I really enjoyed Edward and Sophia's story! I just loved watching these two find their way back to one another! Congratulations on writing book 100, Jess!!

This is my first book by Jess Michaels and it also happens to be her 100th book release - an amazing achievement! I love that we see Edward, Duke of Lockhart, declare his love for Sophia – a Courtesan who Lockhart had an arrangement with prior to his marriage 3 years ago – early on in the book. Now out of mourning, after his wife’s untimely death, Lockhart knows what he wants and it’s Sophia. To hell with polite society and their strict rules. He never wavers his love throughout the book and I think that’s what makes Edward a really strong hero. Sophia is a little hesitant and puts restrictive measures (seriously, she has a whole set of rules!) in place to protect her own heart as she is sensible and knows that the ton will never except a Cyprian Courtesan as a Duchess.

This whole book gave me all the feels from start to finish. The steam was amazing, the storyline was very strong and the dialogue between the characters had me laughing and crying in equal measures. There is one character who I figured out quite early on was the villain of the story, but that only added to the excitement when the main characters found out too!

I would definitely recommend this book and I’m now going to have to try to find the time to fit in the other 99 books of Jess Michaels’! Fantastic read and would definitely recommend to a friend.

*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I received an ARC from the author/publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
There are many milestones worthy of celebration as an author, and when you are prolific enough to have written one hundred books, that’s definitely one of them. The day is finally almost here for Jess Michaels as 100 Nights With the Duke is about to be released. And while I haven’t read even a quarter of those hundred books, still being fairly new to Michaels’ work, I am nonetheless proud of her. And to have this be one of the best I’ve read from her to date also makes the occasion special.
Edward is one of the most easy-to-love heroes I’ve ever read. He wears his heart and honor on his sleeve, and chafes at the restrictions society (and his domineering grandmother) place on him to put his duty first. He tried to do the best he could with the initial situation he had at the beginning, with his wife’s tragic passing after their brief, amicable union reinforcing his desire to marry for love this time, or not at all.
Sophia’s reticence when Edward comes back into her life is understandable. Passion still burns between them, and the deeper feelings are still there, but so are the obstacles that kept them apart the first time. Her initial desire to set boundaries to their reunion changes the dynamic in a compelling way.
The grandmother is a piece of work, and I was really drawn to the insidiousness of her plots to steer her family into the direction she thought was ideal. It starts off pretty predictably, with standard antics like her pretending to be on her deathbed, but the gradual foreshadowing of how she was manipulating the chess pieces that are the various family members and removing “inconvenient” ones drew me in. It also builds up to a perfect external crisis to parallel with the internal conflict, to avoid the book being entirely about the push-pull, “will-they, won’t-they.”
Congratulations to Jess Michaels on the 100th book, and here’s hoping for many more! If you’re a fan of her books, you’ll enjoy this one. And I would also recommend this as a fabulous starting point for anyone looking for steamy historical romance.

Looking back, I have read about 60 of Jess Michaels’ books and she was one of the first romance authors I started reading back in 2016. I love her books and seeing some of the characters from past books in this book was so lovely. Jess Michaels has always been one of my favorite authors and her writing 100 books is so exciting! Congrats on her 100th book!

Overall, a good read but not necessarily my favorite of Jess Michaels’ books. The first half was slow and I wasn’t really invested but the second half of the book was so good. Romance, danger, mystery and lovable characters, all what I’m looking for. Sophia and Edward broke up their affair when Edward was to be married to another per the request of his dying grandmother. They are reunited again later on and with Edward, now a widower, is back and ready to win over the woman he loves. I loved that Edward knew what he wanted and wasn’t just seeking Sophia out just for fun but for a more permanent pursuit. Sophia is resistant since she has loved and lost and she believes with her life as a courtesan it could never be. True love does prevail not without some tests and danger but in the end they finally are where they belong, together for real and forever. I understood why Sophia was resistant but I wish she would have come to the conclusion a little faster. They really are a great couple. Cannot wait to see what Jess Michaels writes next!


*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

This book was read thanks to NetGalley.


Jess Michaels is one of my favorite historical romance writers, the way she tells stories, is one of my favorites ever.

The story goes that our protagonists were in love, but he had to leave to marry out of duty, not a love match, so she was left behind heartbroken and he was heartbroken too, but now he is a widow and he wants her back, and BABY HE IS WILLING TO WORK HARD FOR HER.

Obviously they get together but at the moment they do, you feel vindicated because is what they deserve since the very beginning and they got it, and THE WAY THEY GOT IT.


Go and read this book, you won't be disappointed

This book wrecked me, wooed me, made me cry, made me so anxious, scared me and then tied it all together with a happy ever after. Sophia and Edward had a short liaison that was cut short because he had the duty to marry for the Dukedom. But the love lost when they separated broke both of them. When Edward's wife dies, he returns for Sophia determined to win her back in to his life...forever! He spends the whole book trying to convince her he means marriage, kids and everything and that they can stand up to the scrutiny of the Ton and his horrible Grandmother, the Dowager. Seriously, finished this in less than 24 hours. I couldn't put it down. One section had me so sad and feel a horrible pit in my stomach (you KNOW what I'm talking about), then I was swooning as they made love, then I was frustrated with Sophia for not letting herself go and just love Edward, then I was scared of the Dowager, and then the cycle started all over again.

I know this makes no sense and I am rambling but seriously, I was on the edge of the page the whole time!

The Heroine
Sophia Russell is a courtesan that had a rough childhood, although I don't recall much detail about it. She is beautiful and the sweetest woman to everyone. Its no wonder Edward (and many other men) adored her! But when Edward had to walk away to fulfill the duties of the Dukedom, she was crushed. It took her a long time to get past the pain, but she did eventually and took other protectors, but none compared to Edward. So when she reconnected with Edward, she had to protect her heart from something that she thought could never be. She was truly trying to protect him as well, but slowly Edward was able to break down the wall around her heart.

The Hero
Edward, the Duke of Lockhart is now my new favorite book boyfriend. Hands down. He had very little choice but to walk away from Sophia and get married, but it was a difficult marriage as he and his new wife were in love with other people. When she died, he felt horrible that her short life was so miserable. But he was able to return to Sophia and convince her to love him. He was so sweet to give her space when she needed it and obey her 'rules' she put in their liaison. So patient! Ugh, he was the best and I was rooting for him the whole book, just hoping Sophia would see reason!

The Steam
I mean its Jess Michaels, OF COURSE there is steam and in the best way!

Tropes
Regency Era, Steam Hot, Steam Carriage, Beta Hero, Titled Hero, Mistress Heroine, Courtesan, Experienced Heroine, Angst Romance, Second Chance Romance, Courtesan Romance, Class Difference, Betrayal, Five Star, Four Flames

4.5 Stars
Three years ago Edward Duke of Lockhart fell in love with courtesan Sophia Russell. But when his grandmother manipulated him into marrying for position, rather than love, they were torn apart. Now Edward, is widowed, out of mourning and ready to pursue the love of his life again. But Sophia Russell was brokenhearted when she lost him before and she sees no way that it can work out this time any more than it did before. So she creates elaborate rules of their affair and hopes she can keep her heart separate this time. Passion has always been easy for these two, but love will be hard. Especially when a terrible danger becomes clear and their fight for each other becomes one they may die from if they lose.
This is the author’s 100th book, quite an achievement. A lovely romance I was a bit doubtful about a duke marrying a courtesan & wondered how the book would pan out but the author pulled it off beautifully. I loved Edward & Sophia, it soon became apparent that their relationship was far more than just sex & I loved how he gradually wore her down. Another joy in the book was appearances by some previous characters especially Vivien (who’s one of my all time favourites). The road to their HEA wasn’t plain sailing with a villain who was truly despicable especially as more of their history was revealed. I look forward to the next one hundred books
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

One Week More

Jess Michael’s celebrates her 100th book with second chances, and a spicy forbidden love. Sophia Russell never expected more than a physical relationship with Edward, Duke of Lockhart, as a courtesan. So, when Edward suddenly marries, she lets him go. When a year later Edward’s wife dies, her heart may not be strong enough to take him back. Edward has loved Sophia since the day they met, but he chose duty over love. This time he is making things right., choosing their passionate love over everything.

Jess Michaels jumps straight into Sophia and Edward’s story with plenty of spicy coupling. Sophia has no illusions that she could never have an equal, and excepted relationship in society. Her heart is broken, and she struggles with her situation. Throughout the book her hesitance, and coldness are understandable. The relationship Edward asks for is an impossible fantasy. Edward can not find happiness without Sophia, and his marriage was indifferent at best. He made a grave mistake for all the wrong reasons, and is willing to work hard to earn Sophia’s trust again. Edward’s patience is endearing, and there is no question his love for her is genuine and respectful. He is willing to win Sophia over on her terms, so they may have an equal and real relationship. Even when social pressures, and a meddling grandmother, try to keep them apart.

Jess Michaels writes about the deep struggles, and yearnings of the heart. Sometimes passion is not enough, and it takes courage to see each other through life’s adversity.

So I love, love angst in a story and this one started out with angst but then fell off. There was too much “I love him but don’t want to be hurt”. Okay, we get it girl. I love how Edward stuck to his beliefs (after falling for his grandmother’s machinations) and was in earnest wooing Sophia. The story really picks up and grabbed my interest the last 30% of the book. Jess is amazing at telling her stories and pulling you into the world of the characters. Oh, I loved seeing the characters from the Mistress Matchmaker series (I assume this takes place before Vivien finds her love and after book 1). Any further books related to this one? Wallingford?

This started out with the kind of angst that I wanted, but as the story goes on, it slowly became bland for my taste. The entire book revolves around Sophia and Edward having sex and having internal monologues on how they wanted to be together but can't, and it became too repetitive and annoying at some point. I loved seeing our hero having the backbone, stood his ground, and follow his heart instead of his grandmother. Sophia, on the other hand, is so exuding this sad girl vibes like, girl, the person you loved reciprocates the feeling, and you're going to be a duchess? Girl, stop your whining and just take it. There's nothing left to lose, just take it. Edward really saved this book for me.

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Sophia Russell knew that falling in love with the Duke of Lockhart would eventually lead to heartbreak. He could never marry a courtesan, but sadly her heart wouldn't listen. Edward has to fulfill his duty to the title and to his grandmother by marrying a woman she chooses. He breaks both of their hearts in the process. Now, he is out of mourning and is ready to pursue Sophia again. He knows he can't live without her and refuses to let her go a second time.

I am such a sucker for second chance romance, and this book just stole my heart. Edward fought so hard to win Sophia back, and refused to give up. This is something that I love in books. I find a man who knows what he wants extremely sexy. I don't want to read about a hero who finally realizes he loves the heroine at the end. So, Edward loves her for the whole entire book, tries to win her back and lower her defenses so they can finally get their happily every after. Just a wonderful romance about two people who were always meant to be together.

This is my new favorite Jess Michaels because wow it really had everything that I need and want in romance. I am super excited for the next one!

Edward's grandmother is a horrible person. It's surprising that he turned out so kind hearted.
Sophia is afraid of getting her heart broken again. She sets all kinds of rules to keep space between them. Of course we get a happy ending so the rules are broken in the end.

This was a very different storyline as she is an courtesan. There was a lot of bickering between characters that, at times, detracted from the story itself. But I do like second chance so

A thoroughly wonderful romance that is perfect for any adult collection. I was completely invested in it from start to finish, and can see it circulating well!

Happy 100th book to Jess Michaels! This one is a second chance romance between courtesan Sophia and duke Edward. He was manipulated into marriage by his manipulative grandmother and had to leave Sophia. After his wife of two years has died and he is past his mourning year, he seeks Sophia out again and attempts to convince her to be his. She is much more practical than he is, so there is a lot of wooing necessary. And don't forget about that manipulative grandmother!

Almost 3 stars

For all that the heroine of this novel is atypical--an experienced courtesan who seems to like her profession well enough--this story was fairly typical of the forbidden love/different classes trope.

Edward, the titular duke, finds his soulmate in Sophia, a beautiful courtesan, but after just a few months together, he is compelled to end their arrangement and marry someone of his class. After Edward's wife dies and he completes his year of mourning, he returns to Sophia, determined not to make the same mistake twice; this time, he wants her for his bride. Ever more practical, Sophia only sees obstacles, and only agrees to a very short affair. He accepts her terms, intending to use the time to convince her that they have a chance at lasting happiness.

The story takes too much time on the push me-pull you between the two. They grow close; make mad, passionate love; something causes Sophia to back away. Rinse, repeat. It gets a little old (I skimmed a lot of the bedroom scenes) until maybe the last quarter (maybe third) of the book, when outside forces--not just Sophia's stubbornness--threaten to tear them apart. I'm just not sure if 25 to 30 percent of a book is enough for me.

Apparently, the two met in a previous novel, and though you can definitely read this book as a standalone, I suspect reading the earlier story would have been a benefit. Without that background, there are holes in both the protagonists' back stories. For me, the biggest missing piece was Sophia's. The story alludes to a difficult childhood but never expands on it; as a result, we just see'"courtesan Sophia" and don't know much else about her.

Edward's love and devotion for Sophia is really striking; he never once loses hope or determination, and since he easily-if not happily--left her once already, we need him to be stalwart and true this time around.

Overall, it's a decent book, and Edward and Sophia are easy to root for.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!

Sparks fly from the moment they meet, but Sophia Russell and the Duke of Lockhart are separated when he is called to dutifully marry a woman of the peerage.

Sophia has understandably built up walls with the hurt that she endured when they parted three years ago. I felt so sad for Sophia and wanted Lockhart to have really work to win her back.

Although I would have liked a bit more heart, there is plenty of heat between Sophia and Russell. I really enjoyed the mortal danger element of this story that really ups the stakes of the romance.

100 Nights with the Duke is an enjoyable read delivered in the classical Jess Michaels style.

I read and reviewed an advanced copy of the eARC thanks to The Passionate Pen, LLC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Edward, the Duke of Lockhart was fooled by his grandmother into marrying a woman he didn't love. He received the title eight years ago when his dad died. He married Joann, which broke his heart because he had to give up his true love.

Miss Sophia Russell was the mistress to the Duke of Lockhart and his true love. They had some time together but then he had a duty to marry Joanna as his grandmother wished. His wife died two years after they were married and then a year of Mourning.

It is an interesting story. It has cruelty, hatred, death, and kidnapping. This tale is exciting, witty, and has lots of fear. The author has put depth into the book and the characters are very believable. It is easy to read and is engaging. It was amazing to read the novel and get totally wrapped up in the writing. I highly recommend this.

I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

It was a good story. The ending was a little puzzling for me. It felt a bit far fetched but all in all I enjoyed it. Sophia could be a little annoying at times even though she was trying to be a realist.

Edward, the Duke of Lockhart, is widowed from a wife he never loved. He recently concluded a year of mourning even though his grandmother didn't think it was necessary even though she coerced him into marrying a woman he didn't love. Now that his mourning is over, Edward is determined to convince the one woman he's ever loved that he wants a future with her.

Sophia Russell was Edward's courtesan lover before he got married. She was heartbroken when their affair ended and she doesn't see any future together now. But, their passion for each other is still something she can't refuse and she devises a list of rules for their affair to restart. Edward agrees in order to be near her, but he's going to try everything to get Sophia to agree to marry him.

I just LOVED this book! Jess Michaels is an insta buy for me and this one is such a worthy addition to her catalogue. I can't help but root for a couple who's been torn apart and now have a second chance at love. There were some plot twists I didn't expect which made me want to keep going and I ended up reading very late into the night to finish it. It's truly a wonderful read about fighting for the love you deserve.

I just reviewed 100 Nights with the Duke by Jess Michaels. #100NightswiththeDuke #NetGalley