A thief in the night caught red handed, a deal made to shield further ruin and a affair that will change their lives for ever.
Marianne, daughter of the Earl of Martingale’s reputation was ruined the day she discovered her fathers secret, he was a thief. She thought returning the items was the only right thing to do, then word got out to the ton and all seemed lost. She has a few weeks to find a home and a future for her and her sister Juliet. When she finds on last item she decides to return it secretly to its owner.
Alexander Wittingham, Duke of Avondale has hidden away from society for years. A dual gone wrong and his sisters death confirmed he was truly the beast he had become. Catching the beautiful and sassy Marianne sneaking into his home is the first time in years he’s felt any kind of emotion.
When Alexander hears Marianne’s story they struck a bargain one month of pleasure and a promise of security for her and her sister.
Marianne sees past Alexander’s scare to the wounded man beneath. Alexander knows he’s to damaged for anyone as innocent and beautiful as Marianne but he needs her like he’s never needed anything before. She tries to show him he’s worthy of love but Alexander is a stubborn man and continually pushes her away. Marianne has no problem telling Alexander what she wants or feels but getting through to him just might be impossible.
I loved this book, Alexander and Marianne were perfect for each other. It was a quick read that I could not put down. You can always count on Jess Michaels to write a intriguing and entertaining book.

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.

My Thoughts:
This is the second book in a new series of novellas by Jess Michaels. I have read both of these first two and I liked this one even more than the first.
It is a highly sensual story with enough scandal to keep you reading.
I gave this book 4.4 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and found it highly sensual. The only reason I didn't give it a higher rating is due to the shortness of the book. I would have preferred a novel rather than a novella.
I received a complimentary ARC of this title from the author via NetGalley to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

I loved Marianne and Alex's story!! This was a very quick, sensual and enjoyable read! I loved watching Marianne and Alex together. Marianne was able to bring out the best in Alex and to show him that he deserved to be loved. This was a great addition to the Scandal Sheet series and I can't wait to see what Michaels has in store for us next!

Another good novella by Jess Michaels. While it was definitely well written and had plenty of steam, I do wish she would stick to writing full length novels. Her characters are WORTHY of getting invested in for the long haul!

I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Erotic novella, I enjoyed the characters, but not that it's erotic. If you are a fan of erotic romance this is for you

Stealing the Duke
by Jess Michaels


Marianne and her young sister Juliet have met with tragedy and scandal. Alexander is stuck in his pain from his past. Marianne met Alexander while trying to right a wrong. Thats when he shows his heartlessness. Her innocence for her sisters future.

In the two weeks that she’s servicing him, you’ll see emotions grow. But in what way? You’ll have to read for your self. It a short passionate read and very interesting story, given the historical influences.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

#Netgalley

I really liked the story. It was an excellent story line, reclusive Duke makes penniless Earls daughter his mistress. I liked the characters and the sex was hot. It was just too short. I know that that’s the point of a novella but they almost always feel so rushed. Instead of watch MC’s fall in love we are told they fell in love. I want more! I could have definitely read a full length novel about these two characters. It truly was an enjoyable book to read. I just wish it had been longer.

As a rule, I despise novellas just as much as my comrade loves them. I never feel fulfilled when I read a novella. There’s simply not enough room for the story to flush out as well as I would like. That being said, I will read anything Jess Michaels writes. Anything. I trust her with all manner of stories I usually avoid, and that includes novellas. This book was no exception.

I read this story after my husband left for work, but before the kids woke up. I did not feel the story was rushed. I felt satisfied and greedy for the next one. I am already head over heels with this series.

Alexander is my favorite type of hero. The strong, damaged, hiding a heart of gold type. *swoon* When he stood up for Marianne’s little sister, the deal was sealed. I forgave him all.

Marianne is also one of my favorite styles of heroine. She is pragmatic and efficient. Rather than feeling sorry for herself, she makes the best of her situation. She’s just lovely. She sees straight through Alexander’s nonsense too. If I needed another reason to adore her, that was it. She is perfect.

In sum, everything about this story is excellent, and you should read this series, and every other one by Jess Michaels.

4.5 Stars!

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!

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

This is a very steamy, short novella. It is the 2nd book in the Scandal series but can be read as a stand alone.
This is the story of Marianne and Alexander.
She is the daughter of an Earl who was a con artist, a cheat and a thief. Most of this came out after his death. So Marianne is now ruined by her father's conduct. She finds a cameo hidden in her father's desk and realizes it is a picture of the Duke of Avondale's sister. She decides to return it the same way it was taken, stealthily.
Alexander, the Duke, has become a recluse since his sister's death. He blames himself for not being there to help her when she became sick.
As he sits in the dark, drinking his whiskey, someone is breaking into his study. As the thief reaches towards his desk, Alexander grabs her, realizes she is a woman.
This the beginning of a very hot and steamy relationship.
Jess Michael's books, even though many are novellas, always have such a full and interesting story. You don't feel like you're coming into the middle of a story and missed the first half, as I find it's the case with many novellas.
So enjoy the story of Marianne and Alexander, it was very good and very hot.

Such a fun series. Wish the books were a little longer. Feels like they are condensed but still love it.

Jess Michaels is hands down one of the best erotic romance writers out there. Her latest Stealing the Duke (Scancal Sheet #2) is a wonderful steamy read. Trust me you won't want to put this one down.

When her father's death reveals the shocking fact that he was quite the kleptomaniac, Lady Marianne tries to do the right thing by returning all the stolen items. This backfires spectacularly thanks to some indiscreet watchmen and she finds both herself and her sister, Juliet, facing utter ruination, not to mention cast out of their London home by the cousin who inherited their father's earldom. When Marianne discovers one more hidden item she hopes to quietly sneak it back to its rightful owner to keep the scandal from further intensifying.

Alexander Wittingham, the Duke of Avondale, has withdrawn from society since the death of his sister, Anne. He has been a shadow of his former self since then and when he catches what he assumes to be a would-be thief in the act, he is surprised to feel a stir of desire he'd thought himself long incapable of feeling. Secluded as he's been, he knows nothing of her father's crimes and when he hears Marianne tell her story he is angry, but still desires her and so he proposes that she become his mistress for a month in exchange for a dowry for her younger sister and a cottage at a reduced rent. Desperate and hoping to ensure her sister's future, Marianne accepts.

Alexander is shocked that Marianne is not afraid of him or repulsed by his scarred face. Having lost everyone who ever loved him, and feeling himself undeserving of anything other than loneliness, the Duke knows Marianne will be thrilled to be rid of him in one month's time. Marianne feels that her freedom and her sister's future are well worth her body and she likely stands to gain more than the duke does from the arrangement. She just doesn't count on losing her heart in the process. Alexander is determined to keep emotions out of the bargain, but the lines soon begin to blur for him to, but by the time he decides to come to terms with his newly awakening emotions, it may be too late for these two to be together.

We have instant steam in this one and plenty of it. At first Alexander is rather cold and high-handed and not all that likable, but the facade hides his inner hurt and he began to grow on me. He believes himself to be a monster and so he seeks to drive everyone else away and I'm a sucker for the "beauty and the beast trope" so I enjoyed this quick read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

FINAL DECISION: A beauty and the beast inspired book, I loved Marianne and Alexander's interactions. A quick start to their relationship because of the length of the novel has to be overlooked, but I enjoyed watching their relationship develop.

THE STORY: Lady Marianne's world is destroyed when her father dies and it is revealed that her father, the earl, was stealing items. Now Marianne has discovered one more stolen item but when she seeks to return it in secret she is discovered by Alexander Wittingham, Duke of Avondale. Alexander makes Marianne a scandalous offer.

OPINION: I enjoyed the really hot, hot story of Alexander and Marianne. The beauty and the beast vibe was good and the story had a nice twist on the story.

Marianne is a young woman who takes her life into her own hands to overcome what her father has left her. I really appreciated that she is definitely not a victim in this book. Instead, she agrees to the sexual relationship with Alexander as a way of gaining control of her life.

Alexander is a man scarred both on the outside and on the inside. Because of his past, Alexander has walled himself off from others. He attempts to compartmentalize and control his attraction to Marianne (the attempt which, of course, is a total failure).

While this story lacks the length and depth of a full length novel, I appreciated that the focus is kept primarily on the couple rather than all the potential drama around them.

This was a quick read and enjoyable.

WORTH MENTIONING: This is a novella not a full length book.

CONNECTED BOOKS: STEALING THE DUKE is the second book in the Scandal Sheet series. This book can be read as a standalone.

STAR RATING: I give this book 4.5 stars.

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

Review to be published March 5, 2019.

Easy to read, nice story, decent characters but I’m not sure I will remember it next month.

She’s a good author and I’ve loved some of work but I’m not sure this book is that memorable

I have read quite a number of Jess Michaels’ books some of it I liked and some of it I did not quite enjoy as much as I thought I would but Stealing The Duke might be in the running to become my favorite. It is sensual and romantic because it has a touch of beauty and the beast plot in it.
We have our innocent/virginal heroine being honorable and doing the right thing despite the disgrace her dead father has left for her to deal with. We have our scarred hero burdened by his past. Their development from their first meeting to becoming lovers to being in love is such a joy to read. It is a no frills romance. No melodramatic soap opera twists and turns. Just pure love story with some lovemaking scenes. Minus the lovemakkng scenes this still makes for a great story. Something just to fall in love with.
I am glad I saw this in Netgalley and got approved for it. Because I did not have to wait to acquire it and because it is a great find with its great story. All the other Jess Michaels books I have in my Kindle I bought and kept. I always try to leave a review in Goodreads and Amazon because I, myself, appreciate an honest review before I purchase a book. This one is a keeper.

This was a quick, cute read. Lots of sexy times right away. Lady Marianne is in dire straights. Her father died and left a scandal in his wake. She enters an arrangement with Alexander, a duke, to protect her sister. Predictable plot but keep me interested.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋💋
Wonderful, steamy, romantic and beautiful.
I Loved this book with a passion.
Jess is a marvel with writing this kind of story .
A dark, passionate , brooding Duke , in need of a thoughtful and giving Lady to help him overcome his inner monster .
A loving , kind, compassionate
Lady, who gives herself completely ,to a man she feels needs her in every way , spiritually and emotionally.
The result is perfect .
You can’t beat this series if your looking for intense and romantic reading.
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review