an excuse and the trust is that Jude and Audrey have wanted one another for years.
The characters here are fresh and fun. Like the Flynn series, the Woodleys are not stuffy, staid typical ton. This is a family and they have deep connections to one another and their missing sibling has left a hole in their lives. Each of the siblings experiences that differently and Michael has managed to distinguish each of the Woodley siblings through their response to their loss.
Audrey is the more reasonable daughter. After what happened to Claire, Audrey fears and yet yearns for passion and love. She is not bound by convention and doesn’t allow expectations to interfere with her desire for Jude.
Jude has wanted a family like the Woodleys. Although they consider him a part of the family, Jude has been damaged by the rejection of his own family and cannot help but expect for the Woodleys to ultimately reject him as well. He knows that his affair with Audrey will ultimately separate him from the only family he has ever known but he cannot resist her. He wants the chance to love her and to show her that she doesn’t have to fear her passions. Jude has made poor decisions in the past and believes that Audrey will never forgive him. He is filled with guilt and yet continues to do what he feels best even if it means lying to Audrey.
I love these books where there are conflicts arising over the stations of the characters and Michaels does a great job reversing the usual trope of the woman being of a lower working class. (Michaels has a similar cross-station story in the excellent NO GENTLEMAN FOR GEORGINA). This book doesn’t shy from confronting the inadequacy that Jude feels because he is employed by Audrey’s brother.
What is also wonderful is the strong love that the Woodleys have for one another – and also for Jude even though he insists on not accepting that the Woodleys really do see him as family.
Finally, this book is really hot. Michaels has built on a true emotional relationship to make the sexual relationship between these characters not only hot and sexy, but also emotionally engaging. Michaels does a great job in writing hot sex scenes and her most recent books have also created fully developed engaging characters. Her characters are likeable people and it makes it easier to root for their happy endings.
WORTH MENTIONING: There is a fascinating story regarding the missing sister Claire that I look forward to discovering more about in future books. Her story appears to be an ongoing dilemma for the family that will cover several books.
FINAL DECISION: Likeable characters, sexy romance and secrets that threaten to tear them apart, FORBIDDEN is definitely a book I recommend. I can't wait to read the next book in the series to find out more about these Woodleys.
CONNECTED BOOKS: FORBIDDEN is the first book in the Wicked Woodley's series. There is a prequel story about the oldest brother called A Marquis for Mary. That novella is not necessary to read to enjoy this book, but I recommend reading it first anyway because it introduces the Woodley family.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in order to provide an honest review of the book. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own.
December 3, 2017
Jude has always loved Audrey but with his lies by omission and him being a working man almost like a servant in some peoples eyes he knows he’ll never have her. Audrey has never thought of Jude in a brotherly way and when they are thrown together while redecorating her mother’s dowager house things just happen and they become lovers. But when her mother becomes extremely ill and she finally finds out about Jude’s omissions things change. A great read, can’t wait to read more about the family.
January 2, 2019
Was interesting, but way too steamy and explicit for my taste. However, the Woodley family is intriguing. This book is the first in the series, but it feels like we are stepping into the middle of the story with Edward marrying Mary and constant allusions to the mysteriously missing sister Claire. Audrey and Jude carry on a rather implausible affair while Lady Woodley lies ill. Audrey sneaking off in her robe and nightshift to Jude’s cottage at midnight is wholly improbable, but makes for easy love-making. Romance is good, and I like the members of the Woodley family. Despite the 3 stars, I am reading the series to find out more about Claire’s story.
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