Ava Windbury and Christian Rothcastle are from two families who have feuded for generations. When Ava's brother runs away with Christian's sister, an escapade that leads to her death, there is only one thing for the grieving brother to do - kidnap Ava and ruin her.
There's a lot of sex here despite Christian's early resolve to ruin Ava in name only. I expect that in a Jess Michael's story, but I wish there had been more depth and backstory to the two main characters. They are both likable enough, but there seemed to be more lust than love here. It's a mashup between Romeo and Juliet and Beauty and the Beast (Christian is injured in the accident that killed his sister). I wish the author had stuck with one or the other; I think by using only one of the tropes the author could have also deepened the relationship better. Still, Michael's is always a good writer and I enjoy her books. This was just not one of my favorites of hers. ( )

This was a very strange book to read right on the heels of What Happens in Scotland. In WHIS the hero and heroine didn't even meet back up until 47% of the way through the novel. In Taken by the Duke, the hero and heroine just had ridiculous sex constantly. (So many orgasms. If he breathed hard, she orgasmed.) ( )

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. ( )

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 an 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!

Original review on my blog I Heart Romance ( )

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 ( )