Selina Oliver has always enjoyed all the pleasures life offers. As one of the infamous Roseford Bastards, why shouldn't she? But Selina has a secret, one that could tear her world apart. She is also the Faceless Fox, a brazen thief who for years has been stealing the finest jewels of the nastiest women of the ton. Now her brother Robert has invited her to a country party where one of the prizes she craves most will also be at her fingertips. Derrick Huntington has spent a life maintaining control and discipline. From his years in the army to his current place as an investigator for the ton's elite, he never wavers from his duty. Now he and his partner are sent to an exclusive country party with one task: catch the Faceless Fox before they strike again and finally unmask the villain who has been intriguing him for years.
This is the second book in the series & it could easily be read on its own. Another well written engrossing read, the pace is very good & the characters have plenty of depth. I loved both Selina & Derrick, she’s a strong & outwardly confident woman but is also quite vulnerable, I loved how she fell for Derrick & gradually revealed all of her secrets to him. I also loved Derrick who was honourable, upright & straight as a die & he fell hard & fast for Selina. Oh the chemistry between the pair was electric. Another joy of the book was the appearances by some of the dukes & duchesses from the 1797 club, it was lovely to catch up with them. I was captivated from cover to cover
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

It's the thrill of the chase that makes for a hell of a ride. Michaels takes emotions on an alluring adventure. Derrick and Selina break all the rules. She's a wild one with an unpredictable spirit. He's a follower in need of a bit of disruption in his life. What happens when wickedly naughty adds a sprinkle of sugar and more than a little intrigue? In the case of The Heart of a Hellion, A WILD RIDE.

<strong>What a fantastic historical romance, with suspense, a thief, and the person hired to catch a thief. </strong>
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Overall Rating: 5 Faceless Fox Stars
Kindle Unlimited: No
Standalone: Yes
Steam: 4 this was pretty steamy flames
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This is book two of The Duke's Bastards series, The Heart of a Hellion. I am truly enjoying this very different take on a historical romance, from the illegitimate perspective. We always get the Duke or Duchess side of the story, but now we have the bastard's perspective! This is Selina's story and what a “Hellion” she is! She is also definitely more open-minded woman of that era, she takes what she wants when she wants it.
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Selina has not had an easy life. She was one of the illegitimate children of the previous Duke of Roseford. She has recently kindled relationships with her half-brothers, Morgan, and Nicholas, all “by blows”; of the previous Duke. As well as, her other half brother, Robert the new Duke of Roseford. Selina is independent, and when she see's something she is not afraid to grab it (even if it is not hers to grab). But Selina has a secret she has been keeping from her family. She is the Faceless Fox, a jewel thief that has been stealing from some of the meanest, nastiest women in the aristocracy.
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Now we meet Derrick and Barber, two war heroes turned investigators hired by the victims of the Faceless Fox to recover their items. They have received a tip that the Faceless Fox's next victim will be at the Duke of Roseford's party...and they are going to go undercover to catch the culprit. The only people that know their true purpose at the party, is the Duke and his wife.
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Of course, nothing ever goes as planned...Derrick and Selina have instant attraction and chemistry, but is it real or are the just playing cat and mouse, trying to keep each other off guard? Keep the upper hand? Who is the cat, who is the mouse...it seems like the roles keep changing throughout the story. Will Derrick be able to ferret out the Faceless Fox and what will he do if he does?
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I simply loved the characters. But my heart went out to Selina. She just did what she pleased, took what she wanted and made no bones about it. As you progress through the book though, you see a change in Selina, you see her grow from an untrusting soul with a vendetta, an outsider; to a woman that realizes she deserves love and has that love surrounding her through her friends and family. She has gone from being alone and only relying on herself to being surrounded by love.
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However, this is not just a love story, this is a suspense too! Someone is out to betray the Faceless Fox...will Selina get caught? Will she find out who is sabotaging her before it is too late? Will she finally get the HEA she deserves? I will never give out spoilers, you will have to read the book!
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This story had steam, suspense, and an original story that kept me turning pages. I can't wait to see who's story is next, I hope it is Nicholas!! He deserves his HEA! I definitely recommend this book, this series, this author. I will most definitely continue to read anything by Ms. Jess Michaels.
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Thief meet investigator.

Selina is indeed a hellion. She has embraced her heritage and has become the Faceless Fox.
The very same jewel thief Derick is tasked with capturing and brining to justice.
They have tension, chemistry and sparks. But on opposite sides of the law, their dance is one of temptation and principals (some physical principals get thrown out right away).
I liked Derrick and Selina was a nice contradiction.
Recommend.

Series: The Duke’s Bastards #2
Publication Date: 7/14/20
Number of Pages: 270

This series follows the infamous Roseford Bastards who are half-siblings to Robert Smithton, Duke of Roseford (The Duke of Desire). Robert’s book was my least favorite of The 1797 Club series, so I’m surprised I’m enjoying the spin-off series so well. The book is well-plotted and well delivered with very likable characters and, of course, it is fun to catch up with some of my favorite characters from the 1797 Club.

The former Duke of Roseford was a first-class jerk – mean, cruel, cold – you name it. However, being rich and handsome would get him any woman he wanted. He didn’t care at all about the women and he certainly didn’t care about the offspring they bore him. His only stipulation was that the women keep the children away from his legitimate son and heir – and away from each other.

Selina Oliver was one of those by-blows and the tale of her life is a sad one. She grew up rough – with a step-father who resented her existence and took delight in being cruel to her (emotionally, not physically) while her mother would just pretend she didn’t exist. Selina developed her own sense of justice and promptly acted upon it – and she was very, very good at it. While she could never physically harm another, she saw absolutely no problem with hitting them where it really hurt – in the pocketbook. Whenever she found someone who was particularly cruel to those who couldn’t defend themselves, the Faceless Fox would pay them a visit and relieve them of some valuable item. The Faceless Fox was as infamous as the Roseford Bastards!

Derrick Huntington, the estranged grandson of a duke, has spent his life learning control. He NEVER loses that control – until he meets Selina. Around her, he seems to have no control of himself at all, and that just won’t do. His very good friend, Nicholas Gillingham, half-brother to Selina, has made arrangements for him to attend a house party in order to catch the Faceless Fox. Derrick and his partner, Edward Barber, are private inquiry agents who have been hired by victims of the Faceless Fox and they fully intend to catch him. Except, Derrick can’t keep his mind off Selina long enough to help with the investigation.

Selina has never known love and has a hard time letting anyone in close. Her brother Robert is trying to draw her in and he’s getting there, but Derrick – OMGoodness – She’s a quivering bowl of jelly anytime he’s around. How can she make herself fight that attraction, steal the item she came to steal, and get away? Will honorable, upright Derrick discover her identity? If he does, what will he do? Let her escape? Prosecute her? Something else altogether?

You’ll just have to read this lovely story to see what happens – but I can tell you it is a merry, steamy chase!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

As one of the rather infamous illegitimate offspring of the previous Duke of Roseford, Selina Oliver has always been rather wild. She’s never felt like she belonged, even as her half-brother, the new duke, tries to bring all his half-siblings into the family fold. Selina has a secret that could jeopardize them all. As the Faceless Fox, Selina has been stealing jewels from fine ladies of the ton for years. Now she’s been invited to her brother’s house party, at which one of the guests happens to be her next mark. Therefore, Selina cannot resist the opportunity for mischief.

Former soldier turned private investigator Derrick Huntington has lived a life of strict control and duty. As part of their latest assignment, he and his partner have finagled invitations to the Duke’s house party with the express goal of catching the Faceless Fox.

Selina and Derrick discover an almost instantaneous attraction which proves distracting for them both. Despite Selina’s attempts to use seduction to tear Derrick from his investigation, the feelings that arise are all too real, for the both of them, though unlikely to come to anything more given their respective, and very opposite, positions.

Bottom line here: I loved Derrick and was not much of a fan of Selina. When she set out to seduce him to keep him distracted from suspecting her of being the Fox, I was pretty much done with her. These two definitely had great chemistry and there was plenty of lovely steam here, but the deceit on Selina’s part did dampen that for me, especially since she kept it up way too long. People using sex for manipulation isn’t something I’m a fan of and Selina admitting her feelings sooner would’ve solved a lot of this for me. Her reasons for thieving as the Fox previously had a certain bit of logic to them, but the fact that she was still planning to go through with the theft at her brother’s house, even despite her growing closeness to both her family and Derrick, is encroaching on unforgiveable for me. I also didn’t care for how much Selina relished controlling Derrick as that didn’t really seem like love to me. But I was happy to see Selina redeem herself in the end, at least somewhat, even if she left it a bit late, and I loved that she did recognize and acknowledge how amazing Derrick was. Now I’m very much looking forward to Nicholas’ story.

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

One of the old Duke’s bastards Selina Oliver has always enjoyed all the pleasures life offers, especially now that her half-brother Robert the new Duke wants his sibling in his life. Selina has a secret that could tear her world apart if she’s ever discovered, she loved stealing from the rich. She’s become known as the Faceless Fox a brazen thief. She overhears Robert and Derrick Huntington talking where she finds he’s a detective hot on her trail to catch a thief at her brother’s house party. From his years in the army he respects discipline and he’s become quite good as a detective for he never wavers in his duty. Selina knows what she wants and she decided she wants Derrick, she tries putting him off his game by seducing him and gaining the upper hand in this cat and mouse game they’re in. I loved this captivating story of love between a thief and the pursuit of justice between two worthy adversaries. An excellent story I voluntarily read and wrote this review.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I am a fan on Jess Michael's and this book proves why. I loved this book.
Selina is one of the dukes bastards. Now that he is dead her half brother, the current duke, is determined to forge a family and relationship with his half-siblings. Before Robert came into her life, Selina's life wasn't easy and she became the Faceless Fox in order to seek her own brand of justice against those she felt were guilty.
Derrick and his partner Barber have been hired to capture the thief. While Selina sets out to distract Derrick from his goal.
Selina was strong, independent, and compelling. Derrick had to balance his honor and quest for justice with respecting and loving Selina.
I liked the first book in the series but this was so much better. Can't wait for Nicolas's story.

Loved that the heroine was so outside the box from the typical historical romance leading lady. It did mean that she needed more time to come around to the idea of love, but in the end it was enjoyable.

Another Beauty by Jess Michaels. It's always refreshing to read about Heroines that are not wallflowers, woman with a little bit of experience. Selina was an independent, a thief, a passionate woman. The chemistry between her and Derrick was palpable. They really meshed well together. This book was well written. As all Jess Michaels books, characters from previous books always make an appearance. The sex was VERY HOT, it's always a massive plus. Hopefully the next is about Nicholas, I can't wait.
I voluntarily reviewed this ARC on my own voluption and the opinions expressed here are all mine.

1816

This is the second installment to Jess Michael's newest series The Duke's Bastards. A duke had no problem spreading his seed all over London, and having multiple children. After the duke passes, his legitimate son, Robert, gathers them together to help them succeed in life. Robert has his own story in a previous series. If you are on that wants the whole world in order, then start there, as he and his wife are characters in this book. If you don't care about that, this book is perfectly fine as a stand alone.

Selena is Robert's half sister, a bastard child of the prior duke. She is the Faceless Fox, a thief that has been eluding investigators for years and stealing jewels. Robert wants to see her living life and invites her to a house party in the country where, conveniently, one of her next target jewels will also be.

Derrick Huntington (the last book I read, Her Night with the Duke by Diana Quincy, also had a hero named Huntington!) has spent time in the army but now is working as an investigator. His main goal is to catch the Faceless Fox and stop their crime spree. He wrangles and invitation to the house party to continue his search for the suspect.

Their chemistry is immediate. I think they both feel some instalust for each other. Selina is trying to keep an eye on him and monitor his investigation, but it turns into her hands she can't keep off. And Derrick keeps telling himself he has other things to focus on, but is instead drawn to Selena repeatedly. This book is really, really steamy. If you don't like multiple explicit sex scenes, then pass this one by. It's all here, against a wall, masturbation, blowjobs. I think it was probably balanced, or even leaning more heavily to the romance/sex compared to the investigation portion of the book.

I did find the heroine on the unique side. Not very often I read of a heroine criminal, it's usually the hero I feel like. So that was a fun change.

But I only give this book 3 stars. I didn't feel the tension and wanting between them, I felt like they jumped into sex really fast. I wanted that build up. I also wasn't a fan of the deceit. I get it was going to happen but it continued for way to long in the book and the heroine had an opportunity to make it right and chose to continue to deceive until the very end. I will admit I am harsh on that stuff. Anything deceitful usually pushes me off big time so you might like this book more than I did. The sex was really hot, but to me it didn't have the feelings behind it that I wanted. I think I liked the first story a little bit more than this one in the series.

Will her past and present come between her future and the man she loves ...

Wow, after Morgan’s story, I did not know what to expect for Selina’s.
And while I knew she had a wild side, it was not what I expected.
And for sure, she is no society miss, she knows what she wants and she goes for it. She does not shy away from her own desires. Living for the moment and the thrill of the chase.
Yet I was not fond of her when she decided to seduce Derrick to meddle in his investigation.
Derrick is such a sweetheart, he is a kind and honorable man. Only seeking justice but also able to recognize a talented opponent. And the Faceless Fox is one cunning but talented adversary. Yet Selina blurs all the lines, unsettling him as he does not know where lies his loyalty when details seem to all point in her direction.
Their relationship evolves from a necessary seduction to a willing sensual dance, slowly they share some of their burdens, yet with so many unsaid between them how could their affair get a chance to become more.

Their romance is one of faith and trust as both play on each side of the law, thus how to find a middle ground for them.
4.5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

I enjoyed this book! The Heart of A Hellion is the second book in The Duke's Bastards series by Jess Michaels. Selina Oliver is a beautiful, privileged young lady with a troubled past. She has been estranged from her brothers for years until recently she never knew the love of a family. Being the infamous Faceless Fox, a famous jewel thief, could shatter everything. Derrick Huntington is just the man who may do that. He is one of the investigators sent to find the Fox. Can Selina throw him off the trail or will she lose it all? The mystery will definitely keep you reading but let me warn you, there are several explicit scenes in the book. It is definitely a must read.

Jess Micheals’ is an excellent writer and her books flow so well. The premise of this book is interesting – an investigator and a criminal who dance around each other. This story brings a lot more intrigue than some of her books which I really enjoyed. Derrick is a wonderful guy who sees things as black and white. In jumps Selina who does not. Will Derrick and Selina be able to make their relationship work? The only issue I had with the book was Selina. Honestly, I did not like her through 80% of the story. She is not forthcoming, she is manipulative and uses sex to get out of serious discussions. But, as only Jess can do, she pulls out all of the stops at the end of the story. I did like Selina at the end of the story although I am confused on how her case is handled.

To be perfectly honest, I didn’t really care for this book in the beginning. I didn’t hate it but wasn’t crazy about it. I liked Selina and the romance was fine but it did take a while for me to get really invested in this book. I feel as Selina and Derrick started to learn more about each other I started to really see they were so good together. The ending was really good and I’m pretty happy with the book overall.

My favorite part of this book was Selina. She learned to be independent and you can see how she distances herself from her newish family. She doesn’t hate them but I think she is also too scared to love them fully because most people in her life had abandoned her or just didn’t care about what happened to her. She had to learn to trust and open herself up to others. She is bold, cunning and confident and I really loved her character.

Can’t wait for the last book and onto the last sibling. Nicholas needs a happy ending ASAP!

Goodness gracious, I'm so glad I finished reading this story because my heart couldn't take it anymore, wondering how Selina would ever be freed! lol This was such a titillating story and Jess Michaels proves once again what a wonderful author she is.

I loved both the hero and heroine's characters, both so different and yet that attraction between them was sizzling hot. Derrick is an investigator and Selina is a criminal (yet, her heart is in the right place) and when they meet, they both have a hard time concentrating on their work. He is after the Faceless Fox and she will do anything to keep him finding out the truth about her. When their hearts get involved, it's not all fun and games anymore.

There are some "edge of your seat" and "nail biting" moments so it makes for a very interesting story and add in super hot and sexy moments to make it an even more interesting read:)

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

WHEW! This one was awesome!

Every Jess Michaels story is a story worth reading. This one is no exception. This story has everything. The hero is appropriately broody, the heroine is appropriately clever and charming, the shocking plot twist is appropriately shocking, the sexy parts are exceptionally steamy (as always)! I LOVED this book.

Selina is amazing. She is crafty and mischievous. Selina lives a shockingly fantastic atypical lifestyle for a woman of the times. Her bastard birth has granted her the freedom to actually enjoy herself. I love a heroine who knows what she wants and goes after it, societal opinions be damned. Heck with the naysayers, Selina is AWESOME.

Derrick is also an awesome character. I am a sucker for the veteran trope in regency romance, and this book is a pretty good example of why. Our noble hero understands that the wold is not simply black and white. Life is lived in the gray areas. I adore him! He is simultaneously a hard line inspector, and an understanding human.

Seeing some old friends from our favorite Duke’s club was fun, as always. It makes me want to start all over with them! Daring Duke, here I come! This book is full of seduction and intrigue, and I mean that in the good way!

I've read a number of books by Ms. Michaels, but "The Heart of a Hellion" is pretty similar to Kate Bateman's "To Catch an Earl" in that we're dealing with a female thief and the investigator who is attracted to her. There is definitely chemistry between Selina and Derrick and the sex scenes are pretty graphic. Perhaps, if I hadn't just read the other book, this one would seem unique. In any case, I always look forward to more books from Ms. Michaels.

This is part of a great series about bastards of a Duke who has been welcomed into the family of their half-brother, the new Duke!

Selina is a wonderful, hurt character. Her life has been sad and void of love. She struggles with the idea of a family, though she yearns for it. Derrick is the investigator hunting down a jewel thief (get the picture here?). They meet, and they burn for each other. No spoiler here, but their adventure is well written and you see these two heading for their destiny. Another great addition to Jess Michaels' library!

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is fair and honest.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

I will admit that before lock down started, I hadn't really any intention of reviewing historical romance, but those books have been some of the only ones I've wanted to read during this weird time, and I discovered Jess's books. The Love of a Libertine was so enjoyable, that I couldn't wait to have The Heart of a Hellion available. This time, we follow another one of the bastard children of the late Duke of Roseford, Selina Oliver, who is struggling now that her brother, Robert, is wanting to have a bigger role in her life. Selina has a secret - she is in fact the Faceless Fox, a jewel thief who is neigh on invisible, and only steals from women who have been horrendous to others in the past. Now, at a house party hosted by her brother, she is seeking the prized Breston necklace from the awful Lady Winford. With her companion and accomplice, Vale, she has it all planned out, but those plans are scuppered when Derrick Huntington and his friend and colleague, Edward Barber, arrive. They are investigators, on the lookout for the Fox, but under the assumption that the Fox is a man. Selina needs to get close to Derrick to see how much he knows, but soon she falls head over heels, and risks it all. Derrick, as the grandson of an Earl, is somewhat at home with the upper crust in society, but since returning home from war, with injuries, he's eschewed all that, and dove into his investigations. He wants to find the Fox, but every moment he spends with Selina is reawakening part of him he never thought would return, and he can't let himself believe his worst fears that one he is seeking, is in fact that women he loves.

This was a story that hooked you from page one, and wouldn't let go until you knew that Selina and Derrick were happy. Both were fantastic main characters, who's backgrounds were fraught with pain and misery, and were getting themselves together. Neither really believed they were deserving of love, but were more than happy to seek their release and have fun with the other, and it was inevitable that they would fall quickly, and completely. I couldn't help but ship them together, and when the unavoidable angst occurred, and it was revealed Selina was the Fox, I honestly didn't know how Jess would resolve it all! But resolve it she did, and I loved it! I'm even more desperate for more of her work now, and think that The Matter of a Marquess will be Nicholas' story - or at least, I hope it will be!