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A Little Bit Wild (York Family #1)

3.74 of 5 stars 3.74 · rating details · 902 ratings · 145 reviews

HE IS NOT WHAT SHE HAD IN MIND.

Jude Bertrand is not an excellent dancer. Nor does he wear the most fashionable coats. But when Marissa York's brother approaches him, desperate to preserve Marissa's tenuous reputation, Jude does prove heroic enough to offer to marry the girl. In fact, the union should more than make up for his lack of social graces --- and his own scandalou...more

Paperback, 329 pages

Published 2010 by Zebra

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Aug 10, 2010 seton rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: No One

Shelves: siblings-bestfriend

Series: #1 in the York series

Setting: England, 1847, but it really doesn't matter since it's a wallpaper historical

Sensuality: PG-13

If you ever read the novels of Marion Chesney, Loretta Chase, or the like, there is a certain stock character: the ribald dowager who ogle and drool over men's legs. Well, if you ever wondered what such a character would be like as the young heroine in a historical romance, then this is the book for you. The heroine, Marissa, is indeed lusty, make that LUSTY, silly,...more

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Apr 04, 2011 Anja rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

3.33 stars.

I bought this book because in the opening scene, Marissa has just lost her virginity and it wasn’t the fireworks she’d wanted it to be. She tells the gentleman to get off her and declines his marriage proposal. I wanted to know more about her and why she would do something so reckless within her society. When caught, she says she was bored and as her real reasons were revealed I liked her more.

But I didn’t always like her.

I enjoyed the character growth of Marissa but sometimes it was...more

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Dec 09, 2010 Julia rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, romance, favorites, plays-with-romance-tropes, dropbox

Victoria Dahl may be one of my favorite authors, due to her ability to bring me along with her characters as they grow into themselves and their relationships. It doesn't hurt that the chemistry and dialogue are absolutely wonderful.

"A Little Bit Wild" is a standout historical romance, and certainly one of my favorites. Jude is a spectacular hero, and conducts one of the most believable "anachronistic" courtships of any historical romance. I love how Marissa has a period-appropriate view of masc...more

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Jul 15, 2010 Ro rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book is absolutely the best historical romance novel I've read in a long time! I like her work so much that now I'm going to have to go out and get everything she's ever written. The author has creatively drawn the two lead characters like none I've ever seen. The heroine thinks she enjoys 'pretty men" and gets a kick out of flirting with them, but when a hasty action causes her life to change, she's forced to pay attention to Jude, her brother's best friend - and he's the total opposite of...more

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Mar 29, 2011 Robin (RBBR) rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, author-victoria-dahl, york-family-trilogy

I'm not checking the spoiler button to hide this whole thing because although I do have one point that might be considered spoiler by some I don't think it really gives much away but it does play a major role in setting up the Heroine's character. As with all of Victoria Dahl's books I found this one to be a real page turner but unless I'm mixing it up with another book the fact that the Heroine (Marissa) thinks she is pregnant when she obviously isn't and its just her naivety that makes her thi...more I'm not checking the spoiler button to hide this whole thing because although I do have one point that might be considered spoiler by some I don't think it really gives much away but it does play a major role in setting up the Heroine's character. As with all of Victoria Dahl's books I found this one to be a real page turner but unless I'm mixing it up with another book the fact that the Heroine (Marissa) thinks she is pregnant when she obviously isn't and its just her naivety that makes her think so becomes quite annoying. Marissa (Heroine) is quite naive and there's nothing wrong with that I think its safe to say we've all been there and I don't have a problem with naive Heroine's or Heroes for that matter. I also understand the need to draw out certain matters such as the "big secret" id est something one character is not telling another but sometimes one of them gets carried in my opinion to far. As I read this after a certain point my constant thought was geez get a clue already. Of course Marissa finally did get one and the story progressed from there. The best thing about Jude (Hero) I can recall at this time is that he allowed Marissa to be who she was. That's one of the great things about being married, finding the person who not only will allow you to be who you are but accept you for it, love you in spite of any faults and help you to be the person you need to be in front of society.

The next book in this series is scheduled to release on August 2, 2011 and I'm very much looking forward to reading it.

As for this book I'd say its worth reading although it may have some slow points and some annoying points but I'm finding that seems to be a pattern in books these days. Stretching an issue of some kind out a bit longer then I the reader may feel necessary. I wonder if Authors do it because they're trying to get a certain length or if its because they have some ideas in their head that they have to get out before they can allow the Hero\Heroine to tell the Heroine\Hero what they can't. Either way this was definitely in my opinion a good book.(less)

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Oct 14, 2010 slayra rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-reads, in-english, historical-romance

RATING: 1.5 stars.

The entire book seemed somewhat off to me... I don't think the author has the grasp of the period and mentalities at all.

The setup was nice, but the book didn't work for me exactly because the characters didn't fit with the time period. Most historical romances present protagonists that are somewhat forward thinking, but they still bend to society conventions... it would be weird if they didn't. Dahl was way off... it felt like a masquerade: contemporary characters parading in...more

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Jan 01, 2012 Ilze rated it 3 of 5 stars

Good story - Jude is a wonderful hero and his pain at being merely a duke's bastard is palpable. Marissa is rather stupid until she grows up and figures out what she really wants, but I guess without her stupidity and need to grow up there wouldn't be much of a story to tell. However, I have my doubts about Marissa's behaviour and its consequences in the context of Victorian society - her behaviour is really beyond outrageous when seen in that context, and the consequences for her would have bee...more

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Feb 14, 2013 Carrie Olguin rated it 4 of 5 stars

This story has what I've been looking for lately, compelling characters different from the normal H/h romance combination.

The heroine loves dancing with and flirting with, young "pretty" men, the blue eyed blonds, with perfect features, slender grace, unblemished skin. At twenty two, she's beyond ready to experience sexual pleasure. But she's not married and hasn't found the right man, the one hose kisses make her blood boil.

One night she drinks too much wine (with the help of one of her pretty...more This story has what I've been looking for lately, compelling characters different from the normal H/h romance combination.

The heroine loves dancing with and flirting with, young "pretty" men, the blue eyed blonds, with perfect features, slender grace, unblemished skin. At twenty two, she's beyond ready to experience sexual pleasure. But she's not married and hasn't found the right man, the one hose kisses make her blood boil.

One night she drinks too much wine (with the help of one of her pretty boy beaus) and ends up ruined - a disappointing experience. Though caught by her brother in the thoroughly compromising situation, she refuses the marry the man who took her innocence - because it was a thoroughly disappointing experience.

To save her reputation from possible rumors, the hero offers to act as her betrothed until the rumors are squashed. Once the danger has passed, the betrothal will be called off.

The hero is not a pretty man. He's large. His facial features are harsh (his nose has been broken). He doesn't like to dance and isn't graceful. In fact, he's the antithesis of everything the heroine thinks she wants for her husband.

This isn't one of those instant attraction stories. No, in fact, the heroine was introduced to the hero four times previous and she doesn't even remember him, because he's not pretty.

He remembers her and can see that underneath the public mask, she's a little bit wicked.

The heroine is a bit shallow, but she's likable. She's sexually frustrated, looking for the right man to teach her pleasure, something her body is yearning for but she doesn't know how relieve. She wants to be good but her hormones have other ideas.

The hero is compelling. He's the recognized bastard son of a duke. He's accepted by society. He knows he isn't pretty, doesn't care that he's not handsome. (self-confidence in a hero is so sexy). He sees the wickedness that is struggling to burst free from the heroine and he wants a wicked wife. So he's certain they will suit. He doesn't want a pretend betrothal. He wants to win her affection for real.

The plot may be simple, but the characters are compelling displaying a broad range of emotions and essential character growth.

Very entertaining. (less)

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Nov 09, 2011 RomReader rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical

Vivacious & flirty heroine can't wait to end her faux engagement to non-handsome bastard son of a duke. He offers to marry her to her family's relief & surprise to hide the scandal of heroine caught in the act with another gentleman who she refuses to marry. Their wedding may not be necessary if heroine can confirm that she's not pregnant in the next 2 weeks. Hero is determined to follow through with marrying her but knows it'll take some effort to convince her to do so. Their time spent...more

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Sep 16, 2011 Tytti rated it 4 of 5 stars

A few days ago I read a book called It's always been you by Victoria Dahl. I thought it was an only book, you know, not part of the series. There were few characters I would've liked to read more about.
So yesterday I went to the bookstore and I found this book. And you can possibly guess how fun it was that this book was about the couple I wanted to read more about. If only I had found this book first, because it actually is the first part, but oh well...

So about this book: I loved it!! It tells...more

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Aug 28, 2011 Taryn Elliott rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: fangirl, wrenching

So...I'm in the Hurricane Irene region and woke up to a truly dreary day. The rain and the wind tapped at my window, and hell...I don't know how much rain fell. But I'll tell you this much. I lost four hours this morning to this book. I think I only got up to pee and let the dog out.

Amazing.

And for the love, Mz. Dahl, you freaking made me cry. That doesn't happen at all often, let me tell you.
She puts stereotypes to work for her and twists them all up until you go...well, shit.

Seriously. That'...more

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Jul 03, 2011 Pamela rated it 3 of 5 stars

Review courtesy of Romance Junkies
Reviewer: pamelalynne
Rated 3.5 Blue Ribbons

Marissa York just wants to experience a night of pleasure, but unfortunately she gets far more than she bargained for. Not only does she end up compromised, but she also finds out that she has made a terrible mistake. Marissa absolutely refuses to marry the man who helped bring about her ruin. Because of gossip and uncertainty of whether she could be pregnant, Marissa's family notifies her she must marry quickly to avoi...more

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Jun 18, 2011 Michelle R. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I selected this book because Victoria Dahl is one of my favorite authors, complete with her own folder on my Kindle. I once one a copy of one of her books and still bought a copy for my Kindle. What this means is that I'm going to be more inclined to like her books, because it's clear her voice appeals to me.

This is, however, my first historical. I'd actually started it a few times and got distracted. I knew I loved her contemporaries, but I was worried that, I dunno, I was worried.

Ended up real...more I selected this book because Victoria Dahl is one of my favorite authors, complete with her own folder on my Kindle. I once one a copy of one of her books and still bought a copy for my Kindle. What this means is that I'm going to be more inclined to like her books, because it's clear her voice appeals to me.

This is, however, my first historical. I'd actually started it a few times and got distracted. I knew I loved her contemporaries, but I was worried that, I dunno, I was worried.

Ended up really loving this after the very beginning. I was concerned after the opening scene that the characters were going to be cardboard. Fast forward to the end when I am sleep-deprived and cannot stop reading it!

What I like about Victoria Dahl is she's not afraid to give her heroines libidos and "pasts" to varying degrees. A lot of romance novels make the heroines virgins with never a tingle down below, until he walks in. Victoria Dahl's women are spirited and fun, and that makes a huge difference. For the edification of people who seek out or avoid these things, there are always at least couple scenes of that spirited fun which are funny, explicit-ish, and pretty steamy.

What was great her is the hero looked at Marissa, saw her inner vixen, and accepted it all kit and kaboodle. When someone seeks to blackmail her, using knowledge of a birthmark as collateral, the heroine has a small -- but scandalous for the time -- list of suspects. The hero takes it in stride, knows she's curious and high-spirited, and hopes to see the birthmark too some day. Oh, there might have been some jealousy, but he never treated her like she was damaged good for what amounted to playing doctor. There is a pivotal scene where Marissa realized that -- that all the men she'd been smitten with took whatever she was willing to give, all the while telling her she really shouldn't allow improprieties, or was -- in one case -- a notorious ladies man. Jude was the guy to encourage her passion and exploration, the person she knew she could try anything and everything with.

Marissa starts the book as very shallow and unkind to Jude, who in a practical sense is doing her a favor and is steadfastly kind and supportive toward her. A trope a lot of people like is a hero or heroine going into a good grovel when they realize how mistaken and stupid they've been and Marissa provides that.

The is always genuine heat in a Victoria Dahl love story, and this is no exception, but what made the book over-the-top good is the heart there. Marissa grew and learned and had to deal with the possibility it was too little, too late. The author did a terrific job of making me fall in love with Jude and then ache for him when Marissa behaved like a mean little girl instead of a woman. Then, I applauded when she pulled her head out of her rear. (less)

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Apr 23, 2011 Sarah Eiseman rated it 4 of 5 stars

I’ve been giving historical romances a shot recently and I’m really glad I did. This novel was a riot and I really enjoyed reading the book right up until the end.

Marissa York is the spoiled younger sister of two protective brothers. So it’s no surprise that when she gets caught in a less-than-stellar position with a man she has not yet agreed to be married to, there is a scandal. In an effort to keep her virtue unquestioned, a hasty engagement is set up with her brother’s friend Jude Bertrand....more

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Apr 09, 2011 Wendy La Capra rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

The clever, cheeky opening of Victoria Dahl's A Little Bit Wild lulled me into believing I was in for a light-hearted Regency romp with a scandalous but redeemable heroine. Which, would have been fine with me. Wonderful, in fact. I love a good romp. But, A Little Bit Wild is so much more. Page by wonderful page I was drawn deeper into the hearts and minds of two of the most complicated characters I've ever had the pleasure to read.

The heroine reminded me, in part, of Austen's Emma. Like Emma, Ma...more The clever, cheeky opening of Victoria Dahl's A Little Bit Wild lulled me into believing I was in for a light-hearted Regency romp with a scandalous but redeemable heroine. Which, would have been fine with me. Wonderful, in fact. I love a good romp. But, A Little Bit Wild is so much more. Page by wonderful page I was drawn deeper into the hearts and minds of two of the most complicated characters I've ever had the pleasure to read.

The heroine reminded me, in part, of Austen's Emma. Like Emma, Marissa believes she understands How-the-World-Works and blissfully unconcerned by effects her actions have. Also like Emma, she is at once both sympathetic and maddening and she matures very much against her own will. Not only does the reader have the pleasure of seeing her mature, we get the chance to feel with her as she learns the difference between the pleasures of her blossoming sensual nature divorced from true feeling and the torrid passion that explodes as she finds her true nature exposed, but blissfully accepted. Take this lovely passage:

"Marissa put her fingers to her lips as if she could hold in the emotions that pressed at her throat. Excitement and fear and joy and regret...an intense combination. In that moment, she felt almost as if she were being chased. And as if she wanted to be caught."

As well wrought as Marissa's transformation is, the hero places this book firmly on my top keeper shelf. Jude is sexy and engaging as the not-quite-handsome or refined but intuitive & confident foil to Marissa. I was already in love with his character when Ms. Dahl deftly changed the game. I didn't see his crisis coming and when it did, my heart utterly broke for him.

The moment of realization for the heroine was fraught and anxious and dark--perfect and justly rendered for a heroine used to getting her way. And, by that time, I was so connected to both characters I had forgotten all their flaws and was turning pages with an internal please, please, please let them feel happiness.

Let me just say, A Little Bit Wild is as satisfying as a romance can possibly be.

Originally posted to www.wendylacapra.com on 3/31/2011 (less)

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Mar 21, 2011 Jessi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: part-of-a-series, historical, romance, 2011

Okay, it was annoying that the word "vulgar" was used a LOT in the first ten pages but I thought this was a refreshing look at historical romances.
The book opens with our heroine having bad sex. Not dirty, just bad. It turns out that, though she's considered the paragon of their family, Marissa York has actually been doing some very naughty things with a lot of London's elite and she finally got drunk enough to let one of them do the actual dirty. It's just her bad luck that he happens to be a...more

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Jan 28, 2011 Christine Morehouse rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review:

A LITTLE BIT WIND is a new Victorian set-series by award-winning author Victoria Dahl that starts with a bang and doesn’t disappoint.

Miss Marissa York has a weakness for a handsome face and nicely turned out gentleman. Her weakness has gotten her into more trouble than she can count. And it has caused her family no doubt sleepless nights. To her dismay she gets caught having a tryst that wasn’t at all what she had expected. The man not only declares his undying love for Marissa but that h...more Review:

A LITTLE BIT WIND is a new Victorian set-series by award-winning author Victoria Dahl that starts with a bang and doesn’t disappoint.

Miss Marissa York has a weakness for a handsome face and nicely turned out gentleman. Her weakness has gotten her into more trouble than she can count. And it has caused her family no doubt sleepless nights. To her dismay she gets caught having a tryst that wasn’t at all what she had expected. The man not only declares his undying love for Marissa but that he was hoping to seduce her into marriage. Marissa irrevocable says no, by her brother, Edward, still needs help in squashing any rumors that have already started. What they need is a biddable man that will ride out the storm as Marissa’s fake fiancé.

Jude Bertrand had the raw masculine sensuality of a man who has lived a hard life. As an accepted bastard son of a Duke and a French courtesan he will always be tolerated by the ton. Jude offers himself up to help defense the situation. Hoping that the more time Marissa spends with him the more she will like and fall in love with him. Jude isn’t exactly the welcomed help the Marissa was hoping for. Marissa is obsessed with pretty faces, graceful dancing and a man that has tight hard thighs-oh my. Bertrand is confident that the more time she spends getting to know him that eventually she will see through her superficial facade and see him. Will Marissa take off her rose petal glasses and see a man for who Jude truly is in time before she loses him?

Accolade

A LITTLE BIT WILD is Ms. Dahl’s take on the classic of BEAUTY AND THE BEAST-. Readers this is not Walt Disney’s singing version. Ms. Dahl did a fantastic job of creating two most incompatible protagonists that had this reviewer going a slew of emotions as their story unraveled. Dark and erotically sensual A LITTLE BIT WILD is a classic in the making with its witty dialogue, a couple with sexual chemistry that explodes off the page. Readers will melt into this story and once the book closes long to re-read again and again.

(less)

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Aug 15, 2010 Carrie rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you are a regular reader here at the book girl then you know all about my love of anything and everything Victoria Dahl writes. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy of A LITTLE BIT WILD and read it during Romcon. I know that some people will have a problem with Marissa, because she is more like a contemporary heroine than a historical one. However, I loved her and probably for that same reason. She is curious about intimacies between men and women and doesn’t seem to feel any remorse fo...more

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Jan 03, 2012 Laurie rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: kindle

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I really wish we could give half stars because this was probably more of a 3.5 star read for me. I genuinely enjoyed the book and plan to continue reading the series, but there were a few things that really bugged me, which is why I decided to give it 3 stars instead of 4. First of all, IMO the person who turned out to be behind the plot to blackmail Marissa really came out of left field. It would have made more sense if any of a number of other characters had turned out to be the blackmailer. S...more I really wish we could give half stars because this was probably more of a 3.5 star read for me. I genuinely enjoyed the book and plan to continue reading the series, but there were a few things that really bugged me, which is why I decided to give it 3 stars instead of 4. First of all, IMO the person who turned out to be behind the plot to blackmail Marissa really came out of left field. It would have made more sense if any of a number of other characters had turned out to be the blackmailer. Second, it seems unfair to put all of the blame on Marissa for her indiscretions when she clearly was not being adequately chaperoned by her mother or her brothers if she was left alone with these men for long enough to wind up in compromising situations. Her family was very quick to condemn Marissa's actions but did not acknowledge their own part in creating the circumstances that led to her ruination. Also, it seems strange that they wouldn't have kept a closer eye on her after the truth came out. By allowing her to continue on as she was, they created additional opportunities for her to get into mischief with Jude, which could have had the same disastrous consequences as her previous indiscretions with other men. If they had been treating Marissa and Jude's betrothal as genuine all along, that part of the story might have made a bit more sense to me. However, they planned to allow Marissa to cry off the betrothal if she found she wasn't pregnant and if there was no scandal caused by her tryst with Peter White, so why would they give Marissa and Jude so much freedom to be alone? If they had been discovered in a compromising position, they would have had no choice but to marry, which Marissa's brothers seemed anxious to avoid even after it became clear that Marissa and Jude were falling in love.

Other than the above, I thought the story was pretty good. I really felt for Jude and all of the little slights he had been subjected to because of his illegitimacy. I'm glad that his father acknowledged him and cared enough to not only attend Marissa and Jude's wedding, but to bring his legitimate son as well. I wish there had been an epilogue or something telling us about Marissa's meeting with Jude's mother, though - I bet it would have been quite something!

I am definitely looking forward to reading Aidan's story next and hope that the author plans to write books for Edward, Harry, and Marissa's friend Beth as well. It seemed like she was setting up a match between Beth and Edward near the end, which could be interesting. I'd really like to see Cousin Nanette get her comeuppance in Beth's story, too! (less)

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Sep 30, 2010 Keri rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed, romance-historical, 2010-read, victoria-dahl

This book didn't have the emotional impact that Dahl usually gives with her historicals. I finally warmed up to Marissa, but she was always a better person around Jude. I liked Jude from the start and thought at times that he was too good for Marissa. She eventually did convince me that she was good enough for Jude, but it was a near thing. In the end it was just a good read. I hope that with the family stories coming up, that we get to capture more of the emotional punch.

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Feb 27, 2012 Amanda Ryan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Marissa is a woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to go after it. So when she decides to allow her latest love interest to relieve her of her virtue, she has no regrets (besides the fact the act was rather...er...lousy)...at least until her family comes stomping into the room to discover them. Marissa's partner is insisting on marriage - she, however, is insisting otherwise. Intent on keeping her act under wraps, the family insists she be married within the month, if only to cover the...more

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Mar 04, 2011 Dinjolina rated it 3 of 5 stars

All the characters were so unlikable I had to give it less stars than I wanted.
Marissa is this sexually starved chick that has no idea what she wants.
No the faintest clue even!
Jude is a weird acknowledged by blow that wants her. Why? Because she is wicked. Why yes that is the most logical reason to marry some on in my book to! Not...
At first he is overjoyed that she likes men. And he sees all he conquest as highly amusing. Weird person there!Yes,weird! But then POOOF out of the blue he is furiou...more

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Dec 09, 2011 Janusz rated it 5 of 5 stars

I'm glad I wasn't put off by a lukewarm review in a trade publication. A Little Bit Wild was a delight to read and I'm still not sure what prompted the negative comments about anachronisms, characterisation and plot holes.

I see from the reviews here on Goodreads that a few readers exhibited similar negative reactions.

I found the idea of a cheeky, vivacious heroine with a supremely healthy interest in sex to be a refreshing change from the demure and fragile ingenues who sigh, whimper and swoon t...more

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Aug 25, 2011 Jennah Scott rated it 4 of 5 stars

I’m not a big Historical Romance fan. No…that’s not true. I don’t read Historical Romance at all. At least not until I read A Little Bit Wild. I can’t say that I’ll go buy every HR book on the shelf, because – well, yeah- I’m still not sure that I like the genre in general. However, I do love Dahl’s writing regardless of genre. As I’ve said before, not many authors can write cross genre and me like every book. She can and does.

I love that the women in Dahl’s books don’t back down, and if they d...more I’m not a big Historical Romance fan. No…that’s not true. I don’t read Historical Romance at all. At least not until I read A Little Bit Wild. I can’t say that I’ll go buy every HR book on the shelf, because – well, yeah- I’m still not sure that I like the genre in general. However, I do love Dahl’s writing regardless of genre. As I’ve said before, not many authors can write cross genre and me like every book. She can and does.

I love that the women in Dahl’s books don’t back down, and if they do there’s usually a benefit for them (fine by me!) A LITTLE BIT WILD holds true to that. Marissa outwardly comes across as a very refined, proper lady. But inside, she’s different. She has a desire to know about being wild. She wants to have fun, so she does. Even though it goes against society. I loved that she did what she wanted to and she owned up to the mistakes she made. Not once did she lay blame on someone else for her indiscretion.

Jude. Well, let’s see where do I start with Jude. He’s the opposite of Marissa. On the outside he comes across burly and insignificant. His reputation is that of a lesser male, one that society doesn’t necessarily frown upon, but they don’t regard him highly either. Unlike Marissa, his outwardly appearance is wild and free spirited. Inside though, he’s a gentleman. He cares about women and how they are treated. Jude knows how to love. My favorite thing about Jude is that he understands Marissa and respects her wants/needs to explore the scandalous nature of sex.

When Marissa needs someone to help her and save her family’s reputation Jude steps in to help. Then he doesn’t back down even though Marissa pushes. More than once while reading about these two I forgot this was a historical novel. The writing isn’t stuffy and neither are the characters. Even Marissa’s brother, Baron York, isn’t as stuffy as he could be. The care and love he has for his sister comes through very well.

A couple of times the book slows down and drags while the family goes back and forth trying to keep Marissa’s reputation from being ruined. But all in all this is a great read. As usual, Dahl’s writing jumps off the page and makes you fall in love with characters.

So even if you aren’t a fan of Historical Romance I still recommend this book. You’ll love it anyway (I hope)! (less)

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Sep 06, 2010 Catherine rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical, england, excellent, hot, read-2010, romance, illegitimate, series

I'm so pleased that I ended up loving this book so much. The first two chapters showed a very unattractive side of the heroine, Marissa, and I actually stopped reading to go clean something! I was so nervous that this book would be the one that broke my lucky streak with this author. I have enjoyed every book that I have read by this author, and I believe I've read them all barring the novellas, and I live in fear of breaking that pattern. But I got some reassurance that the book didn't disappoi...more I'm so pleased that I ended up loving this book so much. The first two chapters showed a very unattractive side of the heroine, Marissa, and I actually stopped reading to go clean something! I was so nervous that this book would be the one that broke my lucky streak with this author. I have enjoyed every book that I have read by this author, and I believe I've read them all barring the novellas, and I live in fear of breaking that pattern. But I got some reassurance that the book didn't disappoint, so I picked it back up and quickly found myself sucked in.

Marissa begins the story at a disadvantage with the reader. She comes off as extremely spoiled, thoughtless, and selfish. I also originally thought she was rather stupid, but I can excuse that because of the liquor involved in the scene. But she comes off as whiny and immature. She wants her way and doesn't understand why everything has to change. Well, she does understand, but she would rather just ignore it.

I was afraid that I would dislike her for a while, but she actually grew on me pretty quickly. She quickly realizes that there are more people impacted by her actions than just herself and decides to suck it up and deal. Unfortunately for her, she has to deal with Jude, who is not at all her type. Marissa is attracted to the pretty boys. She likes the pretty, thin, graceful, rather effeminate men who dress well and look nice on her arm. Jude is large, and muscular, and not pretty at all. She has to learn to see past all her preconceptions and learn where the true value of a person lies and the difference between lust and love.

The author made a bold choice starting the book out where she did. I really appreciated getting to see a character make a genuine mistake and have to deal with the consequences. Marissa was vain and way too caught up in appearances, but she was still a nice person. She slowly learned to value Jude for his true self. Her lust was much more easily engaged than her heart. Speaking of lust; I am so pleased to actually see a female character lusting after men. She didn't let her hormones rule her, but she appreciated a pretty man and a nice show of leg. She knew there was pleasure to be had, and she wanted to embrace it. It was nice to see a female finding many men attractive and not only being blind to it all until the hero came along.

Jude was such an excellent hero. He was self confident, and he knew who he was. He was also an excellent judge of character. He had Marissa pegged shortly after meeting her. He didn't want to change her though; he wanted to revel in her enjoyment of pleasure and please them both. He was extremely hard to insult. Most of the time he just shrugged off irritating comments thrown his way, but when a comment from Marissa found its mark, it had impeccable aim. I loved watching Jude discover more about himself, but I was so sorry for him too. It's hard caring about someone who's quick to lash out because she won't admit, or doesn't recognize, her true feelings.

Their relationship was a lot of fun to watch develop. They actually seemed like they became quite good friends. I value that quite highly in my romances. This book had some pretty hot moments. Jude had quite a way with foreplay, and he could sure draw out the tension between them.

I liked getting to see Marissa's friends and family. I wonder if this will turn into a loosely connected series like her other historicals did. I see potential between her friend and another character after that awkward moment toward the end. I'd also really like to learn more about Aidan and see him overcome his crankiness. I hope we get to see more about them!(less)

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Aug 27, 2010 Gail rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: purchased-obtained, e-book, historical-romance

I really enjoyed this book. It's not your usual historical. The heroine is perhaps more reckless than most in her era, but she's got a bit of an excuse, having been raised by her wild brothers. She's bold, and she's curious, and now she's in trouble. So one of the brothers' friends steps up and offers to marry her, since she won't marry the guy who "ruined" her. She's met him, but because he's not her "type"--a handsome young man who dances--she's never paid him any attention. Now she has to.

Sh...more

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May 14, 2011 Rose rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nook-lendme-list, historical-romance, experienced-heroine, favorite-heroines, nook, owned, strong-heroine, stalker, great-heroes, re-reads, non-virgin-historical-heroine

As my first foray into Victoria Dahl historicals, I have to say I was quite pleased with this book. One of the things that impressed me about Dahl's contemporaries is her willingness to create heroines that are strong. She didn't disappoint when she created Marissa.

Marissa isn't the average shy miss you tend to find in historical romance novels. In a way, she was quite modern about her sexuality. She was caught in a compromising situation, and your typical, "she was alone for 10 minutes in a ro...more

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Feb 18, 2011 Leanne rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2011-books, feb-11, historical-romance, kindle

The first book of Victoria Dahl's I have read and it is an author that I am adding to my list of more to buy.

Really amusing story of Marissa getting into trouble which could ruin her reputation and Jude kindly steps in to help her but he's not exactly what she looks for in a husband. He's not the typical handsome man but as they go on their journey to cover up her indiscretions she realises that he is better than all the other gentlemen but is it too late. Could they have a lift together?

There w...more

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Apr 08, 2011 Anne Marsh rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, rita-nominees

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Nov 03, 2010 Michelle Kelly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010-read, historical

Really liked the book. It was almost like a modern day Beauty and the Beast. Okay maybe not modern since the book is based on late 1800's but it sure had that feel to it.

I really liked the title "A Little Bit Wild" because it completly matched Marissa York. She was 22 yrs old and yep, a little bit wild for those times. She was curious about men and sex and pleasure but still immature in nature. I found her quite adorable if not a bit frustrating. I loved how much her brothers cared for her.
Jud...more

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About Victoria Dahl

I have my mother to thank for my passion for writing. My mom is an avid reader of popular fiction, and I began reading highly inappropriate books around the age of eleven, I think. (Thanks, Mom, for always leaving those delicious books strewn about!)

To Tempt a Scotsman, a Golden Heart winning historical, was my first published book. Here I am signing the cover! A Rake's Guide to Pleasure (which w...more

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Quotes from A Little Bit Wild

“On the contrary, I like men. They are polite and helpful and necessary for dancing. And men are so handsome and different, aren't they?"
"Not all of us, clearly, but I'll let that go.” — 7 people liked it

“Of course not," she snapped. "I'm only thirsty. Would you play the gallant and find me a glass of lemonade?"
"I assume 'lemonade' is code for wine?” — 6 people liked it

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A Little Bit Wild (York Family #1)

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