Review - - The Wicked Heir

The Wicked Heir
By Elizabeth Michels
The Spare Heirs - Book 3
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: July 4 2017
Reviewed by PJ

When the love of Lady Isabelle Fairlyn's life is betrothed to her twin sister, Isabelle vows to find a suitable replacement before the end of the season. He must be a talented dancer, have a keen fashion sense, and be perfectly dashing in every way.

Fallon St. James is the farthest thing from perfectly anything. As head of the secretive Spare Heirs Society, he must stick to the shadows...even as Isabelle's friendship pulls him reluctantly into the light. But when Isabelle gets involved with the one man who could destroy Spares, Fallon must decide between protecting his life's work—or risking everything to save the woman whose warm smile leaves him breathless.




I continue to be impressed by the richness and depth of the stories within Elizabeth Michels' Spare Heirs Society, historical romance series. In The Wicked Heir, Michels turns her sights on Fallon St. James, the mysterious leader of the Spare Heirs, and Lady Isabelle Fairlyn, who readers may recall as a secondary character from previous books. At the start, the two seem an unlikely match. He is a tightly controlled man who eats, sleeps, and breathes the business of the Spare Heirs while Isabelle dances her way through life in a cloud of fairy dust, or so it seems. I fell for Fallon in a heartbeat - Isabelle took a little more getting used to - but, together, they captured my heart as all of Michels' couples have done.

Ms. Michels is adept at weaving emotional complexity and suspense through her books while also bringing readers a deeply romantic tale, lightened by strategic splashes of humor. It's a fine balance and one she carries off with panache. Balance is a good theme for this particular book as that is something that seems to be lacking in Fallon's and Isabelle's lives, particularly Fallon. I love how Isabelle, with her sunny, positive outlook on life, gradually introduces touches of light into the dark corners of his life. The scene where he's introduced to the food his cook prefers to prepare is a particular favorite. Fallon is an honorable man, loyal to his friends and determined to protect those unable to protect themselves, such as Isabelle after she's attacked by an enemy, but he has an iron-grip control on himself, a reluctance to ask others for help, and many more layers than I had guessed. With each layer unveiled, he wound his way more tightly around my heart. 

Isabelle may seem immature at times and lost in her self-imposed fairytale outlook on life but as the story slowly unfolds, I could see her insistence on a rainbows and unicorns existence for the coping mechanism it was and I appreciated her evolution as she began to accept the realities of life around her. She needed to grow up to be an equal partner in her relationship with Fallon, which she does, and I'm delighted she was able to do so without losing that goodness and positivity that are such essential parts of her. 

Michels once again surrounds the main couple with a vibrant secondary cast, including a truly nasty villain who is chillingly written. Heroes and heroines from previous books in this series, and the one past, pop in and out of the story on occasion, adding spice to the soup without detracting from the main dish. Two secondary characters who have vital roles in The Wicked Heir are Isabelle's twin, Lady Victoria Fairlyn (Isabelle's opposite in most every way) and Fallon's best friend, and fellow Spare Heir, Lord Hardaway. Those two are like a powder keg waiting for a lit match. I can't wait to see what Michels has in store for them!

Spotlight - - Elizabeth Michels' The Rebel Heir

Elizabeth Michels​ is the award-winning author of the Tricks of the Ton series and the Spare Heirs series and one of my favorite new historical romance authors. I finished her new book, The Rebel Heir late last night and it's wonderful. I've enjoyed everything she's written but this one is, in my opinion, her best work to date. I adored both Ash and Evie and the sometimes humorous, sometimes heart-wrenching, and, ultimately, satisfying journey Michels gave them. There's a scene near the end that is one of my all-time favorite scenes in any novel I've ever read. I don't want to give away spoilers so I'll just say that daisies have always been my favorite flower. I hope you'll all read the The Rebel Heir and enjoy that scene - and the rest of the book - as much as I did. Now, here's Elizabeth Michels!

Hi, everyone! Let’s play a game! Since deception is a key ingredient in THE REBEL HEIR, the second book in the Spare Heirs series, I thought it would be fun to play two truths and a lie.  Do you know how this game works? 

Ash Claughbane is here to tell you three things about himself and one of them is a lie…Yes, just one.  *gives Ash the side eye to keep him honest for a few minutes* Can you guess which fact isn’t true about Ash?  Good Luck!

1. I’m from the Isle of Man. There was a time when my family had an estate, a vast home overlooking the sea, servants, gardens...  There was a time when my mother and father were alive and that home was intact.  There was a time when my three older brothers calling me by my given name of Ashley was my largest problem—there was an unfortunate rhyme that accompanied it, that I won’t repeat here.  But that was before Lord Rightworth took everything from us, and I vowed to get it all back.  I may be from the Isle of Man, but I haven’t been back there since.

2. I’ve been traveling by carriage with my driver, Stapleton, for company for seven years.  I move from town to town, never staying long enough to unpack my trunks.  My business has thrived, and rightfully so.  I am quite skilled at it.  You see, I sell people what they desire, anything they desire.  Everyone wants something and it just so happens, I have that something bottled and in my carriage. 

I made my way through all of Wales where my brothers were less likely to find me, then I began moving through southern England.  That was when he found me, not my eldest brother, the new duke, thankfully, but Fallon St. James.  He invited me to join a secret club of title-less gentlemen in London called The Spare Heir Society. 

I’m not one to join anything at all.  I have no need of any sort of brotherhood having abandoned my own brothers long ago.  I told St. James as much and yet he gave me his calling card.  Stranger still, I kept it.  Now I’m in London, with a room in St. James’ peculiar home and headquarters.  My clothing remains in my trunk, but I’m here, newest member of The Spare Heirs Society.

3. My name is Lord Crosby, purveyor of hope for the future.  I’m a forward thinking gentleman, a visionary some might say.  In a year or two, you’ll remember we met.  You’ll remember that I told you that your farming techniques and way of life were a thing of the past.  My steam machines will be in every home.  Small enough to be accessible to every family, and big enough to make the way all of society lives a little easier. Imagine the possibilities for the good people of England and beyond.  The world is changing and the future of our world is steam.

You’ll remember I told you of this.  On that day years from now, wouldn’t you like to say you were wise?  Wouldn’t you like to say you invested in Crosby Steam Works? 

An Excerpt:

His heart beat beneath Evangeline’s hand.

“Ash, this is dangerous— whatever is happening here…”

“I know.” He grinned the wicked grin of a swindler about to steal the prize. “Say that you enjoy it as much as I do, Evie. Admit that you like breaking your rules with me.”

“They aren’t my rules,” she said.

“Then why follow them?”

She swallowed and looked up at him. “I make poor decisions on my own.”

“I disagree,” he said, still holding her close. He toyed with the hair that fell over her shoulder.

“I haven’t thrown you from my bedchamber. I’m certain that’s a poor decision.”

“That’s a matter of opinion,” he said with a grin. “What’s your opinion? What do you want, Evie?”

You, her heart screamed, but her mouth refused to form the word. Her gaze dropped back from the depths of his eyes to his lips. He was so close, and yet he only touched her hair and held her hand to his chest. It would be so easy to rise to her toes and show him what she wanted. And yet it wasn’t easy at all.

 “You think I haven’t noticed that you’ve been staring at my mouth since I arrived?”

“I have not…” She began to disagree, but it would have been a lie and he knew it.

“Say that you want me to kiss you, Evie.”

“I would never…” she began, but fell silent.

“Tell me you want me. Say the words and I’ll kiss you.”

Evangeline’s lips parted, but she said nothing.

“Say, ‘I want your lips on mine, Ash.’ That’s all you have to do. I could show you so many things, Evie. Do you want me to? Say the words.”

Her breathing came out harsh as her heart pounded in her chest. How was he making her so unsettled simply with words?

“I could bring you so much pleasure, Evie. Do you want me to touch you? To truly touch you? If you asked me, I would fit your breasts into the palms of my hands just like this.” His hand hung in the air over her breast, close enough that she could feel the heat of his skin through her night rail. “Then I would lower my mouth to take your nipple between my teeth, tugging at your polished exterior until the real Evie pulled me closer. I would take your breast into my mouth and with my tongue…” He sighed, dropping his hand away from her. “But you have to tell me you want it.”

“Ash,” she whispered, already missing the heat of him close to her skin.

“There’s a world out there that you could experience. All you have to do is stop hiding and tell me what you want.”

It wasn’t that simple, was it? She opened her mouth, unsure how to speak of her own desires. She never talked that way, not like Ash was able to do. But the truth was, she did want him to kiss her. She wanted everything about this man. That was also the trouble. She couldn’t be trusted to speak— not just now. “I…”

He grinned and brushed a strand of hair from her face, placing a kiss on the top of her head as he did. “You’re almost there. Just a few more words. Perhaps you need more encouragement.”

“No.” She took two steps backward until her heels bumped the wall. “I- I’m quite…”

“Evie, has anyone ever spoken to you this way?” He took slow steps to close the gap between them.

“No,” she breathed.

“Do you like it when I do?” He grinned down at her as if he could hear all the thoughts she was too afraid to voice aloud. “I think you do. Do you want me to continue?”

“Do I have to say that as well?” she asked.

“No. I’ve learned in my line of work that it’s sometimes necessary to give someone a taste of what they want before they’ll pay the price.”

“Is that what you’re doing to me? Is this a taste of what’s to come?” Heaven help her, she hoped it was.

“Only if you want it. That’s my price.” He shifted her hair from her shoulder as he spoke, letting it fall down her back.

“That seems…” Whispers of his touch brushed down the side of her neck as he moved her hair. She worked not to lean into his palm and feel the full force of his hand on her skin. “…reasonable.”

“I thought so as well.” He shifted even closer to her, leaning his arm on the wall above her head and surrounding her without the benefit of his embrace to steady her. “If you tell me you want me to kiss you, I’ll kiss you here.” He spoke the words against the sensitive skin beneath her ear before moving down her neck, not touching her, but close enough that she could feel the warmth of his lips.

She splayed her hands on the wall behind her to keep from tipping sideways. He wasn’t even touching her, and still she struggled to breathe.

“I would kiss my way down your neck to just here where I can see your pulse beating rather fast. Is it beating fast because you want me to kiss you, Evie?” he asked against her skin. “You know my terms. Say the words. This is only the beginning…”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: The Rebel Heir

Series: The Spare Heirs, #2

Author: Elizabeth Michels

Pubdate: September 6^th 2016

ISBN: 9781492621362

The Spare Heirs Society Cordially Invites You to Meet Ash Claughbane: The Imposter

Lady Evangeline Green is living a lie. To please her family, she masquerades as the perfect debutante…until she meets the wickedly charming Lord Crosby. With him, there are no rules. She’s finally free to do as she desires—but freedom comes with a price, and Lord Crosby is not what he seems…

Ash is not Lord Crosby. He’s a con artist, a noble Spare Heir living off his silver tongue. When the Greens ruined his family, he swore he’d make them pay, and he never doubted his devotion to revenge…until he met Evangeline. Now, caught in a web of lies, torn between duty and desire, what’s a con to do but deceive all of London and steal the one lady who dared match wits with the devil himself?

Buy Links:

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Elizabeth Michels Winner

The randomly chosen winner of a signed copy of

The Infamous Heir by Elizabeth Michels is:

Cheryl C

Congratulations!

Please send your full name and mailing address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Today's Special - - Elizabeth Michels

PJ and Elizabeth

It is with great pleasure that I welcome Elizabeth Michels back to the Dish today. Elizabeth's newest book, The Infamous Heir kicks off her new The Spare Heirs series and I was lucky enough to join her and others at my local Barnes and Noble last week to celebrate its release. As you can tell from the smiles, we were both very happy to see the new book on the shelf!

Elizabeth Michels grew up on a Christmas tree farm in rural South Carolina. After school, she met a boy and followed him to Missouri but spent summers visiting his family in England where, as she says, she soaked up "history, culture and a few too many pints." She graduated college Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Interior Design, married that boy and they eventually moved to North Carolina where she worked in Architecture, Real Estate, Office Management, Interior Design, and Construction. Until the day when it all changed.  For the rest of the story of how Elizabeth came to be an award-winning historical romance author, visit her website. 

  

Welcome, Elizabeth! Congratulations on the release of your new book. The Infamous Heir sure has been generating some terrific pre-publication buzz including a RT Top Pick and Publisher's Weekly Starred Review. What should readers expect from this book?

You can expect mystery to solve, romance between a reckless boxer turned lord and the daughter of a duke, your first look into the secretive Spare Heirs Society, and—as always—shenanigans in Regency London! I’m so excited about this book, and about being here to celebrate its release! You may remember Lady Roselyn Grey from Must Love Dukes where she first made an appearance as Devon Grey, Mad Duke of Thornwood’s younger sister.   Now it’s her time to enjoy the London season, but when her childhood friend, Ethan Moore, returns to town, things take an unexpected turn.

Ethan Moore is an unexpected obstacle in Lady Roselyn’s carefully laid life plan. 

I love how Ethan's return flipped her plans upside down. What is it about these two together

that convinced you they were destined for a happy ending?

These two have a history together that starts years before the first page of the book.  Long before Ethan was disowned and forced to leave home, he had a friend on the estate next door.  Her name was Roselyn.  She was wild and her laughter brought him joy, but while Ethan was away Roselyn’s father left home on a mad mission and never returned.  Broken-hearted, Roselyn began walling herself in with things she could control and soon the wild girl that Ethan knew was gone.  I knew that Ethan could bring her back to life.  And she would, in turn, give him the home he’d been without for so many years.  They were once friends and I was certain they would be again by the end of the story.

The Infamous Heir is the first book in the Spare Heirs series. How many books will be in this series? Will each book stand on its own or do you recommend reading them in order?

The Spare Heirs is a 4 book series…right now.  I *may* already have a novella up my sleeve that would increase that number. J   I’m always open to the possibility of expanding the series, but at this time the Spare Heirs are:  The Infamous Heir, The Rebel Heir, The Wicked Heir, and The Unsuitable Heir.  Just like my other books, they stand on their own but are also part of a larger world that you get glimpses into in each story.  I recommend reading them in order but it seems like, as a reader, I always accidentally start with book 3 which is fine too. 

I enjoy the intensity of a good mystery interwoven with romance, such as you’ve written in The Infamous Heir, especially when I can’t easily figure out the identity of the villain or the reasons behind that person’s actions. Your twists and turns really kept me guessing! Will each of the books in the series have a mystery to be solved?

The Infamous Heir and The Wicked Heir have definite elements of mystery in the plot.  As you know, in book one there’s a murder, and in book 3 there’s a theft and a kidnapping.  But just like the members of the Spare Heirs Society themselves, every book in the series is a little different.  Each of these gentlemen have their expertise and what they do for the clandestine group, so the plots are going to vary a bit from book to book because of that. Though, each book will keep you guessing in one way or another.  It’s proving to be a wild series to write, and I’m really excited about it. 

Me too! :)

Our recent warm weather has me anticipating spring. What’s your favorite season? What sets it apart from the others?

Here in North Carolina, many people think fall is the most beautiful time of year, and it is pretty, but I think spring is the best.  I can’t wait for the flowers to bloom in my yard for the first time, the woods that have been gray and sad all winter will become bright green with all the new leaves, and I don’t have to wear a parka to go outside.  I’m one of those people who is perpetually cold, so the first warm weather is always such a relief.  I have lots of projects waiting for me outside this spring, so warm weather and sunny days need to make plans to stick around for a while!

When Lady Roselyn upsets a fruit bowl to create a diversion at a garden party, her sister-in-law jokes that it’s good she spared the plate of cakes or Roselyn’s mother might have started a war. What food should a person valuing their safety never try to take from you?

…I’m laughing so hard right now.  That scene… I had to fight to keep that one in the book, but it’s one of my favorites.  I couldn’t let it go.  The Dowager Duchess of Thornwood would, without a doubt, get violent if someone took her sweets away.  Personally, I love cheese.  If I was happily munching on a plate of assorted cheeses or had some kind of fondue with yummy things to dip in it, I would at least give you the evil eye if you stole it away from me. …And this is why I have to remember to exercise.  Cheese—not the best for you, but yum!

One of the many things I enjoy about your books is the sparkling, witty dialogue that always leaves me smiling. To what author(s) do you turn when you need your spirits lifted?

First of all, thank you! And second, how many can I list?  Haha! I love to escape into stories by Lisa Kleypas, Eloisa James, Julia London, Sherry Thomas, Sarah MacLean, Julia Quinn, Amanda Quick…the list goes on.  But the authors I truly turn to and lean on when I need my spirits lifted are the ones who have become my friends over the past few years.  I don’t know what I would do without their support.  They’re amazing.

Here I am this past weekend with Sophia Henry and Heather McGovern a.k.a the Hot Mess Car Club, enjoying the romance author version of tailgating. We had champagne and chatted in the parking lot before the Carolina Romance Writers meeting where we were speaking on a panel.

Will you be attending any book signings this year where readers can meet you?

I’ll be at Romance Writers of America in San Diego in July and I’m planning to attend Put Your Heart in a Book in New Jersey in October.  I’m sure I’ll add more book signings in between those, but right now that’s what I have on my calendar.  I hope I get to meet lots of readers in person! I can’t wait!

Where can readers find you online?

I love to chat with readers! You can find me in a few places if you would like to say hello.  Here are the links:

www.facebook.com/e.michels.novels

www.twitter.com/southerntart

www.elizabethmichels.com

What’s next?

I’m currently writing the ending to the Spare Heirs series.  I just sent off the final edits for The Rebel Heir, book 2, which releases this September.  (There’s going to be a cover reveal in the next few weeks for that one.  Shhh, it’s a secret for now.)  After the Spare Heirs?  I’m already plotting out the next series which will take place around the same time as the first two.  I’m really looking forward to it, but right now I’m super excited about sharing this wild band of spare heirs with you!

Thanks for visiting with us, Elizabeth! Would you like to ask our readers a question today?

Are you excited about the arrival of spring? What are you looking forward to the most?  The warm weather? A vacation? A book release?  Let’s chat.

I have a signed copy of The Infamous Heir for one randomly chosen person who leaves a comment on today's post. (U.S. / Canada only)

Elizabeth Michels Birthday Bash Winners

Congratulations to the following winners from Elizabeth Michels' Birthday Bash post:

Mary Preston

A copy of Desperately Seeking Suzanna by Elizabeth Michels

Lil

A package of books

(U.S. only)

erin

A package of books

(U.S. only)

Please send your full name and mailing address to me at

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

PJ's Birthday Bash - - Elizabeth Michels

I'm delighted to welcome Elizabeth Michels to my birthday week celebration! Not only is Elizabeth a woman who sparkles with wit and charm, just like her stories, but she is also another September 20th birthday sister. Julie Anne and Elizabeth both share my birthday. That's just all kinds of awesome! Elizabeth's next series, The Spare Heirs kicks off March 1, 2016 with the release of The Infamous Heir. I can't wait! 

Elizabeth is the award-winning author of the Tricks of the Ton series and the upcoming Spare Heirs Series.  She grew up on a Christmas tree farm in rural South Carolina. After tip-toeing her way through school with her focus on ballet steps and her nose in a book, she met a boy and followed him a thousand miles away from home to Kansas City, Missouri. They spent their summers visiting his family in Middlesbrough, England soaking up culture, history and a few pints along the way.  Elizabeth attended Park University where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BA in Interior Design.

Elizabeth now spends her days creating plots and concocting characters at her home in a small lake-side town in North Carolina. When she is not typing as fast as human movement will allow, she is caring for her husband and little boy. Elizabeth Michels is a lover of happily-ever-afters; whether in her writing life or in her home life, she spends her days with one word on her lips--love.  She invites you to read her stories, get lost and enjoy.  www.elizabethmichels.com

Happy Birthday from THE REBEL HEIR and Elizabeth Michels

Bristol, England

1817

“All you have to do is blow out this candle,” Ash said, producing one of the small tapers from his pocket with a flourish and a smile just as he always did. 

Whether he was selling love potions to ladies or investment opportunities to gentlemen, a smile and some showmanship always helped matters along.  And matters needed to be helped along if he was to be on the road out of town tonight.  He glanced to the clock on the drawing room mantle.  Dinner had already been a lengthy affair, but he hadn’t been able to refuse the invitation with so many local gentry gathered in one place for the night.

“That’s all?” One of the ladies who had gathered around him asked, her eyes wide in disbelief…or perhaps that was anticipation.  It was difficult to tell when she wore such thick spectacles.  “I’ll look young forever?”  She added in a soft dream-like voice.

“Is it a magic candle?” Another lady asked as she stepped closer to investigate.  Her gaze was trained on the small piece of wax he held between his fingers.

“Some believe so, my lady.” He spoke only to her although five other ladies leaned in to hear every word.  “I discovered the secrets of the flames of Claughbania when I was on a distant isle.  The women there were all young and beautiful—much like present company.”

He paused to scan the group, noticing the round of blushes just before several fans were put into motion.  “I lived with the native people for three months in quite rustic conditions, everyday asking for their secret to everlasting youth.  And every day I was denied the answers I sought.  Until finally, one long, sleepless night, I went for a walk and found a man sitting before a fire.  He was an elder and he shared with me the very candles I have with me today.”

He looked into each of their faces, waiting to continue his story for dramatic effect and taking in their believing looks of awe.  That was when he caught sight of the dark haired gentleman across the room he’d met at dinner.  That man was traveling through town just like Ash, only St. James was from London.  One day, Ash would return to London as well, but certainly not any time soon.  St. James was watching him with a thoughtful gleam in his eye.  Everything about that man screamed mysterious and that was coming from someone who was currently selling candles of eternal youth to a group of hopeful ladies in a stranger’s drawing room. 

Ash held the candle up as he continued.  “The wax was melted in the flames of Claughbania- a vicious volcano on the isle said to hold the spirit of a beautiful Greek goddess.  The wick, well that’s a secret I swore to keep forever.  If I told you, I would be putting my own life at risk.”

“Oh dear! Don’t do that Lord Crosby!” One lady cried even as she batted her lashes at him.

“I agree,” another lady added.  “You can’t endanger yourself in such a manner.  What would we do without you?”

“I appreciate your concern,” Ash said with a grin.  “Now, as it happens, I have only six of these candles left in my possession and for five pounds one could be yours.  But you must purchase it tonight.”

“Why tonight?”

Ash lowered his voice as if telling a grave secret.  “It must be extinguished by the light of a waning moon.”

“Oh, that is interesting.”

“Isn’t the moon tonight waxing?”  Ash heard a deeper voice ask. 

He looked up to see St. James.  The man had moved across the room to lean on the mantle only a few steps away.  Ash tensed, but didn’t allow his annoyance to show in his face.  “That’s what I said—the light of a waxing moon.”

He lowered his gaze back to the ladies who surrounded him, determined to finish the business that brought him here this evening.  “Eternal beauty could be yours tonight.  Imagine looking young forever.”

“I’ll take one,” one lady demanded.

“As will I.”

“Thank you for your business,” he murmured as he passed around the candles and lined his pockets with their pin money, ignoring St. James who was watching the transaction with interest rather than stopping it.  He didn’t know what that man was about, but the faster he left this place, the more at ease he would be.  He smiled down at the last lady as he handed her the small candle.  “You’ll wake tomorrow with the shining looks of a twenty year old.”

“Thank you, Lord Crosby.”

“Anything for you ladies.  And happy birthday.”  He nodded to their hostess for the evening before moving away, finally able to shoot St. James with the glare he’d kept hidden for the last ten minutes.

“The Flames of Claughbania?” St. James asked in a whisper as he followed Ash across the room.  “If your brothers ever discover you used the good name of Claughbane to sell candles you purchased in the next village over…”

Ash spun on his heel to face the man.  He’d buried his past long ago and had never looked back.  How did this man know?  Bluff—that was the only way out of this alive.  “They’re candles of eternal youth.”

“Clearly.  And if your brothers ever hear of this they will burn you alive in the volcano you just invented.”  St. James’ voice was low enough not to be overheard, which coincidentally made the man sound lethal.  Perhaps he was lethal—to a man like Ash anyway.

“How do you know of my family?” Ash ground out through teeth clinched into some form of a smile.

“I know a great many things, Mr. Ash Claughbane of the Isle of Man.  You’re the youngest of four and your eldest brother recently inherited a dukedom.  Yet you spend your time…”  St. James broke off with a glance over his shoulder to the ladies still gathered near the fireplace.

“If my brother sent you, you can save your speech about being honorable.”

“No one sends me anywhere,” St. James corrected.

Ash studied him for a second before asking, “Who are you?”

“If you’re ever in London, come see me.” St. James slid a calling card into Ash’s hand.  There printed in black embossed type was The Spare Heirs’ Society with an address printed below.

“What is The Spare…”  Ash began but when he looked up, St. James was already moving toward the door. 

London and a society of any sort?  Ash had been on his own too long to be interested in that.  Yet he found himself following after St. James and stuffing the card into his pocket.  Perhaps it was time to return to London after all…

Happy Birthday, PJ! Do you know where we could find some candles of eternal youth for our birthday cakes this year?

I don't, Elizabeth but I'll sure let you know if I do! Thank you for the sneak peek into your new world of spare heirs. I have March 1st marked on my 2016 calendar! 

What do you say, readers? How do you keep young? Is it a matter of diet? Exercise? Attitude? Reading lots of romance novels? Let's dish!

Two randomly chosen people leaving a comment will receive a package of books from my prize stash. (U.S. only)

One randomly chosen person leaving a comment will receive a paperback copy of Desperately Seeking Suzanna by Elizabeth Michels. (open to any address serviced by bookdepository.com)

The Infamous Heir
By Elizabeth Michels
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Release Date: March 1, 2016

Ethan Moore is the disinherited second son of nobility, and that’s all he should have ever been. But everything changes when his eldest brother’s disappearance grants Ethan the noble family title. Though he expects a lavish season under his new title, Roselyn, the lady his brother left behind, has other ideas. She is determined to solve this case and sees Ethan as the prime suspect.

With the help of a secret society he was once part of, Ethan searches for the truth of his brother’s disappearance. As he battles Roselyn to prove her wrong, an unforeseen attraction kindles between them. While Roselyn will do whatever it takes to prove him guilty, Ethan will do anything to ignite the burning flames rising between them…

Elizabeth Michels Winners

The two randomly chosen winners of a signed set of 

Must Love Dukes and Desperately Seeking Suzanna

by Elizabeth Michels are:

Nicole Potter

and

Louisa Cornell

Congratulations, ladies!  Please send your full name and mailing address to us at

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Books must be claimed no later than Midnight, March 22nd.

Spotlight on Desperately Seeking Suzanna

Desperately Seeking Suzanna
Tricks of the Ton - Book 2
By Elizabeth Michels
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: March 4, 2014




I enjoy discovering bright new voices in romance fiction.  Last month, I introduced you to debut historical romance author, Elizabeth Michels  (click here to read our interview) and her first book, Must Love Dukes.  Sourcebooks recently released the second book in Michels' Tricks of the Ton series, Desperately Seeking Suzanna and it's just as delightful as its predecessor.  Set at the same time as the first book, this one tells the story of Miss Sue Green and Holden Ellis, Lord Steelings, secondary characters readers will recognize from Must Love Dukes.  Readers will also recognize some scenes from Must Love Dukes but, this time, told from the perspective of Sue and Lord Steelings.  It must be said, however that Desperately Seeking Suzanna stands on its own and having not read Must Love Dukes first should in no way impair a reader's enjoyment.  And enjoy it, I did!

Miss Sue Green is facing an unimaginable fate: banishment to the wilds of Scotland as companion to a crotchety old aunt who hates sweets (I mean, really, can you imagine a life without chocolate?) if she can't manage to land a husband before the end of the season.  If only she hadn't let her sister and cousins talk her into sneaking into that masquerade party, or let them ply her with champagne or transform her from sensible Sue into mysterious and sensual "Suzanna."  For one night, Sue had felt beautiful and desirable and powerful...until her mother discovered her at the party, dragged her home and issued her awful ultimatum.  

Holden Ellis, Lord Steelings is a handsome, charming rogue keeping a secret with the potential to mire his family in ruinous scandal.  He's made the decision to never marry - it would be too dangerous - but he's fascinated by Suzanna and determined to have her.  Only he can't seem to find her.  After an unconventional meeting at his aunt's masquerade - dancing down the staircase, Suzanna broke his nose with a rather enthusiastic high kick - the lady helped him to his room then proceeded to charm him...and fill him with desire.  Then disappeared.  His only clue is her connection to his aunt and uncle's new neighbors, Sue's cousins.  When they return to London for the Season, Holden follows, determined to unmask the woman who has him tied in knots, even if that means suffering through numerous balls and dodging matchmaking mamas at every turn, including Sue's own determined mother set on matching him with Sue's younger sister, Evangeline. It is at a London ball that he meets Sue Green and convinces her to help him find Suzanna.  In essence, she's helping the clueless man find...well...her.  It's so much fun watching these two dance circles around one another as Holden slowly comes to realize that he's seeking our Sue's company more and more and thinking of Suzanna less and less.  

Elizabeth Michels has written a fast-paced Regency romp that is a delight but also tackles some deeply emotional issues. Sue is an intelligent, creative woman who is also a (secretly) successful artist but she's spent much of her life being told by her mother that she is plain, uninteresting and has no worth - the exact opposite of her younger, beautiful sister, Evangeline.  I enjoyed watching her come into her own during this story and finally take charge of her life.  Holden has spent most of his life holding people at a distance...for very good reasons. Were there times I wanted to bash his clueless head?  Of course, but that made his capitulation, when it finally came, all the sweeter. 

I'm already looking forward to the next book in the Tricks of the Ton series.  I'm hopeful that the heroine may be Sue's younger sister, Evangeline.  She shows signs in Desperately Seeking Suzanna of having more substance than her beauty and behavior would imply. I have hopes for her and if her hero is who I think it is, I'd say we're in for another fun ride.  

~PJ

GIVEAWAY:  Two randomly chosen people leaving a comment on today's post will receive Must Love Dukes and Desperately Seeking Suzanna, both signed by the author.  (U.S. and Canadian addresses only)


Have you ever attended a book launch party or a book signing?  A few weeks ago, I attended a launch party for Desperately Seeking Suzanna at a local public library.  Elizabeth Michels shared her journey to publication with the readers present and read an excerpt from her new book.  After the reading, she signed books while answering questions and chatting with readers.  One has only to meet Elizabeth Michels once to understand why Desperately Seeking Suzanna sparkles with humor and charm.  Here are a few photos from the signing.

Reading from Desperately Seeking Suzanna

Librarian Siobhan Loendorf and Elizabeth Michels...and really good cake.

Signing books for a new romance reader

Elizabeth Michels Winner

The randomly chosen winners from Elizabeth Michels' visit are:

Kathleen O

Winner of a signed copy of Must Love Dukes from Elizabeth

Janice Houghland

Winner of a copy of Must Love Dukes from Sourcebooks