I ended up buying A Reluctant Bride by Jess Michaels and I don't regret it! The storyline, characters and pace were perfect for this story!

What a fascinating book. I was impressed by the storyline and the characters were all well written and complex. Where there are complex storylines combined with intriguing characters the reader experience is magnified tremendously. To have a book that is well written as well as entertaining is a delight. Reading is about escaping your world and entering another one. Here I forgot about my own life and was immersed in the world created by the author. I would recommend this book.

A Reluctant Bride is the first book in The Shelley Sisters series. I've had this book on my TBR list for a while and don't know why I have waited so long to read. Once I actually started reading my attention was caught. The plot was interesting and full of intrigue. I found the characters to be charming. The next book is introduced by the author by continuing with the mystery of the lost treasure.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I recieved a free copy from netaglley in exchange for an honest review.
Like everything else I have read by Jess Michaels I really enjoyed this book. She has quickly become one of my go to authors.
The Shellby sisters are triples that one has been able to tell apart their entire lives including their own father, except for Jasper. He knows Thomasina immediately when she walks into a room (he still doesn't know who each of her twins are) which comes in handy when Anne convinces Thomasina to pretend to be her at Anne and Jasper's engagement ball.
When Anne runs away Thomasina agrees to wed Jasper instead since she has been in love with him since she met him even though he was engaged to her sister. Jasper after all didn't care which sister he married but he quickly falls for Thomasina even while trying to hold her at arms length.
Overall, I really liked the relationship between Jasper and Thomasina. There was some really sweet moments and the focus on there realtionship was great with some hunting for Anne thrown in which tests their relationship because Jasper doesn't want his family secrets to hurt Thomasina.
Can't wait to read the next in the series (and everything else put out by this author).

Jess Michaels is an author I have read before. I find her books to be reliable well paced books. I enjoyed this story and thought the author did a good job bringing the pieces of the story together. I would recommend this book to others.

When the Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt, offered to marry one of the infamous Shelley triplets, he was doing it for the dowry to refill his depleted coffers, not for anything so silly as love. But when he realizes it is Thomasina Shelley masquerading as his fiancée at their final engagement ball, not his true intended, a desire for her that he has been ignoring sparks. And when it becomes clear her sister has run away with another, an opportunity arises for a marriage with a much deeper connection. Thomasina’s feelings for Jasper have never been appropriate and she doubted the prudence of pretending to be his even for just one night. Once she’s caught, everything escalates so quickly. Suddenly she’s going to marry this stern, fascinating man who is not particularly pleased at her perfidy. Add to that her worry about where her wayward sister has gone and it’s a recipe for both passion…and disaster. As the two slowly grow closer, Jasper realizes his former fiancée’s disappearance may have more to do with his own past than he originally realized. And the longer he keeps that from Thomasina, the more painful it will be when the truth comes out. Can they let each other close enough to fight together against the dangers right around the corner? And will they survive to meet the future they could have if they do?
This was a great story by a great author. I’ve read a number of her books and they don’t disappoint. I really liked both main characters as well as the plot. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

FINAL DECISION: This book was just bland to me. Nothing to remember or to really be interested in these characters. Indeed, the sister who runs away is more interesting than anything with this couple. Unfortunately, this was a miss from an author whose books I usually like.

THE STORY: Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt, has offered to marry one of the Shelley triplets, but realizes that the wrong sister is masquerading as his fiancee at their engagement ball. When he finds out that his true fiancee has run away, he ends up married to Thomasina instead.

OPINION: This was just a miss for me. The characters felt bland and uninteresting. I really didn't care about their story and the conflict felt contrived. The book was okay, but in a day I probably won't remember anything about the book. The most interesting parts of the book are that there are triplets and the disappearance of Thomasina's sister. Neither of these was enough to sustain the romance or the action in this book.

WORTH MENTIONING: I'm going to give this series a pass and re-read some of my other favorite's from this author.

CONNECTED BOOKS: A RELUCTANT BRIDE is the first book in the Shelley Sisters series.

STAR RATING: I give this book 2 stars.

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

Thomasina the boring and good one of the triplets. I can actually relate to her characteristics because I feel like we are the same. I have two sisters too and I know how it feels to be the one like a wallflower.

That's why when she stepped out as a replacement for Anne after she ran away, everyone was surprised. It was a bold move for Thomasina who is secretly in love with Jasper.

The Earl of Harcourt married one of the Shelley triplets as a responsibility. It was a slap to his pride when he's supposed to be bride left. Left with no other choice than marrying Thomasina, the youngest among the sisters.

I'm actually not a fan of a reluctant main character, however, I understand Thomasina's point. And in the end, these two made the right choice as a couple.

I had fun reading the first story from the series and I can't wait with the rest.

Thank you to Netgalley and Victory Editing!

To be honest with you, I don't like "sisters " stories. This book is an exception. I really enjoyed the twists and turns in this book and it's plot. From now on, I will not ignore sister stories but read them, because they can be as much fun to read as this one.

Thomasina Shelly is one of the famous Shelly triplets, their father is determined to marry hi daughters off and raise his place in society. Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt is set to marry when he discovers hi bride’s sister is masquerading as his fiancée at their final engagement ball. He soon discovers she’s runaway and quickly decides to marry Thomasina. She’s had feeling for her sister’s fiancé, she knows it was wrong so when she has the chance to be with Harcourt she takes it, but suddenly she cast to marry him and he’s non to please by her deception. He comes to realize her disappearance has more to do with his past and their lives are in danger. A great story and one I’m sure you’ll enjoy! I voluntarily read and review this excellent book.

This was a quick read, and one I definitely enjoyed. From beginning to end I fell in love with the characters and their story, I love Everything I’ve ever read by Ms. Michaels and this book certainly held true to that. It was fun, e gaging and witty all sewn up with that feel good romantic bow one expects from the genre. I can’t wait for her next novel.

Jess Michael’s new series The Shelley Sisters is off to a great start! Identical triplets, Thomasina, Anne and Juliana are being ‘sold’ off by their father because they are of no use to him. Anne is the first to become betrothed and to Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt, who desperately needs her dowry to take care of his family’s financial issues. The girl’s father can’t tell them apart, but Harcourt knows which one Thomasina is. Dad is a bit of a sorry guy for a dad.

First, the relationship between the sister is extremely special. With their mother dying in childbirth while they were young, their closeness deepened more. That closeness is an important part of this trilogy.

The wronged fiancé, Jasper, is concerned about scandal, but not enough to keep him from marrying Thomasina rather than the now missing Anne. He is still reeling from the scandals caused by his father and brother. Jasper became the earl upon his brother’s death as the spare. Jasper just was not needed by his father. To make it worse, Jasper was tormented by both his father and his brother. The father was such a disgusting man that the countess took Jasper and left.

The now Dowager Countess Harcourt is unkind and cold to everyone, even her own son. Yes, there is an explanation for her rudeness. Similarly, Jasper built a shield against emotions due to the hurt caused by his father, the dowager’s husband and by his brother. It would be great to see a reconciliation take place between the dowager and Jasper in one of the later books. There is always hope.

Back to Thomasina, who became smitten by Jasper upon meeting as he was being introduced as Anne’s intended. To give Thomasina credit, she tried not to seek Jasper’s attention. But, now that Anne is gone and these two marry, sparks fly! One of the first discussions Jasper and Thomasina has is about complete honesty. So, guess what happens? Jasper is able to gather a little information about Anne’s disappearance and does not share it with Thomasina. Guess what else? Of course, she finds out. Yep, she is none too happy with her husband.

The surprise to all of this is Ellis Maitland. He seems to be having his own serious issues! I am looking forward to the rest of the trilogy and can’t wait to find out what happens next!

This is an extremely sensual romance to be sure! Be forewarned . . . .

I enjoyed the switch up between twins. Mostly I loved how two people find a chance at tyre love. Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read an advanced copy.

I love Jess Michaels and this novel does not disappoint. The first of the Shelley sisters series sees Thomasina, one of identical triplets, replace her sister as the fiancé of the Earl of Harcourt. Thomasina is delighted as she has admired the serious and handsome Earl since he and her sister became engaged. All seems to be going well until Thomasina discovers the part her husband has played in her beloved sister’s disappearance. Just off to,read the next one straight away. Thanks to the publishers for an Advance copy of this book in exchange for a non-biased review.

What a wonderful book to a new series.
Thomasina is the perfect match to Jasper. She sees him for the true man he is. Jasper sees the light that shines in Thomasina that is different then the other triplets. Only there mother was ever able to tell them apart.
I can not wait for the next book.

This series is one of my favorite of Jess Michaels. This book is about Thomasina Shelley who switches places with her sister Anne during her betrothal ball. Thomasina is the shy sister who is attracted to her sister's fiance, Jasper Kincaid, the Earl of Harcourt. Jasper doesn't know why he can always tell which of the three triple sisters is Thomasina. When Thomasina pretends to be Anne, he wants to test her resolve. These two attraction is very strong. There is a twist to this story Anne runs away with her lover which, leaves Jasper fiance less and he picks Thomasina to replace his missing bride. This marriage by convenience is amazing and a must-read.

A RELUCTANT BRIDE is the first book in the “Shelley Sisters” series by Jess Michaels. I loved this story because it had many elements of a classic historical romance, but with a few surprises and an erotic edge. Anne, Juliana, Thomasina Shelley are triplets and extremely close. Anne Shelley is due to marry Jasper Kincaid, Earl of Harcourt, but she is less than ecstatic about it. Jasper isn’t a bad guy but he needs a bride who comes with much needed funds in order to repair the damage his reprobate menfolk have done to the estate. When there’s a spark between Jasper and Anne’s sister Thomasina, the solution to the dilemma presented by a runaway bride becomes obvious.

There’s lots to love about A RELUCTANT BRIDE. In many ways, Thomasina is a mild-mannered woman of her time but she is fiercely loyal to those she loves and she has more strength than she realizes. Rather than fade into the background and accept things as they are after her sister takes off, Thomasina fights for her sister as best she can, and she also supports her new husband emotionally. There are a few things I like about Jasper. Jasper is a man trying to undo the damage his father and brother have done, and live up to his obligations, without coming off as seeming like a pompous jerk. I love the way Jasper falls for Thomasina and the things he admires her for. It’s also a huge plus in his favor that he is offended by his father-in-law’s cringe- worthy attitude when it comes to his daughters, and the way he fights for his wife’s interests. One of the conflicts that crops up, happens because Thomasina doesn’t care for Jasper’s leaving her out of the loop, but I respect that he can be reasoned with and takes his wife’s feelings into account and acts accordingly. The whole “runaway sister” thing is a little bit PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, but Jess Michaels puts her own unique spin on it.

A RELUCTANT BRIDE is a classic love story with enough surprises and adventure to make it irresistible. The supposed bad guy has his perspective included in A RELUCTANT BRIDE, while still shrouded in mystery, and it’s like book catnip for readers like me. At the end of this story, Jasper and Thomasina are floating on a cloud of happiness and love relatively speaking, but more questions abound when it comes to Thomasina’s sister Anne. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Anne and Juliana in future books!

This story seemed very bland to me. I wasn't feeling a connection to the characters. The chemistry between the H/h was just ok.
I received an ARC for my honest review.

4.25 "triple the fun" stars

This is the first book in a new series about triplet sisters Anne, Juliana, and Thomasina. In the time the story is set, multiple births were mostly in the form of twins, and in those cases, the survival rate was lower as death of the mother in childbirth and/or death of one or both of the twins typically arose as a result of complications and/or lack of medical knowledge -- to have had identical triplets AND their mother survive was a rarity, and because of that, the girls were always considered to be an oddity. Their own family has little to do with them, and they had few friends, but they always had each other.

Now that they have reached the age of 22, their father (who still cannot tell them apart and does not even attempt to do so) has decided to start marrying them off to serve his purposes of raising his place in society. He has determined that the eldest of the trio, Anne, will wed the Earl of Harcourt (Jasper Percival Stephen Kincaid) as the earl is in need of funds to refill the coffers his father and half-brother emptied during their time in the role before him. In making the match, the earl gains funds, and the triplets' father gains a titled son-in-law. But two of the three girls are very unhappy with the arrangement: Anne because she feels nothing for Harcourt and longs for freedom and adventure as she is known to be the "wild one" of the set, and Thomasina who is known as the serious one (considered by some to be boring) who began to develop feelings she never knew existed when she first laid eyes on the earl. As a loyal sister who always looks to please, Thomasina has felt horrible about coveting her sister's betrothed and has stifled those feelings by tamping them down and avoiding Jasper as much as possible. But when Anne comes to her to beg Thomasina to take her place for the last ball before their wedding only 1 week away, Thomasina cannot deny her request - she wants to believe it is because she wishes to help her sister, but she suspects it is more likely that she would like to pretend she is Jasper's and he is hers... even if it is just for one night.

Jasper realizes the instant his "betrothed" turns around that it is Thomasina wearing the daring gown only Anne would be so bold as to wear. For whatever reason, he has always been able to single Thomasina out from her other two sisters, though he is unable to tell the difference between Juliana and Anne. While he has resigned himself to wedding Anne to restore his wealth as she is who their father offered, he has not looked forward to it as there is no spark between them. But as passion was the downfall of his father and half-brother who were considered libertines and wastrels, he has no need for that in his life. And love is out of the question. So while Thomasina evokes feelings he is not prepared to own, he believes himself better off marrying Anne as their union will not distract him from the purpose of restoring the earldom to its previous status. But he wonders what game Anne and Thomasina are playing at to "swap" and attempt to deceive him, so he plays along with Thomasina's charade of pretending to be Anne for awhile. But when Thomasina flees his embrace out of guilt in wanting the kiss of a man intended for her sister, they both discover that Anne has run off with a man who wooed her unbeknownst to any of them - she convinced Thomasina to switch with her, and she is now gone to Gretna Green to elope with the mystery man only known as "Ellis" in her goodbye note to her sisters.

Once the triplets' father learns of this news, he is not worried for his daughter but is instead angry that she has put him in a bad position. Against his better judgment, Jasper offers a solution: he will wed Thomasina instead of Anne, and when Thomasina realizes that she could belong to the man she has been intrigued by since their first encounter, she readily agrees. But what will happen when Anne doesn't return as she promises in her letter? Who is this "Ellis" who is now threatening to keep her in exchange for an unknown treasure Jasper's brother held for him that he is desperate to regain possession of? And what will happen if Jasper opens himself up to caring for Thomasina only to possibly lose her to the villain who will seemingly stop at nothing to get what he wants?

What I liked:
--- Triplets were a novelty in this time period, so it makes for a little more original HR storyline basis, which is harder to find in this genre
--- Mystery, intrigue, and what will happen next kept me glued to the pages
--- Likeable mcs
--- Interesting "villain"
--- Solid set up for the next book in the series to see what happens with Anne
--- STEAMY GOODNESS - just the way I like it (early and often)!

What I didn't like as much:
--- A bit of a trite feel to the H in the whole "my father and brother damaged the family name and now I have to remove myself from feeling to restore things" situation
--- There were a couple of things/characters that felt out of place in the story (for example, the earl's right hand man - felt like more explanation should have come along with his role in the story)

Overall, a good read that I flew through with interesting plot points, likeable characters, steamy goodness, and the dangling carrot that makes me want to rush right out to grab book 2 and see what happens next!

Plot --- 4.25/5
Main Characters --- 4.25/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.25/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd

*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

What a fun book with triplets that are on the marriage mart, but when sister, Anne, is matched with Jasper things start to go wrong. Thomasina is attracted to her future brother-in-law and knows that nothing can come of her attraction to Harcort (Jasper).

When Thomasina agrees to pose as Anne for one night, she finds that Anne took off and now she must pick up the pieces which means she now is to marry Jasper. Which you think would be her dream come true but she finds that Jasper does not want any emotions to come into their marriage and will not fall in love with her. Add to this, her sister, Anne is still missing and the "villain" is asking for the treasure that is hidden but no one knows what the treasure is or where it is hidden.

Lots of drama with the missing sister and Jasper dealing with the past along with the growing emotions that he does not want and it was hard to put the book down! We are left with the sister returning and the next book will be her story and a little bit about Ellis not wanting to be the villain that he has become - will he get his own book - is he redeemable?? Looking forward to more with these sisters!