I am giving a fair and honest review in return for this ARC. Duplicity, fear, jealousy, stubbornness...any or all of these can destroy a soul and happiness. When you learn to trust and give freely, lives can be rebuilt and thrive. Such is the nature of this tale

After a surprisingly passionate wedding day, Viscount Colin Wharton begins to believe he could overcome a painful betrayal in his past and truly make a future with his new wife Jane. Then a shocking betrayal crushes his heart. He sends her away, determined to forget her.
Jane has no idea what hardened her husband's heart to her, but she is trying to make the best of her banishment. When she returns to London six months later to see her new nephew, she hopes to simply avoid Colin.
This novella is the first in a new series & for a short story packs a punch. The pace is very good, I read it in a sitting. Also for a book of 100 pages the characters are well developed & have plenty of depth. I really liked Jane & surprisingly I also liked Colin even though I kept wanting to shout ‘talk to her’. The pair are attracted to each other but they don’t trust each other, then events take a twist that makes them both reassess their marriage. A thoroughly enjoyable story that went from sweet to steamy, I look forward to the rest of the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

FINAL DECISION: I enjoyed that the hero eventually had to prove himself to Jane in the end. Although the villain and his purpose was obvious from the start, the book shines in its development of the relationship between Jane and Colin.

THE STORY: Lady Jane Wharton was married and bitterly disappointed the same day. She married Colin after a long courtship, but after a passionate afternoon after their wedding ceremony, he banished her to the country. Now Jane has returned and despite Colin's coldness, he cannot seem to keep away from her. Jane is determined to claim her husband and find out what is keeping them apart.

OPINION: I enjoyed this short read. I wasn't sure I was going to like the hero since he is easily manipulated by the villain. It was obvious to me what was happening and I found the hero's inability to see that annoying. Of course, this villain, like Iago in Othello is too easily manipulated by his inability to trust. At least, there is some explanation for his lack of trust. Colin and Jane are just beginning their relationship as the book begins (since their marriage was arranged rather than a love match).

Although the mystery of what drove Colin and Jane apart is quickly settled, that didn't bother me at all because I was happy that this book is really about their reconciliation and not the plot of what happened in the past.

My favorite part of the book is when the truth comes out and these two have to find a way to save their marriage. That portion of the book which is just Colin and Jane is sweet and emotional. I loved the entire last section of the book.

This book is not as complex as others that Michaels has written primarily because of the length. However, the second part of this book which depends primarily on the emotional connection between the characters elevated this story for me.

I enjoyed this short read and look forward to more in this series.

WORTH MENTIONING: This book, and indeed each book in this series, is a novella. This book is about 100 pages.

CONNECTED BOOKS: THE RETURN OF LADY JANE is the first book in the Scandal Sheet series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4 stars.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley. I was not required to write a review or to write a positive review. All opinions contained herein are my own.

Review will be posted on release date.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Such a touching story by one of the best pen maestro’s in the business.
Jess Michaels has a talent for storytelling that really speaks to me , she puts so much feeling and passion into her words .
The Scandal sheets is a new series and this is the first of six books .
Jane and Colin have a pretty rough time of it , he suspects her of cheating on their wedding day and banishes her to the country for the next six months , but even though she writes she gets no response.
Finally she has a reason to go to London and confront him , but all is not what it seems and other forces and people are also involved to keep them apart.
It’s Stunning, Romantic, sizzling, tense and surprises are around the corner when you least expect them .
Don’t miss this one !
Highly recommend !
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review

Lady Jane married Colin, Lord Wharton. It was the happiest day of her life, until he sent her away right after the wedding. Why would he do that? What did she do to deserve being sent away without any explanation? When she comes back to London for the birth of her sister's child, he finds out and comes to see her. When he demands that she come to his home to stay, the sparks fly between them. He can't trust her and won't tell her why. Jane hopes to save her marriage but Colin is still unreachable. Secrets and betrayals are revealed. Can love conquer all? Will this marriage be saved? I loved this story, but I admit to being irritated with Colin much of the time. I received this book from Net Galley and The Passionate Pen for a honest review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Return of Lady Jane is a very sweet, emotional, sexy historical by Jess Michaels. I really, really liked the book. Colin was unlucky in love - his fiancee betrayed him with another man (men). He marries Jane and is swept away by her innocence, passion and loveliness until he believes she has betrayed him as well. He banishes her to his country estate where she ruminates for six long months.
Jane comes back to town to see her brand-new nephew and decides she doesn't care what her husband thinks. Banish her? Ha, she will ignore him. She is very hurt by his coldness and she has no idea what has displeased him. She writes letters that he doesn't answer.
Will these two find their way back to each other? The villain in this book is dastardly, the love scenes are sexy and the characters are realistic. Grab this book, it's a really good read for those who love spicy historicals.

I loved Colin and Jane's story! They are married, but something sent Colin running away on their wedding night and banishing her to the country. Having been separated for months, Jane is not about to miss the birth of her sister's child. She returns to London and of course runs into her husband. Can these two work out their issues to find their HEA? I loved watching these two come back together and I'm so excited for this new series! I can't wait to see what Michaels come up with next!

New series from Jess Michaels. This is a novella. Very easy to read. For Fan of Miss Michaels this is another awesome book. Bring on the next book.

I am not normally a fan of novellas, but this is definitely an exception to that. This novella felt fully fleshed out and complete – I felt as if I had read a full-length novel. It is a lovely beginning to a new series by this author and I can hardly wait to read the next books. It is excellently-written, well-plotted and the characters are memorable.

Viscount Colin Wharton had an unfortunate history with betrothals, so he could hardly believe his luck when his arranged marriage was to someone he found very attractive. However, a past betrayal by a former betrothed made him very susceptible to hints that his new wife has also betrayed him. So, the morning after his wedding, he banishes his new wife to the country and forbids her to come back to London. He gives her no explanation, he just banishes her.

Jane Wharton is a very lovely, sweet and caring young woman who has come to care for the man to whom she is betrothed. She is looking forward to her marriage – especially after the passionate afternoon they spent before the wedding ball. She is dismayed, shocked and very, very hurt when her husband suddenly banishes her to the country. She has no idea what she may have done. She writes him time after time, but never hears a word from him.

Jane is very close to her sister, Alicia, and when Alicia gives birth, Jane heads to London whether her husband likes it or not. He probably won’t even know that she’s there. Then, there was the scandal sheet that published all of the details of her travel and arrival, so he’d definitely know she was there.

Not long after she arrives at her sister’s home, Colin arrives and demands that she stay at his home. That brings them into proximity and the attraction roars to life. Colin is drawn more and more to Jane, but there are forces determined to keep them apart. Can Colin overcome those forces? Can he win Jane back given all of the hurt he’s caused her?

It was a lovely read and I highly recommend it. I loved Jane from the first page and strangely enough, I also loved Colin from the beginning. He was misled and misguided, but he was also very lovable. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing him grow as a man.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

The Return of Lady Jane by Jess Michaels
The Scandal Sheets #1

Ms Michaels has stepped out into a new series that begins with a marriage of convenience gone awry. Viscount Colin Wharton has trouble with trust and something he sees the evening he has said his marriage vows has him sending his new bride, Lady Jane, away to the country. How the two manage to achieve their HEA is what this story is about and it takes them a fair bit of time and some honest communication before they manage to the love they both so richly deserve.

Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

Lord Colin Wharton is newly married to a woman his mother chose. He is still recovering from a past betrayal. When he finds his new wife in a similar betrayal, he is quick to act. He banishes her to his estate and has no intention of seeing her again.
Jane is left confused and hurt at her new husband’s actions. They had only hours earlier shared a passionate interlude when he sent her from his home. When six months have passed, and he never once responded to her letters she sets off for London to visit her sister.
When Colin learns of her return, he seeks her out and orders her to his home to avoid scandal. Once alone they find themselves still passionately drawn to each other. Can they overcome the past hurt or is there something more dangerous lurking nearby?
This novella is a great start to what looks to be another fabulous series by my favourite author Jess Michaels. The story, while compact, is bursting with a well-written plot and compelling characters.

I received an advance reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

P.S Happy New Year to all my followers, may the new year bring lots of exciting new books to review.

After tremendous heartbreak, Colin agrees to an arranged marriage to the lovely Jane. Leading up to their wedding day, the couple fall in love and can’t even wait until the wedding breakfast to consummate their marriage. After a manipulation by a third party, old wounds are ripped apart and Colin sends his new bride to his country estate, far away from his heart. After months of lost chances, Jane returns to London to be with her sister after the birth of her nephew. Once Colin and Jane meet face to face, even the months of hurt can’t keep them apart.

Michaels starts her new novella series off with a bang. The Scandal Sheet series begins with a story published in a London newspaper about the reappearance of Jane, Viscountess Wharton. This story isn’t told like a typical novella. Once the major misunderstanding is resolved, Michaels goes on to tell the tale of healing between this unusual pair. Colin comes to learn how to trust after so many years of pain, while Jane takes her heartache and learns to love Colin in a new way.

One down, five to go! If this novella is anything like what is to come, Michaels has another hit series on her hands. I can’t wait to read what these women have in store for us.

I received The Return of Lady Jane for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A spectacular beginning to a new series. Colin Wharton has been hurt before and when his new bride appears to betray him as well, he has had enough. Lady Jane can't understand the change in her new husband, but fears there is nothing she can do. You don't want to miss this roller coaster ride. Can love save the day, or will this couple have to accept they are never meant to be together. Can't wait for the next in the series.

I really enjoyed this short story, but I did kind of wish that it had been a bit longer or even a full sized novel, as just when I really got to connect with both the characters of Colin and Jane, the story was over.
It was still a very exciting story to read and a very good start to this new series. The writing was very good and engaging, and the plot was most surprising and original, and I absolutely loved the cover of this book as it's just so pretty.
Im looking forward to reading more from this author and this wonderful series.
4 Great Stars!

I have never been disappointed by a Jess Michaels books and I have not started now. I see the growing sensual tenderness between Jane and Colin and I love seeing their well deserved happily ever after. They had a rocky start to what should have a been a love match but things happened against them and Jane finds herself banished to Colin's county home. When she returns everything is set into motion and they have another opportunity to start over. They can fight all they want, and they sure did, but they are made for each other. I love the chemistry between them. I love after the climax, they had to work at their marriage and it wasn't so easy as saying I'm sorry. I like seeing a couple take the time to works things out as oppose to just saying oh this insane thing happened and the end. I can't wait for the next book!

Lady Jane Wharton is returning to London after six months of banishment at hew new husband, Colin's, country estate. She has no idea what caused her banishment after a passionate afternoon spent in her new husband's arms before their wedding ball and hopes to simply avoid him while she's in London.

Viscount Colin Wharton was just beginning to think he could overcome the betrayal of his first love, whom he had hoped to marry, and move on with Jane. All hopes come crashing down when he sees Jane kissing her former suitor on the terrace outside their own wedding ball. Crushed by this shocking second betrayal and cursing his own hopefulness, Colin immediately banishes his new wife to his country estate without waiting or asking for an explanation.

Jane has now returned to London to visit her beloved sister's new baby boy and Colin, unwilling to undergo the embarrassment of having his wife in the same city but not under the same roof, demands she move into his house. When the two reunite, their passion is explosive, but Colin reminds himself that he knows Jane's unfaithful character and can't risk himself again. Soon it becomes apparent that there may be something darker working against this pair and they may be forced to actually communicate.

This was a quick read but I enjoyed it and devoured it quickly. Like all novellas, it was a quick development and resolution but I didn't feel like the characters' relationships were rushed, perhaps because the hero and heroine were already married. All in all a great read.

I received a complimentary ARC via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Return of Lady Jane is a very quick read. It is a novella kicking off a new series by historical author Jess Michaels.

It's the story of Lady Jane Wharton and her husband, Viscount Colin Wharton. Because of the treachery of a trusted relative, the Wharton marriage begins rocky.

After a six-month separation, the two are reunited. Passions ignite and questions mount as to what separated the two in the first place.

This book was disappointing because the trope is one that I think is a failure each time: a simple conversation could have cleared up the misdeeds that separated the couple in the first place.

I can't say that I was pleased with any of the characters in this book. Lady Jane seemed all too willing to forgive her husband's mistreatment because just being near him ratcheted up her desirous feelings. And Viscount Colin Wharton was all too willing to think his new wife would throw away everything for a fling.

Another terrific read by Jess Michaels. Intrigue, passion, betrayal , love. She has it all. Awesome characters great book

This idea the story of Viscount Colin Wharton and Lady Jane.
It is a novella, so it starts with their wedding day. Colin, after being terribly hurt in a previous relationship, never thought he'd marry. He has trust issues. His mother introduces him to Lady Jane. After months of courting they marry. But on their wedding day, he sees lady Jane leave the wedding breakfast with a gentleman who had been courting her previously. He follows them and sees them kissing. As a result he banishes her to his estate that is a 5 day ride from London.
Jane has no idea what she has done for Colin to banish her. She stays at his estate for 6 months until her sister has a baby. She then decides to come to town to help her sister with her confinement.
When Colin finds out she is in town and staying somewhere else, he is furious. It makes him look like a fool that he can't control his wife. So he moves her back into his townhouse.
Let's just say the adventure of repairing their relationship begins from there.
I thought Colin was a bit of a baby, letting himself be so strongly influenced by others. But he finally grew up and took responsibility for what he did and didn't do.
I liked this story, just thought it was too short.

Description
After a surprisingly passionate wedding day, Viscount Colin Wharton begins to believe he could overcome a painful betrayal in his past and truly make a future with his new wife Jane. But a shocking betrayal crushes his heart. He sends her away, determined to forget her.

Viscountess Jane Wharton has no idea what hardened her husband's heart to her, but she is trying to make the best of her banishment. When she returns to London, she hopes to simply avoid Colin. But that is not to be. As the couple reunites in a clash of harsh words and heated passions, both begin to wonder if they could overcome the past.

Only a secret lurks that is darker than anything either could have imagined. And they will have to fight to survive, as well as fight for the love they both deserve.

My Thoughts:
I couldn't put this book down and finished it in one sitting.
This is book number one in Jess Michaels newest series and not to be missed.
Colin has had no luck with women. Now he is married to a woman that is essentially an arranged marriage orchestrated by his mother.
On the eve of his wedding he thinks his bride has betrayed him with her previous admirer. This is not true but he must believe what his eyes tell him so he sends her away.
Months later when her sister has just delivered a baby Jane returns without notifying her estranged husband.
Will their reunion be one of bliss or headache?
I have this long novella 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a medium sensual rating of 3.5 of 5.0 flames.
This couple are obviously attracted to each other in spite of their misconceptions.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of book from the author to read via NetGalley.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.