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Albright Sisters #1
Everything Forbidden
YOUR DAYS AND NIGHTS WILL BELONG TO ME
For summers Miranda Albright has watched—aghast, yet shamefully titillated—as her wicked neighbor Ethan Hamon, the notorious Earl of Rothschild, "entertained" a succession of lovers on the grounds of his estate. Now that her father has passed on, leaving behind a mountain of debt, Miranda must do the unthinkable. For Ethan has promised to sponsor her younger sisters, financially and socially, at a scandalously dear price: Miranda must offer herself to him completely for three full months, with no remorse and no restraints.
Ninety days and nights of unbridled sensuality await her in the arms of a rogue who views her submission as no more than a grand erotic game. But neither Miranda nor Ethan realize that fire blazes behind her innocent blush. And once her passion is unleashed by his lips and his touch, it is the student who will school the teacher in the ways of forbidden pleasure ... and love.
For summers Miranda Albright has watched—aghast, yet shamefully titillated—as her wicked neighbor Ethan Hamon, the notorious Earl of Rothschild, "entertained" a succession of lovers on the grounds of his estate. Now that her father has passed on, leaving behind a mountain of debt, Miranda must do the unthinkable. For Ethan has promised to sponsor her younger sisters, financially and socially, at a scandalously dear price: Miranda must offer herself to him completely for three full months, with no remorse and no restraints.
Ninety days and nights of unbridled sensuality await her in the arms of a rogue who views her submission as no more than a grand erotic game. But neither Miranda nor Ethan realize that fire blazes behind her innocent blush. And once her passion is unleashed by his lips and his touch, it is the student who will school the teacher in the ways of forbidden pleasure ... and love.
262 pages, Paperback
First published October 30, 2007
135 people are currently reading
4087 people want to read
About the author
Jess Michaels
126 books1,571 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 325 reviews
August 14, 2012
Review posted at Swept Away By Romance
5 stars with a caveat
To say I enjoyed Everything Forbidden is an understatement! Not only was this book an erotic historical romance with an abundance of steamy, provocative, and erotic love scenes, but it also contained a hero and heroine who were wonderfully developed, intriguing, and full of depth and charm. A rarity for an erotica. While the plot may have taken huge liberties within the book's time frame, was not particularly original, and bit clichéd–the hero proposes a temporary sexual agreement in exchange for helping the heroine's family avoid social and financial ruin–I still found this story enthralling, tantalizing, and wonderfully written.
Although I loved the hero, Ethan, and found him sensual and alluring, it was the heroine, Miranda, that I truly adored. She is everything I love in a good, strong heroine. She's honest, loyal, passionate, forthright, noble, endearing, and takes full accountability for her actions and desires. She is a character of true substance, and I loved getting to know her.
My only qualm, and the reason for the caveat, is due to the book's rather abrupt ending. Oh, how I wanted–no, needed–more. Don't get me wrong, the ending was wonderful and had an almost fairytale feel to it, but after becoming so invested in these wonderful characters and their love story, I just needed a little more. An epilogue would have been perfect. Something, anything, to take away the almost anticlimactic feel I had when I turned the page and found nothing left to read. Other than that, I truly loved everything about this very erotic and engaging story.
5 stars with a caveat
To say I enjoyed Everything Forbidden is an understatement! Not only was this book an erotic historical romance with an abundance of steamy, provocative, and erotic love scenes, but it also contained a hero and heroine who were wonderfully developed, intriguing, and full of depth and charm. A rarity for an erotica. While the plot may have taken huge liberties within the book's time frame, was not particularly original, and bit clichéd–the hero proposes a temporary sexual agreement in exchange for helping the heroine's family avoid social and financial ruin–I still found this story enthralling, tantalizing, and wonderfully written.
Although I loved the hero, Ethan, and found him sensual and alluring, it was the heroine, Miranda, that I truly adored. She is everything I love in a good, strong heroine. She's honest, loyal, passionate, forthright, noble, endearing, and takes full accountability for her actions and desires. She is a character of true substance, and I loved getting to know her.
My only qualm, and the reason for the caveat, is due to the book's rather abrupt ending. Oh, how I wanted–no, needed–more. Don't get me wrong, the ending was wonderful and had an almost fairytale feel to it, but after becoming so invested in these wonderful characters and their love story, I just needed a little more. An epilogue would have been perfect. Something, anything, to take away the almost anticlimactic feel I had when I turned the page and found nothing left to read. Other than that, I truly loved everything about this very erotic and engaging story.
April 30, 2009
Hard to breathe after reading this hot tamale (!!) The perfect mix of scorcher sex and story with a wickedly divine bad boy hero ;) This is my kind of erotica :D
Ethan is a lover par excellence and has had more than his fair share of women, but then he strikes up a sex-filled bargain with the innocent Lady Miranda whose family is in dire financial straits, and so the story unfolds. The novel is very well-written and finally someone writes erotica without acrobatic anal sex. There is no anal sex in this book and that was refreshing to see. Though I haven’t read tons of erotica, more often than not anal sex is par for the course and sometimes it just doesn’t seem to fit in with the personalities of the characters but the author sticks it in anyway because it’s “erotica”, well not Jess Michaels and kudos to her for not doing it because it wouldn’t have worked here.
This story is an erotic delight for the senses. Ethan is the quintessential whisperer of all things naughty. He leaves you panting for more. He also has this classic I-am-such-a-dumbass moment that you can’t help but shake your head when he does what he does muttering a “No, no, no. You stupid, stuuuupid idiot.” The relationship between the two is very well-developed. There’s a natural progression from pure hedonistic sex to all consuming love that’s more than believable. The secondary characters also hold their own from the jealous bitch sister Penelope (whose story is later told in Something Reckless) to the sexy seamstress Cassandra who makes adult toys for the rich and so-called depraved (and you can find more info about her in Michaels’ latest release Taboo). There’s the gauche and embarrassing mother and her other annoying daughters as well who also add to the whole regency feel. As for the heroine, she’s very independent and though she knows what she wants she gets in over her head and loses her heart to Ethan –she loses a whole lot more too but that’s what gives spice to this soup ;) She’s a voyeur and an exhibitionist at heart who quietly revels in everything decadent but nothing here is seedy or dirty feeling, it’s lots of gasp, gasp, gasp-ing though ;)
So back to the sex ;) They do it here there and everywhere and it’s just blistering hot every time without of shred of ickyness. Ethan is soooooo slow, taking his time to build the fire between them that’s pretty much a blazing inferno every time they’re together (!) There’s this one scene that’s so intense and sad that you’re sitting there wondering how the good stuff is going to happen again if there are only 10ish pages left! The foreplay and sex itself just give you goose bumps.
Pick up this quick read if you want an ick-free erotic romance where the sex will set your eyes on fire and the love story will make your heart go all aflutter :)
Ethan is a lover par excellence and has had more than his fair share of women, but then he strikes up a sex-filled bargain with the innocent Lady Miranda whose family is in dire financial straits, and so the story unfolds. The novel is very well-written and finally someone writes erotica without acrobatic anal sex. There is no anal sex in this book and that was refreshing to see. Though I haven’t read tons of erotica, more often than not anal sex is par for the course and sometimes it just doesn’t seem to fit in with the personalities of the characters but the author sticks it in anyway because it’s “erotica”, well not Jess Michaels and kudos to her for not doing it because it wouldn’t have worked here.
This story is an erotic delight for the senses. Ethan is the quintessential whisperer of all things naughty. He leaves you panting for more. He also has this classic I-am-such-a-dumbass moment that you can’t help but shake your head when he does what he does muttering a “No, no, no. You stupid, stuuuupid idiot.” The relationship between the two is very well-developed. There’s a natural progression from pure hedonistic sex to all consuming love that’s more than believable. The secondary characters also hold their own from the jealous bitch sister Penelope (whose story is later told in Something Reckless) to the sexy seamstress Cassandra who makes adult toys for the rich and so-called depraved (and you can find more info about her in Michaels’ latest release Taboo). There’s the gauche and embarrassing mother and her other annoying daughters as well who also add to the whole regency feel. As for the heroine, she’s very independent and though she knows what she wants she gets in over her head and loses her heart to Ethan –she loses a whole lot more too but that’s what gives spice to this soup ;) She’s a voyeur and an exhibitionist at heart who quietly revels in everything decadent but nothing here is seedy or dirty feeling, it’s lots of gasp, gasp, gasp-ing though ;)
So back to the sex ;) They do it here there and everywhere and it’s just blistering hot every time without of shred of ickyness. Ethan is soooooo slow, taking his time to build the fire between them that’s pretty much a blazing inferno every time they’re together (!) There’s this one scene that’s so intense and sad that you’re sitting there wondering how the good stuff is going to happen again if there are only 10ish pages left! The foreplay and sex itself just give you goose bumps.
Pick up this quick read if you want an ick-free erotic romance where the sex will set your eyes on fire and the love story will make your heart go all aflutter :)
November 19, 2015
Everything Forbidden is not a terribly creative storyline, but that’s ok because the author made it work by giving us characters we could care about and believe in.
Her father having passed away and leaving the family in a precarious financial situation has made it difficult for the oldest daughter, Morgan Albright, to run the household and make ends meet. With a mother who seems to think money grows on trees, the family is quickly being sent to the poor house. In order to provide the needed funds to see her sisters through their Seasons, Morgan is forced to seek a sponsor for them.
Enter Ethan Hamon, Earl of Rothschild, Morgan’s neighbor. He is a man who thinks he can never marry because he sees himself like his father; a man who was unable – more likely unwilling, if you ask me - to be faithful to his wife. Ethan watched as his father’s behavior slowly drove his mother to succumb to depression and find her only solace in a bottle. While he vowed he would never do that to a woman, that didn’t stop him from enjoying the many sexual delights they had to offer.
Having witnessed – an been thrilled by – Ethan’s wickedly exciting exploits with women whom he enjoyed “picnicking” with by a lake between their properties, Morgan decided that maybe an arrangement could be made that would not only help her sisters have successful Seasons, but would fulfill Morgan’s own desire for what she had seen Ethan give to so many others - passion.
Everything Forbidden had such a sweet ending. I loved that Ethan finally realized how much Miranda had risked by coming to him and giving herself over to him. Once he did, he came to understand that to win her heart, he had to do the same.
It really was a beautiful, fairytale like ending and that’s part of the problem for me. It ended too quickly! It left me thinking, "wait, did I miss something? Is my book missing some pages?" Alas, it was not that at all, just an ending that came too abruptly. I really wish we could have had more of their relationship once their love had been proclaimed.
Maybe we’ll get to see more of the happiness in the next book which I am definitely going to read.
June 17, 2011
Ok, I've changed my mind.
A few months ago I said I didn't like erotic historical romances. That I didn't like dirty words and porny love scenes in my HRs; that I preferred my smut to be contemporary. Imagine my surprise when I realized that it wasn't the genre that was the problem, it was just that I'd read a crappy book!
That was NOT the case with Everything Forbidden . OH MY GOD THIS WAS GOOD.
There was a bit of everything that I love in here -- a scandalous (and deliciously sinful) bargain, exquisite chemistry and tension between the Hero/heroine; a Hero who is bad, bad, bad (but only on the outside); a heroine who is believable and oh-so-human, a great plot, even better writing, and just enough angst to leave me once with a lump in my throat.
See, this book was so good I forgot to mention the sex. YOWZA. Sexual tension you could cut with a knife. Oh-so-steamy (I coined a new shelf in honour of this book), sexy without being lewd, beautifully written. I loved it.
5 stars.
A few months ago I said I didn't like erotic historical romances. That I didn't like dirty words and porny love scenes in my HRs; that I preferred my smut to be contemporary. Imagine my surprise when I realized that it wasn't the genre that was the problem, it was just that I'd read a crappy book!
That was NOT the case with Everything Forbidden . OH MY GOD THIS WAS GOOD.
There was a bit of everything that I love in here -- a scandalous (and deliciously sinful) bargain, exquisite chemistry and tension between the Hero/heroine; a Hero who is bad, bad, bad (but only on the outside); a heroine who is believable and oh-so-human, a great plot, even better writing, and just enough angst to leave me once with a lump in my throat.
See, this book was so good I forgot to mention the sex. YOWZA. Sexual tension you could cut with a knife. Oh-so-steamy (I coined a new shelf in honour of this book), sexy without being lewd, beautifully written. I loved it.
5 stars.
August 28, 2011
This was a decent read. It was not appreciably that much steamier than a few of the mainstream historical romances I've read. I admit I am pretty bored with the oversexed rake, and I think that Anne Stuart did them a lot better in her Rohan series.
What I liked:
*I found myself really liking and respecting Miranda. She was a good person. I like that she is honest about her needs as a person, and she is also generous and giving to take care of her family, even when they have been so ungrateful and cruel to her. She has a lot of heart and integrity, and she did endear herself to me for those reasons.
*I liked Ethan's proposal at the end. That really did show his feelings for Miranda. I hope he is truly able to stay faithful to her. She deserves a husband who adores and cherishes her and sets her on fire in the bedroom.
My Overall Thoughts:
Regency romance lacks a lot of tension and punch for me, and the tortured elements of Ethan and Miranda's characters didn't really come to life for me. The love scenes were good, but not especially steamy for an erotic read. I'm not asking for kinky, mind you, but I thought that they would be more descriptive than they were. Having said that, this is not a bad read. I can see many readers enjoying it a lot. Especially readers who love the Regency setting, with the Marriage Mart, and the jaded rake hero. As I said above, rakes leave me cold, unless they are done really well. Ethan didn't really inspire me to overcome my dislike of the rake storyline, so I can't really endorse this book wholesale. I think the thing that makes it shine is Miranda. She made the book more worthwhile to read, and Jess Michaels writes smoothly enough to make this book a pleasant few hours' read.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.
What I liked:
*I found myself really liking and respecting Miranda. She was a good person. I like that she is honest about her needs as a person, and she is also generous and giving to take care of her family, even when they have been so ungrateful and cruel to her. She has a lot of heart and integrity, and she did endear herself to me for those reasons.
*I liked Ethan's proposal at the end. That really did show his feelings for Miranda. I hope he is truly able to stay faithful to her. She deserves a husband who adores and cherishes her and sets her on fire in the bedroom.
My Overall Thoughts:
Regency romance lacks a lot of tension and punch for me, and the tortured elements of Ethan and Miranda's characters didn't really come to life for me. The love scenes were good, but not especially steamy for an erotic read. I'm not asking for kinky, mind you, but I thought that they would be more descriptive than they were. Having said that, this is not a bad read. I can see many readers enjoying it a lot. Especially readers who love the Regency setting, with the Marriage Mart, and the jaded rake hero. As I said above, rakes leave me cold, unless they are done really well. Ethan didn't really inspire me to overcome my dislike of the rake storyline, so I can't really endorse this book wholesale. I think the thing that makes it shine is Miranda. She made the book more worthwhile to read, and Jess Michaels writes smoothly enough to make this book a pleasant few hours' read.
Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.
July 29, 2012
Well, this was a very pleasant surprise! I expected to enjoy the read, but I ended up LOVING it! I've always wondered why the steam factor in historical romance is so much less than any other form of romance. Is the author trying to remain true to historical accuracy? Or is it the that the loyal HR fans may be too shocked by more explicit sex scenes? In any case, I had heard that this is an erotic historical romance, and it came recommended.
While the sex WAS more erotic than most HR, I can't really say that it was more explicit. For sure, there was more than the obligatory wedding night 'deflowering.' But I thought that the author found the absolute PERFECT balance between a demure, innocent regency heroine and her requisite bored London rake. This is a story of love that blooms from a strong sexual attraction into a love that shocks them both. Neither our hero or heroine have even the slightest expectation for the relationship forged from necessity to mean so much. There was no shy prevaricating or seduction to mess with the plot. Miranda wants passion, and Ethan is more than willing to provide. It was erotic from page two!
One other thing that I appreciated was that there wasn't a hundred pages of plot filler. The author managed to say what needed to be said and that was that. I truly appreciate it. There's nothing worse than loving a story but getting bored halfway through due to a lack of action or interest.
I should totally listen to my girls more! They rarely steer me wrong in choosing what to read, and this was no exception. Thanks to Chelle for a rec that I most likely would have passed over!
While the sex WAS more erotic than most HR, I can't really say that it was more explicit. For sure, there was more than the obligatory wedding night 'deflowering.' But I thought that the author found the absolute PERFECT balance between a demure, innocent regency heroine and her requisite bored London rake. This is a story of love that blooms from a strong sexual attraction into a love that shocks them both. Neither our hero or heroine have even the slightest expectation for the relationship forged from necessity to mean so much. There was no shy prevaricating or seduction to mess with the plot. Miranda wants passion, and Ethan is more than willing to provide. It was erotic from page two!
One other thing that I appreciated was that there wasn't a hundred pages of plot filler. The author managed to say what needed to be said and that was that. I truly appreciate it. There's nothing worse than loving a story but getting bored halfway through due to a lack of action or interest.
I should totally listen to my girls more! They rarely steer me wrong in choosing what to read, and this was no exception. Thanks to Chelle for a rec that I most likely would have passed over!
August 16, 2020
When Lisa Kleypas is more erotic than you, you know you've got a problem.
Everything Forbidden is billed as an erotic historical but spoiler alert: it's not. This is a case of the trailer being better than the book, or the blurb, anyway. You expect a story of sexual awakening but the story chickens out of its premise before it begins. The biggest problem of regencies written nowadays is that they never put their money where their mouth is, and this is certainly true of the heroine-exchanges-body-for-duty plotline. In Everything Forbidden, the heroine agrees to submit to the hero in exchange for him sponsoring her sisters' seasons so that they can make good matches, and get the family out of debt. The heroine, although described as a conventionally attractive woman that would be a catch, is considered a spinster because she has refused too many suitors and has now earned a reputation for turning down proposals.
Silly me for expecting this erotic plotline to actually manifest itself.
The hero assigns the heroine erotic literature the first time she comes over. The second time, he orders her to leave soon after she arrives. Cherry on top? They don't even finish the summer together. There is a coming-out ball for her sister, and then they separate before reuniting in London.
If you want erotica in your regencies, Annabel Joseph's Properly Spanked Series is a great series of novella-length stories with fleshed-out characters and believable conflicts. You also really can't go wrong with Lisa Valdez's Passion Quartet (Except for the fact that this series is much delayed).
Heck, if you just want to read a story with the same plotline - Anne Mallory's Three Nights of Sin does a much more sensual take. April Moran's The Untamed Duke also cops out of its sexy business proposition but it remains very steamy and fun.
Everything Forbidden sets up the heroine's sister for her own book in the series, but I will not be reading.
Everything Forbidden is billed as an erotic historical but spoiler alert: it's not. This is a case of the trailer being better than the book, or the blurb, anyway. You expect a story of sexual awakening but the story chickens out of its premise before it begins. The biggest problem of regencies written nowadays is that they never put their money where their mouth is, and this is certainly true of the heroine-exchanges-body-for-duty plotline. In Everything Forbidden, the heroine agrees to submit to the hero in exchange for him sponsoring her sisters' seasons so that they can make good matches, and get the family out of debt. The heroine, although described as a conventionally attractive woman that would be a catch, is considered a spinster because she has refused too many suitors and has now earned a reputation for turning down proposals.
Silly me for expecting this erotic plotline to actually manifest itself.
The hero assigns the heroine erotic literature the first time she comes over. The second time, he orders her to leave soon after she arrives. Cherry on top? They don't even finish the summer together. There is a coming-out ball for her sister, and then they separate before reuniting in London.
If you want erotica in your regencies, Annabel Joseph's Properly Spanked Series is a great series of novella-length stories with fleshed-out characters and believable conflicts. You also really can't go wrong with Lisa Valdez's Passion Quartet (Except for the fact that this series is much delayed).
Heck, if you just want to read a story with the same plotline - Anne Mallory's Three Nights of Sin does a much more sensual take. April Moran's The Untamed Duke also cops out of its sexy business proposition but it remains very steamy and fun.
Everything Forbidden sets up the heroine's sister for her own book in the series, but I will not be reading.
December 19, 2014
I absolutely, 100% LOVED this book! Loved the hero, loved the heroine, loved the story and I really loved the ending! Amazing, how such an erotic story can also be a very emotional one. This one had tears misting my eyes near the end. I sometimes have a problem with erotica books, that the characters are not always fully developed, but not with that one. I'm so glad I had already bought the second, even before I had finished this!
July 23, 2016
The theme of “older, experienced man schools the innocent young virgin in the ways of the flesh” is a favorite indulgence of mine. No matter how many times I read this particular trope, it never gets old.
What made this story different was that this virgin, while inexperienced, is anything but naive about what goes on between a man and a woman, thanks to her wicked next door neighbor and his exhibitionist ways. So when Miranda Albright’s family is in need of a benefactor, she boldly propositions the man who’s been the embodiment of her fantasies for years.
I truly loved Miranda. She was gutsy, and not afraid to go after what she wanted, namely Ethan, the Earl of Rothschild, the man she’s been secretly lusting after from afar. The bargain they strike is only temporary, but Miranda is dying to experience passion in Ethan’s arms, however fleeting. She willingly gives him her virginity, never realizing that she would also end up losing her heart.
Ethan is a man used to controlling his desires. Normally cool and dispassionate even while indulging in the pleasures of a woman’s body, he found that control quickly thrown out the window every single time he encountered Miranda. For Ethan, women had always been interchangeable, so when he finds himself wanting her, and not just the pleasure they experience together, needless to say, he’s a bit terrified.
He didn't want this need to be with her more than any other woman. He didn't want this…this strange caring about her welfare. And today he would regain control over his emotions and her body.
And so, he fights against his feelings and tries (unsuccessfully) to keep her at a healthy distance.
The sex scenes were very good, extremely sensual and tastefully done. Ethan had foreplay down to an art form. I loved that he had a bit of a dirty mouth and how he seduced Miranda slowly, building up her excitement (and mine!)
The ending was sigh-worthy, although I do wish we could’ve got a glimpse of their lives together as a happy couple. I guess I will need to read Penelope’s story for that.
What made this story different was that this virgin, while inexperienced, is anything but naive about what goes on between a man and a woman, thanks to her wicked next door neighbor and his exhibitionist ways. So when Miranda Albright’s family is in need of a benefactor, she boldly propositions the man who’s been the embodiment of her fantasies for years.
I truly loved Miranda. She was gutsy, and not afraid to go after what she wanted, namely Ethan, the Earl of Rothschild, the man she’s been secretly lusting after from afar. The bargain they strike is only temporary, but Miranda is dying to experience passion in Ethan’s arms, however fleeting. She willingly gives him her virginity, never realizing that she would also end up losing her heart.
Ethan is a man used to controlling his desires. Normally cool and dispassionate even while indulging in the pleasures of a woman’s body, he found that control quickly thrown out the window every single time he encountered Miranda. For Ethan, women had always been interchangeable, so when he finds himself wanting her, and not just the pleasure they experience together, needless to say, he’s a bit terrified.
He didn't want this need to be with her more than any other woman. He didn't want this…this strange caring about her welfare. And today he would regain control over his emotions and her body.
And so, he fights against his feelings and tries (unsuccessfully) to keep her at a healthy distance.
The sex scenes were very good, extremely sensual and tastefully done. Ethan had foreplay down to an art form. I loved that he had a bit of a dirty mouth and how he seduced Miranda slowly, building up her excitement (and mine!)
The ending was sigh-worthy, although I do wish we could’ve got a glimpse of their lives together as a happy couple. I guess I will need to read Penelope’s story for that.
July 30, 2011
5 stars.
I think it's important to go into this book with no expectations and with the understanding that it's historical erotica. In saying that, while there were sex scenes aplenty (compared to other HR's), they weren't overly gratuitous or overbearing. It was quite deliciously done and SUCH a refreshing change to the average HR mating dance.
The sexual overtone didn't take anything away from the story in my opinion. While it wasn't as detailed or fleshed out as your average HR plotline, it made for a simple "A to B" read with just enough angst to ease my angsty cravings.
Ethan (our heartthrobby hero) was so freakin' hot that his every action scorched off the pages, or as my case may be - my iphone screen. He knew what he wanted and unapologetically went for it while still being a caring enough sort (though he didn't realize it at the time) that gave him heart and kept him three-dimensional.
Miranda (our passionate heroine) was one of my favourite heroines in a long, long time. She didn't play games and while originally her actions were a protection of sorts for her family, she never fooled herself or us by concealing her true motivations. She was honest, sensible and allowed herself to feel with Ethan (it was fabulous!). And whilst she had a quiet, determined strength, she was also not afraid to allow herself vulnerability.
Anything I could change though? For it to be longer. Maybe add in a spark or two of jealousy somewhere *nudge nudge*. And for it to include an epilogue.
Try it, you'll love it. Try it, you'll LOVE it!
I think it's important to go into this book with no expectations and with the understanding that it's historical erotica. In saying that, while there were sex scenes aplenty (compared to other HR's), they weren't overly gratuitous or overbearing. It was quite deliciously done and SUCH a refreshing change to the average HR mating dance.
The sexual overtone didn't take anything away from the story in my opinion. While it wasn't as detailed or fleshed out as your average HR plotline, it made for a simple "A to B" read with just enough angst to ease my angsty cravings.
Ethan (our heartthrobby hero) was so freakin' hot that his every action scorched off the pages, or as my case may be - my iphone screen. He knew what he wanted and unapologetically went for it while still being a caring enough sort (though he didn't realize it at the time) that gave him heart and kept him three-dimensional.
Miranda (our passionate heroine) was one of my favourite heroines in a long, long time. She didn't play games and while originally her actions were a protection of sorts for her family, she never fooled herself or us by concealing her true motivations. She was honest, sensible and allowed herself to feel with Ethan (it was fabulous!). And whilst she had a quiet, determined strength, she was also not afraid to allow herself vulnerability.
Miranda bit her lip. She wasn't going to become upset in front of him. A man like Ethan wouldn't want some hysterical woman sobbing in his parlor.And Ethan "best lay in England" Rothschild grew on me even more so as it became apparent that he was feeling more for Miranda than he initially wanted to:
"Ethan," she whispered, hating how her voice broke just a little.
He hesitated before he slipped the last button into place. Slowly, his gaze lifted to hers and a flicker of heat stoked deep within his eyes. Dark and dangerous, but it gave her hope. He still wanted her.
He'd lost all semblance of control.-
With difficulty, Ethan moved away from the window, determined not to stare like a lost puppy after Miranda's retreating form.
It was Friday.Swoooooon!
Normally, the days of the week were meaningless to Ethan, especially in the country. But now, in short order, Friday had taken on a different meaning to him. It meant Miranda.
Anything I could change though? For it to be longer. Maybe add in a spark or two of jealousy somewhere *nudge nudge*. And for it to include an epilogue.
Try it, you'll love it. Try it, you'll LOVE it!
May 9, 2011
This is just what I needed. A slightly angsty, really sexy historical romantica.
Miranda, the oldest Albright sister, witnesses her neighbor, the Earl of Rothschild, aka. Ethan, do the dirty with his current mistress outside on his grounds. Since then Miranda had craved for passion (with Ethan), refusing the hand of many eligible suitors. They just didn't fire her up like the wicked earl did. 3 years later, her father is dead, and Miranda has to care for and keep up with the family finances. With 3 younger sister to marry off and empty coffers, Miranda decides that the only solution is to submit to Ethan as a short-term mistress, while he foots the bill for her sisters' debuts. Bored from repetitive debauchery, Ethan is alone at his summer house. Until Miranda's bargain. Having been intrigued by the innocent lady, Ethan agrees to the tantalizing offer, sharing sexual delights once a week. That is, until it becomes clear that both of their hearts are at stake.
I absolutely adored Miranda. She's my kind of girl. Despite being a lady, she is tempted by passion and sex, but is also strong in her resolve to protect her family. Her fascination with Ethan is her only weakness, which turns into a painful love that deepens the wedge between her and her family. Ethan, a shameless libertine, has his own tragedy. But honestly, I didn't really care for his sob story, because compared to Miranda's, his was kinda lame. His need for control is a driving force in his personality, which I liked, because it made his choices erratic and inconsistent as he subconsciously falls for Miranda. I like their relationship, with lots of sex and sexual tension, but also with a tad of angst and unexpected love. It was a killer combination for me.
Because I am so invested in this couple, I am not feeling much for Miranda's sisters. Penelope, the heroine of the next book, was cruel and annoying. I am not looking forward for her book. And Miranda's mother infuriated me (though I liked the angst she creates for Miranda - I know, there's something wrong with me). A part of me wanted her to discover Miranda's bargain with Ethan, so she might appreciate her daughter.
Overall, I recommend this book to Historical Romantica readers. It's sexy and sensual, while remaining tasteful. Ms. Michael's keeps the interactions from becoming vulgar - which is difficult to do with all the eroticism during their encounters.
Miranda, the oldest Albright sister, witnesses her neighbor, the Earl of Rothschild, aka. Ethan, do the dirty with his current mistress outside on his grounds. Since then Miranda had craved for passion (with Ethan), refusing the hand of many eligible suitors. They just didn't fire her up like the wicked earl did. 3 years later, her father is dead, and Miranda has to care for and keep up with the family finances. With 3 younger sister to marry off and empty coffers, Miranda decides that the only solution is to submit to Ethan as a short-term mistress, while he foots the bill for her sisters' debuts. Bored from repetitive debauchery, Ethan is alone at his summer house. Until Miranda's bargain. Having been intrigued by the innocent lady, Ethan agrees to the tantalizing offer, sharing sexual delights once a week. That is, until it becomes clear that both of their hearts are at stake.
I absolutely adored Miranda. She's my kind of girl. Despite being a lady, she is tempted by passion and sex, but is also strong in her resolve to protect her family. Her fascination with Ethan is her only weakness, which turns into a painful love that deepens the wedge between her and her family. Ethan, a shameless libertine, has his own tragedy. But honestly, I didn't really care for his sob story, because compared to Miranda's, his was kinda lame. His need for control is a driving force in his personality, which I liked, because it made his choices erratic and inconsistent as he subconsciously falls for Miranda. I like their relationship, with lots of sex and sexual tension, but also with a tad of angst and unexpected love. It was a killer combination for me.
Because I am so invested in this couple, I am not feeling much for Miranda's sisters. Penelope, the heroine of the next book, was cruel and annoying. I am not looking forward for her book. And Miranda's mother infuriated me (though I liked the angst she creates for Miranda - I know, there's something wrong with me). A part of me wanted her to discover Miranda's bargain with Ethan, so she might appreciate her daughter.
Overall, I recommend this book to Historical Romantica readers. It's sexy and sensual, while remaining tasteful. Ms. Michael's keeps the interactions from becoming vulgar - which is difficult to do with all the eroticism during their encounters.
January 20, 2008
Hello, hotness.
While I would recommended this book to just about any woman, desperate housewife or no, I would not recommend reading this book on the subway, on a bus, on a place (well, maybe on a plane), or anywhere else that wasn't within a few steps of a very private space.
If you know what I mean.
While I would recommended this book to just about any woman, desperate housewife or no, I would not recommend reading this book on the subway, on a bus, on a place (well, maybe on a plane), or anywhere else that wasn't within a few steps of a very private space.
If you know what I mean.
March 6, 2010
*This review contains mild spoilers
I loved this book! I have never read anything before by Jess Michaels (pen name for Jenna Peterson), but I will definitely read more. Especially since this is book one of a series, The Albright Sisters.
Miranda Albright, a young girl, and oldest daughter living in the country in England is the voice of reason for her mother and younger sisters. After their father died leaving them penniless, Miranda took upon the responsibility of making sure her family was never homeless. Her mother, was an ridiculous extravagant woman, despite having no money, who only took pleasure constantly harping on every little thing her four daughters did. Miranda, as a younger girl used to spy on the notorious, Lord Eathan Rothschild every summer when he was in the country with his latest lover making love outdoors. He garnered this reputation of being one of the best, but careless lovers in England. Never allowing himself to come to care for a woman, other than for sex.
Miranda had always wanted not just, love but a very passion filled relationship with a man. She had refused several proposals for marriage on the lack of these characteristics and was shunned by society as being a spinster in the making. Her sisters needed to be launched into society to make suitable marriage matches, hopegully relieving their financial burdens as well, sought out Lord Rothschild as an answer to her problems. She made an arrangement with him, as a virgin, that she would become his lover if he would sponsor each of her sisters coming out into society under the guise of owing her deceased father a long ago debt. Miranda didn't do this just for her family, although that was the driving force, she did it because she wanted to discover passion with Ethan, something she believed he could give her after spying on him all those years.
At first, Ethan wanted to dominate, teach, and have absolute control over Miranda. He was like a cat, toying with a canary before he pounced and devoured. Eventually, he lost this total control when he started to develop loving feelings toward Miranda. Convinced that he could never love because of his bloodlines... his father was a heartless adulterer who drove Ethan's mom to drink, then death, lived up to what his father taught him. Have women, lots, and never care for them. If he married, it was for duty's sake and nothing more.
Miranda throughout this affair learned what intense passion and pleasure could be. She fell quickly and deeply in love with Ethan. Their relationship and agreement was shattered one evening when Miranda's mother was hosting a ball for Penelope, Miranda's younger sister by two years and best friend. Penelope unfortunately walked in on Ethan and Miranda. The shock was more than Penelope could bare because she came to realize that Miranda had sold herself for the family. Penelope judged her sister harshly and a little unfairly, not bothering to listen that passion was what Miranda wanted, that her and Ethan had more than just a bargain. This was the only thing that bugged me about the book, I had no complaints with the book, just Penelope being so harsh, unfeeling, and judgemental. Penelope never forgave her sister, but accepted the first marriage proposal from an old man of money that was old enough to be her grandfather.
After Ethan and Miranda were found out, Miranda ended their arrangement and forced Ethan to stay away from her, even though that was the last thing she wanted. During their time apart, Ethan realized that he wanted Miranda back in his life at any cost, that he truly did love her and didn't just want her as a mistress or lover, but as a wife.
These two were thrust together in London by accident at Penelope's engagement party. Ethan, truthfully pours his heart and soul out to Miranda and offers them to her, only to have her doubt him and refuse him yet again. While she is trying to make a hasty get away, he comes back into the ballroom and makes a very embarrassing and public display for Miranda's hand. Thankfully, she believes him and accepts his proposal of marriage and ultimately his love. I truly did feel the love between this couple. The love scenes were well written, tasteful, and smoking hot. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
No extreme explicit warnings are needed for this book, there is sex and oral sex described, but that is it.
I loved this book! I have never read anything before by Jess Michaels (pen name for Jenna Peterson), but I will definitely read more. Especially since this is book one of a series, The Albright Sisters.
Miranda Albright, a young girl, and oldest daughter living in the country in England is the voice of reason for her mother and younger sisters. After their father died leaving them penniless, Miranda took upon the responsibility of making sure her family was never homeless. Her mother, was an ridiculous extravagant woman, despite having no money, who only took pleasure constantly harping on every little thing her four daughters did. Miranda, as a younger girl used to spy on the notorious, Lord Eathan Rothschild every summer when he was in the country with his latest lover making love outdoors. He garnered this reputation of being one of the best, but careless lovers in England. Never allowing himself to come to care for a woman, other than for sex.
Miranda had always wanted not just, love but a very passion filled relationship with a man. She had refused several proposals for marriage on the lack of these characteristics and was shunned by society as being a spinster in the making. Her sisters needed to be launched into society to make suitable marriage matches, hopegully relieving their financial burdens as well, sought out Lord Rothschild as an answer to her problems. She made an arrangement with him, as a virgin, that she would become his lover if he would sponsor each of her sisters coming out into society under the guise of owing her deceased father a long ago debt. Miranda didn't do this just for her family, although that was the driving force, she did it because she wanted to discover passion with Ethan, something she believed he could give her after spying on him all those years.
At first, Ethan wanted to dominate, teach, and have absolute control over Miranda. He was like a cat, toying with a canary before he pounced and devoured. Eventually, he lost this total control when he started to develop loving feelings toward Miranda. Convinced that he could never love because of his bloodlines... his father was a heartless adulterer who drove Ethan's mom to drink, then death, lived up to what his father taught him. Have women, lots, and never care for them. If he married, it was for duty's sake and nothing more.
Miranda throughout this affair learned what intense passion and pleasure could be. She fell quickly and deeply in love with Ethan. Their relationship and agreement was shattered one evening when Miranda's mother was hosting a ball for Penelope, Miranda's younger sister by two years and best friend. Penelope unfortunately walked in on Ethan and Miranda. The shock was more than Penelope could bare because she came to realize that Miranda had sold herself for the family. Penelope judged her sister harshly and a little unfairly, not bothering to listen that passion was what Miranda wanted, that her and Ethan had more than just a bargain. This was the only thing that bugged me about the book, I had no complaints with the book, just Penelope being so harsh, unfeeling, and judgemental. Penelope never forgave her sister, but accepted the first marriage proposal from an old man of money that was old enough to be her grandfather.
After Ethan and Miranda were found out, Miranda ended their arrangement and forced Ethan to stay away from her, even though that was the last thing she wanted. During their time apart, Ethan realized that he wanted Miranda back in his life at any cost, that he truly did love her and didn't just want her as a mistress or lover, but as a wife.
These two were thrust together in London by accident at Penelope's engagement party. Ethan, truthfully pours his heart and soul out to Miranda and offers them to her, only to have her doubt him and refuse him yet again. While she is trying to make a hasty get away, he comes back into the ballroom and makes a very embarrassing and public display for Miranda's hand. Thankfully, she believes him and accepts his proposal of marriage and ultimately his love. I truly did feel the love between this couple. The love scenes were well written, tasteful, and smoking hot. I look forward to reading the rest of this series.
No extreme explicit warnings are needed for this book, there is sex and oral sex described, but that is it.
December 10, 2021
I think the plot was simply too far fetched. I don't believe I'll be continuing with the series.
January 29, 2013
I LOVED THIS BOOK.
I ADORED THIS BOOK.
I WOULD CLIMB THE HIGHEST TOWER AND PROFESS MY JOY OVER THIS BOOK.
I ATE IT UP, SPIT IT OUT, AND ATE IT UP AGAIN. GROSS? MAYBE. SATISFYING? DEFINITELY!!!!!!!!!
If I can write a poem to thee dear book I would! It was beyond amazing and I'm reeling from its loss**sniff, sniff**
Sensual? Check! Erotic? Double check!! Awesome story and even better characters?! Triple, quadruple check!!!
This book OWNED me. It cuffed, collared and bartered me to the highest bidder and it could do it over and over again!
I was mesmerized from the second page in. I knew it was going to be a mind-boggling surprise because the last couple times I've read historical romance it left me empty and wanting. But now I see where my mistakes lay... It's the erotic element in Jess Michaels' books that made all the difference.
I love angsty reads but not when they're unrelatable. This had that repressed love and devotion streaming through all the pages.
Miranda was awesome. Strong, steel-willed, and full of passion. She made me feel for her more than any other character in a long time. I loved her tenacity and self-preservation!
Ethan....Oh.My.God. The man was on fire!! He is joining the ranks of best book boyfriend! He was hot, sexy, seductive and had a contained wickedness that I ate up like a prison inmate given caviar. He was delicious and mouth-watering. I could on and on...
I am definitely reading more from this author and can't believe something so good was out there and I didn't find it till now!
LOVED IT!!!!!!
I ADORED THIS BOOK.
I WOULD CLIMB THE HIGHEST TOWER AND PROFESS MY JOY OVER THIS BOOK.
I ATE IT UP, SPIT IT OUT, AND ATE IT UP AGAIN. GROSS? MAYBE. SATISFYING? DEFINITELY!!!!!!!!!
If I can write a poem to thee dear book I would! It was beyond amazing and I'm reeling from its loss**sniff, sniff**
Sensual? Check! Erotic? Double check!! Awesome story and even better characters?! Triple, quadruple check!!!
This book OWNED me. It cuffed, collared and bartered me to the highest bidder and it could do it over and over again!
I was mesmerized from the second page in. I knew it was going to be a mind-boggling surprise because the last couple times I've read historical romance it left me empty and wanting. But now I see where my mistakes lay... It's the erotic element in Jess Michaels' books that made all the difference.
I love angsty reads but not when they're unrelatable. This had that repressed love and devotion streaming through all the pages.
Miranda was awesome. Strong, steel-willed, and full of passion. She made me feel for her more than any other character in a long time. I loved her tenacity and self-preservation!
Ethan....Oh.My.God. The man was on fire!! He is joining the ranks of best book boyfriend! He was hot, sexy, seductive and had a contained wickedness that I ate up like a prison inmate given caviar. He was delicious and mouth-watering. I could on and on...
I am definitely reading more from this author and can't believe something so good was out there and I didn't find it till now!
LOVED IT!!!!!!
January 23, 2015
A historical romance where the characters speak and act as if they are modern day lovers. This did not bother me too much as I was eager to follow the romance between the two characters, the incorrigible, irresistible rake and the innocent yet wildly sensual country lass who sells herself to him in order to save her family from dire straits. It was easy to see the predictable conclusion to this journey yet it was still entertaining to read. The stronger voice belonged to the female heroine, who looked all willowy but acted and spoke with a strength and integrity that made me root for her all the way. The rake was more of a cardboard cut out and far less interesting. In fact, in some situations, he seemed downright wimpish compared to the heroine. I would recommend it for readers who like their romance light on the historical, heavy on the passion and the love.
August 25, 2016
Everything Forbidden is a rare gem in erotic romance. Ms. Jess Michaels succeeded in injecting a somewhat convincing romance to the story, a victory that very few writers of the genre can claim. This success, however, is relative; the story shines only when compared with other erotic stories.
But taken individually--judged alone--it is merely an okay novel with an unrealistic plot, less than likeable characters, and flat dialogue. There was no depth in Ethan and Miranda, nothing to indicate that there were more to them than met the eye, nothing to spark my interest. They were simply... uninspiring. Unremarkable.
What is remarkable is the sex. Dirty, dirty sex. I didn't mind, because hey, this is an erotic romance, but not everyone may be comfortable with toys, masturbation and such.
What I did mind, however, is the uneven power distribution between Ethan and Miranda. I didn't like how Ethan always wanted control and power, even though it made sense given how he was established in the novel. Sigh. He was like Christian Grey in breeches--only less whiny and more honourable. And being a firm hater of the Fifty Shades franchise, I did not like that. I prefer equal ground in any relationship, please.
I can see why people like this, but sadly, its potent sexuality did not compensate for the lack of depth in the story and in the characters.
But taken individually--judged alone--it is merely an okay novel with an unrealistic plot, less than likeable characters, and flat dialogue. There was no depth in Ethan and Miranda, nothing to indicate that there were more to them than met the eye, nothing to spark my interest. They were simply... uninspiring. Unremarkable.
What is remarkable is the sex. Dirty, dirty sex. I didn't mind, because hey, this is an erotic romance, but not everyone may be comfortable with toys, masturbation and such.
What I did mind, however, is the uneven power distribution between Ethan and Miranda. I didn't like how Ethan always wanted control and power, even though it made sense given how he was established in the novel. Sigh. He was like Christian Grey in breeches--only less whiny and more honourable. And being a firm hater of the Fifty Shades franchise, I did not like that. I prefer equal ground in any relationship, please.
I can see why people like this, but sadly, its potent sexuality did not compensate for the lack of depth in the story and in the characters.
August 11, 2009
Miranda Albright is the eldest daughter of five, and ever since their father - the younger son of a peer - died, leaving the family deep in debt, she has managed the finances. Now her sister Penelope is of age to come out, and their mother is determined to have now dresses and balls to increase her chances of marrying well - something Miranda turned down three times during her own Season.
Desperate to keep her mother from bankrupting the family, Miranda puts together riskiest plan yet: she goes to her neighbour, the Earl of Rothschild, to ask him to sponsor her sisters. After three years of secretly watching him pleasure his mistresses and lovers by the lake near their property, and yearning for passion, it is her secret desire to experience it herself - and Ethan, Lord Rothschild, is her ultimate fantasy.
Ethan has always noticed Miranda, but he steers clear of ladies and marriage in particular. Still, when she comes to him with her desperate plea for help and the open offer of a bargain, it's more than he can resist. In exchange for sponsoring three of her sisters, he gets Miranda for a day a week for the next three months.
They are days of sexual awakening for Miranda, and a deepening of her passion into something stronger and more intimate. For Ethan, they are days of near obsession, where he struggles to keep control and remain detached, so sure he would ruin the life of any good woman. And they are days of sneaking behind her family's back and lying - until the worst happens.
Michaels writes emotionally intense, vivid stories, rich in erotic pleasure but always tasteful, and at their hearts they are stories about, well, the heart. Very similar in style and structure as Taboo - and featuring Cassandra, prior to her own story - it presents a stronger male lead but a less vigourous and familiar heroine. Miranda was likeable and sympathetic, and a completely different person from Cassandra - understandable, as they are coming from very different backgrounds and situations and upbringings. Miranda showed fire and strength at rare times, in keeping with her character, but was also so beaten down by circumstance and insecure about Ethan, that she wasn't, well, as fun to read about.
Ethan, though, was quite the erotic male lead. Everything about him fitted perfectly with how he was described, his reputation, his lifestyle, his desires and his own insecurities. He was subtly complex, and worth fighting for. The two had all the chemistry you could need - it practically set the pages on fire.
You do need to overlook a bit of artistic licence with the period setting. Set in the Regency period - 1817, to be exact - there's the same confusion over costume that puzzled me in Taboo. While slim women like Miranda wouldn't have needed to wear a corset under their Empress dresses, they did wear more than just a chemise. Also, their dresses didn't button up at the front, which the dresses on Michaels' women always do. Generally, though, the period is solid and the stories, set in this period, believable. For an fun, intense and satisfying romp you can't go far past Jess Michaels.
Desperate to keep her mother from bankrupting the family, Miranda puts together riskiest plan yet: she goes to her neighbour, the Earl of Rothschild, to ask him to sponsor her sisters. After three years of secretly watching him pleasure his mistresses and lovers by the lake near their property, and yearning for passion, it is her secret desire to experience it herself - and Ethan, Lord Rothschild, is her ultimate fantasy.
Ethan has always noticed Miranda, but he steers clear of ladies and marriage in particular. Still, when she comes to him with her desperate plea for help and the open offer of a bargain, it's more than he can resist. In exchange for sponsoring three of her sisters, he gets Miranda for a day a week for the next three months.
They are days of sexual awakening for Miranda, and a deepening of her passion into something stronger and more intimate. For Ethan, they are days of near obsession, where he struggles to keep control and remain detached, so sure he would ruin the life of any good woman. And they are days of sneaking behind her family's back and lying - until the worst happens.
Michaels writes emotionally intense, vivid stories, rich in erotic pleasure but always tasteful, and at their hearts they are stories about, well, the heart. Very similar in style and structure as Taboo - and featuring Cassandra, prior to her own story - it presents a stronger male lead but a less vigourous and familiar heroine. Miranda was likeable and sympathetic, and a completely different person from Cassandra - understandable, as they are coming from very different backgrounds and situations and upbringings. Miranda showed fire and strength at rare times, in keeping with her character, but was also so beaten down by circumstance and insecure about Ethan, that she wasn't, well, as fun to read about.
Ethan, though, was quite the erotic male lead. Everything about him fitted perfectly with how he was described, his reputation, his lifestyle, his desires and his own insecurities. He was subtly complex, and worth fighting for. The two had all the chemistry you could need - it practically set the pages on fire.
You do need to overlook a bit of artistic licence with the period setting. Set in the Regency period - 1817, to be exact - there's the same confusion over costume that puzzled me in Taboo. While slim women like Miranda wouldn't have needed to wear a corset under their Empress dresses, they did wear more than just a chemise. Also, their dresses didn't button up at the front, which the dresses on Michaels' women always do. Generally, though, the period is solid and the stories, set in this period, believable. For an fun, intense and satisfying romp you can't go far past Jess Michaels.
February 3, 2011
The premise is interesting, and I'm all for historical steaminess :) However this book to me fell a little flat. I don't expect the characters to particularly well-rounded in this genre but I couldn't really care about them, particularly the hero. He kept waxing on about his well honed control and how he kept loosing it around the heroine. Which, in idea is kinda exiting. But he keeps mentioning it over... and over, and over... and over. To the point where it drove me nuts. Despite this it wasn't a terrible book or anything. I just found myself about half way through the book and didn't really care about what happens next. Meh.
May 17, 2010
I read this book a while back and LOVED t. Just wanting to add it to my read book's.
May 27, 2015
An epilogue would have been nice, the ending was rather abrupt.
August 4, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this one.
FMC character was well crafted. I expected her to be some dumb young play thing for the rich Ethan. But she had a lot of backbone and her own approach to her life.
That made the story extra special.
The MMC character was of a rake spoiled rich man. But the FMC makes him realize how sweet love is.
The smut could have been better.
FMC character was well crafted. I expected her to be some dumb young play thing for the rich Ethan. But she had a lot of backbone and her own approach to her life.
That made the story extra special.
The MMC character was of a rake spoiled rich man. But the FMC makes him realize how sweet love is.
The smut could have been better.
July 29, 2011
There are a couple of cliches in this novel which I'll mention now. The heroine's father was a gambler and spendthrift leaving the family near penniless. The hero doesn't want to marry because his father philandering ways led to his mother's drinking, depression, and decline.
Three years ago, Miranda Albright stumbled upon an erotic encounter between her neighbor Ethan Hamon, the notorious Earl of Rothschild, with his summer lover. She continued to spy on him and his different lovers every summer. She turned down marraige propropals because she knew she would not be happy unless her marraige had passion. Miranda's father dies and her sisters need their seasons. She goes to Ethan for assistance and agrees to his proposition. She will be his lover every Friday for 24 hours during the next three months and he will sponsor her three sisters a season each. Miranda accepts.
This book is not a smex fest. It's not 24 hours of kinky loving. Ethan and Miranda make an emotinal connection, which frightens him and makes him skittish. He often sends her away before the day is over. It is their passion that leads to their romance and them falling in love. I loved how Ethan paced the room waiting for Miranda. The he would try to play it cool by making her wait. Ethan was a man who was use to the sexual art of sex. He finally meet a woman who doesn't play the game and revels in the passion he shares with her. In the past he'd notice her. He noticed Miranda looking at him as if she knew him. She was a reputable miss and, therefore, off-limits. Now, he has her and it throws him completely off balance.
I wish this book would have had an epilogue. The ending was abrupt. Ethan proved himself a hero in a romantic way. I liked that Miranda knew what she wanted and went for it. At one point, Her decision-making didn't make sense to me. Still, I give this erotic historical romance a B+.
FYI - For those gentle readers, there isn't any "back-door lovin" or menage a trois. No BDSM either. There was one toy, although I don't know what it was.
What makes a romance erotic? Is it the premise? I think Stephanie Laurens writes hot sexy times. So does Kresley Cole and Shelly Laurenston. Ah well, I'm off on a tangent. Anyway, this book has passionate encounters in front of a mirror, in a chair, and against a window. If you want to try an erotic novel this one shouldn't intimidate a gentle reader. On another tangent...Men really need to read romance novels. Ahem.
Three years ago, Miranda Albright stumbled upon an erotic encounter between her neighbor Ethan Hamon, the notorious Earl of Rothschild, with his summer lover. She continued to spy on him and his different lovers every summer. She turned down marraige propropals because she knew she would not be happy unless her marraige had passion. Miranda's father dies and her sisters need their seasons. She goes to Ethan for assistance and agrees to his proposition. She will be his lover every Friday for 24 hours during the next three months and he will sponsor her three sisters a season each. Miranda accepts.
This book is not a smex fest. It's not 24 hours of kinky loving. Ethan and Miranda make an emotinal connection, which frightens him and makes him skittish. He often sends her away before the day is over. It is their passion that leads to their romance and them falling in love. I loved how Ethan paced the room waiting for Miranda. The he would try to play it cool by making her wait. Ethan was a man who was use to the sexual art of sex. He finally meet a woman who doesn't play the game and revels in the passion he shares with her. In the past he'd notice her. He noticed Miranda looking at him as if she knew him. She was a reputable miss and, therefore, off-limits. Now, he has her and it throws him completely off balance.
I wish this book would have had an epilogue. The ending was abrupt. Ethan proved himself a hero in a romantic way. I liked that Miranda knew what she wanted and went for it. At one point, Her decision-making didn't make sense to me. Still, I give this erotic historical romance a B+.
FYI - For those gentle readers, there isn't any "back-door lovin" or menage a trois. No BDSM either. There was one toy, although I don't know what it was.
What makes a romance erotic? Is it the premise? I think Stephanie Laurens writes hot sexy times. So does Kresley Cole and Shelly Laurenston. Ah well, I'm off on a tangent. Anyway, this book has passionate encounters in front of a mirror, in a chair, and against a window. If you want to try an erotic novel this one shouldn't intimidate a gentle reader. On another tangent...Men really need to read romance novels. Ahem.
December 31, 2010
I'm supposed to be cleaning the house, grocery shopping, washing clothes, getting ready for New Years Eve. Instead, my ass is numb from sitting on the couch reading this entire book in one sitting. I don't think I have to tell you I really liked this book!
April 28, 2010
4.5 and would have been a 5 if there would have been an epilogue.
A historical cross between Pride and Prejudice and Pretty Woman. Very steamy too.
A historical cross between Pride and Prejudice and Pretty Woman. Very steamy too.
June 17, 2019
The dialogue and plot fell flat. A bit too melodramatic and slightly boring.
May 1, 2020
Well, this was disappointing. Little about this story was plausible. The steam was adequate but the story and characters were very cookie cutter. I found myself rushing to just get it finished.
November 18, 2018
3.5 stars
In all honesty, I would have given this a higher rating if I had been more immersed in Ethan and Miranda's relationship. Things between them took off so quickly I barely had time to process it. As such, it took me a while to really get emotionally invested in their relationship. Miranda and Ethan were both likable, if a little boring, characters and it saddens me that I was not invested from the start. The climax at the country ball was the scene that finally made me emotionally involved. It was also the first time both Ethan and Miranda felt a shift in their relationship.
The love scenes were extremely well-written, even though I thought it a little dubious how Ethan lost control so easily. Ms. Michaels did a fantastic job writing steamy love scenes, without making them too vulgar and icky. In contrast to other erotic historical romances I have read, this one did not rely on the over-description of every little action. Instead, the love scenes were layered with drawn-out sensuality. Most surprising of all, the love scenes worked in tandem with the characters. Each love scene developed the power dynamic between Ethan and Miranda, which was very interesting to read about. Sometimes Ethan held the reins, but other times Miranda was the one in control. They eventually got into this sensual fight for the reins of power; neither wanted to lose control because they were afraid of the consequences. It was incredible when both finally let go. The relationship building was extremely well-written despite the fact that it took me a long time to click with the characters.
The physical and emotional devlopment of the hero and heroine's relationship was the main strength of this book. Character-wise, Ethan was a more compeling character than Miranda, who was a little bland and boring to me. There was no character development for Miranda: she stayed the same and never really stood up to her family. The character development for Ethan was well done though. When it came to describing the setting, the depiction of the period and country setting was lackluster. The setting felt stagnant in that Miranda was either at Ethan's house or at her own place with her annoying family. I didn't really get a good feel of the period to be quite honest. The only settings that were really described were Ethan's den of iniquity, some aspects of Miranda's house to reveal her poverty, and some parts of London.
As for the secondary characters, my God, I could not stand them! I hated reading about them and I don't think her ungrateful family deserved anything good. Penelope was fine, until that fateful encounter. At first, I understood her feelings - she felt betrayed by her sister and at the same time, she felt as if her sister was forced into this situation (even though Miranda told Penelope she was fully willing). But I think she was too harsh towards Miranda in the end. Miranda did not deserve her judgement. She also kept refusing to understand Miranda's side of the story. It's hard to pin point what she was exactly angry about. As Ethan pointed out, she was probably pissed about a multitude of things. What really made me dislike her though, was when .
Anyway, moving on. As I've mentioned before, the writing was excellent, but there was some repetitiveness that detracted from my reading: Miranda was constantly gasping, flinching or sighing even outside of love scenes. At one point, she started feeling angry at Penelope, but then all of a sudden, she started sighing. The story itself was far-fetched, but I was willing suspend disbelief. One thing that I did find odd was that they didn't take any precaution against pregnancy even though they wanted to keep their affair a secret.
Finally, I think we really needed an epilogue. I guess I will have to read the next book to find out what happened with Penelope and Miranda. That was never resolved.
In all honesty, I would have given this a higher rating if I had been more immersed in Ethan and Miranda's relationship. Things between them took off so quickly I barely had time to process it. As such, it took me a while to really get emotionally invested in their relationship. Miranda and Ethan were both likable, if a little boring, characters and it saddens me that I was not invested from the start. The climax at the country ball was the scene that finally made me emotionally involved. It was also the first time both Ethan and Miranda felt a shift in their relationship.
The love scenes were extremely well-written, even though I thought it a little dubious how Ethan lost control so easily. Ms. Michaels did a fantastic job writing steamy love scenes, without making them too vulgar and icky. In contrast to other erotic historical romances I have read, this one did not rely on the over-description of every little action. Instead, the love scenes were layered with drawn-out sensuality. Most surprising of all, the love scenes worked in tandem with the characters. Each love scene developed the power dynamic between Ethan and Miranda, which was very interesting to read about. Sometimes Ethan held the reins, but other times Miranda was the one in control. They eventually got into this sensual fight for the reins of power; neither wanted to lose control because they were afraid of the consequences. It was incredible when both finally let go. The relationship building was extremely well-written despite the fact that it took me a long time to click with the characters.
The physical and emotional devlopment of the hero and heroine's relationship was the main strength of this book. Character-wise, Ethan was a more compeling character than Miranda, who was a little bland and boring to me. There was no character development for Miranda: she stayed the same and never really stood up to her family. The character development for Ethan was well done though. When it came to describing the setting, the depiction of the period and country setting was lackluster. The setting felt stagnant in that Miranda was either at Ethan's house or at her own place with her annoying family. I didn't really get a good feel of the period to be quite honest. The only settings that were really described were Ethan's den of iniquity, some aspects of Miranda's house to reveal her poverty, and some parts of London.
As for the secondary characters, my God, I could not stand them! I hated reading about them and I don't think her ungrateful family deserved anything good. Penelope was fine, until that fateful encounter. At first, I understood her feelings - she felt betrayed by her sister and at the same time, she felt as if her sister was forced into this situation (even though Miranda told Penelope she was fully willing). But I think she was too harsh towards Miranda in the end. Miranda did not deserve her judgement. She also kept refusing to understand Miranda's side of the story. It's hard to pin point what she was exactly angry about. As Ethan pointed out, she was probably pissed about a multitude of things. What really made me dislike her though, was when .
Anyway, moving on. As I've mentioned before, the writing was excellent, but there was some repetitiveness that detracted from my reading: Miranda was constantly gasping, flinching or sighing even outside of love scenes. At one point, she started feeling angry at Penelope, but then all of a sudden, she started sighing. The story itself was far-fetched, but I was willing suspend disbelief. One thing that I did find odd was that they didn't take any precaution against pregnancy even though they wanted to keep their affair a secret.
Finally, I think we really needed an epilogue. I guess I will have to read the next book to find out what happened with Penelope and Miranda. That was never resolved.
August 1, 2019
One of my first romance books and still one of my favorites.
2016: This book was smoking hot! Like throw-some-ice-on-me steamy! I think this was definitely one of the steamiest books I have read. Jess Michaels knows how to write characters that you not only love but the chemistry between our two leads, Ethan and Miranda, bring some serious blushes and a need for a cool drink of water. Ethan has a dominant personality, especially in the bedroom but he starts to lose control when it comes to Miranda. Miranda tries to take some control to keep the playing feel leveled but all I could see was each of them losing control to the other. There is the BDSM tag but there is no bondage, chains, whips, spanking or beatings just Ethan's dominant personality, he isn't even that harsh about it, or at least I didn't think his personality was too much. I promise there is actual plot. Basically, Miranda offers herself to Ethan in exchange that he hosts her sisters in the coming Seasons because her family is practically broke. There isn't just straight up sex even though it may sound like that. Miranda has a lot of pressure to take care of her family. Obviously she will do whatever it takes to enter her sisters in society and Ethan definitely is her first choice as he has shown her desire without him even knowing about it (read description for book). Ethan and Miranda have amazing chemistry where they don't even have to be touching each other for you to feel the intense heat between them. If you have read enough romance novels, you know they will end up falling in love. They did but how they got there was so very lovely.
I read the second book, Something Reckless, before this first one because I thought the plot sounded more interesting. I ended up loving this book a lot more than its sequel. Because I had some ideas about what happened in this book, I was eagerly waiting for everything to connect. Like the ending...oh my god it was beautiful, I was crying a little bit. It was exactly how I imagined it and provides a very satisfying ending.
Overall: 5 stars
Recommendation: I definitely recommend this to mature readers (whatever mature may mean to you).
2016: This book was smoking hot! Like throw-some-ice-on-me steamy! I think this was definitely one of the steamiest books I have read. Jess Michaels knows how to write characters that you not only love but the chemistry between our two leads, Ethan and Miranda, bring some serious blushes and a need for a cool drink of water. Ethan has a dominant personality, especially in the bedroom but he starts to lose control when it comes to Miranda. Miranda tries to take some control to keep the playing feel leveled but all I could see was each of them losing control to the other. There is the BDSM tag but there is no bondage, chains, whips, spanking or beatings just Ethan's dominant personality, he isn't even that harsh about it, or at least I didn't think his personality was too much. I promise there is actual plot. Basically, Miranda offers herself to Ethan in exchange that he hosts her sisters in the coming Seasons because her family is practically broke. There isn't just straight up sex even though it may sound like that. Miranda has a lot of pressure to take care of her family. Obviously she will do whatever it takes to enter her sisters in society and Ethan definitely is her first choice as he has shown her desire without him even knowing about it (read description for book). Ethan and Miranda have amazing chemistry where they don't even have to be touching each other for you to feel the intense heat between them. If you have read enough romance novels, you know they will end up falling in love. They did but how they got there was so very lovely.
I read the second book, Something Reckless, before this first one because I thought the plot sounded more interesting. I ended up loving this book a lot more than its sequel. Because I had some ideas about what happened in this book, I was eagerly waiting for everything to connect. Like the ending...oh my god it was beautiful, I was crying a little bit. It was exactly how I imagined it and provides a very satisfying ending.
Overall: 5 stars
Recommendation: I definitely recommend this to mature readers (whatever mature may mean to you).
December 23, 2010
well, that was.......... different.
This is definitely not for Young Adults, this thing needs a warning label on it. Sex is pretty much on every other page...
Miranda Albrigh's Father has passed away, leaving her family with unpaid debts, 3 daughters and no money. Her Mother is basically in denial and refuses to live frugally. It is up to Miranda to figure out a way to make money- this is set back in the 1800's, so of course it becomes a scheme to marry off one of her sisters. To do so, she must have an incredible Season. Miranda derives a plan, a plan to give herself to their neighbor, Ethan Hamon, the Duke of Rothschild. She knows he will except because she has viewed his sexual prowless from a far, hiding in bushes causing something to stir up inside her. She tells no one of their agreement of 90 days. She doesn't even deny to herself she loves the passion. Will this ruin her reputation? Will her family find out? Can she be passionate with this man without falling for him???
Blah, Blah, Blah... it was just too much for me. The story itself is an intruiging idea, but it falls flat. There is WAY to much sex and no where near enough story. Not my cup of tea.
2.5 stars
Calm Down
This is definitely not for Young Adults, this thing needs a warning label on it. Sex is pretty much on every other page...
Miranda Albrigh's Father has passed away, leaving her family with unpaid debts, 3 daughters and no money. Her Mother is basically in denial and refuses to live frugally. It is up to Miranda to figure out a way to make money- this is set back in the 1800's, so of course it becomes a scheme to marry off one of her sisters. To do so, she must have an incredible Season. Miranda derives a plan, a plan to give herself to their neighbor, Ethan Hamon, the Duke of Rothschild. She knows he will except because she has viewed his sexual prowless from a far, hiding in bushes causing something to stir up inside her. She tells no one of their agreement of 90 days. She doesn't even deny to herself she loves the passion. Will this ruin her reputation? Will her family find out? Can she be passionate with this man without falling for him???
Blah, Blah, Blah... it was just too much for me. The story itself is an intruiging idea, but it falls flat. There is WAY to much sex and no where near enough story. Not my cup of tea.
2.5 stars
Calm Down
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