Taken By The Duke (The Pleasure Wars Book 1)

Ever since I discovered Jess Michaels' writing I know that if I'm in the mood for some seriously scorching historical romance she is the person to go to. Her novels are sinfully delicious, addictive and oh so steamy! And it was just the same with her latest release Taken by the Duke, which is the first book in her brand new series, the Pleasure Wars series.

Taken by the Duke is a sensual Regency Romeo and Juliet retelling: the Rothcastles and Windburys have been feuding for so long they can't even remember what caused their rift. One fateful night the fighting between Lord Rothcastle and Lord Windbury results in a dreadful accident, which causes the death of Lady Matilda Rothcastle, beloved sister of one and lover of the other. That night changes both men. The grief, guilt and hatred festers until Christian Rothcastle devises the perfect revenge: he'll kidnap Lady Ava Windbury, sister of his arch-nemesis, will ruin and then discard her, bringing shame and scorn on the Windbury family.

However, he did not count on the beauty and gentle goodness of Lady Ava. No matter how hostile and rude he is towards her she is humble and kind, not wanting the perpetuate the constant battle and hate between the families. She is ready to sacrifice her virtue and reputation to gain peace and reconciliation between the Rothcastles and Windburys.

"And yet the result he likely hoped for was not coming to fruition. She felt no desire to distance herself. In fact, the more he spat at her like a feral barn cat, the more she felt driven to find out what she could about him. To make him see her, and by proxy her brother, as human."

"Perhaps if he delved deeply enough into her body, into her heart, he could take some of her power with him when they parted. A final gift from a woman who used his attempts to make her into a weapon of war, and instead embarked on a mission of peace."

Ava is not what Christian expected. She doesn't cry or beg but accepts her fate with calm and resignation. Despite her vulnerable state of having been kidnapped and kept captive, as well as being "only" a woman in a men's war Ava had some awe-inspiring inner strength and her gentleness and compassion did not mean she didn't possess a spine of steel. She was a strong woman using kindness as her shield against the world and its ugliness.

"He stared, still mesmerized as ever by the beauty of her form. She was so lithe and lovely, so graceful and yet so strong in her spirit. He had thought he could break her when he took her. Now he knew she would never be broken. And he envied her for that inner strength. For her confidence that she controlled her own happiness and refused to turn it over to any other person."

Christian is astonished and flummoxed by Ava and her every reaction, which simply defies every expectation or rule, and soon he finds himself unable to resist her. He wants her not because of his evil plans but because he wants to get close to her and enjoy her light and warmth while she is still there with him. It was moving to see how such a wisp of a woman thawed this hardened man, who has spent the past couple of years hating all the Windburys and what they stood for.

"I brought you here for revenge," he said, his voice very soft. "I could think of nothing else when I took you. But now... I wonder if we could spend the rest of our time together, not in a bargain, not in a war, but just as lovers who want to share a brief moment in time."

Jess Michaels gave us some great and vivid characters, Ava, Christian and Liam (Lord Windbury, and I hope the hero of the next novel in the series) were interesting characters the reader could sympathize with and root for, and the passion between Ava and Christian was hot, sensual, sweeping the reader along with the drift of the story. Besides the passion Jess Michaels also gave us some heart-wrenching emotions: reading about the men's suffering and guilt was both moving and heart-breaking.

Verdict: Taken by the Duke is a captivating sensual Regency Romeo and Juliet historical romance I gobbled up in mere hours, it was a gripping and entertaining story and I can't wait to read the next books in the series! :-)

Plot: 8/10
Characters: 9/10
Writing: 9/10
Ending: 8/10
Cover: 9/10

I give Taken by the Duke 4.5 stars!

Family revenge, a strong, determined, (yet terrified) heroine, and an angry duke make for an exciting first entry in the Pleasure Wars’ series by new-to-me author, Jess Michaels. Michaels has written many erotic and sensual historical romances and, with this dark and gothic tale, creates a thrilling Regency era story of retribution and resolution.
The Roscastle and the Windbury families have been enemies for generations, so far back no one is sure of its cause anymore (shades of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet). When Christian Roscastle’s attempt to stop his sister Matilda’s elopement with Liam Windbury ends in tragedy, he is bent on revenge at any cost.
Ava Windbury, Liam’s sister, has watched the family entanglements her entire life and how it has nearly destroyed not only her brother but also her own hopes for a good match. After five seasons, her chances of marriage are practically nonexistent. Since she was fifteen, however, she has been fascinated with and drawn to Christian Roscastle’s enigmatic good looks.
When Christian kidnaps and spirits Ava away to his country estate, he soon realizes he hasn’t planned this revenge very well. He finds he is attracted to Ava’s bravado as well as her beauty and innocence. He proposes an outlandish proposition: her virtue will be his revenge. She is ruined anyway—any unmarried woman alone with a man for any length of time was considered completely compromised and, thus, ruined.
But he considers himself a gentleman above all else. He doesn’t wish to physically harm her and he finds he’s in great danger of caring for her, the sister of his greatest enemy. What he thinks will be only pleasure—for both of them—turns into something much more.
Most of the story is told from Ava’s point of view and I would have liked more from Christian’s as I felt him a little difficult to get to know.
This is a rather shocking story. It is distasteful on many levels: a woman manipulated, a consensual seduction in exchange for her brother’s life, and the great power a duke holds over a woman as well as his servants in demanding their silence. But Michaels is able to convey these difficult emotions well: Ava’s simultaneous apprehension, desire, and curiosity and Christian’s need for revenge at war with his honor and attraction to Ava.
Despite its serious themes, there is some humor in this story. When Ava informs Christian that she has no other clothes with her, he is embarrassed that he did not plan better for her comfort. And when she asks very detailed and awkward questions about sexual intercourse, he is charmed by her innocence and drawn to her fresh honesty in the face of his ugly revenge. Still, I can’t help but think that he is a rogue since he sleeps with her anyway.
Ava tries to get close to Christian because she sincerely wishes to know him better but she also wishes to earn his sympathy, something he constantly struggles with the more time he spends with her.
The love scenes are extremely graphic and erotic so gentle readers be forewarned. They are not, however, gratuitous and are very tastefully and sensually portrayed. Ava’s sexual awakening coincides with both Ava and Christian’s realization of their love for each other, as well as the stupidity of their families’ long-standing feud.
I thought the ending rather abrupt and quick as not all loose ends are resolved. Perhaps in a later book? I see that Liam’s story is the third book, Beauty and the Earl.
2 hours ago

Warning: Review contains spoilers

Book one of Jess Michaels' new Pleasure Wars series is a steamy erotic Romeo and Juliet type of romance perfect for your summer reading! I got the ARC from the author herself and loved it! I have read it twice already and I am still getting blown away!

The books starts with Christian Rothcastle is in hot pursuit of Liam Windbury and his sister Matilda. The chase ends when there is a serious accident with both men injured and Matilda, dead. Christian holds Liam responsible for his sister's death, vows vengeance and the feud is back, as hot as ever.

Months later, Ava, Liam's sister, gets abducted by Christian from a party and is taken to one of his estates. Ava is then informed of his quest for vengeance and she strikes a bargain. The bargain was that Christian would have her as his mistress for three weeks after which, he will let her go and promise not to pursue Liam for killing Matilda.

Despite Christian's attitude, harshness, and the walls that he has put up against Ava, he starts falling for her. Against Ava's best judgement, she falls desperately in love with Christian and tries to reason with him, finally convincing him to end their bargain but Ava decides to stay on the full three weeks. Finally, her brother catches them in bed together and demands that Ava leave with him. Christian agrees and lets Ava leave.

The Hero & Heroine

I absolutely love the sparks and the tension between Ava and Christian. Their passion was hot and burning up the pages, too! I love Ava's independence and calm composure despite being kidnapped by her family's sworn enemy. The way she negotiated with Christian despite being afraid for her life and her brothers' was another point against her.

I also love that Christian, despite being hurt and blinded by his rage, started to fall for Ava. I liked the transition between anger and compassion that he went through when he started falling for Ava.

The Villain

I was surprised when the villain was revealed in the end. Apparently, Matilda's lady's maid Laura, was in love with her and when Christian did not extract revenge as she had hoped, she decided to take matters into her own hands. I was a little bit surprised at this turn because there was never really any indication that Laura was a little mad. Although, I do like this part of the story which is a refreshing twist in stories like this.

I am hoping the nest story of the series would be about Liam and Ava's best friend! I can't wait to read the next one!

*ARC provided from the author in exchange for an honest review

TAKEN BY THE DUKE by Jess Michaels is another fast paced Regency Historical Romance set in 19th century England. #1 in "The Pleasure Wars" and what a beginning. Loved it from the first page to the last page! Fast paced and filled with a bit of danger, passion,revenge,sexual revenge and love that changes two families lives forever. Join the House Rothcastle and House Windbury along with Lady Ava Windbury and Christian Rothcastle as they navigate the waters of love and revenge. Christian blames Lady Ava's brother, for the death of his beloved sister, which was an accident,a bit of a spoiler, it was actually Christian himself which caused the accident,I believed. Ridden with guilt, Christian decides "an eye for an eye and a sin for a sin", will work nicely. He kidnaps the lovely Lady Ava with the intentions of despoiling her, ruin her reputation and paying her brother back. You see Christian is scarred and disfigured and Ava's beloved brother is scarred on the inside, for he loved Christian's sister deeply. A Romeo and Juliet kinda of story. Lady Ava,agrees to exchange her virginity and be Christian's mistress for a month in exchange for her brother's life. But along the way something changes with Christian. A powerful story of redemption,hope,steamy passion, tragedy, a feud between families the younger generation doesn't even know the why of, and the power of love. Oh did I mention, sizzling passion! Written with engaging,and charismatic characters, and an intriguing plot. A not to miss read from the first page to the last. I was captured from the very first page. I can hardly wait to see what is next in the "Pleasure Wars" series, I do hope Ava's brother finds love again. Ms. Michaels is a true historical romance author with a flare for the erotic. Loved it!! A must read and a definite keeper.
This was a personnel buy.
*"Warning: This book contains scenes of erotic seduction, sexual revenge and the healing power of love."*
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: STEAMY: Sensual, with more explicit love scenes, and the language may be more graphic and direct.
REVIEWED BY: AprilR,for My Book Addiction and More

Words and phrases seem inadequate in extolling the merits of this book, so I will speak of the adage that says "you can't judge a book by its cover " nor in this instance can you judge a book's merit or lack thereof by its genre. Often the verdict regarding the romance and erotica genre is that they lack artistic merit. Taken by the Duke contradicts that notion and deserves applause for its very real portrayal of love described in the book of Corinthians. More than ever, understanding dawn's that wisdom, indeed, shouts in the streets and much can be learned outside of four walls. Christian, Duke of Rothcastle and Ava, Lady Windbury bring home the essence of love and it's soothing, healing qualities . They like many others falter according to the traditions of men. Though talked about and to be desired above all things many people fail love's application in their lives. Few even speak of it's true characteristics and cannot demonstrate nor identify it.
Taken by the Duke is a lesson in the true meaning of love. Jesus Michaels has shown herself approved. This is a wonderful read for mature adults and a reminder that love never fails.

At one time provocative historical romances were among my all time top 5 favorite genres. However, about 6 mons to a year ago I found the genre becoming less appealing because to me the plots of the books were seemed increasing trite and boring. Consequently, it has been approximately that long since I have read a historical romance. During a search the other day I happened to see this book and it caught my attention. Saying "what the heck" I decided to read the summary and a few of the reviews. I downloaded a sample and as they say the rest is "history."

I tend to favor historical romances that are salacious, titilliating and/or provocative with a good plot. Therefore, "Taken by the Duke" and I were a delightful & satisfying match. Although the plot wasn't particularily original or ground breaking the delivery was extremely pleasing. Aspects of the story reminded me of Romeo & Juliet while the portion involving the maid Laura reminded me of the classic movie "Rebecca" staring Sir Laurence Olivier & Joan Fontaine. Hey, pretty good company from which to garner literary inspiration. Despite any similariality to other stories the author manages to incorporate enough of her own style and vision to create a somewhat "toe curling" and deliciously naughty romantic literary experience that is well worth the price. I may check out some of the authors other books.

Christian, the Duke of Rothcastle, kidnaps the sister of the Earl of Windbury as revenge for the death of his sister. While his plan is to ruin her, he instead finds a woman of grace, beauty, and dignity. She does not act as he expects her to act. He falls in love with her and she with him, but what will happen when her brother finds them.

I liked Christian and Ava. Their families have been feuding for so long that no one knows the reason. Neither is what is expected of the enemy. Ava wants to end the feud and tries to show kindness to Christian. He doubts her sincerity but cannot doubt her actions. She disarms him at all turns. But he is not the only one with revenge in his heart. Others are also plotting to keep the feud alive.

The sex is hot. I like that Ava is not a priggish, simpering miss. She gives as good as she gets. I loved the lessons both teach each other.

I look forward to reading more of this series.

As posted on The Smutty Kitty reviewed by Witty Kitty

4.5 out of 5 Licks

This is a VERY sexy version of a Romeo and Juliet story. The Rothcastle and Windbury families have been fighting for so long that no one even remembers why the feud started in the first place. Unfortunately in every war there are casualties, Christian Rothcastle’s sister Matilda is killed as she tries to run away with her true love, Liam Windbury. The Duke of Rothcastle is now out for revenge and takes Liam’s sister Lady Ava, a woman he just happens to want in is bed anyway, captive and plans to ruin her. And so the seduction begins.

Hot and sexy read with a wonderful story, Christian is a wounded soul who needs the right woman to help him through his grief with some hot and steamy sex. All of the characters drew me and you don’t really pick a side because everyone has been hurt one time or another because of this feud. The ending is exciting and leaves you begging for more. I can't wait for Pleasuring the Lady. Jess Michaels is always on my pre-order list!

I absolutely loved this book it had everything. Carriage chases, romance and broken hearts along with feuds. This is a must read for lovers of historical romance.

This book starts out with with Christian chasing after his sister Matilda and Liam. There is a horrible accident that scars both men and kills Matilda. In order to make Liam suffer, Christian kidnaps Ava; Liams sister.

As both family's have suffered because of this feud for generations, Ava offers herself to Christian. Christian soon realizes that there is more to Ava and that she is special.

Liam goes after his sister knowing her reputation is ruined. Christian makes Ava leave because he loves her so much. Liam arranges a marriage for Ava. Christian finds out that Matilda's maid wants her death avenged and goes after Ava. Christian comes to his senses and speeds to London even though he is still injured. Liam and Christian are forced to work together to save Ava before its to late.

Taken By The Duke was wholly unexpected. I knew nothing about it other than it wasn't a book I would typically pick up and read. Boy am I glad I chanced it, utterly brilliant!

This book was a page turner. I couldn't put it down which resulted in a sleepless night...well worth it!

A captivating love story that keeps you enthralled from page one. Taken By The Duke became a favorite instantly. I am excited to explore the many other works of Jess Michaels. Her writing is beautiful and her story telling fresh!

Historical romance is just about all I read. I have my favorite authors and read what they produced practically on the release date. Occasionally, however, I get ebooks for almost no money and I take a chance. Did I luck out when I read Jess Michaels, Taken By the Duke. Characters who kept in character, who weren't afraid to say what they thought needed to be said. Evolving through the plot, the characters learned what they needed to learn to get to their HEA. Ms. Michaels left just enough to titillate the reader for the sequels that MUST be coming.

A great historical romance set in the early 19th century England. It was erotic but told a story that held your interest from the chase in the first few pages to the end. The tale was built on a bitter feud between two families which had intensified over many generations. It took a kidnapping and near death to bring about a truce of sorts. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was the first novel I had read of Jess Michaels but not the last.

I love Jess Michaels style of writing. She truly has the gift of sucking the reader into her world. Taken by the duke is a wonderful addition to the Jess Michaels collection. This book is about love conquering all. Great book

What can I say except for, WOW! Another breath taking book by my favourite author Jess Michaels. The more I read her books the more I wanna read.
Everuthing is well thought of!
Thank you for such inspiring books! Even my husband is happier :)

This is only the second Jess Michaels book that have read. I hated it so much that am pretty sure she is not the author for me. I repeatedly asked myself why am reading this...this is bad. The characters were not development...I did not get any connection between any of the character outside of the bedroom. The book just seemed to jump from scene to scene. The ending was awful. It was just bad.