What do you think?
Rate this book
The Scandal Sheet #5
Guarding the Countess
A new scandal sheet from USA Today Bestseller Jess Michaels!!!
Naomi Barnaby's husband, the Earl of Walridge, just died under mysterious circumstances. Her third husband to do so in just a handful of years. She wants to know if the men in her life were murdered and hires investigators Captain Marcus Ridgeway and Everett Bryant, Marquis of Glenmarrow to look into the matter.
When the alluring Naomi is attacked in their driveway, Marcus and Everett decide to take a far more personal interest in protecting her and uncovering who killed the men in her life. Soon the three are involved in an intense affair that challenges feelings between each member of their triad.
But the shared history between Marcus and Everett is something that cannot be ignored. And those threatening Naomi may destroy everything the three could mean to each other and the unique future they long to build.
Novella Length
Naomi Barnaby's husband, the Earl of Walridge, just died under mysterious circumstances. Her third husband to do so in just a handful of years. She wants to know if the men in her life were murdered and hires investigators Captain Marcus Ridgeway and Everett Bryant, Marquis of Glenmarrow to look into the matter.
When the alluring Naomi is attacked in their driveway, Marcus and Everett decide to take a far more personal interest in protecting her and uncovering who killed the men in her life. Soon the three are involved in an intense affair that challenges feelings between each member of their triad.
But the shared history between Marcus and Everett is something that cannot be ignored. And those threatening Naomi may destroy everything the three could mean to each other and the unique future they long to build.
Novella Length
100 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 3, 2019
172 people are currently reading
189 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
August 19, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋💋
Steamy , Erotic even ,but so emotional and stunning in the telling.
A tale of two best friends, business colleagues, partners.
That’s until the woman who is to make them whole asks for their help to find the person responsible for killing her husband .
Can she help them in return, can the three of them make each other’s lives fuller and complete.
This book contains M/M as well as M/F/M, if this is not to your taste that’s ok , but this is written very tastefully and is beautifully done , not tacky or unpalatable in my view.
Beautiful in the extreme, I loved the book , the story, the romance and the emotion.
Perfectly told and written.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋💋💋
Steamy , Erotic even ,but so emotional and stunning in the telling.
A tale of two best friends, business colleagues, partners.
That’s until the woman who is to make them whole asks for their help to find the person responsible for killing her husband .
Can she help them in return, can the three of them make each other’s lives fuller and complete.
This book contains M/M as well as M/F/M, if this is not to your taste that’s ok , but this is written very tastefully and is beautifully done , not tacky or unpalatable in my view.
Beautiful in the extreme, I loved the book , the story, the romance and the emotion.
Perfectly told and written.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
August 13, 2019
I was so excited for this book. A mmf historical? Yes please! The mystery was meh. But the romance was hot! I would have liked a little more m/m personally but still very enjoyable!
August 30, 2019
Received an ARC for Review.
I love the Reverse Harem/Polyamorous romance genre. When I saw there was an MMF book for historical fiction, I was anxious to pick it up. This is a quick novella that gives you exactly what you’re looking for. It’s steamy & quick read that I read in one sitting.
The main character, Naomi Barnaby, finds herself in a situation where her 3 previous husbands have all mysteriously died & people are beginning to suspect her. She decides to hire an investigator team to help solve what is going on. Marcus and Everette are on the case to save Naomi. Of course, it’s instant attraction between the trio.
I found myself taking the story for what it was, a steamy book. The dialogue wasn’t the best it seemed stiff & didn’t seem natural. I was in it for the entertainment value & it delivered there.
Overall, it’s a decent book that made me interested in seeing what else this author has to offer.
I love the Reverse Harem/Polyamorous romance genre. When I saw there was an MMF book for historical fiction, I was anxious to pick it up. This is a quick novella that gives you exactly what you’re looking for. It’s steamy & quick read that I read in one sitting.
The main character, Naomi Barnaby, finds herself in a situation where her 3 previous husbands have all mysteriously died & people are beginning to suspect her. She decides to hire an investigator team to help solve what is going on. Marcus and Everette are on the case to save Naomi. Of course, it’s instant attraction between the trio.
I found myself taking the story for what it was, a steamy book. The dialogue wasn’t the best it seemed stiff & didn’t seem natural. I was in it for the entertainment value & it delivered there.
Overall, it’s a decent book that made me interested in seeing what else this author has to offer.
November 28, 2022
Way too short, everything was resolved too quickly
August 22, 2019
“We three,” said Marcus, “until the sun stops rising.”
On my blog.
Rep: bi mcs, polyamory
CWs: idk how best to phrase it but, stepbrother who's obsessed with his stepsister in a creepy way
Up until now, I had never read anything by Jess Michaels. What caught my attention about this one was the polyamory (I’m a simple reader, I see polyamory, I click want to read). So, I had no particular expectations going into this. To say I was pleasantly surprised sounds trite, and as though I wasn’t expecting to be surprised, but it’s the truth here. This book managed to juggle three POVs, a mystery, and character development all in less than 80 pages, and it was wonderful.
Guarding the Countess opens with Naomi, the countess, heading to visit a private investigator (Marcus), after her third husband’s untimely, and downright suspicious, death. But instead of one investigator there are two (Everett being the second), and when someone tries to kill Naomi on the driveway outside Marcus’ house, they offer to place her under their protection (which means a helluva lot more than actual protection, as you might have guessed).
What I loved about this book is that, even though it’s a novella, Michaels spends time on each character approximately equally (maybe Naomi slightly more than the others at first, but it evens out). You meet each of them and their worries and desires, so they all grow on you (and have you rolling your eyes when they do something that is clearly meant to deny themselves happiness). And the bi characters (Everett and Marcus) get to talk about being bi, and attracted to more than one gender.
But while there is a lot of time spent developing the relationship (after a pretty rapid start, admittedly), Michaels doesn’t forget about the mystery. Yes, it’s fairly obvious who did it (there’s about one suspect), but there is still some actual investigating going on. It’s not like they wholly stumble on the culprit totally by accident.
If there’s one thing I needed from this book though? More of it. It did feel a little compacted into the novella, like a full-length novel could have expanded more on their developing relationship.
But basically, that’s me just being greedy and wanting more of these three.
August 25, 2019
Guarding the Countess by Jess Michaels
The Scandal Sheet Series #5
Sizzling, scintillating, sensual seriously scorching story I could not put down once I started. I had a feeling it would be a treat to read knowing the author, the series and seeing two men and a woman on the cover. This is a keeper that I can see, if in paperback, would have frayed covers after awhile!
The Countess has lost three husbands to death...questionable death. When her situation is mentioned in The Scandal Sheet she is on her way to try to get some answers as to what the cause of the deaths just might be. Naomi Barnaby, Countess of Walridge, is surprised to see two men awaiting her at the place she hopes to hire an investigator and finds herself attracted to both only a week after losing husband three.
Within that first chapter the stage is set, a shooting with a miss occurs and soon we realize that this threesome has not only a mystery to solve but a murderer to find. We also find that the threesome is going to tangle in more ways than one. And what a delicious tangle it was!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Kind of have a smile on my face as I think back through the story. I found Naomi, Marcus and Everett to be perfect for one another and the story perfect for me to read this afternoon :)
Thank you to NetGalley and Passionate Pen LLC for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
The Scandal Sheet Series #5
Sizzling, scintillating, sensual seriously scorching story I could not put down once I started. I had a feeling it would be a treat to read knowing the author, the series and seeing two men and a woman on the cover. This is a keeper that I can see, if in paperback, would have frayed covers after awhile!
The Countess has lost three husbands to death...questionable death. When her situation is mentioned in The Scandal Sheet she is on her way to try to get some answers as to what the cause of the deaths just might be. Naomi Barnaby, Countess of Walridge, is surprised to see two men awaiting her at the place she hopes to hire an investigator and finds herself attracted to both only a week after losing husband three.
Within that first chapter the stage is set, a shooting with a miss occurs and soon we realize that this threesome has not only a mystery to solve but a murderer to find. We also find that the threesome is going to tangle in more ways than one. And what a delicious tangle it was!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Kind of have a smile on my face as I think back through the story. I found Naomi, Marcus and Everett to be perfect for one another and the story perfect for me to read this afternoon :)
Thank you to NetGalley and Passionate Pen LLC for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
August 28, 2019
Naomi Barnaby's husband, the Earl of Walridge, just died under mysterious circumstances. Her third husband to do so in just a handful of years. She wants to know if her husband was murdered and hires investigators Captain Marcus Ridgeway and Everett Bryant, Marquis of Glenmarrow to look into the matter.
When the alluring Naomi is attacked in their driveway, Marcus and Everett decide to take a far more personal interest in protecting her and uncovering who killed the men in her life. Soon the three are involved in an intense affair that challenges feelings between each member of their menage.
A short story that certainly packs a punch & I read it in a sitting. This book won’t appeal to everyone as it features M/M & M/F/M. I found it to be a well written story that was a lovely romance, it was erotic & steamy but not tacky. I liked all three characters & how Naomi embraced falling for Marcus & Everett. I also how Marcus in particularly dealt with his demons
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
When the alluring Naomi is attacked in their driveway, Marcus and Everett decide to take a far more personal interest in protecting her and uncovering who killed the men in her life. Soon the three are involved in an intense affair that challenges feelings between each member of their menage.
A short story that certainly packs a punch & I read it in a sitting. This book won’t appeal to everyone as it features M/M & M/F/M. I found it to be a well written story that was a lovely romance, it was erotic & steamy but not tacky. I liked all three characters & how Naomi embraced falling for Marcus & Everett. I also how Marcus in particularly dealt with his demons
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 20, 2019
This was not a book - it was a short erotic story and nothing more.
There was little to no character development and the plot beyond sex almost felt like an after thought. I didn't feel any connection to the characters or felt that they had bonded with each other. When those 3 words were spoken I laughed because it felt so incredibly unbelievable.
** ARC received from Netgalley **
There was little to no character development and the plot beyond sex almost felt like an after thought. I didn't feel any connection to the characters or felt that they had bonded with each other. When those 3 words were spoken I laughed because it felt so incredibly unbelievable.
** ARC received from Netgalley **
June 13, 2020
Holy hotness this book came close to setting my kindle on fire!!! I recently discovered Jess Michaels, because I was never really into historical romance. They made me think of cheesy 80s romances...ladies and gents...this is no cheesy 80s romance! Jess Michaels has shown me that rakes, rogues and now Lords and Captains are the epitome of hot and sexy! Who needs a Navy SEAL when you can have a Marquess?
So about the book. Why did it have to end? I need more Everett, more Marcus and more Naomi. I love ménage romance especially when all three players are in love 🥰, and all three of these characters were definitely in love.
For a novella, I got suspense with a fascinating who dun it, volcanic level steam, marvelous characters and a great story! My only issue: the book was short, I wished there was an epilogue, and that there was a little more Marcus and Everett together.
I was quickly drawn in and I wanted to know more about these three. What will their life be like down the road...can we have a book 2? I have further affirmed that I need to continue to work my way through Ms.Michaels backlist because damnnnnn she can write some great steamy historical romances! This book is definitely a recommend from me. Don’t delay and get it today!!!!
So about the book. Why did it have to end? I need more Everett, more Marcus and more Naomi. I love ménage romance especially when all three players are in love 🥰, and all three of these characters were definitely in love.
For a novella, I got suspense with a fascinating who dun it, volcanic level steam, marvelous characters and a great story! My only issue: the book was short, I wished there was an epilogue, and that there was a little more Marcus and Everett together.
I was quickly drawn in and I wanted to know more about these three. What will their life be like down the road...can we have a book 2? I have further affirmed that I need to continue to work my way through Ms.Michaels backlist because damnnnnn she can write some great steamy historical romances! This book is definitely a recommend from me. Don’t delay and get it today!!!!
September 22, 2019
Review excerpted from my blog post over at FanSciHist (https://fanscihist.wordpress.com/2019...)
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance and/or erotica ebook collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
___________________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: One relationship is in progress (H1 and H2); the addition of the third party (h) goes as fast as lightning
Relationship dynamics: The Brooding Titled Gentleman (H1) / The Former Army Private Investigator (H2) / The Adventurous Black Widow (h)
Sexual content: Oodles; both on-screen and explicit, including anal sex (M/F) and double penetration
Triggers: some violence and murder
Grammar/Editing: This ARC was grammatically very clean.
Review: Though a lot of erotica tends to be light on plot, this short work, set in a vaguely 19th century Georgian time frame, packs in a fair amount in a short amount of time. It’s entirely predictable, but there was no wiggle room for too many twists and turns when the story comes in under 80 pages.
The relationship that develops between Naomi, Marcus and Everett is the kind of MMF relationship that every MMF relationship should be: equal love, respect, and attraction between all partners. These characters and their relationship deserve a full-length, non-erotica novel with fully fleshed out back stories, interactions, and emotion. Even in this short piece, the true emotional connection between all parties was so evident that it would only end up as a five star read if there was more of it. The story is only slightly let down by the fact that there are very few supporting characters, and those that do appear are not developed beyond necessary details, which is a common pitfall of short works.
Shakespearian quote version: “This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” (Hamlet)
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My Rating: 4.5 stars
Library recommendation: Recommended for public library historical romance and/or erotica ebook collections.
Warning: Hereafter, you chance spoilers. I will try never to reveal major plot points, but to review any book, you must reveal some parts of the story.
___________________________
Number of titles I have read by this author: 1
Love story speed: One relationship is in progress (H1 and H2); the addition of the third party (h) goes as fast as lightning
Relationship dynamics: The Brooding Titled Gentleman (H1) / The Former Army Private Investigator (H2) / The Adventurous Black Widow (h)
Sexual content: Oodles; both on-screen and explicit, including anal sex (M/F) and double penetration
Triggers: some violence and murder
Grammar/Editing: This ARC was grammatically very clean.
Review: Though a lot of erotica tends to be light on plot, this short work, set in a vaguely 19th century Georgian time frame, packs in a fair amount in a short amount of time. It’s entirely predictable, but there was no wiggle room for too many twists and turns when the story comes in under 80 pages.
The relationship that develops between Naomi, Marcus and Everett is the kind of MMF relationship that every MMF relationship should be: equal love, respect, and attraction between all partners. These characters and their relationship deserve a full-length, non-erotica novel with fully fleshed out back stories, interactions, and emotion. Even in this short piece, the true emotional connection between all parties was so evident that it would only end up as a five star read if there was more of it. The story is only slightly let down by the fact that there are very few supporting characters, and those that do appear are not developed beyond necessary details, which is a common pitfall of short works.
Shakespearian quote version: “This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.” (Hamlet)
Full disclosure: I received a free advance review copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 4, 2019
I received this book for free from Netgalley in order to prepare an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.FINAL DECISION: Enjoyable interplay between the characters made this completely satisfying for me (even though I'm not a fan of novellas). The new relationship combined with the angst and history between the other two worked great here.
THE STORY: Naomi Barnaby, Countess of Walridge has turned to two men to find out she is just unlucky of whether someone is killing her husbands. Her third one has just died and Naomi is sure that something is wrong. Captain Marcus Ridgeway and Everett Bryant, Marquis of Glenmarrow take Naomi's case but things heat up between the three of them immediately. While Marcus and Everett are both attracted to Naomi, there is lingering tension between the two of them that also must be resolved.
OPINION: I really enjoyed this story. There was an interesting balance between the unresolved feelings and long term relationship between Marcus and Everett and the entirely new relationship that happens when Naomi comes into the guys lives. Especially in a novella, it is difficult to develop intense emotional relationships because of the short length. I thought the angsty difficulties between Marcus and Everett was the highlight of the story. I would have read a full length novel about these two. Naomi is a nice catalyst to force the guys to finally resolve their relationship.
This is my favorite of this series and the one that I would definitely read again.
WORTH MENTIONING: This is a MMF menage romance.
CONNECTED BOOKS: GUARDING THE COUNTESS is the fifth book in the Scandal Sheet series. These books are really only connected by the theme so each can be read as a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
THE STORY: Naomi Barnaby, Countess of Walridge has turned to two men to find out she is just unlucky of whether someone is killing her husbands. Her third one has just died and Naomi is sure that something is wrong. Captain Marcus Ridgeway and Everett Bryant, Marquis of Glenmarrow take Naomi's case but things heat up between the three of them immediately. While Marcus and Everett are both attracted to Naomi, there is lingering tension between the two of them that also must be resolved.
OPINION: I really enjoyed this story. There was an interesting balance between the unresolved feelings and long term relationship between Marcus and Everett and the entirely new relationship that happens when Naomi comes into the guys lives. Especially in a novella, it is difficult to develop intense emotional relationships because of the short length. I thought the angsty difficulties between Marcus and Everett was the highlight of the story. I would have read a full length novel about these two. Naomi is a nice catalyst to force the guys to finally resolve their relationship.
This is my favorite of this series and the one that I would definitely read again.
WORTH MENTIONING: This is a MMF menage romance.
CONNECTED BOOKS: GUARDING THE COUNTESS is the fifth book in the Scandal Sheet series. These books are really only connected by the theme so each can be read as a standalone.
STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.This review was originally posted on Top10RomanceBooks.com
August 15, 2019
I got this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It's a hot and steamy short novel with mmf, mf and mm elements in it. The storyline is easily explained. Rich 3 times widow suspects that her late husband didn't die a natural death and asks two men, one a Marques and the other a Captain, for help. Quickly (too quickly in my opinion, her husband is in his grave for like two or three months) they feel the special bond they share...
I always love this 300+ pages books with character development, a storyline with a few faces... Unfortunately there is nothing like that in this book, that's why I can only give it 4 stars.
As much as I love steamy sex scenes, mf, mmf or even mm - I inhaled Kate Pearce's historical romance novels - I miss the storyline. It's too minor and played in the background except for one scene.
It's a hot and steamy short novel with mmf, mf and mm elements in it. The storyline is easily explained. Rich 3 times widow suspects that her late husband didn't die a natural death and asks two men, one a Marques and the other a Captain, for help. Quickly (too quickly in my opinion, her husband is in his grave for like two or three months) they feel the special bond they share...
I always love this 300+ pages books with character development, a storyline with a few faces... Unfortunately there is nothing like that in this book, that's why I can only give it 4 stars.
As much as I love steamy sex scenes, mf, mmf or even mm - I inhaled Kate Pearce's historical romance novels - I miss the storyline. It's too minor and played in the background except for one scene.
September 3, 2019
A woman who has lost three husbands and thinks they are being murdered. Naomi Barnaby only wants to find out what is happening and she goes to investigators Captain Marcus Ridgeway and Everett Bryant, Marquis of Glenmarrow to look into her suspicions.
Those seem to be valid when she is almost shot outside their house and they come to her aid. The three form a union and an intense affair which challenges all three of their feelings.
A little different than my usual read but well done by Jess Michaels..
Those seem to be valid when she is almost shot outside their house and they come to her aid. The three form a union and an intense affair which challenges all three of their feelings.
A little different than my usual read but well done by Jess Michaels..
August 20, 2019
This is a passionate read involving Naomi, Countess of Walridge and the two investigators, Captain Marcus Ridgeway and Everett, Marquess of Glenmarrow. Naomi’s latest husband has died and she suspects foul play and has asked Marcus and Everett to investigate his death. They discover others in the family who have died but also find that they are deeply attracted to each other. I know Naomi didn’t love her husband but to fall into a relationship with two strangers so quickly seemed unlikely. Still, it made for an entertaining but also very steamy read. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 27, 2019
So I knew going into this story that it was a menage but what I did not know was that it was a mmf (pretty much) story. I got hints from the beginning and really liked the direction of the story. I wanted more of Everett and Marcus (I must admit I liked Everett a lot when I should have liked Marcus more). The mystery was easily figured out but the storytelling is great as always with Ms. Michaels’ stories.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
August 17, 2019
3.5 stars!
This was a very sexy, steamy little historical romance novella. M/M/F romance with several very sexy scenes. Even though it was only 79 pages, the author still did a great job developing the characters. This is a plot that I would have liked to see even more fleshed out as a full novel
This was a very sexy, steamy little historical romance novella. M/M/F romance with several very sexy scenes. Even though it was only 79 pages, the author still did a great job developing the characters. This is a plot that I would have liked to see even more fleshed out as a full novel
December 23, 2019
I don’t really have much to say about this novella. It was just a really fun, short, and smutty MMF romance that I really enjoyed from start to finish. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a very short historical romance that’s a bit different!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
September 4, 2019
Loved this one so much! It was HOT HOT HOT! My only compliant is that I wanted more!! I would love it if Ms. Michaels were to write a full length MMF book!
September 21, 2019
This was an absolutely spectacular menage read! It was hot and heartwarming and everything that Jess does best. I highly recommend this to those of us who love steam and sweetness in small packages. :)
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, but will also be buying.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, but will also be buying.
February 24, 2020
Mal was anderes, aber zu kurz...
September 14, 2021
“We three,” said Marcus, “until the sun stops rising.”
I’m going to sob this was so sweet. I desperately wish it was a full length novel and the murder mystery plot was more of a thing because I’d read a thousand pages on Marcus, Everett & Naomi.
I’m going to sob this was so sweet. I desperately wish it was a full length novel and the murder mystery plot was more of a thing because I’d read a thousand pages on Marcus, Everett & Naomi.
August 29, 2019
Guarding the Countess is the 5th novella in The Scandal Sheet series by Jess Michaels. This one totally stands alone; it only connects to the other ones in that it starts with a story printed in the scandal sheet. Though all the other installments in this series are rather steamy, this one takes the cake. Seriously, we're talking cold showers here!
Naomi Barnaby just lost her third husband, and she believes all three husbands may have been murdered (even though the scandal sheet speculates that perhaps Naomi is a Black Widow). She goes to see Captain Marcus Ridgeway, an investigator, to see if he can find the culprit. Also there when she arrives is Everett Bryant, the Marquis of Glenmarrow, who works with Marcus. When an apparent attempt is made on Naomi's life, they believe that maybe she is the target. They vow to protect her as they investigate the case.
Now let's be honest here. Even though there's a tidy little mystery, it's the romance between Marcus, Everett and Naomi that's the focus of the story. This is a male/male/female romance, so if that's not your cup of tea you may not enjoy it. But seriously, this book is HOT. Not only do they both fall in love with Naomi, but Marcus and Everett have loved each other for years. Marcus has been known to get scared and run. Can the three of them be together? Get a glass of ice water and read to find out!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Naomi Barnaby just lost her third husband, and she believes all three husbands may have been murdered (even though the scandal sheet speculates that perhaps Naomi is a Black Widow). She goes to see Captain Marcus Ridgeway, an investigator, to see if he can find the culprit. Also there when she arrives is Everett Bryant, the Marquis of Glenmarrow, who works with Marcus. When an apparent attempt is made on Naomi's life, they believe that maybe she is the target. They vow to protect her as they investigate the case.
Now let's be honest here. Even though there's a tidy little mystery, it's the romance between Marcus, Everett and Naomi that's the focus of the story. This is a male/male/female romance, so if that's not your cup of tea you may not enjoy it. But seriously, this book is HOT. Not only do they both fall in love with Naomi, but Marcus and Everett have loved each other for years. Marcus has been known to get scared and run. Can the three of them be together? Get a glass of ice water and read to find out!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
September 8, 2019
Guarding the Countess is the fifth book in Jess Michaels’ The Scandal Sheet series of Regency-era historical romance novels. I haven’t read any of The Scandal Series books, but I’ve read (and enjoyed) several of the books in Michaels’ 1797 Club series.
Naomi’s most recent husband has recently died, and since she finds the circumstances to be suspicious, she hires Marcus (a captain) and Everett (a marquis) to investigate. They agree to help, but then someone attempts to shoot Naomi in front of their house, they decide that she needs their protection in addition to their sleuthing skills.
And wow, do Marcus and Everett take their “Protecting Naomi” job seriously. The three of them embark on an intense affair, and Naomi finally has an outlet for her sexual drive- which had been disregarded by her previous husbands. But Marcus and Everett have unresolved issues regarding their feelings for each other, and there’s still someone out there trying to kill Naomi.
The mystery was fairly predictable, but given the length of the narrative, it works well. It’s unreasonable to expect a meandering path to resolution in a novella. The important thing is that the denouement was super melodramatic; it was a perfect match for the frenzied attraction between our triad.
I would recommend Guarding the Countess. I don’t read a lot of MMF (or MFM for that matter), but I liked this one quite a bit. It was fun, and although they (quite literally) fell into bed almost immediately, I did like the exploration of the long and complicated friendship that Marcus and Everett shared. Jess Michaels writes such lovely books, and I really need to add more of her back catalog to my TBR queue.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted on You Have Your Hands Full
Naomi’s most recent husband has recently died, and since she finds the circumstances to be suspicious, she hires Marcus (a captain) and Everett (a marquis) to investigate. They agree to help, but then someone attempts to shoot Naomi in front of their house, they decide that she needs their protection in addition to their sleuthing skills.
And wow, do Marcus and Everett take their “Protecting Naomi” job seriously. The three of them embark on an intense affair, and Naomi finally has an outlet for her sexual drive- which had been disregarded by her previous husbands. But Marcus and Everett have unresolved issues regarding their feelings for each other, and there’s still someone out there trying to kill Naomi.
The mystery was fairly predictable, but given the length of the narrative, it works well. It’s unreasonable to expect a meandering path to resolution in a novella. The important thing is that the denouement was super melodramatic; it was a perfect match for the frenzied attraction between our triad.
I would recommend Guarding the Countess. I don’t read a lot of MMF (or MFM for that matter), but I liked this one quite a bit. It was fun, and although they (quite literally) fell into bed almost immediately, I did like the exploration of the long and complicated friendship that Marcus and Everett shared. Jess Michaels writes such lovely books, and I really need to add more of her back catalog to my TBR queue.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Originally posted on You Have Your Hands Full
January 6, 2020
Naomi Barnaby is in trouble, her husband, The Earl of Walridge has died in mysterious circumstances, just like her previous two husbands, and she is being portrayed as a black widow in society. She is desperate to find out who is behind all these frightening events, and hires a couple of handsome investigators to look into these events. Captain Marcus Ridgeway and Everett Bryant, the Marquis of Glenmarrow are intrigued by the case, and also attracted to Naomi.
When Naomi gets attacked on their turf they personally protect and guard her whilst trying to uncover the murderer. They are very drawn to each other, and are soon involved in an affair, but will the unresolved history between Marcus and Everett get in the way of their HEA, and the opinions of society, as well as the murderer destroy their chances for happiness.
This was great, but too short, there was such a lot of material, I think it would have been perfect for a longer length story, as a result, the emotional connection between Naomi and the men happed really fast. Jess Michaels is very accomplished, so she did give me a lot to enjoy in this novella, but I really wished it had been a little longer.
Recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
When Naomi gets attacked on their turf they personally protect and guard her whilst trying to uncover the murderer. They are very drawn to each other, and are soon involved in an affair, but will the unresolved history between Marcus and Everett get in the way of their HEA, and the opinions of society, as well as the murderer destroy their chances for happiness.
This was great, but too short, there was such a lot of material, I think it would have been perfect for a longer length story, as a result, the emotional connection between Naomi and the men happed really fast. Jess Michaels is very accomplished, so she did give me a lot to enjoy in this novella, but I really wished it had been a little longer.
Recommended.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
September 21, 2019
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 9/21/19.
Steamy, sweet, and fun!
To be honest, the "guarding" portion and its requisite mystery wasn't even close to the highlight of this book--that part of the plot was almost over before you realized it, and I for one was more than happy to get on with the main portion of the book--the relationship between Marcus and Everett and how they were going to fit Naomi into their lives. It's definitely a case of instalust at first (where Naomi is concerned, that is--Marcus and Everett have been in one relationship or another for years) but I for one had hopes that these crazy kids were going to make it in the end.
The main attraction of this story is hot, hot, hot times between the three, which Ms Michaels really manages to pack quite a few into in such a small page count. This was the first book I've read in her Scandal Sheet series, but it worked fine as a standalone. You'd better believe I'll be getting my hands on some of the others ASAP, though!
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Steamy, sweet, and fun!
To be honest, the "guarding" portion and its requisite mystery wasn't even close to the highlight of this book--that part of the plot was almost over before you realized it, and I for one was more than happy to get on with the main portion of the book--the relationship between Marcus and Everett and how they were going to fit Naomi into their lives. It's definitely a case of instalust at first (where Naomi is concerned, that is--Marcus and Everett have been in one relationship or another for years) but I for one had hopes that these crazy kids were going to make it in the end.
The main attraction of this story is hot, hot, hot times between the three, which Ms Michaels really manages to pack quite a few into in such a small page count. This was the first book I've read in her Scandal Sheet series, but it worked fine as a standalone. You'd better believe I'll be getting my hands on some of the others ASAP, though!
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 22, 2019
Naomi Barnaby just lost her husband, the Earl of Walridge under mysterious circumstances. It is hier third husband to have died. Naomi wants to know if the men in her life were murdered. She hires investigators Captian Marcus Ridgeway and Everett Bryant, Marquis of Glenmarrow to discover what has happened.
Naomi is shot as she leaves their house. Marcus and Everett decide Naomi needs their help and will do anything to protect her. As they start to investigate her case, Marcus and Everett become attracted to her and soon begin an intense affair.
There is a shared history between Marcus and Everett. They have been attempting to ignore it, but with Naomi, things become heated. Can Marcus and Everett complete their relationship with Naomi?
This book was hot! I loved every single minute of it. The relationship between Everett, Marcus, and Naomi was amazing. This is just another example of Jess Michael's wonderful writing.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!!
Naomi is shot as she leaves their house. Marcus and Everett decide Naomi needs their help and will do anything to protect her. As they start to investigate her case, Marcus and Everett become attracted to her and soon begin an intense affair.
There is a shared history between Marcus and Everett. They have been attempting to ignore it, but with Naomi, things become heated. Can Marcus and Everett complete their relationship with Naomi?
This book was hot! I loved every single minute of it. The relationship between Everett, Marcus, and Naomi was amazing. This is just another example of Jess Michael's wonderful writing.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!!
October 14, 2019
“It was all very comfortable. Very... right. Which was terrifying beyond measure.”
Guarding the Countess is book five in the Scandal Sheet series by Jess Michaels. Naomi Barnaby, the Countess of Walridge, is in trouble, someone is killing everyone that gets close to her and Society is starting to call her a black widow. She seeks out the help of private investigators Captain Marcus Ridgeway and Everett Bryant, Marquis of Glenmarrow. Despite the turmoil in her life, Naomi has an almost instant attraction to both men. This book has a major steam factor. The scene in the inn is most memorable. 🔥🔥🔥Soon Naomi has two problems facing her, stopping her shadow stalker and convincing her protectors their relationship can work. This is Jess Michaels first attempt at a MMF romance and actually the first one I’ve read. I’ve read other MFM romances, but I really liked reading about the relationship between Marcus Ridgeway and Everett Bryant separate from their relationship with Naomi Barnaby. I hope she writes more like this!
Bookstagram:@hopeless.book.romantic
Guarding the Countess is book five in the Scandal Sheet series by Jess Michaels. Naomi Barnaby, the Countess of Walridge, is in trouble, someone is killing everyone that gets close to her and Society is starting to call her a black widow. She seeks out the help of private investigators Captain Marcus Ridgeway and Everett Bryant, Marquis of Glenmarrow. Despite the turmoil in her life, Naomi has an almost instant attraction to both men. This book has a major steam factor. The scene in the inn is most memorable. 🔥🔥🔥Soon Naomi has two problems facing her, stopping her shadow stalker and convincing her protectors their relationship can work. This is Jess Michaels first attempt at a MMF romance and actually the first one I’ve read. I’ve read other MFM romances, but I really liked reading about the relationship between Marcus Ridgeway and Everett Bryant separate from their relationship with Naomi Barnaby. I hope she writes more like this!
Bookstagram:@hopeless.book.romantic
Read
August 23, 2019Erm .... a ménage à trois romance! A first for Jess Michaels and for me too. I was skeptical about this one, as it was outside of my comfort zone, but I had complete faith in the authors writing and was not disappointed I completed this one. And without cringing, I might add.
It flowed effortlessly and naturally, and at no point did I feel it was purely erotica. Which could be because Jess Michaels always manages to tell a good story, in this case about three people.
A novella, in keeping with the rest of the 'Scandal' series, this one too was a quick and easy read (notwithstanding the subject) and surprisingly did not have me cringing with unbelievable sexual scenes as I initially thought it would!!
#GuardingTheCountess #NetGalley
It flowed effortlessly and naturally, and at no point did I feel it was purely erotica. Which could be because Jess Michaels always manages to tell a good story, in this case about three people.
A novella, in keeping with the rest of the 'Scandal' series, this one too was a quick and easy read (notwithstanding the subject) and surprisingly did not have me cringing with unbelievable sexual scenes as I initially thought it would!!
#GuardingTheCountess #NetGalley
August 27, 2019
THis was a emotional and sexy read.
Lady Naomi Walridge Needs help to find out who murdered her husband. She contacts Captain Marcus Ridgewayfor help only to find he has a partner, Everett, The Marquess of Glenmarrow.
Everett is slow to believe Naomi because of the rumors that are flying through the ton, until Naomi’s life is threatened on their doorstep.
Marcus and Everett vow to protect her and find the culprit. They spirit her away to a safe place where they can hide her and still look for the killer. Their sexual relationships start out very quickly. I wish it had taken a little longer so we could of gotten more romance from the trio.
My favorite of this story is the relationship between Everett and Marcus and how Everett fought for their love along with Naomi’s help.
Lady Naomi Walridge Needs help to find out who murdered her husband. She contacts Captain Marcus Ridgewayfor help only to find he has a partner, Everett, The Marquess of Glenmarrow.
Everett is slow to believe Naomi because of the rumors that are flying through the ton, until Naomi’s life is threatened on their doorstep.
Marcus and Everett vow to protect her and find the culprit. They spirit her away to a safe place where they can hide her and still look for the killer. Their sexual relationships start out very quickly. I wish it had taken a little longer so we could of gotten more romance from the trio.
My favorite of this story is the relationship between Everett and Marcus and how Everett fought for their love along with Naomi’s help.
September 8, 2019
I always loved how Jess Michaels can create a romance in a quick amount of time with amazing tension and chemistry. I love a good ménage story and this was no exception. The tension and emotions were built quickly but thoroughly developed from beginning to end. Marcus and Everett are very different types of people but all three of them fit well together (pun intended).
I was incredibly curious as to who has been killing all of Naomi’s late husbands. I love mystery and romance mixed together.
This novella was fast paced and gave exactly what I had hoped from the description. I also wouldn’t have said no to a longer book as well because I enjoyed seeing this trio work together to bring about their own happiness.
*Received via Netgalley*
I was incredibly curious as to who has been killing all of Naomi’s late husbands. I love mystery and romance mixed together.
This novella was fast paced and gave exactly what I had hoped from the description. I also wouldn’t have said no to a longer book as well because I enjoyed seeing this trio work together to bring about their own happiness.
*Received via Netgalley*
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews