I must admit I was unsure of the hero in this novella. Viscount Colin Wharton too easily believed the worst in his wife, and moments after their wedding willingly sent her away. Often in these instances, the much deserved groveling by the hero is nonexistent but not in this case. Jane stood her ground and Colin had some work to do in order to win back her love and trust. Colin had a wonderful way to show Jane he knew his errors and that he was sorry. A very enjoyable novella.

4.5*
I love that Jess Michaels can write a novella and you miss nothing and feel as if it is a full great story.
Viscount Colin Wharton allowed his insecurity and mistrust to ruin what should of been the happiest day of his life, his wedding day. When the day is shattered he summons his new wife Lady Jane Wharton and banishes her to a country estate. Six months later Jane returned to London to see her sister and her new baby and starts the tons rumor mill a blaze.
Colin will not allow Jane to make a fool of him and demands she stay with him until she returns to the country. Only problem he’s underestimated his true feelings for his wife. He soon sees Jane for the girl he found smart, charming and beautiful and irresistible. Jane, no matter how Colin hurt her she is in lone with him and want to win him back but can she forgive him when the truth is revealed or will she give him the freedom he once wanted.
Guaranteed tears, laughter and suspense will continue to bring me back to Jess Michaels books.

This novella length story was SO GOOD! The story was extremely sweet and both main characters were equally strong.

Great start to a new series. This fast-paced novella read has plenty of drama and steam. Viscount Colin banishes his new wife after a heart-breaking betrayal. What will happen when she returns to London a few months later and must share a residence? Wish it was longer and looking forward to more in the series. An entertaining read.

Loved the start to this new series! This is a novella but the length was perfect to me. Sometimes books can have too much filler. I didn't feel like anything was missing, in fact, it felt like a full length novel to me. The premise of this book was unique. Our couple gets married, and through a misunderstanding, our hero sends the heroine (Jane) away. Of course Jane gets over that and decides to come back to London. As you can imagine, she has questions. What happens when she comes back? You will have to read and find out! My favorite part was the letters. So romantic! I enjoy all of Jess's books. Loved the last series but I am excited for this new one and it's already off to a wonderful start!

I loved this story. But was upset over how weak Colin was. To believe something without checking the details made me want to smack him. Jane was a very strong character. Loved her. I would highly recommend this book.

A story that captured my heart from the start and would not let me go until the end.
An arranged marriage that began with the groom, Colin, trying to still heal from a prior betrayal, believes his new wife has cheated on him! Are you serious? Well the wounded heart can only see what it wants, so he sends her to the country for six months. She corresponds with Colin but never receives a word.
But when her sister is to give birth, she travels to London to be with her. Word gets out she is in town by the Scandal Sheets who wonder where she has been! Of course Colin sees it and comes to see her and insist she stay in town at his house. Can they be happy now?
They are so sizzling together but it seems there are people pushing them apart. Full of surprises, angst and romance, I could not wait to see what would happen!
This was such a well written novella that Jess Michaels excels at with her eloquent words that paint a wonderful picture in your head. I cannot wait to read more in this series and recommend it to all lovers of historical romance.

The Return of Lady Jane
The Scandal Sheet book 1
by Jess Micheals

An amazing beginning to what looks like another winning new series.
After numerous betrayals and the annulments from previous betrothals which resulted to not trusting his heart Colin Wharton has finally found love and finally marriage. Unfortunaly he believes his wife has betrayed him and banishes her without a word to the country home.
Lady Jane can't believe the man she has pledged her life and body to has turned into an uncomprimising rock, what has brought this change in her husband? A fast paced page turner keeps you engaged to the very last page. Don’t miss this new series of second chances. Can they get through the misunderstanding and communicate? Is their marriage doomed? Well written and captivating. Can't wait for the next in the series.

I recieved a complimentary copy from the publishervia NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion

4.5 stars!

I very rarely enjoy novellas because I either feel like the story didn't have enough background for me to care about the characters; there wasn't enough time to build a connection between the main characters; and/or the ending seemed completely unrealistic in terms of the resulting HEA. None of these were an issue with this book!

First of all, I only think it is fair for me to state that Jess Michaels is one of my favorite historical romance authors --- I have enjoyed all of her books, and I usually end up inhaling them when I get my hands on them! Her books are always entertaining --- they have romance, passion, steamy goodness, a solid and interesting plot, usually some intrigue/mystery, and are historically accurate (for the most part, but I am not a nitpicker when it comes to that kind of thing as long as the story is good).

I really liked the story (though I did know early on who the "bad guy" was in the book, but that is more because of a limited supporting cast since it was a novella than a lack of mystery). The main female character (Jane) was likeable and sympathetic from the beginning; the main male character (Colin) was generally likeable, but obviously tested the reader's patience with his stubborn refusal to listen to Jane. Their relationship was very passionate, and oh the steamy goodness (this is definitely an NC-17 read, kids!)! The only thing I didn't like about the book was the angst aspect because I felt like it went on a little too long, but since it was a novella and that was the storyline, it made sense that this took up the bulk of the book. I do feel that once all was revealed, I better understood the male main character, and he became much more likeable.

Overall, a highly recommended read if you like your HRs steamy, interesting, and with a dash of mystery!

Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Violence --- only the confrontation with the antagonist & that was not egregious
Language --- minimal
Steam Level --- 4/5
POV --- 3rd (but slanted at times)

The Return of Lady Jane by Jess Michaels is book One in The Scandal Sheets Series. This is the story of Viscount Colin Wharton and Viscountess Jane Wharton.
Colin has a past hurt that has caused him to mistrust Jane. When a misunderstanding of sorts add to his doubts he sends her away. But Jane comes back and he moves forward to keep the gossip down about the two...but is the chance for them to clear the air?
Enjoyed this quick hot read!!

I received an ARC of this novella to read in exchange for a fair review. The Return Of Lady Jane by Jess Michaels is the first book in her new series The Scandal Sheet. I dislike the Othello trope ... hero believes lies about the heroine and in this case banishes her for 6 months without ever asking her to explain her side of the story. That said the story of Viscount Colin Wharton and his lovely bride Jane is engaging and the villain suitably nasty. Medium Steam, Publishing Date January 8, 2019. #NetGalley #TheReturnOfLadyJane #JessMichaels #ThePassionatePen

The Story in 4 Sentences or Less: Viscount Colin Wharton had hopes that he could overcome a painful betrayal in his past when he married Jane but when he witnesses Jane betraying him on their wedding day he is crushed and furious. Colin sends Jane away without delay in the hopes that he can forget about the feelings she stirred in him. But when Jane returns to London mere months later he can’t stay away from her and the pair find themselves living under the same roof facing the same heated emotions between them. Just when they think there is no hope of regaining the happiness of their wedding day, the truth comes out and it’s something neither Jane nor Colin could have prepared for.





Like It? Hate it? Love it? Why? I’m always excited when Jess Michaels has a book out because I can enjoy a passionate romance without all the heavy drama that seems to be a thing right now. Don’t get me wrong, I love conflict and a bit of drama but don’t overdo it please.


I enjoyed The Return of Lady Jane as much as you could a novella but I was a bit put out that a story like Jane and Colin’s was condensed into a novella sized serving. There was so much between this couple that would have made a better full length romance. For example, their second chance comes about 6 months after their wedding. A bit too quick for my tastes, I would have liked the resentment and confusion to simmer more and with it that desperate attraction that they seem to share. When Jane returns to London it isn’t long before she and Colin are in bed together, seeming to forget that he didn’t trust her and sent her away right after they were married and she didn’t know why. There wasn’t a chance to that tension to build, nor for any type of arguments or discussions to take place and with a conflict like theirs hanging over their heads, I would expect confrontation and arguments a plenty.

As for what caused Colin to send Jane away? I had it figured out in about five pages, it wasn’t all that difficult and due to the speed of the events taking place, it should have been obvious to Jane as well. Colin I understand, but Jane?

I loved Colin and Jane as a couple, I just wasn’t thrilled with how their romance went down in such a short time. I feel they had more to give than just a novella.




Click It or Skip It? Click It. In the end I did enjoy The Return of Lady Jane but I was left feeling that this should have been a full length novel, not a novella. There was so much possibility there.

I did enjoy this book although I did surmise who the villain was earlier on. I liked the characters of Jane and Colin. Jane really took matters into her own hands to try to repair her marriage. I did think Colin was just a bit too trusting of certain people but maybe his background affected his judgement. It’s a book you will keep reading to ensure the villain gets his comeuppance. I found this an entertaining read. I look forward to next in the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the first book I have read by Jess Michaels, and she impressed me with this novella! I was not expecting such a thoughtful, and sweet romance to unfold. The characters were well though out and seemed genuine in their feelings. I will be recommending this book to others.

If there's one type of historical romance that I like to read, it's the kind that builds on the marriage of convenience/arranged marriage trope and depicts the ups and downs of married life. After being banished to her husband's country manor, Lady Jane returns to London after 6 months, much to her husband's surprise. Why was she banished? Why did she return? I won't spoil it for you, but what ensues is a steamy and heartfelt romance between husband and wife who can't stay away from each other despite the barriers between them. This novella packs a lot of lust, pining, heartache, and groveling and the journey towards the HEA was a fun and satisfying ride.

Reading this novella reminded me just how much I enjoy Jess Michaels's writing. I'm really excited to read the next novella, especially after the enticing preview at the end of The Return of Lady Jane.

The Return of Lady Jane contains so much in its short length – love, betrayal, confusion, frustration and even a second chance. Viscount Colin Wharton had been betrayed before meeting his new wife by a previous love. That relationship caused confusion and lack of trust for his new wife, Lady Jane. His close confidant and cousin, Arthur, also played a heavy part in his building relationship with Jane.

Jane, who is hurt and confused by Colin sending her away to his country estate, but who already cares for Colin, is struggling to build a relationship with him once she returns to London. He makes love to her with serious abandon, then pushes her away at the same time. Colin does not even realize how much he is coming to care for Jane until it is too late.

This is one of the best novellas I have read. It is seriously sensual, yet sweetly charming. Once Colin sees his mistakes, he grovels in the best of ways. Jane does not expect or set out to see him grovel, but grovel he does. Theirs is a beautiful HEA. I look forward to more from Jess Michaels and this Scandal Sheet series.

The first half of this book was quite frustrating. The hero was too quick to act on his emotions, passionate as he may be. A certain plot seemed too predictable. The heroine gave in easily. The plot twist was protracted.

HOWEVER, the second half saved the story. I loved the way Colin made up for his mistakes, it was swoon worthy and romantic. His character opened up and Jane responded in kind. She did not punish him unnecessarily and Colin’s redemption did not feel rushed although this book is a novella. Bravo, Jess Michaels, I ended up rooting for these two.

*ARC received from publisher via Netgalley.

I really enjoyed this start to a new series. Jess Michaels has been a favorite ever since I read Parlor Games way back when. I love reunion stories and this was a great one full of lack of communication and more. The only thing that bothered me was that it felt too short. I can’t wair for the next story to come!

4.5 stars

On their wedding day, Colin, Viscount Wharton witnesses his new wife Jane betraying him with another man. On the advice of his cousin and best friend, he banishes Jane to the country.

Jane has no idea why Colin sent her away, nor has he replied to any of her letters. She has stayed in the country and made a life for herself, but when her beloved sister gives birth, nothing will keep her from returning to London. She doesn't plan on seeing Colin during her visit, but that plan is shot when the "Scandal Sheet" reports that she is in town and ponders the reason she was exiled.

Colin learns that Jane is in town and immediately goes to see her, instead of sending her back to the country as he planned, he ends up insisting that she lives at his house while she is in town and act his wife in public. She agrees and learns that Colin might hate her, but he still desires her.

They are electric together and Jane has hope that they will finally put the past behind them and move on, but Colin struggles with his feelings, he desires her, but she betrayed him, how can he trust her? When the truth of the betrayal is revealed in a shocking twist, Jane is devastated and returns to the country. Is it too late for these two? Can love heal the wound between them or is the cut too deep?

This was a well written, nicely paced, fully fleshed out novella, it never felt rushed or incomplete, the author gives enough backstory to support the current plot and doesn't rush the ending. The chemistry and emotion between Jane and Colin is obvious, the love scenes are smoking hot and the ending was heartwarming. There are a couple of inconsistencies, but they will probably be corrected prior to publication, but even if they are not, they are minor and don't really impact the story. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would happily recommend it.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

A novella but what a punch it packs. Second chance stories are some of my favorites and this story is full of lies, redemption, and love. I love both Colin and Jane (not always the case in a lot of romances). They are both confused by how they feel and what they believe is wrong with their marriage but still feel the connection that we love reading about in these stories. Could have kept on reading about them. Great start to a new series.