{The Scandal Sheet Review} Stealing the Duke by @JessMichaelsBks

Stealing the Duke by Jess Michaels
Series: The Scandal Sheet #2, The Scandal Sheet
Published by The Passionate Pen on March 5th, 2019
Genres: Historical, Romance
Buy on Amazon, Amazon Australia, Available with KU Subscription, iBooks
Goodreads

A new scandal sheet from USA Today Bestseller Jess Michaels!!!

When the Earl of Martingale died, his daughter Marianne discovered he had been stealing. When she tried to return the items, it only created a scandal that could destroy her and her beloved younger sister. Now she's found one more item and decides to just sneak it back to the victim in the hopes to keep her disgrace from growing.

Alexander Wittingham, the Duke of Avondale, has isolated himself since his sister died. But when he catches the fetching Marianne trying to return his sister's stolen broach, her presence awakens desires in him, longings he hasn't allowed himself to feel in years. When he realizes her dire straits, he makes her a shocking offer that could save her...if she's willing to surrender her body.

Their affair draws them close physically...and emotionally. But will Alexander ever accept Marianne to be more than his lover? If he does, will it be too late?

Novella Length

I received Stealing the Duke for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Also in this series: The Return of Lady Jane

Lady Marianne is almost completely ruined after her father’s death. The Late Earl of Martingale had a bad habit of stealing from his friends of the Ton. Small or large. Cheap or priceless. None of that matter except for the fact the items weren’t his one moment and then they were. Marianne thinks by turning over the items to the authorities, it would be dealt with quietly. She’d never been more wrong. A man wanting to make a name for himself and The Scandal Sheet spread the news like wildfire. Soon, Lady Marianne has only a month to find a place for herself and her ten-year-old sister to live. When she finds a hidden item belonging to the Duke of Avondale’s late sister, she thinks she can sneak it back into his home and be done with it.

The Duke of Avondale, Alexander Wittingham, was scarred years before and has since retired from public life. When he catches a young woman sneaking into his dark study, he never expects what happens will change his life forever. A deal is struck, Marianne’s agreement to become his mistress for a month in exchange for a place to live on his estate and a dowry for her sister.

Michaels always has a fresh and vibrant take on historical romance troupes. She always leaves me satisfied and this story was no different. The sizzling attraction between Alex and Marianne leads to a unique happily ever after. Michaels is also the queen of the back story. This story is a novella, so to give such a complete picture in only a couple hundred pages is magnificent. Both Marianne and Alex have a complicated past, but I feel I’ve learned what I need to in effort to understand the unusual couple.

If you’re in the mood for a sexy romp with a scarred, brooding duke and a slightly naughty almost spinster, Stealing the Duke is the novella for you!

The Scandal Sheet Series

The Return of Lady Jane ~ Lady Jane Wharton ~ January 8th, 2019

Read my review HERE!

Stealing the Duke ~ Lady Marianne ~ March 5th, 2019

Lady No Says Yes ~ Lady Sophie ~ May 7th, 2019

My Fair Viscount ~ Miss Rose Higgins ~ July 9th, 2019

Guarding the Countess ~ Lady Naomi Barnaby ~ September 3rd, 2019

The House of Pleasure ~ Miss Hannah Blankenship ~ November 12th, 2019