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MacLachlan Family & Friends #9
In Love With a Wicked Man
New York Times bestselling author Liz Carlyle has created a breathtaking new romance about a man without scruples and the lady who brings him to his knees.What does it matter if Kate, Lady d'Allenay, has absolutely no marriage prospects? She has a castle to tend, an estate to run, and a sister to watch over, which means she is never, ever reckless. Until an accident brings a handsome, virile stranger to Bellecombe Castle, and Kate finds herself tempted to surrender to her houseguest's wicked kisses.Disowned by his aristocratic family, Lord Edward Quartermaine has turned his gifted mind to ruthless survival. Feared and vilified as proprietor of London's most notorious gaming salon, he now struggles to regain his memory, certain of only one he wants all Kate is offering—and more.But when Edward's memory returns, he and Kate realize how much they have wagered on a scandalous passion that could be her ruin, but perhaps his salvation.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 29, 2013
100 people are currently reading
1152 people want to read
About the author
Liz Carlyle
46 books846 followersDear Readers,
The awful truth about novelists is that we are mostly dull, introverted homebodies who only write in order to live our fantasies vicariously. I came to writing rather late in life, and I’m still amazed I can get paid for doing something I love, and that I get to stay home while I do it.
My favorite comedian Steve Martin once said, "I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art. But if you set out to make art, you’re an idiot." I have never tried to create art, but I do try to tell one heck of a good story. Yes, I try to write with a hot iron, while the heat of the story is in me. And I try, always, to entertain my readers.
Regards,
Liz
The awful truth about novelists is that we are mostly dull, introverted homebodies who only write in order to live our fantasies vicariously. I came to writing rather late in life, and I’m still amazed I can get paid for doing something I love, and that I get to stay home while I do it.
My favorite comedian Steve Martin once said, "I believe entertainment can aspire to be art, and can become art. But if you set out to make art, you’re an idiot." I have never tried to create art, but I do try to tell one heck of a good story. Yes, I try to write with a hot iron, while the heat of the story is in me. And I try, always, to entertain my readers.
Regards,
Liz
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November 9, 2023DNF at 24% No rating as I didn't read at least 50%.
I think I might try and go back and read the book myself because the audio is boring af. I couldn't get into it at all and I swear it was going to put me to sleep. I can't even tell you what the book was about again because the audio was so damn boring. So I may try again in book form to be fair, because the book has nothing to do with the dislike of the narration
I think I might try and go back and read the book myself because the audio is boring af. I couldn't get into it at all and I swear it was going to put me to sleep. I can't even tell you what the book was about again because the audio was so damn boring. So I may try again in book form to be fair, because the book has nothing to do with the dislike of the narration
October 14, 2013
Poignant, Clever, Romantic and Sexy!
In Love with a Wicked Man is a wonderful story, and Liz Carlyle takes us deep into the hearts and souls of Kate and Edward, leaving us no choice but to fall madly in love with them.
From the Cover:
What does it matter if Kate, Lady d'Allenay, has absolutely no marriage prospects? She has a castle to tend, an estate to run, and a sister to watch over, which means she is never, ever reckless. Until an accident brings a handsome, virile stranger to Bellecombe Castle, and Kate finds herself tempted to surrender to her houseguest's wicked kisses.My Review:
Disowned by his aristocratic family, Lord Edward Quartermaine has turned his gifted mind to ruthless survival. Feared and vilified as proprietor of London's most notorious gaming salon, he now struggles to regain his memory, certain of only one thing: he wants all Kate is offering—and more.
But when Edward's memory returns, he and Kate realize how much they have wagered on a scandalous passion that could be her ruin, but perhaps his salvation.
I tend to avoid “amnesia” story-lines because, more often than not, they all feel the same to me. I mean, let's be real; there are only so many ways to lose one’s memory, and only so many ways to make regaining it and the aftermath of having lost it in the first place, unique. That said, I really did enjoy the way Ms. Carlyle tells this tale. There’s a level of passion and poignancy that makes this story something that, once I started, I couldn’t put down.
Kate and Edward are wonderful together. The chemistry that draws them to one another in a sensual way was both fun and breathtaking to watch. Their passion is intense, but I have to admit, there were a few times I wish they’d cut the romantic chatter and get down to the business of getting down to business, if you know what I mean. *wink, wink*
The Bottom Line:
In Love with a Wicked Man has everything I hope for in my historical romance reads; amazing characters, passion, romance, and an intriguing story. ... all the things that make a book more than a romance novel, but a beautiful love story with a happily ever after
Note: This is review is based on reading from the manuscript. The actual published story might be slightly changed from the version I read.
My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of In Love with a Wicked Man in exchange for my honest review.
January 10, 2025
It ended very well, as Liz Carlyle books usually do. She is an expert at wrapping up loose ends and tying everything up with a pretty bow. The beginning was very strong too, although I’m not a fan of amnesia. In this case it was at least realistically written and fairly brief.
The middle section of the book, after Edward’s memory returned and Kate’s mother descended upon the house with her horde of disreputable friends, revolved around questionable logic and endless repetition and was not a joy to read. WHY would Kate’s mother drag Kate’s loathesome ex-fiancé into her home? WHY would Kate welcome him? WHY would she allow him to continue to stay after the ugly scene in the churchyard? WHY did Kate’s mother present herself as a ne’er-do-well airhead when she wasn’t? WHY would Aurélia and Anstruther waste twenty years and HOW did they manage to do it? WHY DID EVERY SINGLE PERSON DO EVERY SINGLE THING THE HARD WAY??!!
Because the author said so, that’s why. And that’s not a good enough reason.
And (groan) the repetition. How many times and in how many ways can two people chase the same thoughts in a circle without the reader wanting to bang their heads together?
Edward: I’m a bad man. I’m notorious. I’m ruthless. I’ve ruined my life, and Kate cannot afford to associate with someone like me. I own a gaming hell. Knowing me will ruin Kate’s reputation. Knowing me will taint her family. I can never bed her again. Oops! Well, never again. Oops! I’ve made too many mistakes. I’m worthless. I should go. Kate should ask me to go. I don’t want to go but I should. And so forth.
Kate: Edward’s a bad man. He’s a social pariah. He owns a gaming hell, the lowest way to make a living. He preys upon the weak. She cannot afford to associate with him without ruining her own reputation and her family’s prospects. The impropriety! She must not let him bed her again. Oops! She has a duty to her family. But she wants a family of her own. But a family with Edward is impossible. Perhaps they can be lovers. No, they cannot be lovers. Oops! She should let him go. He has a child he ignores! How awful! He must go. And so forth.
Perhaps the worst repetition of all, from both of them, stated with utter sincerity: I wish I’d never met you.
That’s a hard thing for even a happy ending to erase.
The middle section of the book, after Edward’s memory returned and Kate’s mother descended upon the house with her horde of disreputable friends, revolved around questionable logic and endless repetition and was not a joy to read. WHY would Kate’s mother drag Kate’s loathesome ex-fiancé into her home? WHY would Kate welcome him? WHY would she allow him to continue to stay after the ugly scene in the churchyard? WHY did Kate’s mother present herself as a ne’er-do-well airhead when she wasn’t? WHY would Aurélia and Anstruther waste twenty years and HOW did they manage to do it? WHY DID EVERY SINGLE PERSON DO EVERY SINGLE THING THE HARD WAY??!!
Because the author said so, that’s why. And that’s not a good enough reason.
And (groan) the repetition. How many times and in how many ways can two people chase the same thoughts in a circle without the reader wanting to bang their heads together?
Edward: I’m a bad man. I’m notorious. I’m ruthless. I’ve ruined my life, and Kate cannot afford to associate with someone like me. I own a gaming hell. Knowing me will ruin Kate’s reputation. Knowing me will taint her family. I can never bed her again. Oops! Well, never again. Oops! I’ve made too many mistakes. I’m worthless. I should go. Kate should ask me to go. I don’t want to go but I should. And so forth.
Kate: Edward’s a bad man. He’s a social pariah. He owns a gaming hell, the lowest way to make a living. He preys upon the weak. She cannot afford to associate with him without ruining her own reputation and her family’s prospects. The impropriety! She must not let him bed her again. Oops! She has a duty to her family. But she wants a family of her own. But a family with Edward is impossible. Perhaps they can be lovers. No, they cannot be lovers. Oops! She should let him go. He has a child he ignores! How awful! He must go. And so forth.
Perhaps the worst repetition of all, from both of them, stated with utter sincerity: I wish I’d never met you.
That’s a hard thing for even a happy ending to erase.
July 25, 2016
I've given this a B+ for both content and narration at AAR, so let's call it 4.5 stars
Kate Wentworth is a rather unusual Lady in that she is a rare thing – a peeress in her own right. She is the Baroness d’Allenay, one of the few titles in England that can pass to the female line if there are no sons to inherit.
Upon the tragic death of her brother, she assumed the title and the responsibilities of the land-rich, but cash-poor Bellecombe estate. Following a short-lived engagement to an old family friend who turned out to be a womaniser and gambler, Kate retreated to Bellecombe where she has resided ever since, performing the innumerable duties demanded of the mistress of such a large property.
At twenty-eight, she has given up hope of ever marrying. It’s not that she doesn’t want to – she likes the idea of a husband and family – it’s more that she doesn’t have the time to go through another London season to find a likely prospect. She has her hands full attempting to put right the ravages wrought upon the estate by successive generations of gamblers and wastrels. Whatever time she doesn’t spent managing the land and running the house, she spends worrying about her younger sister, Nancy, who is in love with the local vicar.
After a quarrel with Nancy which sees Kate riding off hell-for-leather in a temper, she is involved in a collision with another rider – a man who is thrown from his horse and badly injured. Feeling responsible for the accident, Kate has him taken to the house and tended to.
When the man – an extremely handsome man who is obviously a gentleman – wakes up, he has no idea who he is. The only thing Kate is able to determine about him is his first name - Edward, which is engraved on the pocket watch he carries. Right from the start, Edward has the lurking suspicion he may not be the gentleman he appears, yet he has no idea why he feels that way.
Days pass and, although Edward begins to regain snippets of memory, the bulk of who and what he is continues to elude him. He likes life at Bellecombe, not because it’s luxurious – it isn’t, but because it’s honest and real … and, he is becoming deeply attracted to Kate. He likes the feeling of belonging, the warmth between Kate and her sister, despite their spats, and the respect and affection clearly existing between Kate and her servants and tenants. And he begins to think that perhaps it wouldn’t be such a bad thing if he were never to remember his previous life. He can’t shake a small, inner voice telling him he’s not a good person – but at Bellecombe he finds a freedom he doesn’t think he’s ever experienced before, a freedom to be the man he wants to be, and, most importantly, the man Kate needs him to be.
The listener is, of course, aware of Edward’s identity and knows why he has a deep-seated feeling that he may not be a good man. In London, he’s Ned Quartermaine, the proprietor of one of city’s most notorious gaming hells. He’s ruthless and calculating, and at the beginning of the story has just agreed to accept a property near Exmoor called Heatherfields as payment of the debts incurred by Lord Reginald Hoke. He literally runs into Kate while on his way to inspect the place.
I admit, I sighed heavily and rolled my eyes when I realised that was pretty much the extent of Edward’s wickedness. I’m beginning to think it’s best to ignore about 50 percent of the titles of the books I read and listen to these days, because so many are trite and completely inappropriate as a hook for the story, as is the case here. Despite his reputation for being a ruthless and cold-hearted man who has ruined countless aristocratic families, I wouldn’t describe Edward as wicked. (Okay, so he might be wicked in bed, but all the best romantic heroes are!) After all, it’s not his fault that people choose to gamble away their money, houses, and estates, and neither are the ramifications.
But back to the story. Given that Kate’s struggles with her finances stem from her intemperate predecessors who gambled away fortunes and ran the estate into the ground, to say she is not best pleased when Edward remembers his identity is an understatement. The trouble is, she’s fallen in love with him, and despite his protestations that he’s not a fit person for her to know, she won’t accept such and persists in seeing the good in him. She’s not blinded by love or infatuation – in the time they’ve spent together, Edward has shown himself to be a truly decent man and Kate’s faith in him makes him start to question himself in a way he never has.
Kate is strong and capable, but there’s a sense of real weariness about her, the feeling that occasionally, she would like there to be someone with whom she could share the burdens of the estate and her family concerns. She has devoted most of her adult life to being the Baroness d’Allenay and, with the rest of her life stretching before her looking to be spent in the same way, she determines that she isn’t going to pass up the opportunity to take comfort in the arms of a man to whom she’s deeply attracted. I liked that Kate was confident enough to go after what she wanted and mature enough to know exactly what she was asking for.
Both protagonists begin to see themselves differently as a result of their association. Kate isn’t beautiful and knows it though in Edward’s eyes she’s lovely and he makes her feel that way. He frequently refers to himself as someone with whom she shouldn’t be seen, and as a bad man but she doesn’t believe it, and her confidence in him gives him the impetus to take a good look at himself and his life and begin to see that perhaps she’s not completely wrong about him.
In Love with a Wicked Man is a lovely, romantic story and I enjoyed it very much. The amnesia storyline was handled very well and wasn’t allowed to drag on until it became unbelievable. The element of conflict between the couple which emerges late in the story was perhaps a tad unnecessary, but fortunately again, things are not allowed to fester for too long.
As well as the developing friendship and romance, there are a couple of sub-plots involving Kate’s scheming former fiancé and her seemingly ditzy mother, Aurelie. Kate isn’t looking forward to hosting a regular house-party as her mother invariably brings along a rag-tag bag of hangers-on and would-be lovers (or current and former lovers) and throws everything into uproar.
In fact, Aurelie turned out to be one of the stars of the book. Edward opines quite early on that she isn’t as much of an air-head as she seems and he turns out to be right. She’s very shrewd when she wants to be and, while she is certainly not a conventional mother, when push comes to shove, she is prepared to exert herself on behalf of both her daughters, even at the cost of her own reputation.
Carolyn Morris’ catalogue of historical romance audiobooks is growing quickly, and it’s easy to hear why. She has an attractive voice in what I’d describe as the “mezzo” register, her narration is very well paced, and her characterisations are appropriate and consistent.
All the secondary characters were distinctively and fittingly performed. She adopted a West Country drawl for the housekeeper, Mrs. Peppin, and the other servants and tenants, gave Aurelie a coquettish-sounding French accent and made Reggie sound suitably slimy and despicable by employing a thin, nasal tone. In the narrations of hers I’ve listened to so far, I’ve found that her hero voices are performed in a similar register to the heroine’s, but a change in timbre rather than pitch gives a masculine quality to Edward and means there is no confusion in conversations between him and Kate as to which of them is speaking.
The one weak spot in the audio was her performance of John Anstruther, Kate’s Scottish land-agent. Her Scottish accent was very hit and miss (mostly miss) and some of her pronunciations were really odd
Other than that, I enjoyed both the story and Ms Morris’ performance very much. With such large numbers of new narrators appearing every week, it’s always a risk when trying someone new, but having now heard several audiobooks narrated by Ms. Morris, I’m confident that I can add her to my list of narrators to trust.
Kate Wentworth is a rather unusual Lady in that she is a rare thing – a peeress in her own right. She is the Baroness d’Allenay, one of the few titles in England that can pass to the female line if there are no sons to inherit.
Upon the tragic death of her brother, she assumed the title and the responsibilities of the land-rich, but cash-poor Bellecombe estate. Following a short-lived engagement to an old family friend who turned out to be a womaniser and gambler, Kate retreated to Bellecombe where she has resided ever since, performing the innumerable duties demanded of the mistress of such a large property.
At twenty-eight, she has given up hope of ever marrying. It’s not that she doesn’t want to – she likes the idea of a husband and family – it’s more that she doesn’t have the time to go through another London season to find a likely prospect. She has her hands full attempting to put right the ravages wrought upon the estate by successive generations of gamblers and wastrels. Whatever time she doesn’t spent managing the land and running the house, she spends worrying about her younger sister, Nancy, who is in love with the local vicar.
After a quarrel with Nancy which sees Kate riding off hell-for-leather in a temper, she is involved in a collision with another rider – a man who is thrown from his horse and badly injured. Feeling responsible for the accident, Kate has him taken to the house and tended to.
When the man – an extremely handsome man who is obviously a gentleman – wakes up, he has no idea who he is. The only thing Kate is able to determine about him is his first name - Edward, which is engraved on the pocket watch he carries. Right from the start, Edward has the lurking suspicion he may not be the gentleman he appears, yet he has no idea why he feels that way.
Days pass and, although Edward begins to regain snippets of memory, the bulk of who and what he is continues to elude him. He likes life at Bellecombe, not because it’s luxurious – it isn’t, but because it’s honest and real … and, he is becoming deeply attracted to Kate. He likes the feeling of belonging, the warmth between Kate and her sister, despite their spats, and the respect and affection clearly existing between Kate and her servants and tenants. And he begins to think that perhaps it wouldn’t be such a bad thing if he were never to remember his previous life. He can’t shake a small, inner voice telling him he’s not a good person – but at Bellecombe he finds a freedom he doesn’t think he’s ever experienced before, a freedom to be the man he wants to be, and, most importantly, the man Kate needs him to be.
The listener is, of course, aware of Edward’s identity and knows why he has a deep-seated feeling that he may not be a good man. In London, he’s Ned Quartermaine, the proprietor of one of city’s most notorious gaming hells. He’s ruthless and calculating, and at the beginning of the story has just agreed to accept a property near Exmoor called Heatherfields as payment of the debts incurred by Lord Reginald Hoke. He literally runs into Kate while on his way to inspect the place.
I admit, I sighed heavily and rolled my eyes when I realised that was pretty much the extent of Edward’s wickedness. I’m beginning to think it’s best to ignore about 50 percent of the titles of the books I read and listen to these days, because so many are trite and completely inappropriate as a hook for the story, as is the case here. Despite his reputation for being a ruthless and cold-hearted man who has ruined countless aristocratic families, I wouldn’t describe Edward as wicked. (Okay, so he might be wicked in bed, but all the best romantic heroes are!) After all, it’s not his fault that people choose to gamble away their money, houses, and estates, and neither are the ramifications.
But back to the story. Given that Kate’s struggles with her finances stem from her intemperate predecessors who gambled away fortunes and ran the estate into the ground, to say she is not best pleased when Edward remembers his identity is an understatement. The trouble is, she’s fallen in love with him, and despite his protestations that he’s not a fit person for her to know, she won’t accept such and persists in seeing the good in him. She’s not blinded by love or infatuation – in the time they’ve spent together, Edward has shown himself to be a truly decent man and Kate’s faith in him makes him start to question himself in a way he never has.
Kate is strong and capable, but there’s a sense of real weariness about her, the feeling that occasionally, she would like there to be someone with whom she could share the burdens of the estate and her family concerns. She has devoted most of her adult life to being the Baroness d’Allenay and, with the rest of her life stretching before her looking to be spent in the same way, she determines that she isn’t going to pass up the opportunity to take comfort in the arms of a man to whom she’s deeply attracted. I liked that Kate was confident enough to go after what she wanted and mature enough to know exactly what she was asking for.
Both protagonists begin to see themselves differently as a result of their association. Kate isn’t beautiful and knows it though in Edward’s eyes she’s lovely and he makes her feel that way. He frequently refers to himself as someone with whom she shouldn’t be seen, and as a bad man but she doesn’t believe it, and her confidence in him gives him the impetus to take a good look at himself and his life and begin to see that perhaps she’s not completely wrong about him.
In Love with a Wicked Man is a lovely, romantic story and I enjoyed it very much. The amnesia storyline was handled very well and wasn’t allowed to drag on until it became unbelievable. The element of conflict between the couple which emerges late in the story was perhaps a tad unnecessary, but fortunately again, things are not allowed to fester for too long.
As well as the developing friendship and romance, there are a couple of sub-plots involving Kate’s scheming former fiancé and her seemingly ditzy mother, Aurelie. Kate isn’t looking forward to hosting a regular house-party as her mother invariably brings along a rag-tag bag of hangers-on and would-be lovers (or current and former lovers) and throws everything into uproar.
In fact, Aurelie turned out to be one of the stars of the book. Edward opines quite early on that she isn’t as much of an air-head as she seems and he turns out to be right. She’s very shrewd when she wants to be and, while she is certainly not a conventional mother, when push comes to shove, she is prepared to exert herself on behalf of both her daughters, even at the cost of her own reputation.
Carolyn Morris’ catalogue of historical romance audiobooks is growing quickly, and it’s easy to hear why. She has an attractive voice in what I’d describe as the “mezzo” register, her narration is very well paced, and her characterisations are appropriate and consistent.
All the secondary characters were distinctively and fittingly performed. She adopted a West Country drawl for the housekeeper, Mrs. Peppin, and the other servants and tenants, gave Aurelie a coquettish-sounding French accent and made Reggie sound suitably slimy and despicable by employing a thin, nasal tone. In the narrations of hers I’ve listened to so far, I’ve found that her hero voices are performed in a similar register to the heroine’s, but a change in timbre rather than pitch gives a masculine quality to Edward and means there is no confusion in conversations between him and Kate as to which of them is speaking.
The one weak spot in the audio was her performance of John Anstruther, Kate’s Scottish land-agent. Her Scottish accent was very hit and miss (mostly miss) and some of her pronunciations were really odd
Other than that, I enjoyed both the story and Ms Morris’ performance very much. With such large numbers of new narrators appearing every week, it’s always a risk when trying someone new, but having now heard several audiobooks narrated by Ms. Morris, I’m confident that I can add her to my list of narrators to trust.
June 18, 2023
*not a five star*
I tried to listen to this as an audiobook reread but I was so bored. I will never know why I rated this five stars. I only got 10% in until I bailed on the reread.
I tried to listen to this as an audiobook reread but I was so bored. I will never know why I rated this five stars. I only got 10% in until I bailed on the reread.
April 9, 2017
This is one of those book where I liked the secondary characters a lot better than the main characters.
I haven't read the first 8 books in this series so I don't have any context on Ned Quatermaine and how supposedly wicked he was. Because that never came through in this book. Edward was as a perfect gentleman, polite, well educated, honorable and always concerned about others. His penchant for self-flagellation on what a bad man he was and how he didn't deserve the heroine became tiresome VERY FAST. I expect a grown man to forgive himself for the mistakes of his youth, specially when they were made out of necessity or good intentions.
Kate was OK. She was a baroness in her own right so she managed the estate. That was the most remarkable thing about her.
More than anything, I liked Aurelie's antics and the whole secondary plot with Nancy, Kate's sister. I was very surprised about the business of Antruthers!
Carolyn Morris continue to delivers as the narrator. She was so good that I'll be definitely checking out her backlist.
This book can be read as a standalone. I think some people might enjoy it a lot more than I did.
I haven't read the first 8 books in this series so I don't have any context on Ned Quatermaine and how supposedly wicked he was. Because that never came through in this book. Edward was as a perfect gentleman, polite, well educated, honorable and always concerned about others. His penchant for self-flagellation on what a bad man he was and how he didn't deserve the heroine became tiresome VERY FAST. I expect a grown man to forgive himself for the mistakes of his youth, specially when they were made out of necessity or good intentions.
Kate was OK. She was a baroness in her own right so she managed the estate. That was the most remarkable thing about her.
More than anything, I liked Aurelie's antics and the whole secondary plot with Nancy, Kate's sister. I was very surprised about the business of Antruthers!
Carolyn Morris continue to delivers as the narrator. She was so good that I'll be definitely checking out her backlist.
This book can be read as a standalone. I think some people might enjoy it a lot more than I did.
December 10, 2013
I quite enjoyed this one, though it was marred a bit by those intolerable noble actions I've come to despise that crop up in most historical romances. It's all a matter of people not being together merely because they've chosen to make things complicated. It's almost as if a good portion of humanity feels the desire to punish themselves for daring to feel happy, and the entire topic depresses me. Which is, I suppose, why I at least slightly enjoy the stories with the happy ending. This one is better written than most, and I've come to the rather disturbing conclusion that Avon Books knows wtf they're doing, as I've yet to see a book from that publisher I've truly disliked.
The main characters are likable, engaging, funny, and flawed, and the peripheral characters actually take part in the story and have their own distinct personalities. The plot is interesting, and while the pace seems a bit plodding at times, there's generally enough action to hold the reader's interest. There were quite a few twists, as well, and I enjoyed that immensely. It was nice to read a romance where it wasn't just two people fretting about their incompatibility. This is one to read (or at least skim through) again.
The main characters are likable, engaging, funny, and flawed, and the peripheral characters actually take part in the story and have their own distinct personalities. The plot is interesting, and while the pace seems a bit plodding at times, there's generally enough action to hold the reader's interest. There were quite a few twists, as well, and I enjoyed that immensely. It was nice to read a romance where it wasn't just two people fretting about their incompatibility. This is one to read (or at least skim through) again.
March 15, 2016
4.5 Stars. Loved Ned and knew he was going to be a awesome story. If you haven't read LC, then this is a good book to pick up. Complete standalone from the current series. Can't wait for my next LC!
November 29, 2013
3.5 - 4 stars. A sweet historical romance.
I love a good amnesia story, and this one worked great on that count. Very romantic, just a bit slow and predictable in places.
I love a good amnesia story, and this one worked great on that count. Very romantic, just a bit slow and predictable in places.
January 3, 2014
Whee... that was fun! This book left me quite pleased, albeit a little breathless, at the end. Such a witty, wicked, sexy, and enjoyable read with a splendid HEA.
The only problem I have with the book--don’t judge me but I look at covers--is that Edward is BLONDE headed in this story, not dark brown or black like the inside cover suggests.
Ah, yes. Blonde like this gorgeous hunk of a man. This is Edward. Ladies, you can thank me later.
Now, as I was saying...
The hero and heroine are so well written. Kate and Edward have a chemistry that sizzles off the pages. Yes, the intense attraction between the couple is just buttercream icing on the cake. Chemistry and an intriguing plot, to boot!
"Kate, love, are you sure?”
She nodded, and reached for him. “Oh, Edward,” she whispered, “I am so sure.”
It was the sound of his name on her lips that nearly broke him.
“I am sure of you,” she went on. “I am sure this is right.”
God help him, but he was sure, too.
And even then, Edward knew that a part of him was holding the truth at bay. he felt in that moment as if he could have remained by her side forever, lost in the sweetness of her. Lost in the solitude of this place, and the steady warmth of Kate’s gaze.
And he knew, just as surely, that it would never be. That he was taking what he did not deserve. Tainting, perhaps, a pure innocence. And for an instant, he felt the hot press of tears behind his eyes again.
“Make love to me,” she murmured. “Pleasure me. Please.”
He hadn’t the strength to say the word that honor required. Perhaps he hadn’t any honor at all. He did not know.
“I will, love,” he assured her. “In time. But you’re the sort of woman a man should love slowly.”
Kate is written as not very pretty, or rather, just plain. I came to think of her as beautiful. Her personality shines. I loved this heroine.
Edward.... ah, dear Edward. Yes, he’s one hunky hero. I would be wicked with him any day. I adore bad boys.
There’s depth here, and Ms. Carlyle peels through the layers until we’ve unknowingly invest ourselves in the characters. I simply adore the secondary characters as well and there’s even a pug in this story. Who doesn’t love an adorable dog that brings a little laughter to the story? Loved little Filou... um, fat Filou.
But it was not just a friendship, was it? It had become far more the moment he kissed her that afternoon by her parlor window. He hadn’t even known who the hell he was, but the moment Kate had opened beneath him, sighing so sweetly into his mouth, he had known that he was lost.
He had claimed her in that moment--in his heart if not his head--and she had been his ever after. Except that he had never told her so. He had never told her that he loved her. Never confessed to her that something inside him had altered; had torn from its moorings and flown to her, and that she now held his heart, bitter and scarred as it was, in her slender but capable hands.
It was such a fun read that I zipped through it in just 2 days. Hurry, hurry, Ms. Carlyle! I’m ready for more.
“Kate, I love you so,” he said. “Do you love me?”
“Desperately, damn you,” she said impatiently. “I confessed as much some days ago.”
“I love it when you curse,” he said, the words muffled against her throat.
“I never did so before,” she said. “I wonder why the tendency has so lately come upon me?”
He laughed again, and let his lips slide down the long, pale turn of her neck. “Kate, my beautiful seductress, I will give up all my wicked ways and quit London and gaming both if--”
“Good,” she interjected. “You should. Wickedness is never rewarded, no matter what Aurelie says.”
Read this book and you’ll continue to smile to the end. ;)
The only problem I have with the book--don’t judge me but I look at covers--is that Edward is BLONDE headed in this story, not dark brown or black like the inside cover suggests.
Ah, yes. Blonde like this gorgeous hunk of a man. This is Edward. Ladies, you can thank me later.
Now, as I was saying...
The hero and heroine are so well written. Kate and Edward have a chemistry that sizzles off the pages. Yes, the intense attraction between the couple is just buttercream icing on the cake. Chemistry and an intriguing plot, to boot!
"Kate, love, are you sure?”
She nodded, and reached for him. “Oh, Edward,” she whispered, “I am so sure.”
It was the sound of his name on her lips that nearly broke him.
“I am sure of you,” she went on. “I am sure this is right.”
God help him, but he was sure, too.
And even then, Edward knew that a part of him was holding the truth at bay. he felt in that moment as if he could have remained by her side forever, lost in the sweetness of her. Lost in the solitude of this place, and the steady warmth of Kate’s gaze.
And he knew, just as surely, that it would never be. That he was taking what he did not deserve. Tainting, perhaps, a pure innocence. And for an instant, he felt the hot press of tears behind his eyes again.
“Make love to me,” she murmured. “Pleasure me. Please.”
He hadn’t the strength to say the word that honor required. Perhaps he hadn’t any honor at all. He did not know.
“I will, love,” he assured her. “In time. But you’re the sort of woman a man should love slowly.”
Kate is written as not very pretty, or rather, just plain. I came to think of her as beautiful. Her personality shines. I loved this heroine.
Edward.... ah, dear Edward. Yes, he’s one hunky hero. I would be wicked with him any day. I adore bad boys.
There’s depth here, and Ms. Carlyle peels through the layers until we’ve unknowingly invest ourselves in the characters. I simply adore the secondary characters as well and there’s even a pug in this story. Who doesn’t love an adorable dog that brings a little laughter to the story? Loved little Filou... um, fat Filou.
But it was not just a friendship, was it? It had become far more the moment he kissed her that afternoon by her parlor window. He hadn’t even known who the hell he was, but the moment Kate had opened beneath him, sighing so sweetly into his mouth, he had known that he was lost.
He had claimed her in that moment--in his heart if not his head--and she had been his ever after. Except that he had never told her so. He had never told her that he loved her. Never confessed to her that something inside him had altered; had torn from its moorings and flown to her, and that she now held his heart, bitter and scarred as it was, in her slender but capable hands.
It was such a fun read that I zipped through it in just 2 days. Hurry, hurry, Ms. Carlyle! I’m ready for more.
“Kate, I love you so,” he said. “Do you love me?”
“Desperately, damn you,” she said impatiently. “I confessed as much some days ago.”
“I love it when you curse,” he said, the words muffled against her throat.
“I never did so before,” she said. “I wonder why the tendency has so lately come upon me?”
He laughed again, and let his lips slide down the long, pale turn of her neck. “Kate, my beautiful seductress, I will give up all my wicked ways and quit London and gaming both if--”
“Good,” she interjected. “You should. Wickedness is never rewarded, no matter what Aurelie says.”
Read this book and you’ll continue to smile to the end. ;)
July 13, 2024
2023: Love it on a reread as well! Five stars totally deserved! On accident I reread it EXACTLY two years later! Same date!😂
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2021:
I loved it! The amnesia was used perfectly because it lasted just long enough to tie these two people together irrevocably. There is no way they would have met otherwise and even if they did they definitely wouldn’t have opened themselves up to a relationship!
I also adore the heroine’s mother! She flutters around like flittergibbit but is actually an extremely smart and astute person! And hilarious!
All the family members were very well characterised and I totally understood why the hero felt like he fell into the hands of a goddess of home and hearth. So different from what he would have searched out for himself or ever even thought of.
————————————
2021:
I loved it! The amnesia was used perfectly because it lasted just long enough to tie these two people together irrevocably. There is no way they would have met otherwise and even if they did they definitely wouldn’t have opened themselves up to a relationship!
I also adore the heroine’s mother! She flutters around like flittergibbit but is actually an extremely smart and astute person! And hilarious!
All the family members were very well characterised and I totally understood why the hero felt like he fell into the hands of a goddess of home and hearth. So different from what he would have searched out for himself or ever even thought of.
November 19, 2013
4/5; 4 stars A-
Although my shelves don't reflect it, in the days before Goodreads I read most of the books written by this author. I always enjoyed her style of writing a historical romance. This book reminds me again of why. There is no political intrigue, no epic quest, no dark plot. The pacing is relaxed but steady. It is just a story of basically decent people who come to love each other.
Ned Quartermaine was a character in the previous series, a rather nefarious owner of a gambling establishment. In that other story,
, the reader had glimpses of his code of honor and I was interested to see if such a fellow could be set on the right path.
None of the characters from the other series show up on this book, it is completely set away from London. Kate's family and staff are an interesting and loveable lot and filled the story with shenanigans and upheaval. More than one couple found a HEA in this book so it was extra satisfying.
Although my shelves don't reflect it, in the days before Goodreads I read most of the books written by this author. I always enjoyed her style of writing a historical romance. This book reminds me again of why. There is no political intrigue, no epic quest, no dark plot. The pacing is relaxed but steady. It is just a story of basically decent people who come to love each other.
Ned Quartermaine was a character in the previous series, a rather nefarious owner of a gambling establishment. In that other story,
, the reader had glimpses of his code of honor and I was interested to see if such a fellow could be set on the right path.None of the characters from the other series show up on this book, it is completely set away from London. Kate's family and staff are an interesting and loveable lot and filled the story with shenanigans and upheaval. More than one couple found a HEA in this book so it was extra satisfying.
June 9, 2020
I don't think I would have finished this if it wasn't for Carolyn Morris' narration. A slow and bland read with the secondary characters stealing the show. Kate was unremarkable & Edward mild if not dull. The insta love bored me and I wish there was more push and between the MCs. What most confuses me is why this book is titled In Love with a Wicked Man ? Edward was about as wicked as a puppy eating a sprinkled cupcake.
September 21, 2014
***This book was provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.***
This book made me fall in love with historical romance all over again! I forgot how simply romantic they are…how sweet and tender love scenes can be. (Though this book went the other way as well and was smokin’ hot!)
I absolutely adored Kate and Edward. I liked them separately; I liked them together. I just loved them.
It’s hard to write a good plot that includes amnesia, but I feel like this author did that. Edward’s circumstances allowed him to discover a side of himself I don’t think he realized existed. In the eyes of the ‘ton,’ Edward wasn’t a good man. I don’t think he believed he deserved goodness, either–around him or in him. And I think that’s why the plot worked so well in this book. It wasn’t just about what happened to Edward while he had amnesia; it was about what happened inside of him. I loved how much his character grew and changed throughout this story.
I thought Kate was likable, as well. She was a spinster who was content with life–or so she thought. Until Edward showed up, Kate had tricked herself into believing she had everything she wanted. She was independent and cared for everyone around her. She took care of the castle she lived in, as well as the people on her land. She was so caring and compassionate. I really did love her passion and zest for life!
The secondary characters in this book were a freaking hoot! They added so much mischief and life to the story. Kate’s mother, especially, was quite a character. And Reggie…grrrr! Reggie!
This story really was about second chances and taking hold of what life has to offer.
I recommend this book if you are looking for a love story that will touch your heart, steam up your windows, put a smile on your face, and surprise you a time or two!
This book made me fall in love with historical romance all over again! I forgot how simply romantic they are…how sweet and tender love scenes can be. (Though this book went the other way as well and was smokin’ hot!)
I absolutely adored Kate and Edward. I liked them separately; I liked them together. I just loved them.
It’s hard to write a good plot that includes amnesia, but I feel like this author did that. Edward’s circumstances allowed him to discover a side of himself I don’t think he realized existed. In the eyes of the ‘ton,’ Edward wasn’t a good man. I don’t think he believed he deserved goodness, either–around him or in him. And I think that’s why the plot worked so well in this book. It wasn’t just about what happened to Edward while he had amnesia; it was about what happened inside of him. I loved how much his character grew and changed throughout this story.
I thought Kate was likable, as well. She was a spinster who was content with life–or so she thought. Until Edward showed up, Kate had tricked herself into believing she had everything she wanted. She was independent and cared for everyone around her. She took care of the castle she lived in, as well as the people on her land. She was so caring and compassionate. I really did love her passion and zest for life!
The secondary characters in this book were a freaking hoot! They added so much mischief and life to the story. Kate’s mother, especially, was quite a character. And Reggie…grrrr! Reggie!
This story really was about second chances and taking hold of what life has to offer.
I recommend this book if you are looking for a love story that will touch your heart, steam up your windows, put a smile on your face, and surprise you a time or two!
September 8, 2013
I like Liz Carlyle’s writing and story telling and she did not disappoint me with In Love With a Wicked Man.
The Trope: Kate’s horse jumps a stone wall and causes Edward to fall and hit his head when he pulls up so they do not collide. When Edward wakes up he does not know who he is.
The Characters: Kate is the titleholder at Bellecombe Castle. She is strong, efficient, busy and never expects to marry. Edward is a second son who was turned off at a very early age. He is attracted to Kate but even though he has not memory of who he is he feels he is not worthy of her. Add to the mix the man Kate refused to marry returning, Kate’s sister, and Kate’s flighty Mother. Both the main and side characters are very well developed.
The Plot: As in most journeys to an HEA there has to be a problem. Here it is Edward’s loss of memory, Kate’s old betrothed returning to pressure her to reconsider and marry him, and Edward regaining his memory. Sub-plots include Kate’s sister’s desire to marry to local parson, and Kate’s mother’s secrets being revealed.
All of this is mixed together to make a very enjoyable read.
February 14, 2022
This was so well written, so well researched, nice pace, fantastic setting and secondary characters.
I don't know how to articulate what has happened to the historical romance genre, but I rarely can progress past a sample of anything recent, so this older book was quite a revelation (I stopped reading her books when she wrote about a kind of paranormal society, when urban paranormal fantasies were trendy around 2010 or so...). This was lovely.
But there is a but: first it is an amnesia plot. Second while the characters are sensible adults which are both kind of perfect and indulge in a lot of steamy encounters, I was not particularly interested in the (emotional) chemistry between them. Perfectly nice mature sensible adults who find each other very sensible, some social hinderances, a bad bad guy, a naughty clever mother (Aurélie was the best part of the book, though the constant french does get annoying) and that is it.
I don't know how to articulate what has happened to the historical romance genre, but I rarely can progress past a sample of anything recent, so this older book was quite a revelation (I stopped reading her books when she wrote about a kind of paranormal society, when urban paranormal fantasies were trendy around 2010 or so...). This was lovely.
But there is a but: first it is an amnesia plot. Second while the characters are sensible adults which are both kind of perfect and indulge in a lot of steamy encounters, I was not particularly interested in the (emotional) chemistry between them. Perfectly nice mature sensible adults who find each other very sensible, some social hinderances, a bad bad guy, a naughty clever mother (Aurélie was the best part of the book, though the constant french does get annoying) and that is it.
November 30, 2013
Originally published at Reading Reality
This is a wickedly delicious historical romp. It’s one of those romances where the readers get to wallow in the delightful froth of it all, but the characters never do, because it’s not really frothy. The heroine is pragmatic and even the women who seem flighty at first glance turn out to be hiding considerable brains under their curls. As they should be.
Kate is the practical and pragmatic Baroness d’Allenay, and it is she who manages the estate at Bellecombe Castle, all of the d’Allenay family holdings, and for that matter, all of the d’Allenay family.
She got the reins just in time to save the estate from the ruin left by two generations of inveterate gamblers; her father and her brother. Not that the family line isn't riddled with gambling men, but they were the most recent.
Kate is fortunate, the d’Allenay title is one that can legally pass to a female child if there are no sons. (These do exist, and have existed since at least the 14th century, according to Wikipedia) She didn’t have to marry to keep her home. On the other hand, the man she was engaged to turned out to be a womanizer and a gambler. She cried off and good riddance when she caught him in flagrante delicto.
But she’s 28 and it looks like she’s married to the estate, which is not the best way for her to ever have children. But it is the best way to protect that estate from being drained to pay off yet another wastrel’s gaming debts.
She had hoped that her younger sister, Nancy, would have a real London Season and marry both happily and well. Instead Nancy has managed to fall in love with the local vicar and doesn’t want to wait until she reaches her majority in two more years to marry the man. It’s just one argument after another.
Into this mess rides either salvation, disaster, or both. After a shouting match, Kate tears off on her horse and collides with another rider. The man takes the brunt of the accident and pitches off his horse onto the ground, hitting his head. Kate feels responsible and takes him back to Bellecombe.
Kate always feels responsible. It’s what she does. This time, it just happens to be true.
But the man wakes up with amnesia. His clothes are bespoke, and excellent Savile Row tailoring at that. His horse is well cared for. His saddlebags have the initials N.E.D stamped in them. And that’s all they know.
Until he regains his memory, the extremely handsome Mr. Edward is a guest at Bellecombe. Based on the few clues they have, everyone assumes that he must be a gentleman, even though Edward himself has the sneaking suspicion that he might not be.
But as the days slip away, Edward finds himself seduced by the life at Bellecombe. Not because of its luxury, because that’s not there. But because of its comfort and homeyness. The sense of being a welcome addition to a family.
Falling in love, as unwilling as he is to admit it, with the woman who makes it all possible; pretty and pragmatic Kate.
And then disaster strikes. Edward remembers who he is. And he is not a man that any respectable woman would welcome into her home. Least of all a woman who hates gamblers.
Escape Rating B+: In Love With a Wicked Man is simply a marvelous story that lets the reader fall in love with historical romance all over again.
Kate is a terrific heroine. The unusual amount of responsibility that she has been saddled with puts in her a unique situation and provides a reason for her to be the kind of take-charge woman that lets us identify with her. She’s no simpering miss waiting for a man to rescue her, she’s done quite nicely rescuing herself. But, her need to protect the estate has meant that she really can’t marry without finding someone who will love her for herself and will be willing to care for the estate as much as she does. It’s a difficult balance.
Yet she still has to take care of her reputation. She may be firmly on the shelf, and her title can’t be taken away, but if she causes a scandal it will affect her sister and her cousins.
While the amnesia plot has been done before (Shakespeare, anyone?), it has the effect of making Edward a blank slate, even to himself. He gets a vacation from who he used to be, and he needs one. He discovers that he rather likes being a mostly good man, albeit one who can’t resist seducing and being seduced by the lady of the house.
Their liaison feels almost safe, because neither of them knows who they ought to be. By the time they find out, it’s too late. They are past the point of no return. They both feel too much. Edward has discovered that he can’t go back to feeling nothing at all. Kate has discovered that it is wonderful to have someone to lean on, just a bit. Everyone else has always leaned on her, and Edward is the first person she’s ever had for herself.
The surprise in the story is Kate’s mother, Aurelie. Just when you think you have figured out what is going on, you discover a very large cache of hidden depths. Merveilleux!
This is a wickedly delicious historical romp. It’s one of those romances where the readers get to wallow in the delightful froth of it all, but the characters never do, because it’s not really frothy. The heroine is pragmatic and even the women who seem flighty at first glance turn out to be hiding considerable brains under their curls. As they should be.
Kate is the practical and pragmatic Baroness d’Allenay, and it is she who manages the estate at Bellecombe Castle, all of the d’Allenay family holdings, and for that matter, all of the d’Allenay family.
She got the reins just in time to save the estate from the ruin left by two generations of inveterate gamblers; her father and her brother. Not that the family line isn't riddled with gambling men, but they were the most recent.
Kate is fortunate, the d’Allenay title is one that can legally pass to a female child if there are no sons. (These do exist, and have existed since at least the 14th century, according to Wikipedia) She didn’t have to marry to keep her home. On the other hand, the man she was engaged to turned out to be a womanizer and a gambler. She cried off and good riddance when she caught him in flagrante delicto.
But she’s 28 and it looks like she’s married to the estate, which is not the best way for her to ever have children. But it is the best way to protect that estate from being drained to pay off yet another wastrel’s gaming debts.
She had hoped that her younger sister, Nancy, would have a real London Season and marry both happily and well. Instead Nancy has managed to fall in love with the local vicar and doesn’t want to wait until she reaches her majority in two more years to marry the man. It’s just one argument after another.
Into this mess rides either salvation, disaster, or both. After a shouting match, Kate tears off on her horse and collides with another rider. The man takes the brunt of the accident and pitches off his horse onto the ground, hitting his head. Kate feels responsible and takes him back to Bellecombe.
Kate always feels responsible. It’s what she does. This time, it just happens to be true.
But the man wakes up with amnesia. His clothes are bespoke, and excellent Savile Row tailoring at that. His horse is well cared for. His saddlebags have the initials N.E.D stamped in them. And that’s all they know.
Until he regains his memory, the extremely handsome Mr. Edward is a guest at Bellecombe. Based on the few clues they have, everyone assumes that he must be a gentleman, even though Edward himself has the sneaking suspicion that he might not be.
But as the days slip away, Edward finds himself seduced by the life at Bellecombe. Not because of its luxury, because that’s not there. But because of its comfort and homeyness. The sense of being a welcome addition to a family.
Falling in love, as unwilling as he is to admit it, with the woman who makes it all possible; pretty and pragmatic Kate.
And then disaster strikes. Edward remembers who he is. And he is not a man that any respectable woman would welcome into her home. Least of all a woman who hates gamblers.
Escape Rating B+: In Love With a Wicked Man is simply a marvelous story that lets the reader fall in love with historical romance all over again.
Kate is a terrific heroine. The unusual amount of responsibility that she has been saddled with puts in her a unique situation and provides a reason for her to be the kind of take-charge woman that lets us identify with her. She’s no simpering miss waiting for a man to rescue her, she’s done quite nicely rescuing herself. But, her need to protect the estate has meant that she really can’t marry without finding someone who will love her for herself and will be willing to care for the estate as much as she does. It’s a difficult balance.
Yet she still has to take care of her reputation. She may be firmly on the shelf, and her title can’t be taken away, but if she causes a scandal it will affect her sister and her cousins.
While the amnesia plot has been done before (Shakespeare, anyone?), it has the effect of making Edward a blank slate, even to himself. He gets a vacation from who he used to be, and he needs one. He discovers that he rather likes being a mostly good man, albeit one who can’t resist seducing and being seduced by the lady of the house.
Their liaison feels almost safe, because neither of them knows who they ought to be. By the time they find out, it’s too late. They are past the point of no return. They both feel too much. Edward has discovered that he can’t go back to feeling nothing at all. Kate has discovered that it is wonderful to have someone to lean on, just a bit. Everyone else has always leaned on her, and Edward is the first person she’s ever had for herself.
The surprise in the story is Kate’s mother, Aurelie. Just when you think you have figured out what is going on, you discover a very large cache of hidden depths. Merveilleux!
September 26, 2018
Apparently this is on my read previously shelf from 2013. Don't remember a thing about it. But I've rarely read a Carlyle below four stars.
December 14, 2022
Got to thinking the other day "I haven't seen a new Liz Carlyle historical romance in a long time." Went to her website and saw those dreaded words "Retired": oh bummer. So I went searching for one I had never read before, and found this 2013 effort, which proved to be witty, charming, eye opening (there actually WERE women in those days who could inherit an estate? Quelle surprise!), and thoroughly delightful. Thank you, Liz Carlyle, for many years of elegantly written happy endings. I may have to re-read the lot of them to get my fix of spunky women making waves. (In this particular tale it is the heroine's scandalous MOTHER who fills that role, and she's a keeper.)
March 10, 2014
Definition of "plain" - simple, ordinary, unadorned, unembellished, unornamented, unostentatious, unfussy, basic, modest, unsophisticated - unless you are a heroine in a romance novel.
It's been awhile since I've read a Liz Carlyle. I loved her earlier books. A Woman of Virtue is one of my all-time favorite books. However, the last few books I have been unable to finish and the paranormal phew-phew didn't help. So, it was with a bit of trepidation that I opened up In Love With a Wicked Man and, for the most part, it was an enjoyable book. Actually it seemed as if it were two books - the amnesia part and the post-amnesia part. Yes, I said amnesia! Our wicked, illegitimate, profligate, owner of a gaming hell hero bangs into our heroine with his horse, falls, bumps his head and forgets who he is. Our heroine, Kate, is sorry. Or should I say our "plain" heroine, Kate, is sorry.
She is plain you see, except in the eyes of the guy who lost his memory. In his eyes, the beauty from within is shining through, making her alabaster skin just glow and her swan-like neck bend softly. (You know, swans have pretty skinny necks.) Anyway, turns out that the girl with the lackluster brown hair and brown eyes isn't really plain after all. Who'd have thunk it.
Anyway, what we have here is a heroine who is strong, smart, mature and sort of the one who is the head of her family. Even though she is a woman, she has inherited her family's title. She is the Baroness d'Allenay in her own right. For all of you historically accurate people, it was/is possible for a woman to inherit in some families. In this case her inheritance also included large amounts of debt, her father and brother both being gamblers and wastrels. So, she doesn't think too highly of gambling dens. Yipes! Just wait till Edward recovers his memory.
KaysBlog
I enjoyed the first part of this story very much. I liked Edward's struggle with his amnesia, wanting Kate and all the time suspecting that he's not a nice guy. I liked how these two talked to each other; they had great dialog and they became friends, then lovers. Then he regains his memory and the story took a turn. Now, it didn't take a turn because he regained his memory, but because her mother comes to town. Her mother, bigger than life, always plotting, always has a lover, always bringing some pretty shady "friends" with her. I think this is where Ms. Carlyle lost me. I would have much preferred to see Edward and Kate's romance played out with just the added conflict of his regaining his memory. Edward had more than enough baggage to make for a good story without any outside conflict interfering.
I also could have done without the "not good enough" boo-hooing that Edward developed after he regained his memory. It went on just a little too long. The other issue I had was when Kate jumped to the wrong conclusion about something based on gossip from a third party. That jumping didn't fit into the Kate persona we come to know in the first part of the book.
Overall, I liked Kate and Edward, especially in the first part of the book. The secondary characters are well-developed, and I even thought the sly mother was interesting. It's just the first part of the book and the second part of the book didn't blend together very well. Because of that, I cannot give this story as high of a mark as I would have liked, even with a most endearing couple.
It's been awhile since I've read a Liz Carlyle. I loved her earlier books. A Woman of Virtue is one of my all-time favorite books. However, the last few books I have been unable to finish and the paranormal phew-phew didn't help. So, it was with a bit of trepidation that I opened up In Love With a Wicked Man and, for the most part, it was an enjoyable book. Actually it seemed as if it were two books - the amnesia part and the post-amnesia part. Yes, I said amnesia! Our wicked, illegitimate, profligate, owner of a gaming hell hero bangs into our heroine with his horse, falls, bumps his head and forgets who he is. Our heroine, Kate, is sorry. Or should I say our "plain" heroine, Kate, is sorry.
She is plain you see, except in the eyes of the guy who lost his memory. In his eyes, the beauty from within is shining through, making her alabaster skin just glow and her swan-like neck bend softly. (You know, swans have pretty skinny necks.) Anyway, turns out that the girl with the lackluster brown hair and brown eyes isn't really plain after all. Who'd have thunk it.
Anyway, what we have here is a heroine who is strong, smart, mature and sort of the one who is the head of her family. Even though she is a woman, she has inherited her family's title. She is the Baroness d'Allenay in her own right. For all of you historically accurate people, it was/is possible for a woman to inherit in some families. In this case her inheritance also included large amounts of debt, her father and brother both being gamblers and wastrels. So, she doesn't think too highly of gambling dens. Yipes! Just wait till Edward recovers his memory.
KaysBlog
I enjoyed the first part of this story very much. I liked Edward's struggle with his amnesia, wanting Kate and all the time suspecting that he's not a nice guy. I liked how these two talked to each other; they had great dialog and they became friends, then lovers. Then he regains his memory and the story took a turn. Now, it didn't take a turn because he regained his memory, but because her mother comes to town. Her mother, bigger than life, always plotting, always has a lover, always bringing some pretty shady "friends" with her. I think this is where Ms. Carlyle lost me. I would have much preferred to see Edward and Kate's romance played out with just the added conflict of his regaining his memory. Edward had more than enough baggage to make for a good story without any outside conflict interfering.
I also could have done without the "not good enough" boo-hooing that Edward developed after he regained his memory. It went on just a little too long. The other issue I had was when Kate jumped to the wrong conclusion about something based on gossip from a third party. That jumping didn't fit into the Kate persona we come to know in the first part of the book.
Overall, I liked Kate and Edward, especially in the first part of the book. The secondary characters are well-developed, and I even thought the sly mother was interesting. It's just the first part of the book and the second part of the book didn't blend together very well. Because of that, I cannot give this story as high of a mark as I would have liked, even with a most endearing couple.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 5, 2013
An absolutely lovely historical romance, In Love with a Wicked Man was a wonderful read. The romance was sweet and steamy, the secrets were unpredictable, and the book was perfect. I really enjoyed reading this fantastic book.
Kate was a strong heroine. She wasn't particularly bold or sassy, but she had a quiet strength that let her stand up to anyone who sought to manipulate her. And, that was a lot of people, considering she was a landowner and baroness on her own right. She was very devoted to taking care of her land and its people, but not willing to compromise herself if she could find another way. My only complaint is that I didn't like how she was so quick to jump to conclusions about Edward when she found out something about him and assumed the worst. She was already in love with him at that point, so I think she should have asked him about it, instead of accusing him. Otherwise, I thought she was great and I really liked her.
Edward was a little complicated. We first see him as a ruthless proprietor of a gaming salon. He wasn't particularly nice. But, then he lost his memory, which turned him back into the mischievous, charming scoundrel that he was before he was brought into the dark world of gaming. But, he was always cautious, even when his memory was lost, because he knew that he wasn't a "good man." As the book goes on, though, we see that, beneath all that ruthlessness, he was a sweet man who was devoted to those he cared about, from Annie, to Kate. And, when it was most important, he chose what mattered most to him. I adored him. I thought he was a perfectly flawed hero.
The romance was lovely. Kate and Edward were sweet together. Despite all the reasons why they shouldn't have been together (and there were plenty) they still fell for each other and their feelings were never in doubt. And the chemistry between them was smoldering. There was definitely some steaminess going on there.
The secondary characters were brilliant, as well. Kate's mother, Aurelie, was hilarious. She was positively outrageous. She doesn't show it in the most conventional of ways, but she loved her daughters and would do anything to protect them. And, she was a ton of fun. I really liked her. Then, there's Reggie, Kate's ex-fiance who now wants her back for her money. He got progressively more desperate and insane, causing a world of trouble for everyone. He was positively hateful and I loved that about him.
The plot was fast paced. I was hooked the entire way through. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely.
In Love with a Wicked Man was a brilliant historical romance. I loved this book! The romance was lovely, the drama was constant, and the humor kept things lighthearted. It was just wonderful. Lovers of romance, you have to read this book.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Kate was a strong heroine. She wasn't particularly bold or sassy, but she had a quiet strength that let her stand up to anyone who sought to manipulate her. And, that was a lot of people, considering she was a landowner and baroness on her own right. She was very devoted to taking care of her land and its people, but not willing to compromise herself if she could find another way. My only complaint is that I didn't like how she was so quick to jump to conclusions about Edward when she found out something about him and assumed the worst. She was already in love with him at that point, so I think she should have asked him about it, instead of accusing him. Otherwise, I thought she was great and I really liked her.
Edward was a little complicated. We first see him as a ruthless proprietor of a gaming salon. He wasn't particularly nice. But, then he lost his memory, which turned him back into the mischievous, charming scoundrel that he was before he was brought into the dark world of gaming. But, he was always cautious, even when his memory was lost, because he knew that he wasn't a "good man." As the book goes on, though, we see that, beneath all that ruthlessness, he was a sweet man who was devoted to those he cared about, from Annie, to Kate. And, when it was most important, he chose what mattered most to him. I adored him. I thought he was a perfectly flawed hero.
The romance was lovely. Kate and Edward were sweet together. Despite all the reasons why they shouldn't have been together (and there were plenty) they still fell for each other and their feelings were never in doubt. And the chemistry between them was smoldering. There was definitely some steaminess going on there.
The secondary characters were brilliant, as well. Kate's mother, Aurelie, was hilarious. She was positively outrageous. She doesn't show it in the most conventional of ways, but she loved her daughters and would do anything to protect them. And, she was a ton of fun. I really liked her. Then, there's Reggie, Kate's ex-fiance who now wants her back for her money. He got progressively more desperate and insane, causing a world of trouble for everyone. He was positively hateful and I loved that about him.
The plot was fast paced. I was hooked the entire way through. I really enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely.
In Love with a Wicked Man was a brilliant historical romance. I loved this book! The romance was lovely, the drama was constant, and the humor kept things lighthearted. It was just wonderful. Lovers of romance, you have to read this book.
*I received a free copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
August 20, 2021
Really enjoyed it, apart from great storyline and engaging writing I think what I like the most about Liz Carlyle’s books is that she never uses the cheap trick of misunderstandings and miscommunications. There were many occasions when possibility presented itself but H and h always communicated and instead of endless internal monologues they resolved things in a manner I could relate to.
March 14, 2014
Vivid characters, and a "villain" who turns out to be (all-too-briefly) poisonous.
Kate is a baroness in her own right. A quirk in her family's title allows her, as the eldest living kin, to inherit the title even though she's female. She's taken the title and an estate that has been run aground because of her male kin'sstupidity bad luck at the tables, and she's turned it around. It's not hugely profitable, but it's self-supporting. After a run-in with her tactless younger sister, she goes for a hard ride and basically runs a stranger down.
Ned Quartermaine grew up hard and angry. He's made a fortune but not in the "honorable" way. Once his memory returns, he realizes that his mere presence on Kate's estate is a scandal waiting to happen—and her socialite mother and guests are about to descend for a house party.
And mom has a surprise for Kate. Let's just say an unwelcome guest has been invited.
This is not Liz Carlyle's most compelling work but it served. Some delicious side characters and a little danger towards the end saved it from being excessively romance-angsty, though we did spend a good deal more time than I like reading the various character's inmost thoughts about the "inappropriate" romance.
Favorite quote: (Remember he has amnesia):
"Something flickered just on the edge of his conscious mind, like a pennant flapping in the wind. He could not reach it." (Wonderful! I've experienced just that!)
Way to ruin it:
The paragraph continues with another simile: "Left with no alternative, he heeded the doctor's advice and let the memory go, then stretched himself luxuriantly, like a cat stirring." (Not bad, but simile overload.)
3.5 Stars.
Kate is a baroness in her own right. A quirk in her family's title allows her, as the eldest living kin, to inherit the title even though she's female. She's taken the title and an estate that has been run aground because of her male kin's
Ned Quartermaine grew up hard and angry. He's made a fortune but not in the "honorable" way. Once his memory returns, he realizes that his mere presence on Kate's estate is a scandal waiting to happen—and her socialite mother and guests are about to descend for a house party.
And mom has a surprise for Kate. Let's just say an unwelcome guest has been invited.
This is not Liz Carlyle's most compelling work but it served. Some delicious side characters and a little danger towards the end saved it from being excessively romance-angsty, though we did spend a good deal more time than I like reading the various character's inmost thoughts about the "inappropriate" romance.
Favorite quote: (Remember he has amnesia):
"Something flickered just on the edge of his conscious mind, like a pennant flapping in the wind. He could not reach it." (Wonderful! I've experienced just that!)
Way to ruin it:
The paragraph continues with another simile: "Left with no alternative, he heeded the doctor's advice and let the memory go, then stretched himself luxuriantly, like a cat stirring." (Not bad, but simile overload.)
3.5 Stars.
December 30, 2013
For all those that thought Ned, one of the secondary characters from Ms. Carlyle’s Fraternatis series should have his own story, get ready! Here it comes!
Ned Quartermaine is very handsome and sophisticated, but not a likable fellow. He’s been through a lot as a child and that has taught him to always look out for number one. himself. He’s a calculating and ruthless owner of a very notorious high-end gambling establishment. His patrons are crème de la crème of aristocracy, and they know better than to cross him. Wicked is something this man is closely acquainted with. As we meet Ned after the accident as ‘Edward’ we can’t help but like him. The combination of wicked ‘Ned’ and charismatic ‘Edward’ makes him simply irresistible.
Kate, Lady d’Allenay is practical, plain and reliable. She’s not a beauty like her younger sister, but she has a radiance, wit and charm that shine through her. She cares deeply for her title, lands and especially for her family. Honesty is something she values above all else.
Now, as trope’s go, this one has been done to death, yet Ms. Carlyle manages to infuse ....thanks for jumping to b2b to finish reading my review...
http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...
Melanie for b2b
*Book provided by the publisher through Edelweiss.
Ned Quartermaine is very handsome and sophisticated, but not a likable fellow. He’s been through a lot as a child and that has taught him to always look out for number one. himself. He’s a calculating and ruthless owner of a very notorious high-end gambling establishment. His patrons are crème de la crème of aristocracy, and they know better than to cross him. Wicked is something this man is closely acquainted with. As we meet Ned after the accident as ‘Edward’ we can’t help but like him. The combination of wicked ‘Ned’ and charismatic ‘Edward’ makes him simply irresistible.
Kate, Lady d’Allenay is practical, plain and reliable. She’s not a beauty like her younger sister, but she has a radiance, wit and charm that shine through her. She cares deeply for her title, lands and especially for her family. Honesty is something she values above all else.
Now, as trope’s go, this one has been done to death, yet Ms. Carlyle manages to infuse ....thanks for jumping to b2b to finish reading my review...
http://bookworm2bookworm.wordpress.co...
Melanie for b2b
*Book provided by the publisher through Edelweiss.
February 22, 2016
Les 4 étoiles pour le joyeux bazar que représente la famille de Kate. Sa mère est excellente et apporte un brin de folie à l'histoire. Néanmoins, j'ai trouvé le héros un peu effacé, dommage, il aurait gagné à être plus brut.
Une nouvelle collection Harlequin à suivre pour celles qui aiment les historiques :)
Une nouvelle collection Harlequin à suivre pour celles qui aiment les historiques :)
May 9, 2021
Wow, this was an unexpected and unique story. I really enjoyed this couple.
I could have down without the annoying villain, but I had a great time with this story none the less.
I could have down without the annoying villain, but I had a great time with this story none the less.
January 19, 2014
Come on! Was this book really written by Liz Carlyle? The Liz Carlyle that wrote "A Woman of Virtue" and "A Woman Scorned?"
Background:
Young Edward, a 12 year old male who appears to be impoverished due to poorly fitted clothing and state of hunger, is being kicked out of his 6th boarding school. The schoolmaster explains to Mr. Hedge, who is apparently Edward's natural father, that Edward has broken the arm of a school mate and he is no longer welcome at the school. Mr. Hedge owns a low gaming hell and wants nothing to do with the raising of Edward until the schoolmaster mentions that Edward is a real whiz at all things mathematical. Apparently Mr. Hedge realizes he can use Edward in his gaming hell, so he decides to take him to London.
You would think we might have a few more details about those years but you would be wrong. We have very little information about Edward's relationship with Mr. Hedge during his growing up years which might have given us further insight into the person he has become. Later on, we have a couple of sketchy details but not enough, in my opinion. I would have enjoyed knowing more than what was written.
In fact the next time we meet Edward, he is Edward Quartermaine (Ned) and it is quite obvious he is now the owner of a very prosperous high class gaming club in a classy area in London. He is holding a pearl necklace in his hands, obviously deep in thought about something or someone. We assume it is a lady. This is confirmed when sometime later, after he has relieved a young gentleman of some property, he mentions that the property is for "Annie."
Whereupon Edward leaves London to go check out his newly acquired property and at some point during this journey literally collides with the plain but lovely Lady Kate D'Allenay. He is riding his horse down the road even as Kate decides to jump her horse over a hedge intersecting with the road. Edward tries to avoid her and in the process falls off his horse, hits his head on a stone, is knocked senseless and upon awakening doesn't even know his name.
Now, the interesting thing about Lady Kate is that she is an actual female peer - yes, she has inherited the barony after her brother died so she is the Baroness D'Allenay of Bellecombe Castle. Since Kate feels that she has had her day in the sun (interpret that "London Season") so to speak and since her plans for marriage never worked out, she puts all her energy toward making her inheritance profitable with the help of her Scottish steward, Anstruther.
Kate is a generous kind-hearted lady who takes her family responsibilities very seriously. She takes Edward home to recuperate and since he has no memory of his wicked past such as it is, he is free to enjoy the lovely Kate, that is until his memory returns and begins to interfere with things. BTW, this reader doesn't really get the wickedness - in fact I kept waiting to hear the big "wicked" secret. Apparently, it is only the fact that he owns this high class gaming hell - what? what?? Okay, I suppose that was considered very wicked.
So, you get it - cute story-line and believe me there are some very interesting minor characters. Kate's mom, Aurelie, and her love interest deserved their own book. Kate's younger sister, Nancy, and her love interest add some cuteness to the story. Alas, the much vaunted house party that Aurelie apparently gave each year was kind of a let down with the exception of Aurelie and her antics. She was quite the character. Loved her! Kate's old love interest is at the house party but little of interest there with the exception of one very funny episode. He is an altogether forgettable character.
UNFORTUNATELY, the love story between Edward and Kate just didn't really take off at least in my heart and emotions. Yes, they had some great times together - nice, quiet, steady, passionate times and they were likeable people. But there wasn't the angst that made your heart beat faster or even the minor misunderstanding (okay, there was a minor/minor/minor one) that might have given the story some highly charged emotional build up and notice I said "minor" because I despise "major" misunderstandings that go on and on. The mystery lady, Annie, brought very little angst into the story because Kate was super understanding about everything when she found out what the deal was. Now, don't misunderstand me I like for my H/h to be understanding but I also like more emotional involvement that what we had in this story.
Ms. Carlyle's book "A Woman of Virtue" is one of my favorite romance stories and I adored old Hell Bent Rutledge who was a frequent character in some of Ms. Carlyle's books. Trust me when I say, Ned Quartermaine's persona falls very short when compared to some of Ms. Carlyle's other Main Guys such as Lord David Delacourt or Bentley Rutledge or even Cole Amherst. Very disappointed in our Main Guy, Ned, even though he was a pleasant fellow. Also, much more might have been made of his heritage instead of a minor show-up by his "real" family at the end.
I will definitely continue to purchase Liz Carlyle's books. One book not quite "up to snuff" does not make or break her standing among my list of "to buy" authors.
Background:
Young Edward, a 12 year old male who appears to be impoverished due to poorly fitted clothing and state of hunger, is being kicked out of his 6th boarding school. The schoolmaster explains to Mr. Hedge, who is apparently Edward's natural father, that Edward has broken the arm of a school mate and he is no longer welcome at the school. Mr. Hedge owns a low gaming hell and wants nothing to do with the raising of Edward until the schoolmaster mentions that Edward is a real whiz at all things mathematical. Apparently Mr. Hedge realizes he can use Edward in his gaming hell, so he decides to take him to London.
You would think we might have a few more details about those years but you would be wrong. We have very little information about Edward's relationship with Mr. Hedge during his growing up years which might have given us further insight into the person he has become. Later on, we have a couple of sketchy details but not enough, in my opinion. I would have enjoyed knowing more than what was written.
In fact the next time we meet Edward, he is Edward Quartermaine (Ned) and it is quite obvious he is now the owner of a very prosperous high class gaming club in a classy area in London. He is holding a pearl necklace in his hands, obviously deep in thought about something or someone. We assume it is a lady. This is confirmed when sometime later, after he has relieved a young gentleman of some property, he mentions that the property is for "Annie."
Whereupon Edward leaves London to go check out his newly acquired property and at some point during this journey literally collides with the plain but lovely Lady Kate D'Allenay. He is riding his horse down the road even as Kate decides to jump her horse over a hedge intersecting with the road. Edward tries to avoid her and in the process falls off his horse, hits his head on a stone, is knocked senseless and upon awakening doesn't even know his name.
Now, the interesting thing about Lady Kate is that she is an actual female peer - yes, she has inherited the barony after her brother died so she is the Baroness D'Allenay of Bellecombe Castle. Since Kate feels that she has had her day in the sun (interpret that "London Season") so to speak and since her plans for marriage never worked out, she puts all her energy toward making her inheritance profitable with the help of her Scottish steward, Anstruther.
Kate is a generous kind-hearted lady who takes her family responsibilities very seriously. She takes Edward home to recuperate and since he has no memory of his wicked past such as it is, he is free to enjoy the lovely Kate, that is until his memory returns and begins to interfere with things. BTW, this reader doesn't really get the wickedness - in fact I kept waiting to hear the big "wicked" secret. Apparently, it is only the fact that he owns this high class gaming hell - what? what?? Okay, I suppose that was considered very wicked.
So, you get it - cute story-line and believe me there are some very interesting minor characters. Kate's mom, Aurelie, and her love interest deserved their own book. Kate's younger sister, Nancy, and her love interest add some cuteness to the story. Alas, the much vaunted house party that Aurelie apparently gave each year was kind of a let down with the exception of Aurelie and her antics. She was quite the character. Loved her! Kate's old love interest is at the house party but little of interest there with the exception of one very funny episode. He is an altogether forgettable character.
UNFORTUNATELY, the love story between Edward and Kate just didn't really take off at least in my heart and emotions. Yes, they had some great times together - nice, quiet, steady, passionate times and they were likeable people. But there wasn't the angst that made your heart beat faster or even the minor misunderstanding (okay, there was a minor/minor/minor one) that might have given the story some highly charged emotional build up and notice I said "minor" because I despise "major" misunderstandings that go on and on. The mystery lady, Annie, brought very little angst into the story because Kate was super understanding about everything when she found out what the deal was. Now, don't misunderstand me I like for my H/h to be understanding but I also like more emotional involvement that what we had in this story.
Ms. Carlyle's book "A Woman of Virtue" is one of my favorite romance stories and I adored old Hell Bent Rutledge who was a frequent character in some of Ms. Carlyle's books. Trust me when I say, Ned Quartermaine's persona falls very short when compared to some of Ms. Carlyle's other Main Guys such as Lord David Delacourt or Bentley Rutledge or even Cole Amherst. Very disappointed in our Main Guy, Ned, even though he was a pleasant fellow. Also, much more might have been made of his heritage instead of a minor show-up by his "real" family at the end.
I will definitely continue to purchase Liz Carlyle's books. One book not quite "up to snuff" does not make or break her standing among my list of "to buy" authors.
June 15, 2020
I have a weakness for amnesia plots, I think sometimes they allow the hero/ heroine to be who they truly are without all the baggage that comes along with the life they've lived. This was a reread and it did not disappoint strong heroine, strong hero, well written secondary characters, nasty villain and the perfect amount of steam.
March 15, 2020
3.75 stars. I did enjoy this book, having a strong female lead always draws me in. Even the secondary characters were likable/ interesting which does not happen often in stories anymore. I liked that the story took right off, there really was not a dull moment.
The only problem I had was the writing. It could be very confusing at times making it difficult to understand who the author was talking about or what the characters were trying to say. Because of this I did have to reread some passages to have a complete understanding of what was happening.
The only problem I had was the writing. It could be very confusing at times making it difficult to understand who the author was talking about or what the characters were trying to say. Because of this I did have to reread some passages to have a complete understanding of what was happening.
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