Cover Image: 100 Nights with the Duke

100 Nights with the Duke

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

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

After a whirlwind romance, Edward, Duke of Lockhart, was forced to give up his lover and marry for the sake of his dukedom. His marriage was an unhappy one, and now a widower, he will do whatever it takes to get Sophia back. But Sophia Russell has other plans. Though she may be a courtesan, the only man she has ever loved is Edward, and it destroyed her when he left. She knows that if she lets him in, it'll only be harder, but she can't help but allow him an extra 8 days - to take them to 100 days in total, in order to get him out of her system.

I loved Jess' books, but this one didn't work with me. Sophia and Edward were an alright couple, and their story wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either. I wasn't really invested in their romance, and didn't care either way if they got together or not - not a good sign when it comes to a romance. Edward's grandmother was a consummate villain, and it was laughingly obvious that she had played a hand in all of the tragedy to befall Edward from childhood. I'm hoping Jess' new series will be better, because I would hate to fall out of love with her stories!

Was this review helpful?

This is the first book I’ve read by Jess Michaels and I enjoyed it very much. The story of reunited lovers was very good and there is a lot of steamy scenes. I would recommend this book, and looking forward to reading more of her boooks.

Was this review helpful?

What a great premise for a lovely HEA!

They know they love each other, but are both reluctant, and due to society "rules," unable to say it. That time passing did not diminish the feelings a lot about the intensity of the love.

I admire Sophia for setting the rules and the duration. She had to maintain that control, even if only in her own mind. Her understandable fear of letting it go is palpable.

Edward was so dogged in his decision and plan to have her as his duchess. I liked that he had a friend circle that would welcome her and support them as they embarked on the journey to thumb their nosessays at society. The care he took to gently introduce her to her future had me tearing up.

The epilogue had me cheering! They were able to triumph over objections and show society a different way to look at things.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book through NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Was this review helpful?

The heat is STRONG with this one! I was fanning myself within the first 8% of the book. I went back to reread the beginning scenes just to make sure they were as, ahem, blush inducing as I remember. It checks out.

I’ve always enjoyed Jess Michaels’s work and 100 Nights with the Duke is no exception. With a courtesan female lead, readers are instantly introduced to the sensual side of Sophia at a hedonism party. The Duke, of course, makes a swift appearance and sets about wooing his lady love. Re-wooing? This is a second chance romance. Former protector comes out of mourning with his sights set on Sophia. The angst from mutual past pining along with the obstacles that come with class-difference only enhanced the tension between the two. Add in a self-imposed deadline to the relationship? The urgency was real. At least for Edward.

Sophia was so unbelievably stubborn. It was truly painful at times even though I understood why she was holding back. The class-difference angle didn’t have the “forbidden” weight that I think was expected BUT I still enjoyed it, especially because of… drum roll…

Edward, dear Edward. Heart on his sleeve, the man with a plan, and apparently has no spidey sense for danger. His POV was a pleasure to read. Truly a sweet, cinnamon roll hero.

I love the twists the story took! No spoilers though. I thoroughly enjoyed Vivien’s low-key stabby sort of protectiveness of Sophia. Honestly, I liked Wallingford as well though he didn’t pop in nearly as often.

All in all, Edward and Sophia’s story was a swoony second chance romance with lots of steam! I missed the “forbidden” aspect but it was still an obstacle that the two had to work past. I’m hoping that we get Vivien’s story in the future! And Wallingford.

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

Was this review helpful?

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Best-selling author Jess Michaels’ 100th book, 100 Nights with The Duke, is a sensuous and seductive historical romance that sizzles with passion, emotion and intensity.

Edward, Duke of Lockhart, had fallen for Miss Sophia Russell the very first moment he had laid eyes on her. From the moment they met, Edward and Sophia had been united by a passion that simply could not be denied, but a future for the two of them had been out of the question because of the vast social chasm that divided them. While Edward was an aristocrat, Sophia was a courtesan and although their incendiary attraction had developed into a love that could not be denied, a future for the two of them had not been possible. With Edward’s grandmother on her deathbed, he had been left with no other choice but to let the woman he loved with all of his heart go while he married a bride of his family’s choosing.

Three years might have passed since their heart-wrenching goodbye, but Sophia has not managed to forget Edward. Having erected an impenetrable barrier around her heart, Sophia had vowed never to make the mistake of putting her heart on the line ever again – until fate conspires to bring her and Edward, now a widower, together and long-buried feelings and emotions come rushing to the surface and they are bound together once more.

Sophia cannot resist succumbing to Edward’s seductive kisses again, however, she is adamant not to get her heart broken a second time. She will agree to spend one hundred nights with the duke, but when their time is up they will go their separate ways. Yet, the more time they spend together, the more Sophia finds herself falling in love with Edward and with their final night fast approaching, will she find the strength to walk away from the only man she has ever loved? Or will a dangerous enemy intent on doing whatever it takes to tear them apart succeed in destroying their relationship for good this time around?

Jess Michaels’ 100 Nights with the Duke is a sumptuous historical romance spiced with intrigue, drama and red-hot sensuality. A captivating story about second chances, healing from the past and love lost and found, 100 Nights with the Duke has at its heart a heroine who is strong, resilient and layered and a brooding, charismatic and noble hero I couldn’t help but fall head over heels in love with.

Jess Michaels never fails to write mesmerizing historical romances that keep readers turning the pages late into the night and having thoroughly enjoyed 100 Nights with the Duke, I look forward to reading her next hundred books!

Was this review helpful?

The 100th book from one of my fave authors! Sophia was Edward’s mistress until he was forced to marry. Three years later, his wife is gone and he has decided he will marry Sophia or no one at all. His meddling grandmother is not happy and Sophia must be convinced.

Romance, mystery, intrigue - this book has it all. I love Jess Michaels’ writing and this is a great standalone book for newbies and long time fans.

Thanks to the publisher for a review copy via NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

In a rare case, this one just wasn’t my favorite from this author.
The premise and set up was good, as we were introduced to a courtesan, Sophia, and her protector, Edward, the Duke of Lockhart.
I thought there would be more heartache when Edward married to please his grandmother and angst when they met again, but it was a little to syrupy sweet for my taste.
The conflict rested more with the villain rather than the act of Edward leaving Sophia to meet Society’s expectations. If it had gone even in a slightly different direction it would easily get more stars.
I did appreciate the epilogue though!

Was this review helpful?

Seductive, Decadent, and Enchanting Historical Romance

Edward makes a decision out of obligation, and it led to painful regret. Life gave him and Sophia a second chance. Can they be together? He is a duke, and she is a courtesan. Society decrees that they can never marry; Sophia can never be a duchess, or can she? This second chance won’t be without its challenges. When Sophia opened her heart to Edward and he left her to marry, He broke her heart. How can she let him into it again? Did she ever stop loving him? She might not have ever stopped, but if she is to let him into her life, there must be rules. Can Edward convince Sophia to forget her rules and give him Forever with her?

Sophia is not all Edward has to worry about. There is that problem of his grandmother. She wants him to have the heir and the spare, and Sophia does not qualify to be his duchess.

As Edward and Sophia delight in their love, the duke does everything he can to convince the love of his life to be his duchess. However, there is unexpected danger waiting for them, and it just might prove to be deadly.

I enjoyed this decadent book and would recommend it to those who like steamy Regency romance. It is my first book by this author, and it surely won’t be my last.

Was this review helpful?

Like most aristocrats Edward, the Duke of Lockhart put his title and his grandmother’s wishes before his own happiness and married without love. He’s in love with his mistress courtesan, Sophie Russell certainly not the type of woman his grandmother would approve of and he ends their affair so he can marry another. Now three years later he out of morning and wanting to find love this time around. An enchanting story of a woman in love who has refused to move on with her life she’s still morning the lost love of her soul mate. Now with Edward out of his morning period the best she can hope for is friendship and maybe a short affair. Edward has his work cut out for himself to convince Sophie they belong together as set out to seduce her and win her back. He’s willing to risk everything for the woman he loves now he just needs to convince her their love is worth it!! I voluntarily read and reviewed this wonderful story.

Was this review helpful?

100 Nights with the Duke is, appropriately, the 100th book by Jess Michaels. I've been reading her work for the past couple of years and have grown to love her books. You're always guaranteed a marvelous love story, with abounding steaminess to spice it up. I don't know if this is to be a stand-alone book or the first in the series. I'm hoping a series, because there are a couple of supporting characters here that I would love to see hook up!

Edward, the Duke of Lockhart, was deeply in love with courtesan Sophia Russell. His conniving grandmother, however, convinced Edward she was on her deathbed (she wasn't) and needed to marry a respectable woman in order to provide the Lockhart line with an heir. Three years later his wife is dead, he's out of mourning and he's determined to make the love of his life his once again, and permanently this time. Sophia, however, had her heart broken when Edward left her to marry another, and she's terrified of losing him again. She wants the passion the two shared before and can't so no to him on that count, but she sets up rules this time; they will have a finite time together, then move on. Will they be able to give in to their love for each other, or will a vengeful force work to keep them apart?

If you don't care for passionate books, move along; this title isn't for you! This story, however, isn't just about physical activity between our hero and heroine; there is truly deep love and emotion between Edward and Sophia. Because really, sexy without emotion would get boring after a while. Edward and Sophia were both great characters, and their connection was deep. Edward was manipulated by his grandmother to give up Sophia for the good of the Lockhart line. Edward's a bit older now, though, and definitely wiser as to the machinations of his grandmother. He has the opportunity to truly be with the woman he loves now, and he will do everything he can to convince Sophia that they need each other and the relationship between a duke and a courtesan can work. Sophia's not convinced, though. She can't bear the thought of going through the despair of losing Edward again, yet she can't resist him. She thinks pre-determining the length of their time together and not allowing him to kiss her on the lips will allow her to step away from him at the end. Foolish woman! Just when she thinks perhaps things will work out, evil grandmother strikes again! You'll be on the edge of your seat as the final showdown plays out. Sophia's best friend Vivien (another courtesan) and Edward's best friend Wallingford (a former protector of Sophia's!) make marvelous supporting characters. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Ms. Michaels will pair those two up for a story of their own.

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

Was this review helpful?

I’ve read many books written by Jess Michaels and they are all great, even though this is my least favorite.
Edward, the Duke of Lockhart, was madly in love with Sophia Russell, a beautiful courtesan. But when his grandmother manipulated him into marrying for position, rather than love, they were torn apart. Now, is widowed, out of mourning and ready to pursue the love of his life again. But she 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.
They are both great characters and seemed real to me. Edward is no alpha, and he’s absolutely adorable. He’s so in love with her, so in touch with his feelings, that you need him to be happy. It’s impossible not to love him. Sophia is a worldly courtesan and she doesn’t want to get hurt again by her love for Edward. She fights his feelings –and hers- all the way with unrealistic rules. Luckily for us, she didn´t succeeded.
There are many MANY amazing sex scenes. They have a lot of chemistry. The story is also full of aghast and emotional moments. At the beginning it was a bit hard for me to get in the story because they already love each other but you don’t see it right away. I’d have loved a few flashback around the time they know each other.
For all the fans of historical romance who love original storylines, this book is a great option.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Was this review helpful?

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to like this book as it is the 100th one but this book just was really slow and boring to me.
I'm not a huge fan of second chance romances but they can be well done sometimes.
Edward had to break up with his mistress Sophia when his grandmother found him a respectable bride from her deathbed.
Now that Joanna is dead, Edward insists he will marry Sophia or nobody.
There are several steamy scenes but the plot is just unrealistic and moves to slow. And it feels like nothing really happens.

Was this review helpful?

Jess Michaels' 100th book! Huzzah!! 

This book is *HOT*. Every Jess Michaels book is good, and this is no exception. 

The chemistry is off the charts. The story is gripping. The writing is lovely. The characters are delightful. I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Second chance stories just hit the emotions differently. The history! The drama! SO GOOD!

Was this review helpful?

The impossible.

Ignoring the economy of pain, Edward marries a proper lady and gives up his mistress, Sophia.
Three years later, Edward (now a widower) seeks out Sophia, at an orgy no less. They publicly indulge and Edward begins his campaign for the impossible. To marry Sophia. But he needs to woo and win back her trust.
Better get on your knees, Edward.
An excellent 100th book filled with longing and steam and a charming courtesan in Sophia and a duke who has learned his lesson.

Recommend.

Was this review helpful?

IT WAS AN OK READ!!! 100 Nights With the Duke by Jess Michaels is a standalone book and I found that this book was just a tad lacking. I am going to be completely honest and say it should have less sex in it and more of a story. Now this is just my opinion and some ladies out their might love that kind of book. Don’t get me wrong… I am all about a good sex scene but I just felt this had a bit much for my tastes especially in the beginning. I did feel that it was well written, the descriptions were very vivid, it the real feel for the regency era and the story was original. I liked that a duke fell in love with his courtesan as I feel they are people too and it did have a great ending. So if you read this book ….keep read as I as the ending was great!!!

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

Was this review helpful?

A steamy historical second chance romance. Edward, a duke fell in love with Sophia, a courtesan but his grandmother manipulated him into marrying for position, breaking Sophia’s heart. Now Edward is widowed and ready to win back Sophia. Sophia has no plans to get her heart broken a second time but can she keep her heart separate from their arrangement? Fast-paced read with loads of drama, emotion and sizzle. I really liked it.

Was this review helpful?

I didn’t realize until posting the description that this was Jess Michaels’ 100th book! That’s an amazing achievement! Congratulations! It makes me wish I liked this book more that 3.5 stars. I can definitely see people loving it and there were things about it that I really liked. The sensuality and how steamy it is for one. But something about Edward and Sophia didn’t really click for me. It might have been the lack of background for Sophia. We learned a decent amount about Edward’s family and especially the pressure from his grandmother. But we weren’t told anything about Sophia’s background, why she became a courtesan, if she had any family, etc. Not that we need to understand her motivation for being a courtesan but I think it would have developed her character a bit more. Despite that, I really loved the story line, of a couple really attracted and in love who are forced to separate because of society and his family and who are given a second chance. The scenes in this book were really steamy and I really appreciated how Sophia in particular wasn’t villainized for enjoying sex, even when she and Edward weren’t together. Nor was it a big deal that her protector before Edward was his friend. This book checked a lot of boxes for me and was a really solid and fun read.

Was this review helpful?

This was an entertaining read, particularly from halfway to the end. I could quite understand Sophia’s reluctance to reconnect with Edward, Duke of Lockhart. Sophia didn’t want to experience heartbreak a second time. However Edward was nothing if not determined but knew he had to take things slowly. The second part had plenty of action including some villainous people and plenty of passion throughout. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this novel! This is Jess Michael's one hundredth publication and she should feel very accomplished and proud! Michael's writing is quickly engaging, sensually sweet, delightfully intriguing and perfectly paced. I was swiftly drawn into this second change romance between a Duke and a courtesan. Michael's crafts their relationship with an ease that gives the reader a confidence of the gravity of their past relationship while building upon their chemistry and attraction while weaving an undertone of intrigue and deception from outside forces.

Sophia is a courtesan who has been left heartbroken since the only man she ever truly loved was forced into an unwanted marriage. Edward is a Duke who has regretted being manipulated into a relationship he did not want and not following his true hearts desire. Now that Edward is a widow and his year of mourning is over he will stop at nothing to finally claim Sophia as his one and only love and he will let nothing or no one stand in his way.

The attraction and draw between Sophia and Edward is palpable from the start of this novel. I found that Jess Michael's had an easy way of making me believe and root for their relationship without the exploration of their past. The novel really circles around the fact that Sophia is a courtesan and because of this she knows she will never be fully accepted into Edward's world. Edward is determined to show Sophia that she is all that matters and he does this carefully as he pursues her while always understanding and being aware that he should not push her too far outside of her comfort zone. Edward is truly a hero who is aware of consent and understanding that he needs to gain from Sophia, so he is always well within the bounds of being a true gentleman while showing her his true feelings. Jess Michael's also does a lovely job of showing the support of found family that both the hero and heroine have that can support them through this novel. The sensuality and the steam in this book are off the charts while also being well balanced with the courtship and intrigue that surround the circumstances of Edward wooing Sophia.

If you love a high steam historical romance that has a plot driven by the expectations of London society and the machinations of family driven superiority than look no further than this novel. If this is your first from Jess Michael's it will definitely not be your last and it is a fantastic introduction or continuation of Michaels's work. I so very highly recommend this novel and I am beyond thrilled to continue exploring Michael's extensive backlist!

Was this review helpful?

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!!

Was this review helpful?