His Wicked Kiss

Knight Miscellany #7

by Gaelen Foley

From emerald jungles to the high seas to the glittering ballrooms of Regency London, beloved author Gaelen Foley tells a sweeping, sensual tale of the ruggedly handsome Lord Jack Knight and the passionate beauty who lays claim to his heart.

An English rose blooming in the untamed jungles of South America, Eden Farraday lives a life of independence-unheard of for a lady-with her doctor-turned-scientist father. But Eden misses England desperately. When the dangerous and darkly charming Lord Jack Knight sails into her life, she seizes her chance to return to civilization, stowing away aboard his London-bound ship.

Roguish and charismatic, a self-made shipping tycoon with a shadowy past and a well-guarded heart, Jack is sailing on a vital secret mission. When the redheaded temptress is discovered aboard his vessel, he reacts with fury-and undeniable lust. Forced to protect her from his rough crew, the devilish Lord Jack demands a scandalous price in exchange for Eden's safe passage across the sea. As his wicked kiss ignites an unforgettable blaze of passion between them, Jack and Eden confront a soul-searing love that cannot be denied.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance, Fiction

434 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Gaelen Foley is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly bestselling author of twenty historical romances set in the glittering world of Regency England. Her books are available in sixteen languages and have won numerous genre awards, such as the Bookseller's Best, the NJRW Golden Leaf (three times), the CRW Award of Excellence, the National Reader's Choice Award, the Beacon, and the Holt Medallion.

A Pennsylvania native, Gaelen holds a B.A. in English literature with a minor in Philosophy from the State University of New York, College at Fredonia, a quaint lakeside village where Mark Twain once owned a home. It was here, while studying the Romantic poets, such as Wordsworth, Byron, and Keats that she first fell in love with the Regency period in which her novels are set. Gaelen lives in western Pennsylvania with her college-sweetheart husband, Eric, a schoolteacher, with whom she co-writes middle grade fantasy adventure novels under the pen-name, E.G. Foley. (See www.EGFoley.com.) She is hard at work on her next book.

Reviews

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars – Historical/Regency Romance

Here’s my order of favorites in the series:

Books:
1st. The Duke & Lady of Desire (tie)
2nd. Lord of Ice
3rd. One Night of Sin
4th. Lord of Fire
5th. His Wicked Kiss
6th. Devil Takes a Bride

Heroes:
1st. William Albright, Earl of Rackford; aka “Billy Blade”
2nd. Robert “Hawk” Knight, Duke of Hawkscliffe
3rd. Lord Alec Knight
4th. Lord Damien Knight & Lord Lucien Knight (tie)
5th. Lord Jack “Black Jack” Knight
6th. Devlin “Devil” Kimbell, Lord Strathmore

Heroines:
1st. Belinda “Bel” Hamilton
2nd. Becky Ward
3rd. Lady Jacinda Knight
4th. Eden Farraday
5th. Miranda FitzHubert
6th. Lizzie Carlisle
7th. Alice Montague

[Joanna Loves Reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finally finished this series by GF, and find myself burned out on her writing style. It is very rich but also draining. This story started off interestingly in Venezuela, but it didn’t hold my interest. I didn’t really enjoy the characters or story and definitely not the love story.

2.5 stars.

Thanks Loriidae for the buddy read!

[Océano de libros · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me ha encantado. Jack es impresionante como personaje y Eden ha hecho una buena pareja con él. Una pena que ya se terminó la serie.

Lee la reseña en: https://oceanodelibros.blogspot.com/2...

[Grecia Robles · Rating 3 out of 5]

Último libro de la serie de los hermanos Knight, quiero llorar.

Está vez le toca al hermano aventurero, la oveja negra, misterioso Jack Knight que se ha convertido en un capitán de barco y que lleva 20 años sin pisar Londres.
Tenía mucha curiosidad por él ya que de todos los hermanos era el que no había salido, sólo era mencionado brevemente y le que se conocía era que fue producto de la primera infidelidad de su madre con un boxeador, que se reveló ante su padre el duque y que le levantó el dedo medio a la sociedad londinense, se marchó y ya no volvió.
Entonces había mucho que contar sobre Jack Knigth y más que nada el reencuentro con sus hermanos.

Tenemos una protagonista que ha vivido los últimos doce años de su vida en la selva ayudando a su padre que es médico en su investigación sobre plantas medicinales que podrían revolucionar la medicina.
Ella quiere volver a Londres a la civilización, formar parte de la sociedad y sobre todo encontrar el amor casarse y formar una familia, su padre se niega ya que quiere seguir su investigación en el Amazonas por lo que ella toma el asunto en sus manos y al tener un encuentro con Jack le pide ayude que la lleve a Inglaterra el se niega, al no quedarle otra opción se cola en el barco como polizonte.

En la travesía en el barco rumbo a Inglaterra se desarrolla su relación amorosa-

Quedé un poco decepcionada de esta historia, no me agradó Jack del todo, estuvo bien pero tuvo momentos egoístas, de inmadurez y más llegando al final, sólo pensaba en él y no en Eden que había pasado por mucho.
Ella si me gustó no es de mis favoritas pero estuvo bien.

Lo que menos me gustó de este libro es el reencuentro con sus hermanos tenía 20 años fuera y fue tan frío y contado desde el punto de vista de ella.
Yo esperaba algo más memorable, emotivo pero fue meh y lo peor de todo es que todos tuvieron su mención y participación menos Robert que es el DUQUE y la cabeza de la familia y se suponía que ellos tenían rencillas y no fueron resueltas estoy INDIGNADA ya que Robert es mi personaje favorito.

Y para ser final de serie también quedó corto, es como si terminara un libro más.

Este libro es de mis menos favoritos de la serie, me gustó más el de Alec.

[Saly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I seem to be the in the minority with this one but the last 30% of the book spoilt it for me. I felt like hurling my Kindle. Till the first half, I was enjoying this, the heroine was plucky, brave, capable of defending herself & unique. I also liked the interactions between h/H on ship & their growing feelings. But the book stumbled when they got to land. And it stumbled horribly that made me doubt this HEA. h undergoes a complete personality transplant in London, becoming a socialite ninny more concerned about appearances. H is seeing his family again after 20 years & goes into society to please h who has lived in jungles. When he at first refuses to take her with him, she takes that as a betrayal of trust, and ices him out. He won't tell her the reason why & she rejects all his attempts to make it up to her.

The hero is feeling sexually frustrated and starts eyeing the maid, who makes a pass at him, but see our HEROIC aroused hero rejects her. When the heroine rejects him again, he talks about going to a brothel, but doesn't coz of a safety issue. What a PRINCE! H/h were both wrong. The heroine in taking her new marriage for granted & H for his lack of loyalty. Who is to say if he feels rejected by her again, he won't go out & sleep with whoever he finds? Even the end, of him saving her after she is horrible to him at a society function doesn't make up for it. Ultimately, I have found this author's work to be very uneven, some of her heroes actions are truly distasteful . The books also tend to be hyper-sexualised , but the inexperienced heroine don't even flinch or act hesitant when giving a BJ or receiving oral pleasure. I didn't buy what the author was selling here and couldn't believe in the HEA. I call this a pity when the book was so nice 1/3 rd of its portion. I am also not biting the sequel bait with new Knights introduced.

[fleurette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay but could be better.

I am not impressed with the characters' development. Eden is very inconsistent as a heroine in my opinion. There are time when she is quite smart and likeable but there are also times when she is annoyingly naïve and silly. I rolled my eyes over her actions few times. Jack is your usual alpha man with tortured past. I think I like him slightly more than Eden, but he is not a hero to remember.

The plot could be improved. The main idea is pretty fine and I like that half of the book is set on a sailing ship – refreshing variation. But the whole story is somewhat pointless. Look at Eden, she goes to London to find a patron for her father’s expeditions (at least officially) but when she is there, she does nothing like that. And I absolutely hated that strange drama between her and Jack in the second part of the story. What is that for? It’s weak and bizarre idea, just for the sake of adding more drama to the story.

I generally don’t mind the romance part in this story. There is no suspense part, but there is some action element. This one is rather okay, but could be more developed to produce some input instead of this strange situation between Eden and Jack in the second part of the book.

This is certainly not the best book I’ve ever read, but I did worse. I’m giving quite weak 3 stars.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read: 10/20/25
Setting: Regency England, Venezuela
Trope: second chances

What a wonderful conclusion to a great series! This story was about two very lonely people who finally find love with each other. The MC were unique and likeable. Jack was so strong but vulnerable at the same time. I just loved him! Brave Eden was everything he has ever dreamed about but will Jack's fear of abonment destroy their love?

Conclusion: I really enjoyed this series! I highly recommend this series

[eyes.2c · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just didn't relate to this Knight novel.

[Simply_ego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Es 4.5 pero creo que se merece 5, al menos en mi opinión.

He disfrutado mucho con estos personajes, mucho, ya que no tenía ni idea de lo que me iba a encontrar. ¿y qué me he encontrado?

Pues a una mujer Eden, tipo a lo tarzan, que ha sido educada en la selva cerca del Amazonas. No tiene ni idea de las normal sociales de Londres, ni de los bailes, ni de las relaciones en si misma. Pero anela con todas su fuerzas poder vivir algo normal, ser alguien normal de la sociedad Inglesa (con todas sus tonterías). Una mujer muy inteligente, valiente (pero en plan te corto el cuello con un machete), intrépida, y muy muy apasionada. Tiene tanta necesidad de querer y ser querida. Aunque tiene un padre que la quiere, la verdad que el pobre padre es poquito desastre.

Por otro lado, tenemos a Jack (estoy buscando a Jack,mmmm), que por supuesto es un pedazo de tío de 1,90, ojos color azul, pelo moreno, y todo lo que te puedas imaginar y más. Pero además el pobre mío tiene un mal muy grande, que su familia y la sociedad lo margino por ser un bastardo (¿perdona? y los demás hijos no lo eran?). Lo repudiaron y el salio escaldado, cabreado y hasta los mismisimos. Abandonó todo y se hizo así mismo, multimillonario para restregarles a todos su poderío. Pero claro, aquí lo que realmente cuenta es que lo que necesita es "lo que necesitas es amor, uhuhuuuu". Pues si, el pobre solamente quiere que le acepten y le quieran por lo que es él, un hombre sin más.

Y que sucede con estos dos personajes, pues que se enamoran casi desde el primer momento. Saltan chispas en plan 4 de julio y Las fallas. Andan todo el rato calentando el ambiente. Pero además se respetan y se admiran con la misma intensidad con la que se aman. Aquí el problema surge cuando van a la sociedad londinense, y aparecen los viejos miedos de Jack y las necesidades de ser parte de algo por parte de Eden. Aquí, he estado más en el bando de Jack, ya que Eden en algún momentito me ha parecido demasiado superficial, y parecía otra persona completamente diferente. Pero como las personas tan geniales que son los dos, lo hablan, lo piensan, se perdonan y otra vez al lío (ejemm).

Tengo que decir una cosilla que no me ha gustado para nada, bueno alguna más, pero en este caso no me ha gustado nada que trataran los hermanos Knight a Jack tan despectivamente, un poco hipócritas pero bueno. No quiero spoliar, pero solo decir que esa parte me ha parecido odiosa, horrible, deficiente y que odio que los hermanos no hablen entre ellos. No hay relación de familia con charlas, abrazos, besos, lloros.

Ahora leeré a los primos, que ya me ha puesto los dientes largos

[Dee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't believe that I have come to the end of the series *gasp*....I have loved each and every one of these books and will miss the Knight siblings and partners.

Am now interested in reading the Spice Trilogy as they tell the stories of the Knight cousins who are Captain Arthur's children.

Full review to follow

[Julianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for THC Reviews
His Wicked Kiss was a generally enjoyable book that was a pretty good wrap-up to the Knight Miscellany series. It begins in the jungles of Venezuela which was a rather unique setting for a romance novel, then continued with some high-seas adventure and a quick trip to Ireland, before settling into the usual glitz and glitter of the Regency ton. There are a lot of Gaelen Foley's trademarks present here. She always seems to have a knack for drawing me into the story and making me feel like I'm really there watching events unfold. Her descriptions of the jungle, Jack's ship, and all the little historical details really helped to set the atmosphere. There's lots of action and adventure which Ms. Foley consistently renders in such a way that it feels like a movie playing in my mind's eye. As usual, the love scenes are limited, but those that are present are thoroughly scrumptious and sensual. Eden's deflowering was one long, sexy scene in particular which was quite memorable and really spiced things up. There were a few parts of the story which moved a bit slowly for me, but for the most part, Ms. Foley keeps the pacing going at a pretty good clip, which prevents this 400+ page book from feeling as long as it is. In fact, as I got closer and closer to the ending, I was beginning to wonder how she was going to wrap things up in a satisfactory manner, but somehow she managed to pull it off. All this said though, His Wicked Kiss still ended up probably being my least favorite of the Knight Miscellany series, mainly because in my opinion, the author's characterizations weren't quite up to her usual high standards which left the whole story feeling a bit off kilter for me.

Right from the start of the series, Jack has been an enigma. He was often mentioned in previous books, but never put in an appearance. That's because he's been in a self-imposed exile for twenty years and basically refuses to come home to his family in England. Instead he's been sailing the high seas, making a name for himself both as a captain and as a businessman. Now a feisty stowaway and a secret mission have him reluctantly heading back to the place he despises most. Jack was a very hard man for me to figure out. We never really know why he has stayed away from his family for so long until this book, but I can't say that his reasons really resonated with me. The book began with him showing shades of a deeply tortured hero, but I don't think that promise in his character was fully realized. I couldn't quite figure out why he felt he had been treated so much more badly in his childhood than his other three illegitimate brothers. I fully understood all of them in their own stories, but Jack, at times, came off as a man who had a chip on his shoulder and was simply angry with the entire world. He also seemed to feel the need to sometimes flaunt his “bad boy” persona, which I think only alienated people further. Oftentimes, it was him who was pushing them away, even though he claimed it was the other way around, and if Eden hadn't been there to smooth things over with his family, he probably would have been temperamental with them too, even though they were nothing but nice in welcoming him back into the fold. In these moments, it seemed like he was acting a bit childish and just needed to get over it. Maybe if the author had given more specific examples of the things he had endured, rather than just saying that everybody rejected him, I would have been more sympathetic, but as written, I just couldn't quite see how things were so horrible for him and why he didn't trust anyone. That's not to say that I didn't like him at all, because there were times when he could be quite appealing. It just wasn't in the moments that I described above.

Eden was a young woman with a dichotomous personality as well. She had spent half her life in the jungle with her doctor/naturalist father, and as such, she was quite well-trained in survival skills. She also could be quite daring (She stowed away on Jack's ship in an attempt to return to England and prevent her father from going on a potentially suicidal scientific mission into the Amazonian interior.), and quite feisty (She stood up to Jack's sailors when she was found and wasn't afraid to give Jack a piece of her mind on a number of occasions.). She was a bit of a geek as well, having extensive scientific and medical knowledge of jungle plants. On the one hand, she was something of a female Tarzan, but on the other, she was a little obsessed with her fairy tale fantasies of life back in England. She devoured the fashion magazines that her cousin sent even though they were a year old by the time she received them, and was constantly daydreaming about her Prince Charming and attending balls. She realizes pretty quickly that she's apparently more attracted to the “bad boy” type than the city dandy when Jack makes her all hot and bothered right from the start. Eden was also quite gentle and patient with Jack, seeming to understand him better than he understood himself. In fact, she was more patient with him than I probably could have been, although she did have her limits and gave him the cold shoulder when he made a dumb move even though he reversed course later. Ultimately, I felt like she gave into his whims a little too easily though, considering that in my opinion, he was being rather irrational. Overall, I guess she was a fairly likable heroine, just not one that I connected with on a really deep level.

Perhaps because I didn't fully connect with the hero and heroine themselves, their relationship wasn't quite perfect for me either. Jack does a bit of ping-ponging, beginning the story as something of an arrogant cad who exhibits his “pirate-ness” by simply taking what he wants. The bathing scene after Jack discovers Eden stowed away on his ship would have been extremely sexy if it hadn't also been skating perilously close to that big no-no for me – forced seduction. Not only did it have that old-school feel to me because of Jack's ungentlemanly behavior, but also because Eden, who was initially pretty embarrassed and intimidated, suddenly started eating it up. His actions are explained later when Eden figured out what his game was, but it still didn't quite work for me. From there until near the end of the book, Jack became a near-perfect lover and husband, never forcing Eden even when she was angry with him and denying him her bed, and always being gentle, loving and passionate. He was also very courageous and heroic in saving Eden's life more than once. Then, in a fit of jealously, he turned into a bit of a brute again, doing something totally scandalous in public and then essentially blaming Eden for it instead of owning his own feelings. I can't say that I was entirely sure why they fell in love either, because initially their interactions seemed like mere lust, but I will concede that after they married, Jack and Eden seemed more like a loving newlywed couple. Ultimately, I may not have always respected or understood their actions, but they were still far more likable than some romance couples I've read.

His Wicked Kiss has a number of secondary characters and does reunite the entire Knight clan although not all of them have their own lines. It also introduces their Uncle Arthur, a sea captain like Jack. Readers will get a bit of background on his three children and another mention of Knight family friend Ian Prescott (first introduced in Lady of Desire), all of whom are a part of the spin-off Spice Trilogy. There are a number of other stand-outs, from Jack's loyal crew who are something of a family to him, to Eden's father who is also hiding away from the world just like Jack. I don't think I'm giving away too much here by saying so, because it was pretty obvious from the outset of the story that he was being set up as the villain, but I just didn't find Connor to be a very compelling bad guy. In the previous books of the series, the ne'er-do-wells really came alive for me, but aside from the very end, Connor never jumped off the page as truly frightening or evil. His villainy was played as some sort of mental madness that had very little rhyme or reason except that he had somehow become obsessed with Eden. Much like the hero and heroine, he too, in my opinion, was lacking in his characterization.

While I would definitely say that some of the characters in His Wicked Kiss needed more depth for me to fully appreciate them, it wasn't really a bad book overall. I may have spent some time questioning certain parts, but there were at least an equal number of passages that were quite enjoyable to read. Gaelen Foley has a lovely writing style that quite simply makes for pleasurable reading. That alone tends to mask some of the other story weaknesses. His Wicked Kiss is the seventh and final novel in the Knight Miscellany series, and although it wasn't the best book, it was still an agreeable story. I'm now looking forward to learning more about those Knight cousins from India (The Spice Trilogy) to see if they can live up to the “wicked” reputation set by their London relatives.;-)

[Kimberly Carrington-Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nuestra reseña en A la cama con... un libro

[daemyra, the realm's delight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t want the Knight Miscellany series to end 😭

His Wicked Kiss was so good and this book was just what I needed to relax with. Such a proper send-off to one of my most favourite series, and one of my favourite concepts for a historical romance series.

His Wicked Kiss is Jack's story - the black sheep of the Knight family. Jack is simply amazing, his childhood woes was reminiscent to Billy Blade, and there were a few moments I felt so deeply for Jack's hurts. Meanwhile Edie, AKA, Eden, is simply THE BEST. I love her so much. Edie has that perfect blend of practicality and passion I enjoy in bluestocking oddballs. She is open and completely herself. I loved it when she was cutting the pineapple with the machete, throwing the machete into the mast, or marvelling over the epiphytes. The reader falls in love with Edie and is cheering for her.

And it's simply Fireworks when Jack and Edie come together. When they meet together in the river - that is, like, honestly, a scene that reminds me of the carte blanche scene in The Duke. It's so cinematic. Loved it. Oh and their banter. They were so cute when they were playfully flirty with each other!

Here's my ranking on the series, inspired by another reviewer:

Favourite Books

1. Lady of Desire/Devil Takes A Bride/The Duke/His Wicked Kiss
Loved all of them from beginning to end.
2. One Night of Sin
I always forget I like this story but it's actually really good.
3. Lord of Ice
Promising beginning but doesn't go anywhere interesting.
4. Lord of Fire
Not worth paying the money or spending your time on.

Favourite Heroes

1. Billy Blade
Billy is so feisty but I also just want to give him a hug. I felt SO much for Billy.
2. Devlin Kimball
Devlin is simply dev-ine! Absolutely no mind games with Lizzie. When he thrusts an empty champagne flute into Lady Campion's hand, I was a goner.
3.Hawk Knight
That carte blanche scene.
4. Jack Knight
He's considered the loner but he's actually the charming one. So flirty and fun.
5. Alec Knight
Interesting and funny at times, but has some growing up to do.
6. Lucien/Damien
ZzzzzzZzzz

Favourite Heroines

1. "Edie" Eden Farraday/Jacinda Knight
They kick ass. Edie is a delight and Jacinda with her gun - YES.
2. Lizzie Carlisle
Do not expect a mousy lady's companion. She tells it to Devlin. I loved her perspective about her crush on Alec, and how that changed her. This is also the one time when an innocent, darling heroine works for me. I found her so sweet because she was open about affection and warmth - emotionally and physically.
3. Becky Ward
Same vibes to Lizzie - she stands her ground.
4. Miranda FitzHubert/Alice Montague

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the premise for this one - the lonely, spirited heroine, shoved off to some jungle with her selfish father absorbed in his work. She is desperate to get out and having spent most of her spare time dreaming about an idealized vision of London Society, just can't wait to get there. Her "saviour" is extremely jealous, likes using his fists to sort things out, has a boatload of personal issues, including a deep dislike of Society, as well as a need for a wife, and is used to being the undisputed captain. The maritime setting made for a great change of pace, but I particularly liked the character development. There are silly misunderstandings, tempers, the hero is an idiot quite often, and the heroine keeps forgetting that her barbarian hero, actually has rather fragile self-esteem. It's the inadequacies of the protagonists that I really like this one for - they are not perfect, but for all that, they are perfect for each other and know it, when they are not arguing. That and the naval setting, which I always love.

[Andrea AKA Catsos Person · Rating 5 out of 5]

12/17/2021 Update: I wrote this lengthy “commentary” when I was very new to Goodreads. My comments are replete with spoilers and contain a lot of information that I feel will ruin the surprise if reading the book. I DO NOT RECCO that anyone read what I have said below who is contemplating a read of this book. I really did enjoy reading this book and still recommend it, just don’t read this mess of a “review,” because reading it would ruin the book.

Cheers 🥂!

—Andrea CP

5+++++++++ Historical/Regency Romance


A gauge of how much I like a book (romance) is whether or not I will reread it. My modus operandi is return to a book again and again if I really, really love it. I really, really love this book. It is a great finale to the series. Here are some of the reasons why this book will make its way into my "love enough to reread" pile:

1) This regency romance got off to a great and compelling start by opening with the heroine, Eden Farrady in a jungle setting in South America with her botanist father away from the usual setting of Almack's or some such, to meeting the H, Lord Jack Knight in the jungle while sitting in the top of a tree. (To say nothing of the delicious image of the Eden swinging from a vine to get out of the tree within moments of meeting drool-worthy Jack!)

2) Readers get more detail about what it was like for the 4 Knight bros. to be the illegitimate offspring of the "frail vessel" and notorious 8th duchess of Hawkescliffe, Georgianna Knight.

3) Readers learn the heartbreaking way that the boys all find out that they are "bastards." In the case of Jack, this all particularly tugs on the heart strings, since he was the first of his mother's children from outside of her marriage and had it tougher since he was the first.

4) We learn why the H was the brother MIA or living under a self imposed exile and shunned his 5 siblings and England.

5) Appearances of some of the
h /H from the previous books, particularly of Billy, the H from Lady of Desire. (IMHO he is the greatest H in historical romance literature and I am madly in love with him!!) I tremendously loved the parts of the book with my beloved Billy in them. He appears in chapters 7; 14-16.

6) The subplot with her scientist father's crazy assistant was good. He was a good villain.

7) Last but not least, This title is a steamy read.

I got a little bored of the sea voyage to from So Am to The UK . However, in the author's defense, this voyage gave the h/H time to fall in love, so this was necessary. Also,
I did not care about one of the subplots that involved the H supporting a rebellion in So Am against Spanish domination and oppression. The subplot of the H in The Devil Takes a Bride trying to find out the truth of his parent's deaths was more compelling as well as the subplot in One Night of Sin where the H tries to save the h's home and protect her from the crazy Russian.

Now for a rant:
Here is something that really got on my nerves, and it is a recurring pet peeve (a big one). It is when the author of a romance, probably at the behest of the editor, to dumb down the part of a book by incorrectly making reference to a person of the British nobility. A case in point is My beloved Billy was repeatedly and incorrectly referred to as "Rackford in this book. In Billy's book, Lady of Desire, Billy was the Earl of Rackford. However, at the end of LoD, Billy's father, the Marquess of Truro and St Austell dies making Billy the new Marquess of Truro! He is referred to as "Rackford " in His Wicked Kiss. Since Billy is now the Marquess and by this book, had A son, that son is the Earl of Rackford! This repeated mishandling of titles by multiple authors of historical romances that include characters who are British peers is insulting. The implication is the Americans are too stupid to understand or not be confused by British titles of nobility. Now I will climb down off of my soapbox.

This was a good read and I liked this series (Knight Miscellany). The start of the book in the jungles of So Am was a refreshing alternative to the usual setting of England. (However, since I am an Anglophile, I can't get enough of England .) So I recommend this book. It is a great end to the series.

P.S. Here are my end of series rankings:

A. Books in of the Series:


1) The Duke: Bel was the most compelling heroine of the series. Her heart-breaking back story on how she ended up in a house of ill repute was very compelling. This is the first romance I've ever read here the H finds the h in a whore house. However, this is not new romance trope.

2) Lady of Desire : The H in this story was awesome. Of all of the H's in this series, his was the greatest. IMHO Billy Blade is the greatest H in historical romance lit. The h in this book was Knight sister Lady Jacinda, but Billy was its star.

3) The Devil Takes a Wife and One Night of Sin--a Tie: while I was disappointed over the break between Lizzie and Alec in LoD, GF more than makes up for it in these two books. Each had really awesome subplots. In DTaW, I liked that a swashbuckling dude/bad boy with an earring has such good taste to fall in love with the lovable bluestocking, Lizzie. In addition, Alec, who was such a cad in LoD to Lizzie, and seems pretty shallow, gets to show what he is really made and be a hero to a woman in his book ONoS. He really redeems himself. I gave him a second chance.

4) His Wicked Kiss: See the reasons above (esp Eden, the h swinging from a vine in the jungle within moments of meeting the H, Jack while sitting in a tree!)

5) Lord of Fire and Lord of Ice--another tie (I know, very lame, but I could not decide) This is very difficult. I liked Lucien, H from LoF, but I hated the h, Alice. However, the subplot in Lucien 's book, of the spies and intrigue was so strong, that it made the book a page turner! However, in LoI, I liked both Damien and Miranda, but the subplot , while good, I can't help but compare to that of LoF since the Hs of these two titles are twins and the spies and foreign villainous spies win over a homicidal maniac.

[Ana María · Rating 3 out of 5]

Como me suele pasar con las novelas de Foley, un sube y baja.
Por momentos maravillosa, por momentos aburrida. Por momentos impactante, por momentos infantil.
Un comienzo pum pum para arriba, después medio aburridón.
La conducta en el barco, medio infantiloide o prejuiciosa.
Las escenas de acción, buenísimas.
Las sensuales muy bien, aunque algunas a destiempo.
Los problemas de pareja, algunos correctos, otros medio border.
Demasiadas repeticiones para mi gusto.
También, para mi gusto, demasiada diferencia de edad (él 37 y ella 23). (No me digan que para la época estaba bien, porque ya lo sé, solo que desde que pasé los cuarenta, hace tiempo, no me gusta, ja ja). Tendría que haber sido más pareja sobre todo porque, ambos, tienen conductas muy adultas y valerosas y otras totalmente infantiles e inmaduras.
Ahora ¿me pueden explicar cómo esta chica Eden sabe bailar si desde los 11 años vive en la selva? ¿Aprendió con las revistas?

pd: ¡qué ingleses buenos! siempre pensando en la libertad de los pueblos. ¡Qué hubiera sido si España no hubiese mantenido el monopolio y se hubiera abierto al libre comercio!

[Elia · Rating 4 out of 5]

De las mejores de la serie. Me ha gustado mucho. Eden es muy buena protagonista y Jack es maravilloso. Es verdad que en algunas ocasiones no estaba de acuerdo con su forma de actuar, pero en general me han gustado mucho los dos. Los varones Knight están muy necesitados de cariño y Jack no iba a ser menos. Seguiré con sus primos a ver qué tal.

[J. Monroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This should be a 4 1/2 star review as I was a tad, a smidge disappointed with the somewhat rushed ending but I cannot thank my good friend ATron enough for turning me on to this author (and sending me her well loved books!! ;D) It was another excellent read.

I am a little saddened that this journey of the Knight Miscellany is over. I was captivated by the entire family and agree with some that Lucien Knight (Lord of Fire) was the best one written. He's my favorite brother, hero and overall book.

His Wicked Kiss is a great tale with a feisty if not a tad annoying heroine Eden Faraday and a hard and to-die-for hero Black-Jack Knight. He was exactly how I expected him to be after reading 6 books with the whisper of him through-out as the "black-sheep" of the family talk over him. He melted well, meaning when love finally found him and he let it in...He surrendered fiercely and without abandon. He’s sexy and commanding, never letting anyone in until he meets Eden in the treetops of the jungle canopy, sealing their fate. I think this book was spicier and heavier in the sexy department, which I don’t mind as it went with the story and characters.

I'm excited that she extended this tale a bit by brining on cousins of the Knight's in the next little trio of books - the Spice Trilogy!

[Sherri · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book started with a bang. The hero and heroine were enigmatic and intriguing and seemed to be on course to having a great story. Unfortunately everything seemed to fizzle out a little in the middle. The mental/emotional drama seemed forced and did not seem to have sufficent background for either character. Overall the story was sweet and did provide a quasi-ending for the Knight heroes, but it was not my favorite of the series. I do have the Spice Trilogy still to read, which is supposed to continue the Knight legacy, but after this story, I think I need a break.

[Colette · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of the book was fabulous. The middle of the book was much too long and almost did me in. The ending made up for the middle and did a lot for redeeming this book for me. I didn't realize until I finished the book that this was the last book in a series, so it made sense as to why there were so many characters from other books featured and other story lines going on at the same time.

[lorii (Loriidae) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing end to a very hit and miss series.

[Becca Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gaelen Foley is one of the first ever historical romance authors I read. It’s been years since I’ve read any of the Knight books and I was getting bored so decided to revisit. I can’t actually remember if I ever read this one first time round. This however did not disappoint, the setting is so rich and vibrant, I love how GF spans oceans and describes tropical climes, the books cover although beautiful does it no justice.

I had also forgotten how well she writes an arrogant but devoted hero with enough steam to be interesting but not too smutty. Ughh I just love her.

There are some cons if I was being totally honest I’d say this is 4.5 stars rounded because she does go heavy on description sometimes and deep into politics that I skim a little. Some of the angst between the characters at the end was a bit much but generally I LOVED both characters. Eden and jack are *chefs kiss*

[Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am sad to say goodbye to this series but what a great way to end it! This novel is like a historical romance mix between Tarzan and Beauty and the Beast. Really enjoyed reading this series and seeing what happened with the Knight Family.

[ByMamis · Rating 3 out of 5]

No he llegado a conectar con la historia 😬 como con las otras o puede que no haya estado muy concentrada en la lectura. La trama no la he visto tan interesante como las demás. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where is Gaelen Foley and can she please write more books because these books are the best most delicious regency romance I have EVER READ

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
No one had ever loved him before, not like this, and he simply dreaded doing or saying one wrong thing that would take her love away from him. It was more precious to him than gold, but it felt as fragile as a flower.

I LOVED Eden and Jack so much. As characters, and as a couple. Eden was always going to be a very different, interesting heroine because of her upbringing in the jungles of South America. She does dream of England and London Society and balls and gowns and all, but she can't help that fiercely independent, quick-thinking and hardiness that allowed her to survive the jungle for 12 years. I liked that she fit into London really well too, because it showed us how much Jack was the one with issues, not being able to forgive and make a new start in the world he left behind. And that he needed to make that change for the sake of Eden. Granted, Jack holds on to the grudge that he was cast out of London society for being a bastard.

Jack is a super charismatic character. He's not charming in the way Lucien and Alec are, but he has a magnetism that makes his character so exciting to read about. He's a self made man, and a seaman too, which also sets him apart from the other Knight brothers, who move around in different circles. Naturally, because he has been away at sea and from society from so long he's a little wild, which is always very attractive. He has issues also from feeling unloved and unwanted. Robert had the previous Duke (and everyone's) love, Alec had their mother and the twins had their real father. Everyone probably loved Jacinda. So Jack has had no one. Plus he was also rejected by his first love.

Eden stows away on Jack's ship, determined to return to England after being faced with more years in the South American jungles with no one but her father and a overly possessive Australian. They fall in love pretty quickly on the ship and get married. Now here I was like HMM IS THIS TOO RUSHED. But ah, what Gaelen wanted to explore was them as a married couple, and I LOVED her for that! Jack and Eden have a lot of issues to work through as a married couple. Jack doesn't trust Eden to be strong enough to go with him on all his dangerous journeys, Eden doesn't trust Jack for wanting to leave her behind and going off on his own. And then they also don't trust the extent of their love for each other because of all their other issues. I loved that the book explored how complicated and ugly relationships can be, and that love and relationships have to be worked on to maintain the love you initially found.

I'm also glad we got to check in with the magnificent Knight clan (albeit briefly) again. Jack's interaction with his niece Pippa melted my heart.

The Knight Miscellany series has been MAGNIFICENT, ENGROSSING AND EMOTIONAL AND STEAMY AND INTENSE, and it's now my new favorite HR series. My favorite books in order: Robert > Alec / Jack / Jacinda > Lucien > Lizzie > Damien

[Shauni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forget all the rest, I am seriously having a Jack attack!! In Book 7 of the Knight Miscellany I fell in love all over again. We are taken out of the drawing room and into the Amazon. No longer is it just regular battles and backstabbing nope, we get to see the world. Ms Foley takes us on an adventure sharing bits of our world history outside of England at that time and reminding us that there were always those who walked their own paths.

Eden Farraday is desperate to get out of the rain forest. She dreams of actually going to a ball, wearing a stylish gown and being swept off her feet. Instead she is forced to remain with her father and his bats*#t crazy partner. She is the only voice of reason and reason tells her it's time to get out. When a passing ship contains the ever so smexy Captain Jack she finds her way out.. Too bad she didn't let anyone know.

Jack Knight, second oldest of the Knight brothers and the one who suffered the most for being so. As often as possible he took the brunt of the punishments to save his siblings.. accepting it as his due, but when the "love of his young life" rejected him for a more suitable suitor he turned his back on merry old England. Years of adventure have brought him to the Caribbean where he runs a large shipping company. He also is helping out the local rebels on the sly.. It was a trip into the interior to discuss weapons and men that helped him find his way to Eden's door (so to speak)

Jack doesn't understand why Eden is so fascinated with England. He feels that country is full of soulless people who would only hurt her. But when she manages to stow away on his ship he is determined to protect her, at all cost. Little did he realize that he would fall in love in the process. What he doesn't realize until it was almost too late is that Eden understands that the glamour is just that.. that there is more to life than just parties and balls. She just wants to experience them for a little while.

Together Jack and Eden have to maneuver the pitfalls of society, her family, her insane former suitor and oh yes Spanish spies.. Through it all they have to learn how to cling to each other. This book was a great ending to the Knight Miscellany Series.. and in true series fashion, it introduces us to the next Knights that are featured in the Spice Trilogy..

As I have said all along.. read this series it is well worth your time and Gaelen Foley is brilliant with her edgy, charismatic characters.

Shauni


For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting. The beginning was especially fun. The way Jack met Eden was thoroughly charming. It was no wonder he was swept away.

But then things changed a little. It seemed like maybe Jack was the Knight brother who was scarred the most. And I had a hard time with how he expressed himself sometimes. I'm talking about the scene when he ruined Eden's first big society ball. He kissed her to make his ex jealous and embarrassed her in front of everyone. I understood why he was mad. It seemed like she WAS choosing the ton over him, but once they were alone he was SOOOOO cruel!! He had treated her like a thing, showing her off to his ex like he wanted to prove that he had the better toy. Then he basically said he was leaving her and when he came back he was taking their child away from her! He came to his senses later, but the fact that he would even threaten that, even if it was just the anger talking, appalled me. I didn't think any of the Knight clan were capable of being that cruel. They had a few misunderstandings between them. They fought and hurt each other when all they really needed to do was TALK to each other. It seemed like the couples in earlier installments of this series were a lot better at talking through their problems.

But alas, they both realized their mistakes and he was there for her when she really needed him. I was very pleased with the ending and extremely happy with the series overall. I would recommend it to anyone. Each book could be read as a stand alone, but I enjoyed reading them in order.

[Keri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read. Lord Jack was sinful and he knows it. So when sweet and innocent Eden asks him for a ride back to England, he knows it is in her best interest for him to say no. Eden though is determined to get back to England no matter what. So when she stows away on Jack's ship, the sparks really fly. We didn't really know much about Jack from the other books, so he is a dark horse coming into the story. It was an emotional one at times and I felt for him throughout the book. Eden was good for him and at times acted the mature of the two. I hate to see the series end and am glad at least we get the Spice trilogy to continue with another family of Knights. I just wasn't ready for it to be over and wanted to spend more time with Jack and Eden in there tropical home. *sigh*

[Shaebay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a lot different than the other books in the series because the characters came from such a different part of the world. After they moved to London I wanted to shake Eden to life and not have her be so terrible to Jack.