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Bridal Favors #0.5
Engaged in Wickedness
WILD CHILD
Lady Gwendolyn is playing with fire. She has a habit of wandering into illicit places with gentlemen just to see how well they kiss. It's dangerous, but she can't seem to stop herself and no one in her family is up to the task either.
THE QUIET ONE
Sir Edward Murray is the man who can tame her. He may be just a country baronet, in town for a spell then gone, but the vivacious Lady Gwen draws him as no other. So he devises a carefully plotted campaign to capture the lady as his own. But he never guesses the depth of the lady’s spirit or the power of her passion.
SECRETS!
Why is Lady Gwen risking herself and her reputation with her scandalous forays? When Edward uncovers the truth, he is caught in his own stratagems. She figures out his deceit and may never forgive him. Can Edward convince her that some things aren't as wicked as they seem? And that love is the wildest ride of all?
Lady Gwendolyn is playing with fire. She has a habit of wandering into illicit places with gentlemen just to see how well they kiss. It's dangerous, but she can't seem to stop herself and no one in her family is up to the task either.
THE QUIET ONE
Sir Edward Murray is the man who can tame her. He may be just a country baronet, in town for a spell then gone, but the vivacious Lady Gwen draws him as no other. So he devises a carefully plotted campaign to capture the lady as his own. But he never guesses the depth of the lady’s spirit or the power of her passion.
SECRETS!
Why is Lady Gwen risking herself and her reputation with her scandalous forays? When Edward uncovers the truth, he is caught in his own stratagems. She figures out his deceit and may never forgive him. Can Edward convince her that some things aren't as wicked as they seem? And that love is the wildest ride of all?
129 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2011
85 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Jade Lee
95 books2,934 followersLibrarian Note: Also writes under the pen name Kathy Lyons.
A USA Today Bestseller, JADE LEE has been scripting love stories since she first picked up a set of paper dolls. Ball gowns and rakish lords caught her attention early (thank you Georgette Heyer), and her fascination with the Regency began. An author of more than 40 romance novels and winner of dozens of industry awards, her latest series is RAKES AND ROGUES. The first one, 50 WAYS TO RUIN A RAKE, is an awesome tale of love and laughter.
And don’t forget Kathy Lyons.. She’s Jade’s paranormal half. Check out her new shifter series GRIZZLIES GONE WILD.
To find all the latest news on Jade or Kathy, visit them at www.jadeleeauthor.com or www.kathylyons.com! And find out where you can meet her at: http://jadeleeauthor.com/appearances
A USA Today Bestseller, JADE LEE has been scripting love stories since she first picked up a set of paper dolls. Ball gowns and rakish lords caught her attention early (thank you Georgette Heyer), and her fascination with the Regency began. An author of more than 40 romance novels and winner of dozens of industry awards, her latest series is RAKES AND ROGUES. The first one, 50 WAYS TO RUIN A RAKE, is an awesome tale of love and laughter.
And don’t forget Kathy Lyons.. She’s Jade’s paranormal half. Check out her new shifter series GRIZZLIES GONE WILD.
To find all the latest news on Jade or Kathy, visit them at www.jadeleeauthor.com or www.kathylyons.com! And find out where you can meet her at: http://jadeleeauthor.com/appearances
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 24, 2019
Lady Gwen believes her family doesn’t care about her and her wild behaviour is a way of bringing them to notice her. Her family has a number of problems, what with her father and her mother. She has an older brother, Robert, but he isn’t always at home. Sir Edward Murray has noticed Gwen and wants to marry her and he plans a scheme to get her to notice him. Edward is certainly a planner and loves making lists. There are some passionate scenes and although I enjoyed the story, I didn’t feel engaged with the characters. I will read the next book concerning Robert. I received a copy from eBooks Discovery and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 15, 2017
This author or her editor does not know the difference between a baron and a baronet, or between whisky and whiskey. Neither of which would have been drunk by a gentleman in that era.
March 28, 2012
Originally posted at http://www.readingreality.net/2012/03...
From the description of Engaged in Wickedness, it looked like Jade Lee's introductory novella for her new Bridal Favors series would merely be a purely engaging frothy romance. But the desperate purpose behind Lady Gwen's wickedness gives this historical romance a surprising depth.
The story does have what seems like a typical start. It could have been whipped out of the Regency, and with a few updates, taken place anywhere and anywhen.
A young woman tests, in fact over-reaches the rules of her station, seemingly out of a spirit of adventure. She seems adventurous to her tamer and more conventional peers, who listen avidly to the tales of her adventures, safely after the fact.
But Lady Gwen is the daughter of an Earl, and the rules she is flouting are the staid and unbreakable conventions of the haut ton. What rules are those? She likes to sneak off into darkened corners and shadowy gardens with men, and let them kiss her.
This is dangerous behavior. If she is caught, she will be ruined in the eyes of the ton. Her father's station will not save her. And Lady Gwen simply does not care anymore. Flirting, and being caught, just a little, is the only thing that fills the emptiness of her life.
But one man is watching her. Sir Edward Murray has come to London to find a wife. And Lady Gwen is just the wife he wants. This slightly reformed bad boy has found his responsible side since the death of his father six years ago. Before he assumed his baronetcy, all of his plots and schemes were focused on getting into trouble. Since then, he's been too busy successfully managing his estate.
Now, now he's spent all his time in London crafting one plan after another to ensnare Lady Gwen. Little knowing that she is all too ready to be caught.
All he has to do is quit plotting and really, really see her. But by the time Edward finds Gwen's true depths, she discovers all of his plots and schemes.
Can recklessness and deception lead to lasting love?
Escape Rating B: At the beginning of the story, Gwen seems to be a very shallow person, and the reader wonders why one would sympathize with her. She's not just a flirt, she's actively self-destructive, and for no particularly good reason. Gwen seems to be running around a ton ball looking for someone to compromise her reputation, and her family is nowhere in sight.
Lucky for Gwen, this part doesn't last long. As we meet her family, it starts to be clear. Gwen's family is clinically dysfunctional, and things are being concealed from the world. Gwen is acting out of stress, because she can't cope anymore.
She needs to be rescued, but that risks exposure. So instead, she's looking for ruin, because adventure makes her feel alive for a few minutes. She's searching for danger. And it makes sense. Finding Edward is the best thing that could happen to her. Gwen needs a bad boy with a respectable facade. It just takes her a while to realize it.
Figuring out just how bad he can be is what makes the story fun.
From the description of Engaged in Wickedness, it looked like Jade Lee's introductory novella for her new Bridal Favors series would merely be a purely engaging frothy romance. But the desperate purpose behind Lady Gwen's wickedness gives this historical romance a surprising depth.
The story does have what seems like a typical start. It could have been whipped out of the Regency, and with a few updates, taken place anywhere and anywhen.
A young woman tests, in fact over-reaches the rules of her station, seemingly out of a spirit of adventure. She seems adventurous to her tamer and more conventional peers, who listen avidly to the tales of her adventures, safely after the fact.
But Lady Gwen is the daughter of an Earl, and the rules she is flouting are the staid and unbreakable conventions of the haut ton. What rules are those? She likes to sneak off into darkened corners and shadowy gardens with men, and let them kiss her.
This is dangerous behavior. If she is caught, she will be ruined in the eyes of the ton. Her father's station will not save her. And Lady Gwen simply does not care anymore. Flirting, and being caught, just a little, is the only thing that fills the emptiness of her life.
But one man is watching her. Sir Edward Murray has come to London to find a wife. And Lady Gwen is just the wife he wants. This slightly reformed bad boy has found his responsible side since the death of his father six years ago. Before he assumed his baronetcy, all of his plots and schemes were focused on getting into trouble. Since then, he's been too busy successfully managing his estate.
Now, now he's spent all his time in London crafting one plan after another to ensnare Lady Gwen. Little knowing that she is all too ready to be caught.
All he has to do is quit plotting and really, really see her. But by the time Edward finds Gwen's true depths, she discovers all of his plots and schemes.
Can recklessness and deception lead to lasting love?
Escape Rating B: At the beginning of the story, Gwen seems to be a very shallow person, and the reader wonders why one would sympathize with her. She's not just a flirt, she's actively self-destructive, and for no particularly good reason. Gwen seems to be running around a ton ball looking for someone to compromise her reputation, and her family is nowhere in sight.
Lucky for Gwen, this part doesn't last long. As we meet her family, it starts to be clear. Gwen's family is clinically dysfunctional, and things are being concealed from the world. Gwen is acting out of stress, because she can't cope anymore.
She needs to be rescued, but that risks exposure. So instead, she's looking for ruin, because adventure makes her feel alive for a few minutes. She's searching for danger. And it makes sense. Finding Edward is the best thing that could happen to her. Gwen needs a bad boy with a respectable facade. It just takes her a while to realize it.
Figuring out just how bad he can be is what makes the story fun.
March 25, 2013
Very stupid, very horny heroine.
Stalker Hero.
Nothing special, move along.
Stalker Hero.
Nothing special, move along.
June 15, 2020
I purchased this as a 3 book bundle the author offered called BRIDAL FAVORS BOXED SET.
This was just ok. The h was a sought after women into her 3rd season. She was brazen and I can't get over her reputation wasn't destroyed. The H I didn't feel a connection too, because I felt he was up to know good in meeting the h.
We don't discover until later in the story, he didn't have ill intent, but by then it was too late to enjoy his character. I was at odds with myself in how to get a handle on him. He came across kind and honorable but then the way he went about meeting the h didn't ring true.
Debra was another character that didn't fit what you read. She is trying to find a husband and enlists the help of the h. You turn the page and she is getting ready for her wedding. WHAT? Of course later we are given the details how she met him but I felt like I was missing pages. How she wins her husband is by correcting him on something. Which again goes against the shy character she was written as.
The h has a horrible home life and we realize later in the story she is trying to fill a void in what her home life is like. I didn't care for her character that much. There is many pre lovemaking stuff, if you get my drift and then the act - heat level 4 out of 5.
There is a misunderstanding that thankfully was resolved within a few days, so that was a great plus.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little romance and spice. (ljb)
This was just ok. The h was a sought after women into her 3rd season. She was brazen and I can't get over her reputation wasn't destroyed. The H I didn't feel a connection too, because I felt he was up to know good in meeting the h.
We don't discover until later in the story, he didn't have ill intent, but by then it was too late to enjoy his character. I was at odds with myself in how to get a handle on him. He came across kind and honorable but then the way he went about meeting the h didn't ring true.
Debra was another character that didn't fit what you read. She is trying to find a husband and enlists the help of the h. You turn the page and she is getting ready for her wedding. WHAT? Of course later we are given the details how she met him but I felt like I was missing pages. How she wins her husband is by correcting him on something. Which again goes against the shy character she was written as.
The h has a horrible home life and we realize later in the story she is trying to fill a void in what her home life is like. I didn't care for her character that much. There is many pre lovemaking stuff, if you get my drift and then the act - heat level 4 out of 5.
There is a misunderstanding that thankfully was resolved within a few days, so that was a great plus.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little romance and spice. (ljb)
November 3, 2019
What does a nondescript gentleman do when the lady he has determined will be his wife, does not even notice him? He creates a plan. Sir Edward has taken time to observe Lady Gwendolyn and her habits, and apart from her beauty and vivaciousness, he realises that behind her outrageous behavior there is a woman in pain. Unaware of Sir Edward's plan, Lady Gwen is intrigued by him and the way in which he challenges her. Seeming to play her game, Gwen is devastated when Edward disappears and comes to an understanding of just how difficult it is to receive a dose of her own medicine. As Edward stumbles onto Gwen's secret, his deeper knowledge of her makes him even more determined than ever to make her his wife. The title and blurb on this book give one the impression that it will be a lighthearted romp. However, this novel has more depth and wisdom to it than I at first thought. I found the plot to be well written and interesting, keeping my attention throughout. I was intrigued by Gwen's secret and am grateful for the fact that advances in medicine have made it possible for the illness described to be treated. The book is a standalone and comes to a happy conclusion. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
October 30, 2019
A Free Spirit Meets a Determined Suitor
On the surface, Engaged in Wickedness seems like all the other Regency romances with bit of charm and some sex. However, if readers look deeper, they will see that Jade Lee is really writing about the more complex subject of promiscuous behavior that can result from dealing with dire family issues as a child and young adult.
I liked this odd novella on so many levels. It was well written and had an absorbing story with interesting characters. It also tempered the serious dialogue with a bit of dry humor. I wish the ending had been more satisfying, but still it at least did come to a kind of happy conclusion.
Content alert: This book contains issues surrounding mental illness, a dysfunctional family and descriptive sexual scenes.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
On the surface, Engaged in Wickedness seems like all the other Regency romances with bit of charm and some sex. However, if readers look deeper, they will see that Jade Lee is really writing about the more complex subject of promiscuous behavior that can result from dealing with dire family issues as a child and young adult.
I liked this odd novella on so many levels. It was well written and had an absorbing story with interesting characters. It also tempered the serious dialogue with a bit of dry humor. I wish the ending had been more satisfying, but still it at least did come to a kind of happy conclusion.
Content alert: This book contains issues surrounding mental illness, a dysfunctional family and descriptive sexual scenes.
Disclosure: I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
November 21, 2019
Gwen is the daughter of an Earl but she is bent on self destruction and always sneaking to the corner with guys to kiss, which could ruin her reputation but she seems past caring. The reason was however revealed later as coming from a dysfunctional family, her mother is suffering from insanity and her father is irresponsible and whoring about. The burden seems to weigh her down and she's using her waywardness as a means of escape.
Sir Edward is a country baronet out in search for a wife, she caught his attention and he's all out to get her, strategising and even making plans on how to get her. Will his plans work out or will it stand as a hindrance yo their happily ever after? "I received this book from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review".
Sir Edward is a country baronet out in search for a wife, she caught his attention and he's all out to get her, strategising and even making plans on how to get her. Will his plans work out or will it stand as a hindrance yo their happily ever after? "I received this book from eBook discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review".
November 12, 2019
When I started reading this book, I was really annoyed by Gwendolyn and her attitude and treatment of other people. As the story progressed she did seem a little bit more genuine. It is only when the underlying motivation for her actions is revealed that I found her moderately likeable. Edward as well was not an appealing hero at the start of the book. He clearly had an agenda that he was hiding from everyone. As Gwen and Edward get together romantically, it seems to be more about Gwen‘s agenda than anything. All in all an ok read. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
August 10, 2021
The prequel to the Bridal Favors series is a hot, steamy tale where after a series of misadventures Lady Gwendolyn finds her happily ever after ending. Gwen is a Lady who has been trying to cope with the stress in her family life by acting out in inappropriate situations. Can Sir Edward Murray rescue her from herself and form a lasting relationship with her that will lead to marriage? Some of the actions portrayed by the characters were less than honest but this is ultimately a steamy romance that kept me entertained.
November 11, 2019
Engaged in Wickedness is a funny book. I was laughing out loud during much of the beginning. The book is also a really sexy period romance. I loved the story and the characters. This is a quick read, partly because it’s short, but mostly because I just couldn’t set it down.
Contains graphic sex scenes.
"I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review."
Contains graphic sex scenes.
"I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review."
February 4, 2022
This reminds me of Adele from Jane Eyre. Her mother goes through bouts of depression bc her husband leaves her and they tie her to a bed! Anyways, heroine Lady Gwen is flirtatious and wants to get ruined so she doesn’t have to get married. Enters Baron Edward who is head over heels in love. He makes plans to meet her and seduces her. I felt like it was missing a plot. But at the same time, it is a novella so I can overlook that. It was just ok. 3/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 7, 2017
Nice novella. The heroine is wild and willful, and the hero is determined to get to know her. Also, to marry her if she is the girl he thinks she is. It takes a lot of determination to get there, mostly because she wants to move faster than he realizes is possible.
March 1, 2022
Lovely!!!!
Loved Edward's and Gwen's story. They were total opposites in every way. Yet they managed to come to an understanding and find love and happiness along the way! Highly Recommend!
Loved Edward's and Gwen's story. They were total opposites in every way. Yet they managed to come to an understanding and find love and happiness along the way! Highly Recommend!
February 3, 2025
a lovely read
Not a huge fan of regency romances but I did enjoy this book. A great storyline and lovely vibrant characters a little steam and plenty of romance, I really enjoyed this story
Not a huge fan of regency romances but I did enjoy this book. A great storyline and lovely vibrant characters a little steam and plenty of romance, I really enjoyed this story
May 17, 2021
I enjoyed this story. I really want Debra's story. I wish that the scheming was actually a bit more in this boom.
November 17, 2021
It’s not often I’m surprised and please by a cute little book. This one really got me in the feels and I enjoyed every moment of it!
December 31, 2021
KU great short read covering mental illness too
February 3, 2020
This is an OK romance novella, but the couple wasn't very likable. I'm not sure exactly what the time period was, since it didn't seem historically accurate for any time period that I know of, but I'm guessing it was supposed to be Regency England. It was also very short, so there wasn't time for as much character development as I like. And the instalove, especially for Gwen, just wasn't believable at all.
I got irritated with Gwen, since she was constantly doing things just for a thrill, with no consideration of how her behavior would reflect on her family and chaperones if she got caught. She seemed totally selfish in that regard. The story later explained why, and I won't give spoilers, but I just didn't buy it. I think she was mostly just a brat, and enjoyed the attention.
I didn't like Edward either. The way he orchestrated meeting Gwen, and planned her seduction, was really cold and heartless. He was supposedly in love with her, but you don't plan to trap someone into marriage if you really love them.
There was one other issue, and this is minor, but it is a pet peeve of mine – the cover of a book should match the description of the characters in the book. Edward is described as having messy, curly hair, that constantly fell into his eyes. Yet the cover shows a man with very short, neat hair. This may not be the author’s fault, but it still bugs me.
This novella gets 2.5 stars from me, rounded up to 3 stars. It wasn't good enough for me to want to read any other stories in the series.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
I got irritated with Gwen, since she was constantly doing things just for a thrill, with no consideration of how her behavior would reflect on her family and chaperones if she got caught. She seemed totally selfish in that regard. The story later explained why, and I won't give spoilers, but I just didn't buy it. I think she was mostly just a brat, and enjoyed the attention.
I didn't like Edward either. The way he orchestrated meeting Gwen, and planned her seduction, was really cold and heartless. He was supposedly in love with her, but you don't plan to trap someone into marriage if you really love them.
There was one other issue, and this is minor, but it is a pet peeve of mine – the cover of a book should match the description of the characters in the book. Edward is described as having messy, curly hair, that constantly fell into his eyes. Yet the cover shows a man with very short, neat hair. This may not be the author’s fault, but it still bugs me.
This novella gets 2.5 stars from me, rounded up to 3 stars. It wasn't good enough for me to want to read any other stories in the series.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
March 11, 2012
The wonderfully wicked and totally tantalizing romance story of Gwen and Edward is a romp that will cause the reader to feel every emotion these two characters feel, enjoying their journey from start to finish.
Gwen is just the sort of high spirited, somewhat reckless heroine I thoroughly relish finding in a historical romance.
Edward is her more serious counterpart, more than a match for her passionate nature and able to bring her a peace she has never found with anyone else.
Together they are a dynamic pair and it was a real pleasure to share their story in this novella that starts a new series that promises to be even more bold in the full length book that features Gwen's brother Robert. I truly look forward to reading Wedded in Scandal soon!
Gwen is just the sort of high spirited, somewhat reckless heroine I thoroughly relish finding in a historical romance.
Edward is her more serious counterpart, more than a match for her passionate nature and able to bring her a peace she has never found with anyone else.
Together they are a dynamic pair and it was a real pleasure to share their story in this novella that starts a new series that promises to be even more bold in the full length book that features Gwen's brother Robert. I truly look forward to reading Wedded in Scandal soon!
November 13, 2014
I enjoyed this book because it was something I was in the mood for. Not to be taken seriously because of the silliness of the character personalities and the plot the sex is hot but as a whole the story is only so/so. Keep in mind its a short story so there isn't much of a plot to be had but its a quickie with a quickie so no complaints. :)
January 14, 2020
Research for a bride
Edward is methodical when he sees what he wants he makes sure he gets it! He saw Gwen and was smitten and researched a plan to win her notice! Gwen has secrets and lots of them! She flirts and kisses strange men as she does not see the beauty she has! She is also desperately afraid of ending up like her mother! Edward sees her and her situation much clearer than she dreams! But once Gwen finds his research will she give into her feelings or believe the worst???
Edward is methodical when he sees what he wants he makes sure he gets it! He saw Gwen and was smitten and researched a plan to win her notice! Gwen has secrets and lots of them! She flirts and kisses strange men as she does not see the beauty she has! She is also desperately afraid of ending up like her mother! Edward sees her and her situation much clearer than she dreams! But once Gwen finds his research will she give into her feelings or believe the worst???
November 11, 2019
Engaged in Wickedness is a funny book. I was laughing out loud during much of the beginning. The book is also a really sexy period romance. I loved the story and the characters. This is a quick read, partly because it’s short, but mostly because I just couldn’t set it down.
Contains graphic sex scenes.
"I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review."
Contains graphic sex scenes.
"I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review."
May 25, 2012
I enjoyed this book, went on to the next in series and cannot wait for the third! Jade Lee is a new aurhor and now is a favorite. Ms. Lee wrote a unique story about a young man who had a secret to gettje flower of the ton tonotice him.
November 14, 2020
Playing with fire
Our heroine is rebelling at everything in her life, but when she collided with our hero, it’s not what it seems! He has planned it all out completely, neither expected the outcome!
Our heroine is rebelling at everything in her life, but when she collided with our hero, it’s not what it seems! He has planned it all out completely, neither expected the outcome!
March 19, 2012
This was a pretty good read. A little short, but good.
April 11, 2012
I really enojoyed this book, much better than I though it was going to be as it was a free read.
August 15, 2014
I really enjoyed this novella. There was enough story to have conflict and some character development. It is a nice setup for the subsequent books.
November 8, 2012
A start to a wonderfully sinful bridal favours series ! I loved this book by fabulous author Jade Lee. She made me wish I was engaged in wickedness !
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews