Kirkus Reviews, July 1, 2016, review of The Rebel Heir.
Project and content management for Contemporary Authors volumes
WORK TITLE: The Rebel Heir
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.elizabethmichels.com/
CITY:
STATE: NC
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Married; children: one son.
EDUCATION:Park University, B.A. (magna cum laude).
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer. Has worked as interior designer.
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
Elizabeth Michels has written several romance novels set in Regency England, including the “Tricks of the Ton” series, the “ton” being a term for the families who made up high society in the Regency era, and the “Spare Heirs” series. “My books revolve around two things: family relationships and overcoming life circumstances to find love and happiness,” she told Joyce Lamb in an interview for USA Today‘s Happy Ever After Web log. “I’m a firm believer that people are people; and in 1817 similar struggles existed within families as the ones we know in our lives today. But I also believe that people are funny, so I add a cast of amusing characters to the mix, and stir.”
Must Love Dukes
Michels began her “Tricks of the Ton” series with Must Love Dukes, which centers on two mischievous aristocrats. One night an independent-minded young woman, calling herself Lily Whitby, follows Devon Grey, Duke of Thornwood, into a tavern. They end up spending the night together, but the next morning she is gone, along with his pocket watch. A year later he meets her again, at a ball, and discovers she is actually Lillian Phillips, a member of his own class. He agrees to keep their tryst a secret if she will help him out with a series of schemes he has devised, all designed to humiliate her brother. Lillian and Devon become deeply attracted to each other, but she is not sure she can trust his motives.
Several reviewers found Must Love Dukes charming. “Michels’ fresh and funny debut will delight readers,” related John Charles in Booklist, praising its “endearing characters,” “sweet yet sexy romance,” and “wry wit.” A Publishers Weekly contributor noted that the novel “gleams with humor and romance.” Kathe Robin, writing online at RT Book Reviews, praised the story’s fast pace, “delightful characters and fresh twists on traditional tropes.”
Desperately Seeking Suzanna
Michels’s follow-up, Desperately Seeking Suzanna, offers a twist as well—on the Cinderella story. Sue Green, who has always been overshadowed by her beautiful sister Evangeline, goes to a ball in the guise of a glamorous mystery woman named Suzanna. She captivates the rakish Lord Holden Ellis, and when she vanishes at the end of the evening, he becomes obsessed with locating her. In the course of this quest he meets Sue and they become friends, even though Sue’s mother thinks Holden would be a perfect match for Evangeline. Eventually Holden realizes Sue and Suzanna are the same person, but as he is about to reveal this knowledge to her, he finds out someone is intent on killing them.
Some critics dubbed this a winning tale, too. Michels has concocted a “perfect mix of drama, angst, and humor” in what is “all in all a wonderfully delightful book,” remarked a blogger at Romancing the Book. Kathe Robin, again writing on the RT Book Reviews site, added that the novel has “a little bit of Cinderella and a little bit of quirk” and will leave readers smiling.
How to Lose a Lord in 10 Days or Less
In How to Lose a Lord in 10 Days or Less, a fall from horseback brings Andrew Clifton, Lord Amberstall, onto the property and into the life of Katie Moore, daughter of the Earl of Ormesby. Katie, who has largely shunned society since her own riding accident several years earlier, persuades Andrew to stay at the Ormesby home while his injured horse recovers. While there, he helps her overcome the fear of horses she has harbored because of her fall, begins to soften his generally arrogant attitude, and comes to admire her independent nature. They fall in love, but a secret threatens to thwart their romance.
This novel also received several positive reviews. “Michels deftly combines banter with touches of poignancy,” remarked Joan Hammond at the RT Book Reviews site. She praised Katie as an “unconventional heroine,” and so did a Publishers Weekly contributor, who further noted that the story “is rich with wit and charm,” providing both “scintillating romance and simmering intrigue.”
The Infamous Heir
The Infamous Heir begins the “Spare Heirs” series, about members of the Spare Heirs Society—a secret organization of the second, third, and fourth sons of aristocratic families. The firstborn son stands to inherit the family fortune and title, so the younger brothers seek to make their living in a variety of ways. The protagonist of this novel, Ethan Moore, has pursued a career as a prizefighter. Returning to London after several years away, he encounters childhood friend Roselyn Grey, sister of Devon Grey from Must Love Dukes. Ethan is attracted to her, but Roselyn is betrothed to his brother Trevor, the firstborn. Ethan and Trevor’s reunion is marked by a violent quarrel, and Trevor dies in a fall down a mineshaft. Ethan is suspected of pushing him in order to gain the inheritance. Roselyn turns detective, first trying to prove his guilt, then his innocence. Ethan, who truly is innocent, enlists the aid of the Spare Heirs in tracking down the murderer and winning Roselyn’s love.
The Infamous Heir garnered praise from several critics. Michels offers “a captivating romance with gripping suspense wrapped up in a novel to be savored,” commented a Publishers Weekly contributor. Online at RT Book Reviews, Kathe Robin called the book Michels’s “strongest story yet,” with its “engaging characters, intricate plotline and powerful love story.”
The Rebel Heir
The Rebel Heir involves Evangeline Green, sister of Sue from Desperately Seeking Suzanna, with Ash Claughbane, the youngest son of a once-prosperous family. He is now a con man, calling himself Lord Crosby, and promoting a fraudulent business. It is all part of his plan to seek revenge on her father, Lord Rightsworth, who caused the Claughbanes to lose their fortune. Evangeline becomes romantically interested in him even though she realizes he is a swindler, and even though her mother wants her to make a socially acceptable match. The plot revolves around whether they can overcome these obstacles in the name of love.
Again, Michels received some admiring reviews. “Ash and Evie will leave readers mesmerized” in this “heart-wrenching romance,” reported a Publishers Weekly critic. A Kirkus Reviews contributor praised the novel’s “lively plot and vivid characters.” On the Fresh Fiction Web site, Lee Erin Berryhill added that with the appealing lead couple, humorous supporting characters, and a plot filled with surprises, Michels has crafted “a love story romance fans will thoroughly enjoy.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, February 1, 2014, John Charles, review of Must Love Dukes, p. 32.
Publishers Weekly, December 2, 2013, review of Must Love Dukes, p. 68; May 12, 2014, review of How to Lose a Lord in 10 Days or Less, p. 44; January 25, 2016, review of The Infamous Heir, p. 188; July 18, 2016, review of The Rebel Heir, p. 195.
ONLINE
Elizabeth Michaels Home Page, https://www.elizabethmichels.com (May 2, 2016).
Fresh Fiction, http://freshfiction.com/ (December 18, 2016), Lee Erin Berryhill, review of The Rebel Heir.
Happy Ever After, http://happyeverafter.usatoday.com/ (March 3, 2016), Joyce Lamb, interview with Elizabeth Michels.
Romancing the Book, http://romancing-the-book.com/ (March 30, 2014), review of Desperately Seeking Suzanna.
RT Book Reviews, https://www.rtbookreviews.com/ (May 2, 2017), Kathe Robin, reviews of Must Love Dukes, Desperately Seeking Suzanna, and The Infamous Heir; Joan Hammond, review of How to Lose a Lord in 10 Days or Less; Anne Black, review of The Rebel Heir.*
Elizabeth Michels is the award-winning author of the Tricks of the Ton series and the Spare Heirs series. This Regency Romance author 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 to Kansas City, Missouri where she lived for many years. Together, they spent their summers with his family in England, soaking up culture and history. 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 in a 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.
Do you want to know more about Elizabeth Michels? She loves to hear from her readers!
Find her at www.elizabethmichels.com
And connect with her on social media!
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/e.michels.novels
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/southerntart
Elizabeth Michels is the award-winning author of the Tricks of the Ton series and the Spare Heirs series. This Regency Romance author 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 to Kansas City, Missouri where she lived for many years. Together, they spent their summers with his family in England, soaking up culture and history. 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 in a 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
Quoted in Sidelights: My books revolve around two things: family relationships and overcoming life circumstances to find love and happiness. I’m a firm believer that people are people; and in 1817 similar struggles existed within families as the ones we know in our lives today. But I also believe that people are funny, so I add a cast of amusing characters to the mix, and stir.
Interview: Elizabeth Michels, author of ‘The Infamous Heir’
70
SHARES
By: Joyce Lamb | March 3, 2016 12:00 am
The Infamous Heir by Elizabeth MichelsJoyce: Welcome to HEA, Elizabeth! Please tell us a bit about your new release, The Infamous Heir.
Elizabeth: The Infamous Heir is the first book in the Spare Heirs series, and I couldn’t be more excited about it!
This series follows key gentlemen of the Spare Heirs Society. Hidden from the watchful eyes of the ton, the Spare Heirs is a secret society of second, third and fourth sons from titled families who have banded together for survival in society. No one knows of this secret club’s existence, their scandalous means of business or their control over most of London. But when a few of the members become entangled with ladies, all bets are off.
Some of you may remember the heroine of this story, Roselyn, from Must Love Dukes. She is Devon Grey, Mad Duke of Thornwood’s younger sister. When we catch back up with Roselyn in The Infamous Heir, it’s one year later and finally time for her come-out season. She has everything arranged and in order from her gowns and accessories down to the gentleman she will soon marry.
Then Ethan Moore arrives in town. When this reckless pugilist, and younger brother of her intended, reappears after a long absence, things begin to unravel. Soon disaster strikes for Ethan’s brother, and Roselyn is left to face a very different season from the one she had designed. Of course organizing plans is something Roselyn does quite well.
Her new plans include, sneaking about London to gather clues and prove Ethan Moore is the worst sort of scoundrel — a murderous scoundrel. She also plans to break in her new “spy shoes,” otherwise known as black dancing slippers with rose embroidery on the toes.
Ethan isn’t the sort of gentleman who makes plans, but he is certain with the help of the Spare Heirs, he can solve the mystery of his brother’s demise and — if he’s lucky — win over Roselyn in the process. If he can only manage to block her left hook …
Joyce: What inspires your book ideas?
Elizabeth: People! I always start with the characters in any story I write. My books revolve around two things: family relationships and overcoming life circumstances to find love and happiness. I’m a firm believer that people are people; and in 1817 similar struggles existed within families as the ones we know in our lives today. But I also believe that people are funny, so I add a cast of amusing characters to the mix, and stir. Depending on the story, my inspiration could come from something a friend says over coffee or a single lyric of a song. The Infamous Heir was actually inspired by a story my dad told me years ago while we were passing the time in a hospital waiting room. Sometimes it really is beneficial to listen to your parents …
Joyce: What distracts you the most when you’re trying to write?
Elizabeth: I live with my husband, my little boy and — as of two years ago when they sold their house to live closer to us — my in-laws. My family is wonderful, but my writer space shares a wall with my father-in-law’s office. He thinks he’s quiet while he types away at his computer. I think he whistles along to the music on his computer speakers. Let me tell you, no matter how thick the insulation is installed in a wall, it apparently cannot block out whistled Enya.
Elizabeth's plot board.
Elizabeth’s plot board.
Joyce: Do you write by the seat of your pants (pantser), or do you carefully plot your stories (plotter)? Has that changed at any point in your career or maybe it changes depending on the book?
Elizabeth: I fall to the extreme side of the camp of authors who are book plotters. I like to story board out my books. I color-code the notecards and mark them with stickers indicating plot threads. It helps me to stand back and see the layout of the entire story as a whole before I begin writing. I’ve always written this way.
Some people like traveling without a map, but I’m not one of those people. I have to know where I’m going to be able to relax and tell the story. When I’m writing the draft, I may combine two scenes into one in order to increase the pace of the story, or make similar small adjustments. But for the most part the plot of any book doesn’t change from the cards I tack on the giant cork board in my office to the version I give my editor.
Joyce: Is there another romance author whom you admire so much that you could easily become a stalker?
Elizabeth: Fangirl is a much nicer word than stalker, don’t you agree? I could easily be considered a *fangirl* of Lisa Kleypas. I love her ability to craft a story, the beauty of her descriptions, the tenderness of the love between her characters … I could go on. But I do try to keep my *fangirling* to conferences and other public appearances, as opposed to *fangirling* from the bushes outside her house. I think maybe that’s the point when it would get weird.
Joyce: I’m thinking yeah. J
What TV show or other activity interferes with your writing schedule?
I have several shows that I watch, but I wait until I’ve met my writing goals for the day before I indulge in them. Want to know my favorite shows? Here’s my — admittedly random — watch list. The Royals, Game of Thrones, Downton Abbey, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Agent Carter, Falling Skies, Big Bang Theory and Boardwalk Empire.
Elizabeth is all about Twizzlers when she's editing.
Elizabeth is all about Twizzlers when she’s editing.
Joyce: What’s your favorite snack and/or beverage while you’re writing?
Elizabeth: Coffee and lots of it! I also keep Peanut Butter Cookie Larabars and strawberry-flavored Twizzlers in my office so I don’t have to leave my desk to grab a quick snack and keep writing. I save the Twizzlers for particularly difficult scenes; and I always get an extra package at the store when I’m working on edits.
Joyce: What do you do in your spare time?
Elizabeth: I try to spend any extra time I have with my family. In the evenings, I can usually be found in the kitchen, cooking dinner, or curled up on the sofa, watching a movie with my husband and little boy. We always have some project going on at my house. Before I started writing, I was an interior designer and my husband is still involved in the construction industry, so home renovation is a hobby we share. Weekends, when I slip away from my desk for a break, you can find me working on the landscaping in my yard, or painting something in my house. And when I’m not doing that, I read romance of course!
Joyce: What are you working on now?
Elizabeth: I’m currently wrapping up the Spare Heirs Series. There are four books in this series about the members of this secret society, so I’m working on the ending to the series now. I recently turned in the edits for The Rebel Heir, which will release this fall, and I believe I’ll have a cover to reveal for that book soon. Like most authors, I’m thinking ahead about the next series I’ll write. In truth, I have the next nine books rattling around in my head already. Everything will be within the same Regency time frame as the Spare Heirs as well as my first series, Tricks of the Ton. You may even see a few characters you recognize from previous books. I can’t wait to share all of these stories with you! But first up is the Spare Heirs, and I think you’re really going to like this wild band of gentlemen.
Joyce: Thanks, Elizabeth!
About The Infamous Heir:
The Spare Heirs Society cordially invites you to meet Ethan Moore: The Scoundrel.
Lady Roselyn Grey’s debut has finally arrived, and of course, she has every flounce and flutter planned. She’ll wear the perfect gowns and marry the perfect gentleman…that is, if the formerly disinherited brother of the man she intends to marry doesn’t ruin everything first.
Ethan Moore is a prize-fighting second son and proud founding member of the Spare Heirs Society—and that’s all he ever should have been. But, in an instant, his brother’s noble title is his, the eyes of the ton are upon him, and the lady he’s loved for years would rather meet him in the boxing ring than the ballroom.
He’s faced worse. With the help of his Spare Heirs brotherhood, Ethan’s certain he can get to the bottom of his brother’s unexpected demise and win the impossible lady who has haunted his dreams for as long as he can remember…
Find out more about Elizabeth and her books at www.elizabethmichels.com.
Quoted in Sidelights: Ash and Evie will leave readers mesmerized
heartwrenching romance
The Rebel Heir
Publishers Weekly.
263.29 (July 18, 2016): p195.
COPYRIGHT 2016 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
* The Rebel Heir
Elizabeth Michels. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $7.99 mass market (416p) ISBN 9781492621362
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Michels's delicious second Spare Heirs Regency (after The Infamous Heir) unites a proper lady and a swindling
gentleman in an unlikely romance. Lady Evangeline Green is determined to be the perfect debutante and land a
husband to escape her demanding mother's tutelage. What she doesn't expect is a second encounter with Ash
Claughbane, who kissed her and left her waiting a year before and who's now calling himself Lord Crosby. Ash set out
to destroy Evie's father, Lord Rightworth,"because Rightworth engineered the financial ruin of Ash's family, but he
didn't count on meeting Evie again. He becomes completely entranced by hereven after learning that she's
Rightworth's daughter. When their mutual feelings develop, Evie's hopeful that she'll be able to convince Ash to remain
in London. Ash and Evie will leave readers mesmerized and the evolution of their relationship is real and believable.
Michels expertly delivers a heartwrenching romance that will leave the reader eagerly anticipating future installments.
Agent: Michelle Grajkowski, 3 Seas Literary. (Sept.)
Source Citation (MLA 8
th Edition)
"The Rebel Heir." Publishers Weekly, 18 July 2016, p. 195. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA459287548&it=r&asid=29e4c7c0705edf30bddb0bfd155c6e42.
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Quoted in Sidelights: a captivating romance with gripping suspense wrapped up in a novel to be savored.
The Infamous Heir
Publishers Weekly.
263.4 (Jan. 25, 2016): p188.
COPYRIGHT 2016 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
* The Infamous Heir
Elizabeth Michels. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $5.99 mass market (448p) ISBN 9781492621331
Michels (How to Lose a Lord in 10 Days or Less) starts her new Spare Heirs series with a pair of childhood friends
reuniting in this shining example of a Regency romance. When Lady Roselyn Gray arrives at the estate of her intended,
Trevor Moore, Lord Ayton, she doesn't expect to encounter his younger brother, Ethan, and the two engage in playful
mudslinging, reminiscent of their youthful days together. Roselyn is distraught when a horrible accident leads Ethan to
inherit the title, and she believes that Ethan may have orchestrated his brother's demise. Yet she can't deny her
attraction to Ethan, and she begins to doubt his guilt. There's a sinister undercurrent as Ethan is determined to uncover
the identity of his brother's killer. The romance between Ethan and Roselyn is beautifully written, gradually building on
their childhood relationship and simmering with stolen glances and simple touches of affection. Michels's latest is the
complete package: a captivating romance with gripping suspense wrapped up in a novel to be savored. Agent: Michelle
Grajkowski, 3 Seas Literary Agency. (Mar.)
Source Citation (MLA 8
th Edition)
"The Infamous Heir." Publishers Weekly, 25 Jan. 2016, p. 188+. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA442116761&it=r&asid=b919b3c565b98e9ca6b25ae6d9f09616.
Accessed 10 Apr. 2017.
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4/10/2017 General OneFile Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1491800797488 3/5
Quoted in Sidelights: is rich with wit and charm
scintillating romance and simmering intrigue.
How to Lose a Lord in 10 Days or Less
Publishers Weekly.
261.19 (May 12, 2014): p44.
COPYRIGHT 2014 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
How to Lose a Lord in 10 Days or Less
Elizabeth Michels. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $6.99 mass market (320p) ISBN 9781402286056
Michels's third and final Tricks of the Ton historical (after Desperately Seeking Suzanna) lures in Regency romance
fans with a most unconventional female protagonist. Andrew Clifton, Lord Amberstall, falls from his injured horse,
Shadow, and lands on the pottery wheel of Katie Moore, daughter to the Earl of Ormesby. He's prepared to shoot
Shadow and buy another horse, but Katie, whose own injured leg leads her to sympathize with the animal, insists that
he must wait for Shadow to heal. As Andrew works on repairing the stables and helps Katie overcome her fear of
horses, he begins to feel attracted to her and her highspirited, untamed nature. But Katie has a secret that threatens
their newfound connection. Michels's storytelling is rich with wit and charm, providing this series finale with plenty of
scintillating romance and simmering intrigue. July)
Source Citation (MLA 8
th Edition)
"How to Lose a Lord in 10 Days or Less." Publishers Weekly, 12 May 2014, p. 44. General OneFile,
go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA368847686&it=r&asid=2438c3d38bc16eeca451276492fafe78.
Accessed 10 Apr. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A368847686
4/10/2017 General OneFile Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1491800797488 4/5
Quoted in Sidelights: Michels' fresh and funny debut will delight readers
Endearing characters
sweet yet sexy romance
wry wit.
Must Love Dukes
John Charles
Booklist.
110.11 (Feb. 1, 2014): p32.
COPYRIGHT 2014 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
Full Text:
* Must Love Dukes. By Elizabeth Michels. Feb. 2014. 352p. Sourcebooks/Casablanca, paper, $6.99 (9781402285998).
[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
The wench stole his watch! Devon Grey, Duke of Thornwood, should have known Lily Whitby was no ordinary lady
when she followed him into a tavern and then followed him home. The clincher is waking up the next morning and
discovering that both Lily and his brandnew pocket watch are gone. A year later, when Devon accidentally runs into
Lily at a ball and learns that she is actually Lillian Phillips, he vows to teach her a lesson she won't soon forget. If Lily
doesn't agree to participate in a series of daring wagers that he devises, Devon will ruin her reputation. What starts out
as a fun way to pass the time for Devon soon turns into something much more serious once he discovers that Lily has
managed to steal one more thing: his heart. Michels' fresh and funny debut will delight readers with its endearing
characters and infectious mix of sweet yet sexy romance and realistic yet wry wit.John Charles
Charles, John
Source Citation (MLA 8
th Edition)
Charles, John. "Must Love Dukes." Booklist, 1 Feb. 2014, p. 32. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA358698866&it=r&asid=e11f982ef326195bf5396a2161362c6b.
Accessed 10 Apr. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A358698866
4/10/2017 General OneFile Saved Articles
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/marklist.do?actionCmd=GET_MARK_LIST&userGroupName=schlager&inPS=true&prodId=ITOF&ts=1491800797488 5/5
Must Love Dukes
Publishers Weekly.
260.49 (Dec. 2, 2013): p68.
COPYRIGHT 2013 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Full Text:
Quoted in Sidelights: gleams with humor and romance
Must Love Dukes
Elizabeth Michels. Sourcebooks Casablanca, $6.99 mass market (352p) ISBN 9781402285998
Michels's first Regencyera Tricks of the Ton novel gleams with humor and romance. Miss Lillian Phillips has always
wanted more independence, but she's shocked by her own behavior when she picks up a man in a tavern, spends the
night in his bed, and steals his pocket watch. A year later, they meet in London and Lily discovers that her conquest,
Devon Grey, is the "Mad Duke" of Thornwood. Devon promises to keep their history a secret if Lily will participate in
his tricks, which result in humiliation for the horrible suitors her brother has picked for her. As Devon and Lily realize
that they truly enjoy each other's company, Lily must decide whether Devon really loves her or is just another man who
wants to use her. Michels's fastpaced debut is sweet and rarely explicit, and she accurately depicts the difficulties
faced by 19thcentury aristocratic women. (Feb.)
Source Citation (MLA 8
th Edition)
"Must Love Dukes." Publishers Weekly, 2 Dec. 2013, p. 68. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?
p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA353692318&it=r&asid=4a7f02c9a9b85b65a2e4760c799a0197.
Accessed 10 Apr. 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A353692318
lively plot and vivid characters
THE REBEL HEIR
by Elizabeth Michels
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KIRKUS REVIEW
A con artist falls for the well-behaved daughter of the man he’s trying to swindle, but who is the real imposter?
Ashley Claughbane is a spare heir. As the youngest son in a wealthy family, he must make his way in the world on his own, without an inheritance. There wasn’t much left for him to inherit anyway, as his father was left destitute by the time of his death. Determined to punish Lord Rightsworth, the man responsible for his family’s misfortune, Ashley trains himself to be a con artist, starting small by selling love potions and youth tonics. Now he’s ready for the swindle he’s been waiting for. Under the fake name of Lord Crosby, he heads to London and, with the help of a mysterious secret organization called the Spare Heirs Society, sets up a phony company selling portable steam. His first potential client is none other than Lord Rightsworth, but due to a previous encounter, Lord Rightsworth’s daughter, Evangeline Green, already knows Lord Crosby under a different name and figures out quickly that he’s a fraud. Trained mercilessly by her mother to be a proper debutante, Evangeline finds herself unable to resist this Lord Crosby, even with her family’s fortune and reputation at stake. As much as she tries to strictly adhere to the rules of proper society, Evangeline is a rebel at heart. Playing with the themes of deception and authenticity, this romance delightfully emulates a Jane Austen–ish comedy of manners. There is an easy chemistry between Ashley and Evangeline, with a great mixture of wit, gamesmanship, sexual innuendo, and warmth. It's a genuine pleasure to watch their masks fall away as they become friends and lovers.
The lively plot and vivid characters are as well-drawn as the sex, offering satisfaction on many levels.
Pub Date: Sept. 6th, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-492-62136-2
Page count: 448pp
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Review Posted Online: June 21st, 2016
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 1st, 2016
THE REBEL HEIR
Author(s): Elizabeth Michels
The Spare Heirs series continues when the newest non-lord turned con-artist joins the secret club’s ranks bent on seeking revenge against one of England’s most prominent families. Secondary characters threaten to steal the spotlight, but Michels keeps them in check so that the hero and heroine can claim their HEA.
Ash Crosby is determined to steal back all of his family’s wealth. He just hadn’t planned on meeting Evangeline, a woman who challenges him at every turn. Though she discovers his false identity and his intent early on, their forbidden passion leads her to take greater and greater risks until she can’t possibly let go her dreams of a normal life — or her love for Ash. (SOURCEBOOKS, Sep., 416 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed by:
Anne Black
Quoted in Sidelights: to create a love story romance fans will thoroughly enjoy.
The Rebel Heir
Elizabeth Michels
Reviewed by Lee Erin Berryhill
Posted December 18, 2016
Romance Historical
Ash Claughbane, the youngest of four sons, is a con artist who has arrived in London to get his revenge on the man who ruined his family. He is determined and devoted to his cause until he meets Lady Evangeline Green, which complicates everything. Torn between his need for revenge and his need for Evangeline, Ash'a web of lies leaves him tangled as he decides whether to stay with the woman he is coming to desire or leaving without a trace.
THE REBEL HEIR is the second book in Elizabeth Michels' Spare Heirs series. Ash and Evangeline are a wonderful couple that naturally works well together. Their witty exchanges and pure faith in each other is delightful, and they are quickly becoming one of my favorite romantic couples. Ash's devil-may-care attitude is contagious, and his need to make Evangeline smile is sweet and touching. He is the romantic anti-hero of reader's dreams. Evangeline's trust in Ash is poignant and her growth throughout the story makes her a believable character readers will love. Her independent streak and her vulnerabilities make her a perfect heroine. The romance between the two is steamy and touching, and the ending for the couple is worth the wait.
Michels inclusion of Braxton's point of view adds suspense and excitement to THE REBEL HEIR. He is the perfect man to go up against Ash, and the ultimate resolution is shocking. Evangeline's mother is the stuff of nightmares, and her eventual downfall will have readers cheering. The surprising introduction of Ash's brother, Brennan, is brilliant and helps to further Ash's conflicting feelings. Evangeline's cousins, Victoria and Isabelle, add some humor to the story, and an added subplot that will leave readers pleasantly puzzled at the end. The plot moves along at a great pace, and the settings are well detailed, especially Vauxhall Gardens. THE REBEL HEIR brings together a poised debutante and a swindling con artist to create a love story romance fans will thoroughly enjoy.
Learn more about The Rebel Heir
SUMMARY
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 debutant...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 Green family ruined his, 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?
Quoted in Sidelights: fast pace, delightful characters and fresh twists on traditional tropes
MUST LOVE DUKES
Image of Must Love Dukes (Tricks of the Ton)
Author(s): Elizabeth Michels
With its fast pace, delightful characters and fresh twists on traditional tropes, the first of the Tricks of the Ton series marks a delightful debut. Michels presents readers with an enchanting and hard-to-put-down romance that blends love and laughter with sexual tension — a winning combination.
Desperate to reclaim her father’s pocket watch, Lily Phillips follows the Duke of Thornwood, Devon Grey, to a tavern. Devon can’t deny his curiosity, but that doesn’t stop him from plying Lily with drinks, kissing her senseless and taking her home to bed. He wakes to find his mystery lady and his new watch gone. When they meet at a ball, Lily is blackmailed by Devon and he draws her into his pranks. Though appalled by some of their antics, Lily secretly enjoys Devon’s game and the sexual tension between them. But as Lily’s brother forces her to marry, Devon will have to decide if marriage is what he wants and needs. (SOURCEBOOKS, Feb., 350 pp., $6.99)
Reviewed by:
Kathe Robin
Quoted in Sidelights: a little bit of Cinderella and a little bit of quirk
DESPERATELY SEEKING SUZANNA
Image of Desperately Seeking Suzanna (Tricks of the Ton)
Author(s): Elizabeth Michels
With a little bit of Cinderella and a little bit of quirk, Michels’ second Tricks of the Ton story is a potent mix of love, laughter and poignancy. This is just what readers want to brighten their day and leave them with a smile.
When her beautiful sister is in the room, no one notices Sue Green — so she seizes the chance to attend a masked ball, assuming the identity of the bold and sensual Suzanna. That night Sue fulfills her dreams and enjoys herself — and comes face to face with Lord Holden Ellis. Holden has sworn off love, but is intrigued by the young woman at the ball. When she disappears as quickly as she appeared he begins searching for her. Though he doesn’t find Suzanna, he continuously encounters Sue, who promises to help him locate her. They become friends, and Sue develops a new confidence. But, just as Holden is ready to tell Sue he knows of her ruse, they discover a killer is stalking them. (SOURCEBOOKS, Mar., 380 pp., $7.99)
Reviewed by:
Kathe Robin
Quoted in Sidelights: Michels deftly combines banter with touches of poignancy
HOW TO LOSE A LORD IN 10 DAYS OR LESS
Image of How to Lose a Lord in 10 Days or Less (Tricks of the Ton)
Author(s): Elizabeth Michels
An arrogant hero meets his match in an unconventional heroine. Michels deftly combines banter with touches of poignancy, and she includes sexual tension and a dangerous threat in this compelling third installment of The Tricks of the Ton series.
Katie Moore does not expect a horse and rider to come soaring over the hedgerow. She also does not need the arrogant Andrew Clifton, Lord Amberstall, to doubt her ability to care for his injured horse. Katie’s life once revolved around her horses, until she suffered an injury in a riding accident. She rejects society and is content with the life she leads, but then Andrew arrives to disrupt her days and her heart. A secret threatens not only their newfound love, but their lives as well. (SOURCEBOOKS, Jul., 320 pp., $6.99)
Reviewed by:
Joan Hammond
Quoted in Sidelights: strongest story yet. The engaging characters, intricate plotline and powerful love story
THE INFAMOUS HEIR
Image of The Infamous Heir (Spare Heirs)
Author(s): Elizabeth Michels
Readers are treated to Michels’ strongest story yet. The engaging characters, intricate plotline and powerful love story hold readers from beginning to end as they watch the changing relationship between headstrong lovers as they unravel a mystery. Savor this tale.
As a second son, Ethan Moore makes his living as a prize fighter. He has no claim or desire for the title, but suddenly finds himself his father’s heir. Lady Roselyn Grey has hopes of marrying Trevor Moore, until Evan arrives. She is the witness to their horrible fight and to Trevor’s possible murder. Though she cannot believe Ethan would kill his twin, she cannot deny the fact that he might have pushed Trevor into the mine shaft. Ethan is determined to find his brother’s killer and unmask those responsible for stealing valuable jet from his family’s mining business. Roselyn cannot deny she is attracted to Ethan, and she’ll disguise herself as a boy and meet him in the ring to force his hand and help him clear his name. (SOURCEBOOKS, Mar., 448 pp., $5.99)
Reviewed by:
Kathe Robin
Quoted in Sidelights: perfect mix of drama, angst, and humor,
All in all a wonderfully delightful book!
Review: Desperately Seeking Suzanna by Elizabeth Michels
Posted on March 30, 2014 by Angieleigh
Desperately Seeking Suzanna by Elizabeth Michels
Series: Tricks of the Ton (# 2)
Release Date: March 4, 2014
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Pages: 352
Source: book provided by NetGalley for review
Her Cinderella Moment
Sue Green just wanted one night to be the pretty one. But a few glasses of champagne and one wild disguise later, she’s in some serious trouble. Who knew the devastatingly handsome face of Lord Holden Ellis would get in the way of her foot? And how exactly did all that high-kick dancing start in the first place? At least she blamed it on her new persona—Suzanna—so Society’s most eligible bachelor will never find out the truth.
All Holden wants is the truth. Who was that vixen who seduced him so thoroughly, then disappeared? The only one who seems to have any answers about Suzanna is Miss Sue Green. She’s promised to help him find his mystery woman, but she’s not being all that helpful. And the more time Holden spends with Sue—witty, pretty, and disarmingly honest—the more he realizes he may have found exactly what he’s been looking for all along…
Review: I was instantly captivated with this book. You know you’re in for a really good story when it only takes a few paragraphs to get hooked.
Sue Green, with her sisters help, decides to do something daring. She wears a red dress, drinks champagne, and dances with known rake Holden. She knows who he is, but he has no idea who she is, though he’s a bit convinced she must be some sort of kept woman considering her dress and the fact that he’s never seen her before.
Naturally, she falls instantly, but only because he’s more charming than she could have possibly imagined. The only issue is that she’s the less desirable girl in the family, her mother has machinations on bringing Holden up to scratch–for Sue’s sister.
What happens next is a charming beginning where Holden is constantly searching for Suzanna and the only person who will give him information as to who the mystery woman is–is the woman herself, Sue.
My heart clenched at a few of these moments because all her life she’s wanted to be desired. Her mother is HORRIBLE to her and Holden seems to see right through her, constantly looking for a girl who doesn’t actually exist except for in her own fantasies. Luckily we have Holden’s perspective so we know that he slowly begins to fall for Sue, and finally realizes that she is the very woman he’s been searching for all along.
The banter in this book is delightful and hilarious. With the perfect mix of drama, angst, and humor, I found it to be one of the best regency’s I’ve read in a really long time. It puts a new twist on the Cinderella story and also held my attention the entire way through.
I loved Holden’s rakish charm and fell for him just as hard as Sue did–I also loved that Sue was willing to do anything for her sisters first, herself second, it showed her selfless attitude towards life.
All in all a wonderfully delightful book!