**Originally posted for Book Bliss book blog as a prerelease review. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review**Review:5 starsGeneral: I haven't read the first two book in this series but it didn't matter at all. Beauty and the Earl is a steamy historical romance with characters that will suck you in and sex that will heat you up. From the plot to the characters and the writing itself this book was awesome. The plot in this book grabbed me from the beginning because it was so different than the traditional regency. There's no innocent rose of a girl or a mustache twirling villain. There's a royal and a bold as heck courtesan and a problem that could take them both down. I loved the originality of the characters best in this book. I love knew things and ideas and this book had them from beginning to end. The pacing in the story was fast and perfect because Violet and Liam meshed perfectly and the plot wasn't a slave to just their passion but also the thrilling story that brought them together in the first place.I am sad to see this is the end in the series but I will certainly be going to grab books 1 and 2 because this one was outstanding.Characters: Violet- Violet's name is perfect because to an extent she was a shrieking violent. She was a wonderfully different character and yet so similar. She wanted more from life and it was evident in everything she said and did. She wasn't ashamed or afraid of who she was and used it to her advantage. But when she fell for Liam it was passionate and perfectly chemistry filled.Liam- Liam was a sexy male lead but I have to say Violet overshadowed him for me. He was the perfect male for her; strong willed, a past of his own and passion that matched hers. I loved watching them together and was rooting from them almost from their first meeting. Violet Milford has been called to the home of the Duke and Duchess of Rothcastle and she can't imagine why. When she arrives, she learns that the Duchess would like Violet to gather information about her brother. He has been in seclusion after a horrible accident and the loss of his beloved. The Duchess would like Violet to use the skills she has learned as a courtesan to seduce his secrets from him.Liam, the Earl of Windbury, has been in seclusion since he lost his fiancee and his sister wed his greatest enemy. He has been staying at one of the family homes near Bath, but rarely ventures to town. On one of those rare visits to the healing baths, he gets an unexpected visitor. Violet has made her move and Liam is intrigued enough to invite her to stay at his home. While exploring their attraction, Liam and Violet open up to each other about their past. But just as they get closer, the truth about why Violet is visiting Bath is exposed. Will their relationship survive the truth?I was so looking forward to Liam's story as he appeared in both of the previous Pleasure Wars books and Jess Michaels did not disappoint. Michaels has a way of slowly telling a character's back story without the reader feeling like it is being dragged out. It just makes you want to read faster to get all the details.The chemistry between the H/H was almost instantaneous, but they soon connected on an emotional level as well. Because of this, Liam and Violet were able to open up about their past and confide in each other like they never have before. Michaels books are classified as erotica, but to me they are very sensual historical romance. A lot of erotic stories don't have much of a story line. The story is the driving force behind Michaels' work and the love scenes enhance it. Seeing the growth of character in both Liam and Violet is a perfect example of this.Bravo, Jess Michaels! I can't wait for the next book in the series which comes out in June. It stars Olivia and Malcolm whom we met in this story.Thanks go to Jess Michaels for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
What do You think about Beauty And The Earl (2014)?
As always, Jess creates a hero and heroine to root for and admire. Loved it.
—Kourtney
Great story- Jess creates such compelling characters that pull you in.
—Alena
