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The Wicked Woodleys #2
Deceived
Josie Westfall spent a lifetime feeling alone and bullied and an unfortunate incident involving her best friend’s brother, Evan, only made things worse. Still, when she and her mother are invited to the wedding he will be attending, they can’t exactly refuse. She hopes to avoid him, but instead they are thrown together and she is shocked to find that she actually begins to like the man she’s thought of as an enemy for years.
Evan has always felt terrible about what he said to Josie years before, but he’s never quite been able to make it up to her. When he tries, he discovers Josie may have a few secrets and some information about his missing sister. Now he must decide, should he betray her by trading on the unexpected attraction between them and discover what she knows? Or could the possibility of love be worth more than anything else?
Length: Full-length novel
Sensuality level: Hot and steamy
This book can be read as a stand-alone novel, but is part of a series (The Wicked Woodleys).
Evan has always felt terrible about what he said to Josie years before, but he’s never quite been able to make it up to her. When he tries, he discovers Josie may have a few secrets and some information about his missing sister. Now he must decide, should he betray her by trading on the unexpected attraction between them and discover what she knows? Or could the possibility of love be worth more than anything else?
Length: Full-length novel
Sensuality level: Hot and steamy
This book can be read as a stand-alone novel, but is part of a series (The Wicked Woodleys).
236 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2015
351 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
Jess Michaels
128 books1,576 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 87 reviews
January 11, 2020
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I ended up quite enjoying this one!
I listened to the audiobook and the reader (Danielle O'Farrell) does a fine job.
The series rides on the ongoing mystery of what happened to the Woodley's younger sister Claire, who ran off with some guy. I haven't read the first one, so that's all I know except for what I read in the premise for Claire's book.
When they were kids, Josie had a huge crush on her BF's brother Evan... until he crushed her crush by calling her a mean name in front of a mean girl he was trying to impress.
Years later (Josie is now 26) she still won't accept his apology and he still feels ashamed and guilty whenever he sees her. But he doesn't realize how much she was bullied by others and how much his 'mean name' has been a part of that bullying.
Now it's been 4 years since the last time they've seen each other. (A little difficult to believe when they all move in similar circles...)
But Evan and his brothers suspect that Josie knows how to contact Claire and so Evan agrees to trade on her crush on him, to covertly pump her for info. He has no trouble agreeing to this because he now finds himself lusting after her curvaceous body.
For the first 45% Evan is a bit of a shit. He lusts after her but doesn't want to pursue his attraction because he wouldn't want to ruin her. It bothered me that it didn't occur to him that they could have something more together than lust. Especially after they have a heart to heart about their pasts and he starts to see just how much he wronged her.
But at 50% he redeemed himself by standing up for her against a couple mean girls at a ball.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them growing closer and Evan's determination to marry her after their hanky panky goes too far.
Of course towards the end Evan makes a dumb move again, but he arranges a dramatic grovel that was just lovely and perfect.
The next book is about his younger brother Gabriel... who was such a turd in this one that I will probably skip that one.
Safety is good
I ended up quite enjoying this one!
I listened to the audiobook and the reader (Danielle O'Farrell) does a fine job.
The series rides on the ongoing mystery of what happened to the Woodley's younger sister Claire, who ran off with some guy. I haven't read the first one, so that's all I know except for what I read in the premise for Claire's book.
When they were kids, Josie had a huge crush on her BF's brother Evan... until he crushed her crush by calling her a mean name in front of a mean girl he was trying to impress.
Years later (Josie is now 26) she still won't accept his apology and he still feels ashamed and guilty whenever he sees her. But he doesn't realize how much she was bullied by others and how much his 'mean name' has been a part of that bullying.
Now it's been 4 years since the last time they've seen each other. (A little difficult to believe when they all move in similar circles...)
But Evan and his brothers suspect that Josie knows how to contact Claire and so Evan agrees to trade on her crush on him, to covertly pump her for info. He has no trouble agreeing to this because he now finds himself lusting after her curvaceous body.
For the first 45% Evan is a bit of a shit. He lusts after her but doesn't want to pursue his attraction because he wouldn't want to ruin her. It bothered me that it didn't occur to him that they could have something more together than lust. Especially after they have a heart to heart about their pasts and he starts to see just how much he wronged her.
But at 50% he redeemed himself by standing up for her against a couple mean girls at a ball.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them growing closer and Evan's determination to marry her after their hanky panky goes too far.
Of course towards the end Evan makes a dumb move again, but he arranges a dramatic grovel that was just lovely and perfect.
The next book is about his younger brother Gabriel... who was such a turd in this one that I will probably skip that one.
Safety is good
August 10, 2020
Pity me as I pity me
The h's self-esteem issues drove me nuts!
Curves! Weren't they okay in those times? Why do these hs have so much problems with them especially when the hotter than hell Hs cannot keep their hands off them?
Though how can these spinsters/plain Janes/bluestockings/wallflowers make the eligible, much sought after Hs salivate after them, when no one else even notices their charms for 4-5-more seasons? One cosmic mystery that I'm yet to solve.
She always had a thing for him, even when she was a 'pudgy' 10-year-old and he made fun of her to impress an older girl. So, the love-hate relationship (all on her side) continues till he discovers the new her (less pudgy but still plain and not 'taken'), years later and is smitten -- or smut-ten if we take into account their 'activities'. She coerces him into intimacy (his demur is really token) after laying on the 'poor me no one finds me attractive not even you' lament.
The incoming MU, by the way, is discernible even from outer space.
The h's self-esteem issues drove me nuts!
Curves! Weren't they okay in those times? Why do these hs have so much problems with them especially when the hotter than hell Hs cannot keep their hands off them?
Though how can these spinsters/plain Janes/bluestockings/wallflowers make the eligible, much sought after Hs salivate after them, when no one else even notices their charms for 4-5-more seasons? One cosmic mystery that I'm yet to solve.
She always had a thing for him, even when she was a 'pudgy' 10-year-old and he made fun of her to impress an older girl. So, the love-hate relationship (all on her side) continues till he discovers the new her (less pudgy but still plain and not 'taken'), years later and is smitten -- or smut-ten if we take into account their 'activities'. She coerces him into intimacy (his demur is really token) after laying on the 'poor me no one finds me attractive not even you' lament.
The incoming MU, by the way, is discernible even from outer space.
January 23, 2020
2,5 stars because sweetness is boring for me. 🙈
September 16, 2015
Jess Michaels never fails to do me in with each and every book she writes. DECEIVED the second in the Wicked Woodleys series in no exception with her wonderful writing and her passionate love scenes.
Evan broke her heart when she was just an impressionable child with stars in her eyes for the handsome boy a few years her senior. The fallout from his betrayal over a decade before still follows Josie Westfall with quips from the ton and has affected her in every facade of her life. Josie so far has done a good job of steering clear of the man who happens to be her best friend's brother. The disappearance Evan's sister Claire has been a tragedy that has hung between she and the family for a few years now.
No matter how many times Evan Hartwell, Lord Woodley attempted to apologize to Josie over the years, his apologies fell onto deaf ears. Josie would never forgive him for the awful things he said when they were younger, and now the prospect of seeing her at his sister Audrey's wedding is leaving a bad taste in his mouth.
When Josie and her mother come to Audrey's wedding Evan realizes that she is much changed in the years since he has seen her and for some reason, his attraction to her simmers under his skin. Josie still has feelings for Evan, willing them away do no good, only avoidance seems to be key.
Evan's brother Gabriel, who is also sister Claire's twin is coming to the end of his ropes with need to find his sister. Knowing that Josie and Claire were best of friends, and noticing that Josie still has eyes for Evan, Gabriel devises a plan which will use Josie's attraction to Evan in order to extract information that could lead to Claire's whereabouts. At first Evan is game, but the more time he spends in her company the more he is attracted to Josie.
Their desire for one another ignites to a full flame with Evan and Claire sharing themselves most intimately. Evan knows what he has to do, but marriage isn't what Josie set out for with Evan, especially a marriage without love. But marriage is what will be between Evan and Claire and now Evan must convince his hesitant wife that he did not just marry her for honor.
Once again author, Jess Michaels has drawn me in to her carefully constructed web and I am always happy to be captured. The mystery of Claire continues and her disappearance creates conflict in the Woodley household. Evan's character comes a long way from the teen who insulted his sister's best friend to the man who yearns to do right by his wife and find his lost sister. Josie also has a lot of growing up to do in this story. Letting go of the past is a difficult thing for someone who always feels people are deceiving and underhanded. I love her and her journey into matrimony... Once again, a great tale by a wonderful author.
Want to read
September 28, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/28/2019)! 🎁
April 3, 2019
1.5 stars Not much for me to love here. The heroine self esteem is and always has been in this story low. Woah, is our heroine because she has womanly curves. Her issues with her self esteem started when she was called horsey as a kid by the hero and the nickname stuck. Now fifteen years later, after intense dislike for the hero who called her horsey. She decides she wants to have sex it with him. On top of that our hero is deceiving her by not telling her that his interest in her at first was to get information out of her about his sister Claire. Who, for me at this point, I am tired of hearing about. They do have a hea, but the sex and emotions are not fun to read because the hero, the family, the newly made friend, her mom--all have to puff up this heroines self esteem all the time. Meh!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2015
Jess Michaels wrote another book, another one you’ll love. I don’t know how many books I have read by Jess over the last one and a half year but quite a few. When you read too much by a single writer you usually get the feeling you already know their characters and the storyline but it isn’t like that with her.
“Deceived” is the 2nd book in the “Wicked Woodleys” series and after finishing it I really have to say that I hope to read more soon.
Josie Westfall was Claire’s best friend (Claire is a Woodleys’ sister who is, let’s say, missing) and when she was a teenager she was not very attractive. One day Evan blurted out a nickname “horsey” that stick to her till today because he wanted to impress another girl. He tried to say that he is sorry more than once over the years but Josey simply ignored it because she was and is deeply hurt.
Even felt terrible for doing this to Josie but he didn’t know that people still used this nickname to tease her. He didn’t notice her for a long time but at his others sister’s wedding he finally sees her but he needs information from her, information about his missing sister because as her best friend she has to be in contact with Claire.
Of course soon he feels the need to kiss her, touch her. She may or may not have information about Claire’s wellbeing but she has something different – her innocence. Josie has had a couple of uneventful seasons and she doesn’t care for a husband but her mother pushes her towards marriage. Both her older sisters, both are more than 10 years older than she is, are married and gave birth various times. That’s why Josie isn’t very fond of her innocence, she wants to feel passion, to know how it feels to love somebody physically.
Josie isn’t a diamond of the first water and she knows that she doesn’t have the curves that fit the actual fashion because she has curves. She thinks that men do not like women with a body like hers and she likes to hide in a dark corner. Josie studies people but hasn’t been asked for a dance in ages. She is sick of her mother’s way of pushing her because she wants nothing more than to live her life without being married.
Who cannot understand her? The man who’d ask for her hand would be old or have a bunch of children who are in need of a mother.
On the other side is Evan who didn’t think about falling in love. All the Woodley’s are missing Claire and he hopes that he can get information from Josey about his sister so he wants to seduce her. In the beginning she’s a toy for him but very quickly he feels different about her.
I simply love her heroines. They aren’t perfect but so normal, like you and me, like all the readers.
I love Jess’s book a lot and I really hope that there will be more and maybe one day there will be one dealing with a pregnant heroine (not just in the epilogue) or she will give us a kinky sexy scene, with some ropes or stuff like that. There are so many different options.
Rating: 5*****
*I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
“Deceived” is the 2nd book in the “Wicked Woodleys” series and after finishing it I really have to say that I hope to read more soon.
Josie Westfall was Claire’s best friend (Claire is a Woodleys’ sister who is, let’s say, missing) and when she was a teenager she was not very attractive. One day Evan blurted out a nickname “horsey” that stick to her till today because he wanted to impress another girl. He tried to say that he is sorry more than once over the years but Josey simply ignored it because she was and is deeply hurt.
Even felt terrible for doing this to Josie but he didn’t know that people still used this nickname to tease her. He didn’t notice her for a long time but at his others sister’s wedding he finally sees her but he needs information from her, information about his missing sister because as her best friend she has to be in contact with Claire.
Of course soon he feels the need to kiss her, touch her. She may or may not have information about Claire’s wellbeing but she has something different – her innocence. Josie has had a couple of uneventful seasons and she doesn’t care for a husband but her mother pushes her towards marriage. Both her older sisters, both are more than 10 years older than she is, are married and gave birth various times. That’s why Josie isn’t very fond of her innocence, she wants to feel passion, to know how it feels to love somebody physically.
Josie isn’t a diamond of the first water and she knows that she doesn’t have the curves that fit the actual fashion because she has curves. She thinks that men do not like women with a body like hers and she likes to hide in a dark corner. Josie studies people but hasn’t been asked for a dance in ages. She is sick of her mother’s way of pushing her because she wants nothing more than to live her life without being married.
Who cannot understand her? The man who’d ask for her hand would be old or have a bunch of children who are in need of a mother.
On the other side is Evan who didn’t think about falling in love. All the Woodley’s are missing Claire and he hopes that he can get information from Josey about his sister so he wants to seduce her. In the beginning she’s a toy for him but very quickly he feels different about her.
I simply love her heroines. They aren’t perfect but so normal, like you and me, like all the readers.
I love Jess’s book a lot and I really hope that there will be more and maybe one day there will be one dealing with a pregnant heroine (not just in the epilogue) or she will give us a kinky sexy scene, with some ropes or stuff like that. There are so many different options.
Rating: 5*****
*I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
September 20, 2015
*I Received a ARC copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
Going to be honest - this was not my favorite book in the series. I enjoyed reading it and really like Evan (even though I question his intelligence). I thought he was the shining star in the book. Jocelyn aka Josie (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her name)was not my favorite heroine. I understand her hurt and even her self doubt and low self-esteem. But to hate someone for SIXTEEN years because they called you a mean name when he was THIRTEEN and you were TEN - seems a bit much. I know that name caused Josie a lot of humiliation and pain over the years - but to hate someone for that for so long made her seem petty and immature.
The ongoing theme in this series is the search for the missing sister Claire. Claire and Josie are best friends. Gabriel (Claire's twin) is convinced that Josie knows something about Claire's whereabouts and convinces Evan to get close to her in order to find out what she knows.
Stupidly, Evan thinks this is a good idea and goes out of his way to be with Josie. As the story unfolds Evan's feelings change and what seemed like a good idea becomes distasteful. I liked how Ms. Michaels handled this part of the story. She perfectly portrayed how our loved ones can guilt and manipulate us into doing things that we personally would rather not do. Evan is torn between his love for his sister and his growing feelings for Josie. Needless to say, he makes the wrong choice.
I did see Evan falling in love with Josie. And I believe that Josie for all her blustering about hating Evan, loved him all along and was just hurt that the object of her affection had in her mind, betrayed her.
The entire plot of this book was a little weak - the use of deception seemed unnecessary and contrived. I will say however, I am dying to "meet" Claire! I want to know the woman that inspires practically ever member of her family to become a moron in their quest to bring her home.
As I said at the beginning - this was not my favorite book in the series - but is was a good read and I am looking forward to Gabriel and Claire's stories.
I would recommend this book - it is well written, has steamy love scenes, a truly fantastic groveling/declaration scene and appearances by the other Woodley family members as well as some of the Flynn family.
Going to be honest - this was not my favorite book in the series. I enjoyed reading it and really like Evan (even though I question his intelligence). I thought he was the shining star in the book. Jocelyn aka Josie (LOVE, LOVE, LOVE her name)was not my favorite heroine. I understand her hurt and even her self doubt and low self-esteem. But to hate someone for SIXTEEN years because they called you a mean name when he was THIRTEEN and you were TEN - seems a bit much. I know that name caused Josie a lot of humiliation and pain over the years - but to hate someone for that for so long made her seem petty and immature.
The ongoing theme in this series is the search for the missing sister Claire. Claire and Josie are best friends. Gabriel (Claire's twin) is convinced that Josie knows something about Claire's whereabouts and convinces Evan to get close to her in order to find out what she knows.
Stupidly, Evan thinks this is a good idea and goes out of his way to be with Josie. As the story unfolds Evan's feelings change and what seemed like a good idea becomes distasteful. I liked how Ms. Michaels handled this part of the story. She perfectly portrayed how our loved ones can guilt and manipulate us into doing things that we personally would rather not do. Evan is torn between his love for his sister and his growing feelings for Josie. Needless to say, he makes the wrong choice.
I did see Evan falling in love with Josie. And I believe that Josie for all her blustering about hating Evan, loved him all along and was just hurt that the object of her affection had in her mind, betrayed her.
The entire plot of this book was a little weak - the use of deception seemed unnecessary and contrived. I will say however, I am dying to "meet" Claire! I want to know the woman that inspires practically ever member of her family to become a moron in their quest to bring her home.
As I said at the beginning - this was not my favorite book in the series - but is was a good read and I am looking forward to Gabriel and Claire's stories.
I would recommend this book - it is well written, has steamy love scenes, a truly fantastic groveling/declaration scene and appearances by the other Woodley family members as well as some of the Flynn family.
October 13, 2015
#2 in the new and exciting "The Wicked Woodleys" series, while it can be read as a stand alone, I'd suggest reading Book 1 first, "Forbidden". An intriguing tale of passion, family, secrets and romance. The mystery of Claire Woodley's whereabouts continues. This is Evan Woodley and Josie Westfall's story, and what a story, there is betrayal, deception,bullying, passion, and finding true love, through the turmoil and angst.
The love scenes are passionate, steamy and forevermore. The characters are realistic and engaging. The storyline is well written, unique, intriguing and interesting. Once again, Ms. Michaels has written a tale filled with turmoil, angst, passion, emotional and romantic. A wickedly delicious Erotic Historical Romance, one that captures the reader and has them turning pages. Fans of Ms. Michaels will not be disappointed. Deceived but loved! Another hit and a must read. I truly look forward to the next exciting installment of "The Wicked Woodleys".
*Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Gallery*
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Steamy
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
The love scenes are passionate, steamy and forevermore. The characters are realistic and engaging. The storyline is well written, unique, intriguing and interesting. Once again, Ms. Michaels has written a tale filled with turmoil, angst, passion, emotional and romantic. A wickedly delicious Erotic Historical Romance, one that captures the reader and has them turning pages. Fans of Ms. Michaels will not be disappointed. Deceived but loved! Another hit and a must read. I truly look forward to the next exciting installment of "The Wicked Woodleys".
*Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Gallery*
Rating: 5
Heat rating: Steamy
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
November 10, 2015
Book 2 in The Wicked Woodleys series and I absolutely loved it.
The book gives both characters perspectives and slowly see them falling in love even though Josie has some self-esteem issues (I'm sure we can all relate to) due to the childhood nickname of 'Horsey' given to her by Evan.
I did find Evan to be easily lead by his younger brother Gabriel (Hero in the next book) which puts him in an awkward position, which in my opinion could have been avoided if Evan & Josie just spoke to each other before he jumped head first into the situation.
I really enjoyed the ending with Evan finally realising what is important in his life and Josie finding peace with some of her insecurities.
Looking forward to the rest of the series and hopefully catching up with past characters
* 4 Stars * Highly Recommended Read
Also reviewed on:https://thebookandtheteapot.wordpress...
The book gives both characters perspectives and slowly see them falling in love even though Josie has some self-esteem issues (I'm sure we can all relate to) due to the childhood nickname of 'Horsey' given to her by Evan.
I did find Evan to be easily lead by his younger brother Gabriel (Hero in the next book) which puts him in an awkward position, which in my opinion could have been avoided if Evan & Josie just spoke to each other before he jumped head first into the situation.
I really enjoyed the ending with Evan finally realising what is important in his life and Josie finding peace with some of her insecurities.
Looking forward to the rest of the series and hopefully catching up with past characters
* 4 Stars * Highly Recommended Read
Also reviewed on:https://thebookandtheteapot.wordpress...
September 29, 2015
Evan makes a mistake in his youth that deeply wounds Josie and causes their young friendship to turn sour. Years later, she is still holding a grudge because his mistake caused others to bully her years after it happened. When Evan sees Josie again after many years, he is attracted to her in ways he never considered. Together they have to navigate through old pains and new feelings and the story reveals itself quite beautifully. I thoroughly enjoyed it! ]
**ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
**ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
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January 28, 2016DNF.
I'm halfway through the book and I feel absolutely nothing for the story or characters.
I'm halfway through the book and I feel absolutely nothing for the story or characters.
February 16, 2020
Not crazy about the hero and the heron. The heroin is pathetic, and the hero is an ass.
December 4, 2025
DNF at 45%
I really need my FMC to have a personality aside from “I’m insecure about my weight”. I can’t tell if there’s a good book here aside from that because it’s so grating that everything out of her mouth is about her weight/appearance. We’re told that she’s a reader and a bluestocking. She should have something else to talk about.
I really need my FMC to have a personality aside from “I’m insecure about my weight”. I can’t tell if there’s a good book here aside from that because it’s so grating that everything out of her mouth is about her weight/appearance. We’re told that she’s a reader and a bluestocking. She should have something else to talk about.
July 16, 2023
If I could beat the ever living shit out of a character in this series, I'd pick Gabriel.
I'm not a nice person. I am mean. Boo-hoo your twin sister ran away. You want your brother to seduce her best friend for information? GO F YOURSELF.
Can't wait to read his story next!
I'm not a nice person. I am mean. Boo-hoo your twin sister ran away. You want your brother to seduce her best friend for information? GO F YOURSELF.
Can't wait to read his story next!
Read
October 28, 2023I actively hate every character in this book. Even the side characters. Even the children. Even the characters that are mentioned but never make an appearance.
I want to purchase a physical copy of this book so I can hurl it into a fireplace.
The characters are just insufferable. If you can get past that, it’s probably fine though.
I want to purchase a physical copy of this book so I can hurl it into a fireplace.
The characters are just insufferable. If you can get past that, it’s probably fine though.
February 14, 2021
First thoughts: Oh girl, come on. If a boy had sided with a bully calling me Horsey and mocking my appearance, and then avoided me until a conversation where he came to believe I had information about his missing sister, I absolutely would never think he was watching me because he was interested in me! The obvious conclusion is that he is after whatever information I might have! After such a brilliant set-up of such harsh rejection and angst, the heroine is way too susceptible to the idea of a VERY SECRET tendre on the hero's side!
Final thoughts: Well, that was my jam in every which way. It had so many of my favorite tropes!
While I adored the angstfest, I have a couple of quibbles:
Definitely gonna pour through Jess Michaels' books to see if there are others that cater to my favorite tropes!
Final thoughts: Well, that was my jam in every which way. It had so many of my favorite tropes!
While I adored the angstfest, I have a couple of quibbles:
Definitely gonna pour through Jess Michaels' books to see if there are others that cater to my favorite tropes!
February 13, 2016
This is book two in "The Wicked Woodleys" series. I really love Jess Michaels writing. Her books are always great, emotional ad have really good 'hot' love scene. This book is about 220 pages..so just the right size for a enjoyable read. Our heroine,Josie Westfall, has been in love and with some child worship since she was little. But one day at a little gathering our hero, Evan Hartwell, Lord Woodley finds himself taken with a little bit older girl and with himself being so young doesn't consider hurting Josie feelings to be that big of a deal at the time. But he called Josie a name in front of the older girl who teased her and devastated Josie that Evan would be so cruel. Years later when they are older they find themselves at Evan's sister wedding were Evan and his brother think that Josie knows something of their missing sister Claire's whereabouts. This put Evan and his brother to try getting the information out of Josie by acting like Evan is interested in her. This starts their path for overcome such hurts and finding that they really love each other even through being deceived. I enjoyed this book and hope that you do to.
October 17, 2015
What a beautiful story - I fell in love with it. I couldn't have been better entertained whilst reading this book. Loved everything!
January 5, 2020
Cute story with a good grovel, but the hero was in the wrong. And not in a yummy alpha way, more an immature pushover way. But I am super curious about what happened to the sister.
January 26, 2020
DNF after 50%
The beginning was intriguing but the story became boring and slow quickly.
The beginning was intriguing but the story became boring and slow quickly.
January 5, 2021
I need to stop doing this to myself.
July 29, 2020
I don’t know what to think about Deceived. I’m feeling very mixed, as while there are some good ideas here, and the intent was great, I still feel a bit let down, even though I did consider it to be a possibility with the premise.
I found both characters much more engaging this time around in comparison to the previous book, in terms of both being fleshed out and both being more complex, although this did not come without caveats.
I wasn’t as bothered by Josie’s self-esteem issues, even finding them relatable, as someone who has gone through similar things. The over-emphasis on these thoughts is a little tiresome, but I can vouch for them being realistic.
However, I found myself more disappointed with Evan. I do feel he properly stoned for the initial childhood bullying, however he was also not fully aware of how the psychological impact of that bullying, piled on top by others, impacted her, leading to him (albeit reluctantly) using her as a pawn to try to wheedle information about his missing sister. I don’t believe that he fully atones for that specifically, or makes enough of a grovel/Grand Gesture to make that forgivable. I understand his intent of caring for his family and wanting to find out what happened to Claire, but the fact that she literally marries him and becomes part of his family, and he still does this? And thinking she isn’t worried about Claire too, believing she’s hiding something from him and his family?
I wanted so much more for these two, as I think they do work well together, it’s just the conflict wasn’t resolved in a satisfying way. However, I still have hope that this series will improve, especially as more breadcrumbs are unveiled about the elusive Claire. And if you happen to like hot historical romance and the blurb of this book appeals to you, I do encourage you to try it for yourself to see if you enjoy it more than I did.
I found both characters much more engaging this time around in comparison to the previous book, in terms of both being fleshed out and both being more complex, although this did not come without caveats.
I wasn’t as bothered by Josie’s self-esteem issues, even finding them relatable, as someone who has gone through similar things. The over-emphasis on these thoughts is a little tiresome, but I can vouch for them being realistic.
However, I found myself more disappointed with Evan. I do feel he properly stoned for the initial childhood bullying, however he was also not fully aware of how the psychological impact of that bullying, piled on top by others, impacted her, leading to him (albeit reluctantly) using her as a pawn to try to wheedle information about his missing sister. I don’t believe that he fully atones for that specifically, or makes enough of a grovel/Grand Gesture to make that forgivable. I understand his intent of caring for his family and wanting to find out what happened to Claire, but the fact that she literally marries him and becomes part of his family, and he still does this? And thinking she isn’t worried about Claire too, believing she’s hiding something from him and his family?
I wanted so much more for these two, as I think they do work well together, it’s just the conflict wasn’t resolved in a satisfying way. However, I still have hope that this series will improve, especially as more breadcrumbs are unveiled about the elusive Claire. And if you happen to like hot historical romance and the blurb of this book appeals to you, I do encourage you to try it for yourself to see if you enjoy it more than I did.
August 22, 2022
I read this book super quickly, because I could tell from the start what the conflict would be and the MC's aren't all that compelling. I also knew after reading the first book that there would likely be a cliffhanger ending, so I wasn't really that drawn in by the Claire mystery this time around.
Jess Michaels is a competent writer but this series is really more about smut than storyline or interesting characters. Josie spends too much time wallowing in self-pity. I like the "ugly duckling to swan" trope, but only if the heroine transforms herself by achieving personal and professional goals, making the hero salivate due to her new-found confidence. I'm not so much into the "I'm curvy in a way guys like but I have no self-esteem and will never marry so I'll just settle for sex" trope. Honestly, there are young woman who make this sort of decision in real life, and end up regretting it. Josie has convinced herself that she has little to look forward to after a silly, spiteful comment from a teen boy 16 years before, and is so obsessed with what everyone might be saying about her that even her mother mentions that she's exaggerating the gossip in her own mind.
Evan is your stock driven-by-what's-downstairs hero. He apologizes and does show caring and some vulnerability to Josie, but the Big Misunderstanding is too drawn out and there's not much of a plot that would enable him to show real depth.
Bottom line: a fast read that could have been deeper and more emotional.
Steam level: 4.
Jess Michaels is a competent writer but this series is really more about smut than storyline or interesting characters. Josie spends too much time wallowing in self-pity. I like the "ugly duckling to swan" trope, but only if the heroine transforms herself by achieving personal and professional goals, making the hero salivate due to her new-found confidence. I'm not so much into the "I'm curvy in a way guys like but I have no self-esteem and will never marry so I'll just settle for sex" trope. Honestly, there are young woman who make this sort of decision in real life, and end up regretting it. Josie has convinced herself that she has little to look forward to after a silly, spiteful comment from a teen boy 16 years before, and is so obsessed with what everyone might be saying about her that even her mother mentions that she's exaggerating the gossip in her own mind.
Evan is your stock driven-by-what's-downstairs hero. He apologizes and does show caring and some vulnerability to Josie, but the Big Misunderstanding is too drawn out and there's not much of a plot that would enable him to show real depth.
Bottom line: a fast read that could have been deeper and more emotional.
Steam level: 4.
July 16, 2023
3.5/4 stars
After a dissapointing last read by this author, I tried this - primarily because it was on KU - but also because the blurb interested me.
Evan and Josie have been friends since they were kids, and at one point he says something horrible to her in his adoloscent years. We all know how stupid teenage boys are. But of course, this only leads to Josie being bullied throughout her life - not by Evan, at least not post that first instance. So she hates him, even though he apologized many times. Slightly overdone but its alright I understand, as someone who's been bullied through childhood I guess its hard to forgive someone.
Eventually they form a friendship and budding attraction of sorts which is a delight to read. The one thing that troubled me after a point was her sense of self, she brings herself down so often and so viciously that it becomes a little overdone at times. The plot point of Evan's missing sister and his overtly determined brother is different that what I've read, so I quite enjoyed it.
A fun book for sure and I'd reccomend it to anyone who's looking for a sweet, fun, book.
P.S - I'm too intrigued about Claire now.
After a dissapointing last read by this author, I tried this - primarily because it was on KU - but also because the blurb interested me.
Evan and Josie have been friends since they were kids, and at one point he says something horrible to her in his adoloscent years. We all know how stupid teenage boys are. But of course, this only leads to Josie being bullied throughout her life - not by Evan, at least not post that first instance. So she hates him, even though he apologized many times. Slightly overdone but its alright I understand, as someone who's been bullied through childhood I guess its hard to forgive someone.
Eventually they form a friendship and budding attraction of sorts which is a delight to read. The one thing that troubled me after a point was her sense of self, she brings herself down so often and so viciously that it becomes a little overdone at times. The plot point of Evan's missing sister and his overtly determined brother is different that what I've read, so I quite enjoyed it.
A fun book for sure and I'd reccomend it to anyone who's looking for a sweet, fun, book.
P.S - I'm too intrigued about Claire now.
January 2, 2019
Josie and Evan are actually likeable, sympathetic characters, and their illicit affair and Evan’s response is a whole lot more plausible than Audrey’s from the first book. The strain of missing Claire is front and center, and yet minimal in the actual plot. Evan grows up to be a decent guy, after being an ass as a teen. I feel Josie’s confusion, insecurity, anger, loyalty, and passion more than Audrey’s from book 1. We get more glimpses into Gabriel and his suffering over his twin sister Claire’s disappearance, and the budding romance with Ms. Grey is strongly foreshadowed for Book 3.
Writing style-wise, the alternating perspectives of the man and the woman works better here than in book 1. However, the sex scenes are way too explicit. They can be skimmed and skipped. I will continue reading the series. Can be obtained via Kindle Unlimited.
Writing style-wise, the alternating perspectives of the man and the woman works better here than in book 1. However, the sex scenes are way too explicit. They can be skimmed and skipped. I will continue reading the series. Can be obtained via Kindle Unlimited.
April 4, 2023
Evan & Josie 3.5 stars⭐️
Well this was such a great story! I drank it up! I don’t get much of Evan and who he was in the other books . But he’s finally revealed to be quite an intense man. I loved him! And overall this was great
.
Unfortunately once again I’m let down by the heroine.
She was so annoying I gotta say ..eeh.
I just don’t bond well to heroines with bags of insecurities and self doubt.
Josie was teased as a kid and grew up with a low opinion of herself and others. This wouldn’t have been a problem developing later on in the book but unfortunately she was way to frustrating. She just CONSTANTLY second guessed everyone and everything. No one could even breathe wrong without her thinking it was her fault. Ffs I just got sick of it and couldn’t help but think how Evan didn’t get turned off.
A shame as a few tweaks in her character and this would have been a cracker!
Well this was such a great story! I drank it up! I don’t get much of Evan and who he was in the other books . But he’s finally revealed to be quite an intense man. I loved him! And overall this was great
.
Unfortunately once again I’m let down by the heroine.
She was so annoying I gotta say ..eeh.
I just don’t bond well to heroines with bags of insecurities and self doubt.
Josie was teased as a kid and grew up with a low opinion of herself and others. This wouldn’t have been a problem developing later on in the book but unfortunately she was way to frustrating. She just CONSTANTLY second guessed everyone and everything. No one could even breathe wrong without her thinking it was her fault. Ffs I just got sick of it and couldn’t help but think how Evan didn’t get turned off.
A shame as a few tweaks in her character and this would have been a cracker!
February 10, 2023
Ewan segundo filho Woodleys e Josi melhor amiga de sua irmã desaparecida Clare.
Sem ter a intenção Ewan a humilha na infância tornando a uma paria social, ela se torna uma solteirona e 16 anos depois ele ainda não sabe q ela pq ela o detesta. No casamento de sua irma Audrey os dois se aproximam e elemtentam arrancar dela o segredo da fuga de Clare, os dois se apaixonam e casam. Ao descobrir o motivo da aproximação dele ela se sente traída e e ele precisa provar q se apaixonou de verdade.
Emoção e sexo na medida, gostei bastante
Sem ter a intenção Ewan a humilha na infância tornando a uma paria social, ela se torna uma solteirona e 16 anos depois ele ainda não sabe q ela pq ela o detesta. No casamento de sua irma Audrey os dois se aproximam e elemtentam arrancar dela o segredo da fuga de Clare, os dois se apaixonam e casam. Ao descobrir o motivo da aproximação dele ela se sente traída e e ele precisa provar q se apaixonou de verdade.
Emoção e sexo na medida, gostei bastante
April 24, 2019
Let down compared to book one
As much as I liked this first in this series, the second fell flat. The tiny bit of deception in the story was quite frustrating rather than tension building. Also the heroine struggles with body image issues which I admit is probably common but at the same time I’m kind of tired reading about it. I flipped through this one as quick as possible so I could move on. I hope the rest of the series is as good as the first book.
As much as I liked this first in this series, the second fell flat. The tiny bit of deception in the story was quite frustrating rather than tension building. Also the heroine struggles with body image issues which I admit is probably common but at the same time I’m kind of tired reading about it. I flipped through this one as quick as possible so I could move on. I hope the rest of the series is as good as the first book.
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