Sandy M’s review of When a Lady Misbehaves (Pleasure Emporium, Book 1) by Michelle Marcos
Regency historical romance published 30 Oct 07 by St. Martin’s

If you’re looking for a feisty heroine for your next read, you will enjoy April Jardine. Being a lowly, common scullery maid in a bordello is not where she truly wants to be in life, but it’s either that or be on the streets where her future would be that much more uncertain. But when her boss, the Madam of the house, tells April the gig is up and it’s time she becomes one of the working girls, April knows she just can’t do it. When opportunity knocks and gives her a way to flee her impending doom and make a better life for herself, she grabs it, along with her best friend, and her misbehaving ways have only just begun.

That misbehavior eventually takes her to Blackheath House where she instantly butts heads with Riley, Lord Blackheath himself, when he doesn’t take the bait and believe her lies. He is quite taken with the girl because she’s the only woman who has ever had the audacity to stand up to him, and April does it quite often. He’s determined to reveal her as a con artist before she ruins his entire family, even though they have plenty of secrets of their own. April has the time of her life now that she’s a lady living in a grand house and wearing beautiful gowns. When the truth finally comes out, that’s when the twists and turns in the story start to keep you guessing, and it’s when you hope these two can find their way back to each other. It’s a terrifying time for them both and there’s no guarantee there will be anything left for them when it’s all over with.

I’m very impressed with Ms. Marcos’ writing. She has a lovely style and her characters are quite enjoyable, even the villains when it’s finally their turn to shine. I really liked both Riley and April, both very strong people, each giving something of themselves when faced with their dilemma. The idea of weaving her books around the Pleasure Emporium is a good one and we should see more inventive stories from her in the future.

Grade: B+

From the back cover:

AN EROTIC SECRET
As a maid at The Pleasure Emporium, Miss April Jardine has witnessed her share of sinful acts, but nothing as brazen as her own money-making scheme. By blackmailing the gentlemen named in the Madame’s private diaries, April can escape a life of drudgery—as long as she avoids the hangman’s noose. All goes swimmingly until she crosses paths with Lord Blackheath, the most powerful judge in England. His wicked gaze suggests he is torn between exposing April and seducing her—and April is only too pleased to oblige.

A SCANDALOUS EMBRACE
Blackheath has no doubt that the alluring firebrand could cripple his family’s finances and reputation with the bat of an eyelash. And yet…April outshines every dull Society belle he’s ever known, and nothing compares to the sensual bliss they share. But trusting this scheming Miss could cost him everything. Will he ever be able to welcome her into his home—and his heart?

Read an excerpt.