I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Title: Beautiful Distraction
Written by Jess Michaels
Series: The Pleasure Wars #4
Published by Samhain Publishing
Publication Date: June 24th 2014
Genres: Erotic Romance, Historical Romance
Pages: 126
Format: eARC
Source: Netgalley
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Can true love begin with a lie?
It has been a particularly trying day for Olivia Cranfield. Despite her impeccable manners, stylish clothing and posh accent, another protector has detected her lowborn status and rejected her out of hand.
When fellow courtesan Violet invites her to come to Bath to help with the wicked seduction of the scarred, reclusive Earl of Windbury, Olivia jumps at the offer, eager for some excitement and a change of scenery.
The moment Malcolm Graham lays eyes on the delectable woman lurking in the bathhouse alley, he knows she’s a decoy to keep him busy while her friend seduces the earl inside. For a moment, he allows her to play her game…but one touch, and all he can think about is ending the two years of self-denial he’s endured in the name of friendship.
Instant attraction quickly turns into a decidedly erotic affair that makes Olivia question all she’s ever known about passion. But when the truth behind Violet’s assignment comes to light, betrayal threatens to bring everything they’ve built crashing down around Olivia’s broken heart.
My Thoughts
The last book in the Pleasure Wars series, Beautiful Distraction tells the story of Olivia Cranfield and Malcolm Graham and happens concurrently as the third book Beauty and the Earl. I have been waiting to read this book because I was really intrigued by Olivia and Malcolm.
Olivia, a courtesan and Violet’s friend, decides to go with her to Bath after her previous protector has left her. Once there, she helps Violet ensnare the Liam, the Earl of Windbury by distracting his best friend and companion Malcolm Graham. What starts out as a steamy affair turns into love as both Olivia and Malcolm find solace in each other’s arms. When Violet’s read motives are revealed, Olivia’s lies also come to light which results in a break between her and Malcolm.
Although Beautiful Distraction is a novella I felt that it was written well with all the characters fully developed because we read about them in Beauty and the Earl. I felt the ending was a little bit abrupt and Malcolm’s forgiveness given a little bit too quick for my taste. While reading, I also had flashes of the scenes from Beauty and the Earl which filled up for the other parts that were not mentioned in this book.
Beautiful Distraction is another steamy and delightful read, 4 Hearts!
I recommend reading Beauty and the Earl first to understand more about Olivia’s reasons why she did what she did.
About Jess Michaels
Jess Michaels always likes the “good parts” when she reads romance, so it makes sense that she writes erotic books. She is a nationally bestselling and award-winning author of nearly 50 novels and novellas. When not writing, she enjoys being a geek, designing jewelry and trying to keep the cats from scratching the furniture. She lives in Tucson with her husband.
Jess Michaels is a pseudonym for author Jenna Petersen (historical romance) and author Jesse Petersen (urban fantasy).
Twitter: anna herding cats & burning soup
I'm reading this one now and really enjoying it. That little book is causing quite the stir right now. lol
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Oh wow, now I'm really curious! Sounds like a delightful read 🙂
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