I couldn't wait to read the conclusion to this series. Juliana was my favorite of the sisters so it was great to see her story and see how Maitland was redeemed.

This is the last in the series and what a way to end it!! The Shelley Sisters are a force to be reckoned with.

Juliana has always been the triplet to clean things up, to run their father's household, to watch over the other two. Now she finds herself lost and adrift. Her sisters are married and go to their husbands for their issues.

Juliana and Ellis are so good together. They truly complete each other. Juliana grounds Ellis and is able to break through the walls he has erected.

Together Juliana and Ellis are able to end the nightmare journey that started at the beginning of the series. It was a brilliant end and I was ecstatic with the outcome.

I enjoyed the whole series and look forward to reading more books by Ms. Michaels.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complementary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in anyway.

Reviewed by Lisa R.

Sadly, I missed the second book from The Shelley Sisters series. But, I'm grateful that I had been given a chance to read the final book.

Juliana is the most obedient among the three sisters. And I couldn't believe that she would end of with the guy I was not rooting for her.


Elias was unexpected.

Yet, the fire and spark between him and Juliana have been undeniable. It was too hot to handle.

The key to the predicament that came to both of their lives was unexpected. Nice twist there!

Thank you Victory Editing and Netgalley for the ARC!

Wow! This book blew me away! For historical romance it had much more of everything from romance, steamy and swoon worthy paragraphs, great plot and wonderful writing. I as so mesmerized by the book I was shocked when I finished it so fast. Now I am craving another book my Jess Michaels!!!

This is an amazing series. Triples sisters. This is the final book with the final triple and the Villan of the last book. If you love enemies to lovers and to see a villain redeemed. This is the book for you.

Ratings (out of of 5):
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪
Reformable Rake: 🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼🕺🏼
Positive transactional sex: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
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Juliana Shelley is a triplet and the only one to not be recently married. (These marriages are embroiled in scandal, y’all, all but ruining Juliana.) Facing a life of spinsterhood, she visits the Donville Masquerade, a members-only sex club. There, she finds herself in the arms (and nearly the bed) of Handsome Ellis Maitland. Ellis saved her life a few weeks prior (after nearly ruining her sister) and Juliana is in that fun space where we’ve caught feelings but don’t know it and think we hate the person but we don’t actually. You know. Like you do. Shenanigans ensue. A caper of sorts drives the plot. Rakes. Ladies. Happily Ever Afters.
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I liked Juliana. She was the sister who always picked up the pieces and fixed things for her sisters. (I relate to this. I am a fixer/solver.) But their new husbands (for whom they’re passionately head over heels. Obvs.) fill this role now and Juliana is left out. She’s resigned to her fate but wants one evening of passion to last her through the lonely nights ahead. (This is a trope that I’m seeing more of lately - lady tries to shed tiresome virginity before a life of spinsterhood. Rakes are various degrees of willing to oblige.)
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Ellis is that libertine we all love to love. (Think Anastasia’s Dimitri... only in every bed in London.) He’s so confident with his bed games and his swagger and as a lord of the underworld, but booboo is insecure as hell about his worth. Fortunately, he’s earned the love of a fierce lady who isn’t afraid to call him on all of it.
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If you like regency romance that doesn’t set one foot in a ballroom and whose characters are focused on solving a heist rather than the marriage mart, give this one a read. @JessMichaelsBks is a talented writer who gives undeniable chemistry that will keep your turning pages.
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Kiss and tell:
This book has a bit of most everything. Passionate kisses, hand play, oral, and p&v penetration. It’s a sexy book and even when the sex scenes are in Ellis’s POV, the focus is clearly on Juliana, which I appreciated.

This is my favorite book in The Shelley Sisters series. It centers around Julianna, and she does some unexpected things. There is a lot of steam and drama in this conclusion.
Thank you for the ARC. This is my honest review.

The Story in 4 Sentences or Less: Juliana has spent her whole life being “one of the Shelley triplets” until an attack left her scarred and reevaluating a life spent cleaning up everyone else’s messes, which leads her to the infamous Donville Masquerade where she runs into the man who was partially responsible for her injuries. Ellis Maitland is drawn to Juliana like no one before, but he also feels incredibly guilty that his actions caused her to get hurt. When he sees her at the scandalous masquerade he tries his best to convince her to stop showing up but their close proximity leads to a passionate affair that Ellis knows can’t last because he’s on a mission to end the person who is endangering his family and Juliana’s.







Like It? Hate it? Love it? Why? The last Shelley sister gets her story and now that I’ve read all three books, I can say that Juliana’s story is my favorite and she’s my favorite Shelley sister.


Juliana was always the “fixer” of the family and everyone’s taken her for granted, even her sisters. I was thrilled to see Juliana put a stop to that dependency, establish her, and step out of the “Shelley Triplets” shadow to be her own woman and lead her own life. Juliana is smart, brave, and loyal and she needed to be appreciated for those qualities, not have those qualities used and abused by the ones around her, even if some of them didn’t do it on purpose. I felt Juliana really came into her own, more than her sisters did. She was sure of herself, of her own mind, and she fought for what she wanted.


One of my favorite types of romances is where the villain becomes the hero and Ellis made a darn good hero. I’ll be honest, it never occurred to me that there might be more to his actions than those of a greedy, desperate man. I loved him as Juliana’s love interest, there was a tragic quality to him that made him that much more interesting. What I liked was that Ellis’ past was opened up to readers in a way that didn’t make excuses for him but didn’t paint him as utterly hopeless or past redemption. When A Counterfeit Courtesan begins, Ellis is fully aware of how far he’s fallen and he’s determined to protect his family from the choices he made. I thought it was a great way to motivate him to change as a character even though he didn’t expect to survive the plan he had.


Of course, that didn’t stop Ellis from wanting Juliana and that gave their romance an edge of desperation mixed with the longing and passion that really worked for these two. The obvious obstacle between them was Ellis’ villainous past behavior but right on the heels of that was the bigger conflict of the real villain who had already proven to be a ruthless killer. Ellis and Juliana just made sense as a couple, both of them felt like outsiders watching their respective family members fall in love and in a way leave them behind. I liked the bond that grew between them because of that and how the author gave these two plenty of time to talk and get to know each other. They just helped each other grow and I loved that about them. They were the perfect couple to end the series.


Click It or Skip It? Click It. Easily the best book of the three.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

This is the final book in a series and I totally loved it
Loved the characters and the story and now must go and catch up with the others

***4 STARS***

This is the third installment to the Shelley sisters trilogy and I hate to say that I didn’t read the other two books. I think if I did I would have understood more aspects of the story and understood the backstory as the book enters directly into the interaction between Ellis and Juliana.

But nevertheless I enjoyed this story. Talk about sparks and passion. I gauges that Elllis was probably not “heroesque” in previous books, but he shines in this one. Nicknamed “Handsome” he has made a living off of his appearance and skills as a lover. Juliana evidently is the “fixer” among her sisters and has resigned herself to the life of a spinster especially after being scarred in the face.

It was extremely fast paced and moved well. I read in one setting. A great historical steamy read. Recommend this one and I will read the other two.

I was provided an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The final sister gets her HEA from an unlikely hero. Ellis Maitland has appeared to be the villain of this series. In reality, he’s been a desperate man trying to keep his brother safe while searching for what the true enemy wants.

Juliana is adrift after both her sisters are happily married and she has a scarred cheek from an attack. She wears a mask and goes to the Donville Masquerade and runs into Ellis there.

As always, the chemistry and romance between our characters is hot. A great resolution to this series, Ellis redeems himself and gets the girl.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

Starring Juliana Shelley and Ellis “Handsome” Maitland.

It’s been a while since I’ve read a new book from Jess Michaels, who happens to be one of my all time fave, keeper shelf author. I absolutely loooooved her ALBRIGHT SISTERS series (and re-read it gabillion times), so I was very intrigued and eager to read her SHELLEY SISTERS series. I have to admit that I didn’t read Thomasina’s or Anne’s stories... but I felt that the backstory was explained in this 3rd installment and I was able to follow through.

Juliana has always been the “fixer” among the triplets. But now she’s feeling a bit misplaced and a 5th wheel since her sisters have fallen in love and gotten married. She is strong and stubborn... and when a continuing threat to her family hangs over all their heads, she is determined to go after the madman who scarred her physically.

Ellis is a wonderful alpha hero with a dark past. He is so drawn to Julian but fights his attraction to her because he feels responsible for what happened to her and her family. So he’s determined to sacrifice himself in order to save them all. I mean, swoon-worthy, right?!?

This is romance... and steam... and intrigue... oh my!! Together Juliana and Ellis are a delicious pair and sparks definitely flies when they’re at close proximity. If only they could stop fighting and resisting each other, and lock lips... I mean, arms... and go after their common enemy.

I love that this is a little bit darker than what I’ve previously read of Jess Michaels‘ books. I was so engrossed in the story from beginning to end. Eeven with all the intrigue, I did ugly cry in this book. I love the relationship between Juliana and her sisters..... and Ellis’ relationship with his cousin Rook. And of course, Juliana and Ellis gave me all the wonderful feels!! Another great read from the great Jess Michaels. She is totally a keeper shelf author for me!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.

My Star Ratings: 5 Stars
Ugly cried AF. Characters and storyline were amazing. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will be re-reading this story over and over and over again!!

A Counterfeit Courtesan by Jess Michaels is book Three in The Shelley Sisters Series. This is the story of Juliana Shelley and Ellis Maitland. I have read the previous books which of course added to my enjoyment of this one, but I did feel you could make it a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Ellis feels the guilt of what happened to Juliana when she was hurt because he of his actions. Juliana has always been the person to take care of things and fix what is needed in her family. Juliana sees her sisters happily married knowing that wont be her because of her scars. In addition, her father informing her that she will stay with him and work for him. But Juliana wants to know passion something she never experience and something just for her. This leads her to go the the wicked Donville Masquerade to find that excitement. But she finds Ellis and the attractions she so wants. Ellis knows it is wrong to want Julianna with the danger he is facing but he can't seem to stop. Then she offers to help him which again he shouldn't allow but they can't seem to stop their feelings. This was a exciting hot read!

A Counterfeit Courtesan is the third and final book in the incredible The Shelley Sisters series by Jess Michaels. If you haven't read the first two, will this stand alone? In a word, no. You will still enjoy it, but the hero in this book was such an integral part of this series and the impetus behind all that happens up to this point. You will be doing yourself a disservice if you don't start this series from the beginning.

Juliana Shelley is the last unmarried Shelley triplet. Facially scarred by a knife attack and consigned to a miserable life as a secretary to her horrible father, Juliana wants to experience at least once the passion her sisters appear to enjoy in their marriages. One evening she arrives incognito at the Donville Masquerade, a club where masked patrons can satisfy their base sexual urges. She is confronted by a handsome stranger and is immediately drawn to him. Unbeknownst to Juliana, this man is Ellis "Handsome" Maitland, the man who is partially to blame for her scarred face and behind most of her family's current hardships. Ellis feels horribly guilty about Juliana's injuries, especially since she touched his heart in a way no one ever had before. They begin a passionate affair, but Ellis knows it won't end well. He needs to stop the villain who threatens everyone he loves, and Ellis doesn't expect to survive.

I loved Juliana as a heroine. She was the family fixer, expected to take care of everyone else's problems. She felt left out of the triplet bond she had with her sisters once they married for love. She was a bit timid but resented everyone treating her as a fragile wounded woman who needed protection. But when the going gets tough, the tough...well, you know. Even though Juliana was wonderful, it was Ellis who made the book and ultimately the series the wonder that it was. Ellis was such a villain in the beginning of this series and I had no idea how Ms. Michaels could possibly make him into a credible hero. However, his transformation throughout the three books was masterfully done. He moved from being a seemingly horrid man to one who is willing to sacrifice all to save his loved ones. As a couple, Ellis and Juliana's chemistry was incendiary. I totally recommend a pitcher of ice water to be close at hand; not to drink, but to douse yourself with when things get really steamy! My only regret about this series (besides it ending!) is that we didn't get to learn more about Marcus Rivers, the intriguing owner of the Donville Masquerade. I hope Jess Michaels is writing quickly...I must have more of her steamy goodness!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

A Counterfeit Courtesan is the third and final book in The Shelley Sisters series by Jess Michaels. I haven't read the other books in the series, but even knowing the outcome of them I think I could easily go back and read them and enjoy every minute of them. I can also say that despite having not read them, this book didn't leave me lost, thinking I had missed anything.

Juliana Shelley is one of a set of identical triplets. Recently her two siblings have found and married their soulmates and she is missing the closeness the three of them used to share. Disfigured in a knife attack she has resigned herself to never getting married or leaving her father's home.

Ellis Maitland is known for being a womaniser, seducing women with the intent of getting things from them. He is extremely handsome so he doesn't have to try too hard. One of the schemes he got involved with went wrong which ended up with Juliana being scarred and her and her family still being in danger. The culprit, Winston Leonard managed to escape and is in hiding, biding his time until he can retrieve something that Ellis stole from him. Knowing the trouble had has caused Ellis is determined to find and stop Winston no matter the cost to himself, even if that cost is his own life.

What he doesn't reckon on is Juliana insisting that she helps him. He tries to push her away but she is having none of it. Over the time that they spend together, Juliana learns more about Ellis and realises that he isn't the awful person she thought he was. In fact, she could easily find herself falling in love with him. He too finds himself very attracted to Juliana but as he fully understands that he will either end up hanging or being sent to Australia after he kills Winston he fights to keep her at arm's length.

Despite not wanting to involve his heart Ellis lets Juliana convince him that she wants him to bed her. She thinks if she is never going to marry then at least she can experience the joys that married life may have brought her. Their lovemaking is steamy hot especially as there was such a fight from Ellis to say no. When he finally gave in there were sparks flying everywhere! Could there be a way that Ellis could stop Winston without forfeiting his own life? That would be the only way that he and Juliana could ever have a future together, one that they both want even though they keep that very secret from each other.

I really enjoyed this story, there was the perfect amount of suspense and romance, and the bedroom scenes were hot hot hot. I really liked Juliana for her strength especially as her father was so mean to her. He made her feel useless and ugly. He didn't care about her happiness at all. Her sisters and their husbands were there for her as much as possible, but even they didn't support her, at least at first, when she let out that she was in love with Ellis.

Do I recommend this book? Absolutely yes! I fully enjoyed it and now have to get the first two books as well. I don't care that I am reading the series out of order. I am sure it will be worth it.

Juliana Shelley knows that she will forever remain on the shelf. She lost her chance when she was kidnapped and scarred by a crazed individual. Juliana has come to the infamous Donville Masquerade seeking a scandalous encounter. After all, it could be the last opportunity for her to experience real pleasure. Juliana thinks she might have found the perfect candidate, but that's when things take a surprising turn.

Ellis Maitland is responsible for Juliana's situation. He's drowning his guilt at the Donville Masquerade when he runs into a very familiar lady playing at being a courtesan. Ellis only means to teach her a lesson, but soon finds himself under her spell. After a heated discussion reveals Juliana's intentions, Ellis has to work double time to resist her. Meanwhile, if they want to stop Juliana's attacker from hurting anyone else, they must put aside their differences and learn to work together.

I love author Jess Michaels. Her books are so gripping and her characters are so relatable. I don't know how, but somehow I missed out on the first two books in her SHELLEY SISTERS series, A RELUCTANT BRIDE and A RECKLESS RUNAWAY. A COUNTERFEIT COURTESAN is the third addition and the only book I have read. It can be read as a standalone, but there's definitely something missing having only read it. Based on this story alone, I give it a 3.5 star rating. That could change after having read books one and two, which I intend to do. The storyline is great. Their is passion between Juliana and Ellis, for sure. I would have just liked to have a little more background on both characters. The villain was one of those people you just love to hate... perfect villain material. I was sad he only played a small role in A COUNTERFEIT COURTESAN. Hats off to the ending though. I almost didn't see that coming.

This story had two very engaging main characters in Julianna and Ellis. Julianna was feeling left out as she had always been the fixer for her family but now her sisters had their husbands. Julianna also felt they had lost that special connection due to being triplets and she was very aware of her scar and how people remarked about it. Ellis, who had the nickname of Handsome, had a very different background from Julianna. He was brought up in the East End and had learned to mask his feelings. However, in-spite of his harsh upbringing, he cares deeply for those he loves and will do all he can to protect them. Julianna and Ellis had a real connection and were able to understand how each other felt. They still have the villain of the story to thwart but of course, things do not run smoothly. I enjoyed the way that they worked together and the epilogue brought things nicely to a satisfying close. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ellis Maitland has a huge mess to clean up and he has no one to blame but himself. Except he never knew the depths of brutality and cruelty that Winston Leonard would go to to get back what Ellis stole from him and now Miss Juliana Shelley has paid the price with a vicious knife slice across her cheek. Ellis is trying to fix the situation all the while trying to stay away from Juliana, but the lady has other ideas. Can Ellis stop Winston Leonard while trying to protect those he cares about?

This was my favorite of the Shelley sister books. Juliana was the "fixer" of the family, always tidying up the messes caused by her sisters and smoothing things over with their tyrant of a father, but when both of her sister's found true love, Juliana was lost. She was scarred and missing the close connection with her sisters. She was a strong and resilient character who proved that she was much more than her father's "secretary." I loved Ellis--the bad boy trying to walk the straight and narrow, but his past kept coming back to haunt him. Ms. Michaels does a great job of teasing out Ellis's true character as he tries to keep Juliana and the rest of her family safe from Leonard while the author's ending for Ellis fit the life he led. I'm sorry to see the series end. I loved reading about all 3 sisters.

This is the 3rd and final book in the series. Juliana is the last triplet left unwed and because of Ellis she may stay that way forever. She goes to a club, The Donville Masquerade and wants to discover pleasure. Ellis had never planned to ruin Juliana and when he sees her at the club, he knows he should keep his distance, but what will happen when he needs her? Fast-paced read with plenty of steam and drama. The story has plenty of twists and turns draws you in from beginning to end. I loved it!

And then there was one Shelley triplet left unmarried... Juliana and this is her journey to hopefully a happy ever after. But how to achieve that with her scarred face and emotions? Spinster secretary to her father? Well if that was in store, she was determined to find that "something" her sisters were so happy about. The wicked Donville Masquerade would be the perfect place because nobody would know who she is and she can maybe have one wicked night. Oh yes and she does find him in the form of one Ellis Maitland who sparks an inferno of desire!
Ellis is a wounded soul. But he is determined to keep Juliana safe and kill the villian that is still out there and who caused her injuries in the first place.
A wonderful dance of passion, suspense, mystery, a treasure that needs to be found and these wonderful characters that bring the story to life at the nib of Jess Michael's talented pen!
Great epilogue and although I am a little sad to see this series end, I cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!