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Vanza #3
Secretos
Madeline Deveridge conoce muy bien los rumores según los cuales ella ha enviado a su esposo al otro mundo y ocultado las huellas de su crimen. Pero Madeline tiene un problema más acuciante que al ser señalada con el mote de “Viuda Siniestra”, ya que vive acosada por el que parece ser el fantasma de su difunto esposo. Desde luego, esto es imposible, pero Madeline no puede correr ningún riesgo. De manera que acude a la única persona capaz de develar la verdad: Artemis Hunt.
Brillante, implacable y solitario, Artemis se ha ocupado muy bien de mantener oculta la mayor parte de su vida privada. Una noche neblinosa de Londres, la curiosidad lo impulsa a encontrarse con la "Viuda Siniestra", pero muy pronto su diversión se desvanece al comprobar que Madeline conoce lo suficiente de su intimidad como para causar estragos en su ordenada existencia. Debe asegurarse de que ella jamás divulgará sus secretos, aunque ello implique ayudarla a perseguir a un fantasma. Tan pronto sellan un acuerdo, nace entre ellos una pasión arrebatadora... y además descubren que el “fantasma” representa un peligro muy real.
Brillante, implacable y solitario, Artemis se ha ocupado muy bien de mantener oculta la mayor parte de su vida privada. Una noche neblinosa de Londres, la curiosidad lo impulsa a encontrarse con la "Viuda Siniestra", pero muy pronto su diversión se desvanece al comprobar que Madeline conoce lo suficiente de su intimidad como para causar estragos en su ordenada existencia. Debe asegurarse de que ella jamás divulgará sus secretos, aunque ello implique ayudarla a perseguir a un fantasma. Tan pronto sellan un acuerdo, nace entre ellos una pasión arrebatadora... y además descubren que el “fantasma” representa un peligro muy real.
368 pages, Paperback
First published April 4, 2000
303 people are currently reading
1530 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Quick
93 books5,494 followersPseudonym of Jayne Ann Krentz
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
The author of over 40 consecutive New York Times bestsellers, JAYNE ANN KRENTZ writes romantic-suspense, often with a psychic and paranormal twist, in three different worlds: Contemporary (as Jayne Ann Krentz), historical (as Amanda Quick) and futuristic (as Jayne Castle). There are over 30 million copies of her books in print.
She earned a B.A. in History from the University of California at Santa Cruz and went on to obtain a Masters degree in Library Science from San Jose State University in California. Before she began writing full time she worked as a librarian in both academic and corporate libraries.
Ms. Krentz is married and lives with her husband, Frank, in Seattle, Washington.
Pseudonym(s):
Jayne Ann Krentz
Jayne Castle
Stephanie James
Jayne Bentley
Jayne Taylor
Amanda Glass
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 238 reviews
December 5, 2021
This is probably the third time I have read Wicked widow and it continues to be a 5 star read for me.
September 6, 2017
Rating system, 5-superior, 4-really enjoyed, 3-OK, 2-waste of time, 1-waste of paper.
This book was a charmless perfunctory exercise in writing. I wish I dnf, but I kept reading in search of a payoff that would explain the 5 star ratings. Are there a lot of 14 year old girls on this site that have read so few books that the tired, trite clichés in this book seem fresh? Before writing this, I reread a Georgette Heyer (The Unknown Ajax) just to test if at 60, I'm too old and jaded to read romance. Nope, enjoyed it, this book is just that bad, and the ratings on romance novels can not be trusted to indicate quality, which has me despairing about the lack of critical thinking of many readers. I would really like to read new to me romance novels, but with the gross inflation of high ratings on dreck, don't know how I'll find them.
This book was a charmless perfunctory exercise in writing. I wish I dnf, but I kept reading in search of a payoff that would explain the 5 star ratings. Are there a lot of 14 year old girls on this site that have read so few books that the tired, trite clichés in this book seem fresh? Before writing this, I reread a Georgette Heyer (The Unknown Ajax) just to test if at 60, I'm too old and jaded to read romance. Nope, enjoyed it, this book is just that bad, and the ratings on romance novels can not be trusted to indicate quality, which has me despairing about the lack of critical thinking of many readers. I would really like to read new to me romance novels, but with the gross inflation of high ratings on dreck, don't know how I'll find them.
October 12, 2025
Basic Plot: Madeline is rumored to have killed her husband is called the Merry Widow. Her husband was a Vanza student and tricked and charmed her into marriage so he could obtain the secrets to the arcane studies of the Vanzagara. He needed her father's knowledge of the ancient language of Vanzagara. When her father wouldn't compy, Danvers poisoned him and locked Aunt Bernice in a room and started a fire in the house. Her father told her to act quickly to save herself and her aunt. She used her pistol and shot her husband in the heart dead. Freeing her aunt from the burning house they fled to safety.
Two Years later she was being haunted by her dead husband or was she. She put bells on her windows and hired a sturdy footman. She received a red leather bound book with 3 languages to translate. This book is regarded as the Key to the Book of Secrets with supposedly was burned in the fire with Farrell Blue according to Marianne Ames (died in last book at the hand of Ignatias Lorring).
Her maid was abducted from the Pleasure Gardens and she blackmailed Artemis Hunt to help catch her maid from the footpads who snatched her. She told him she knew he was the owner of the Pleasure Gardens and it was his responsibility to protect patrons who visited them. He was curious how she knew he was the owner.
After he rescued the maid with the help of his Vanza apprentice Zachary and Madeline's coachman, he asked her how she knew about his ownership of the Pleasure Gardens. She showed him the journal her father kept on all the Vanza members which Ignatias Lorring has asked him to keep. It hadn't been updated in two years since her father's death. She made a deal with him and if he helped her she would give him the journal. She proceeded to tell him about seeing visions of her dead husband at night. Two eccentric Vanza men of her father's aquaintence had mysterious letters from someone posing as her husband. Even one claimed he talked to her dead husband.
Artemis Hunt was intrigued mostly because he was attracted to Madeline. He decided to help her. Hunt was attacked by a Vanza fighter and he fought him off. The attacker fled into the night. Madeline received a threatening letter. Artemis said that she and her aunt must move into his house for their protection. The mystery continues with a few twists and turns and many clues leading them to the mysterious Vanza villian.
Characters: Madeline. Madeline was married to Danvers but he just used her to get to her father for knowledge of the Vanzagara language to unlock arcane secret of the Vanza. When her father refused to help him he poisoned him saying he would kill the whole family. He locked her Aunt Bernice in an upstairs bedroom and started a fire. Her father told her before he died to act quickly to save her Aunt and herself. She found Danvers and shot him dead. She unlocked the door and freed her Aunt.
After this she was known as the Wicked Widow. Her marriage was never consumated.
She had horrible nightmares after her husband died and had a hard time sleeping. Her aunt was an herbalist and healer. She learned to make remedies with herbs from Vanzagara. All the sleeping potions Madeline poured out. She needed to keep her wits about her. She was afraid her dead husband 's ghost was real.
Artemis: He was an entrepeneur owning the Pleasure Gardens and a Vanza Master. He had a man of affairs who helped him build his empire. Five years before while away on a trip his lover died falling over a cliff. Three men were responsible for luring her out into the country for a roll in the hay. She fleed and fell off the cliff to her death. Artemis found out who they were and plotted for five years their ruin financially. He vowed to his lover Catherine to avenge her. Artemis hired Zachary to work for him discovering information for him from the East End of London. He was also training him in Vanza.
Romance: When Artemis met Madeline he was instantly attracted to her. She liked him and admired his physic. He kissed her and she responded. When she was his house guest, he made love to her in his study. He then realized she was a virgin. The first time wasn't the best experience for her. The next time they made love it was to comfort him after he confessed his revenge against the men who raped his lover Catherine. His care and concern for her and hers for him made them realize their feelings for one another. After the mystery was solved he asked her to marry him a little awkwardly but still asked her. He forgot to mention he loved her. She told him she needed to hear it. Cute.
Series Connection: This was the first of the series to connect to the second book. The characters from the first book were never mentioned in either the second or third book in the series. In the third book "Wicked Widow", the following characters were mentioned from the second book, "I Thee Wed": Ignatias Lorring, Edison Stokes & Farrell Blue. The "Book of Secrets" was also mentioned also in the second book.
Opinion: In this third book there was a noticable difference, the romance and mystery were equally entwined, whereas in the first two, the story concentrated more on the mystery. I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue in this book and the dialogue between the MC's. It was nice that Artemis's man of affairs and Madeline's aunt got together romantically. The whole Vanza order is a little dark and mysterious with many players giving it another worldly atmosphere. I really enjoyed the romance more in this book. Well done AQ. I rated this 4.5 stars.
Two Years later she was being haunted by her dead husband or was she. She put bells on her windows and hired a sturdy footman. She received a red leather bound book with 3 languages to translate. This book is regarded as the Key to the Book of Secrets with supposedly was burned in the fire with Farrell Blue according to Marianne Ames (died in last book at the hand of Ignatias Lorring).
Her maid was abducted from the Pleasure Gardens and she blackmailed Artemis Hunt to help catch her maid from the footpads who snatched her. She told him she knew he was the owner of the Pleasure Gardens and it was his responsibility to protect patrons who visited them. He was curious how she knew he was the owner.
After he rescued the maid with the help of his Vanza apprentice Zachary and Madeline's coachman, he asked her how she knew about his ownership of the Pleasure Gardens. She showed him the journal her father kept on all the Vanza members which Ignatias Lorring has asked him to keep. It hadn't been updated in two years since her father's death. She made a deal with him and if he helped her she would give him the journal. She proceeded to tell him about seeing visions of her dead husband at night. Two eccentric Vanza men of her father's aquaintence had mysterious letters from someone posing as her husband. Even one claimed he talked to her dead husband.
Artemis Hunt was intrigued mostly because he was attracted to Madeline. He decided to help her. Hunt was attacked by a Vanza fighter and he fought him off. The attacker fled into the night. Madeline received a threatening letter. Artemis said that she and her aunt must move into his house for their protection. The mystery continues with a few twists and turns and many clues leading them to the mysterious Vanza villian.
Characters: Madeline. Madeline was married to Danvers but he just used her to get to her father for knowledge of the Vanzagara language to unlock arcane secret of the Vanza. When her father refused to help him he poisoned him saying he would kill the whole family. He locked her Aunt Bernice in an upstairs bedroom and started a fire. Her father told her before he died to act quickly to save her Aunt and herself. She found Danvers and shot him dead. She unlocked the door and freed her Aunt.
After this she was known as the Wicked Widow. Her marriage was never consumated.
She had horrible nightmares after her husband died and had a hard time sleeping. Her aunt was an herbalist and healer. She learned to make remedies with herbs from Vanzagara. All the sleeping potions Madeline poured out. She needed to keep her wits about her. She was afraid her dead husband 's ghost was real.
Artemis: He was an entrepeneur owning the Pleasure Gardens and a Vanza Master. He had a man of affairs who helped him build his empire. Five years before while away on a trip his lover died falling over a cliff. Three men were responsible for luring her out into the country for a roll in the hay. She fleed and fell off the cliff to her death. Artemis found out who they were and plotted for five years their ruin financially. He vowed to his lover Catherine to avenge her. Artemis hired Zachary to work for him discovering information for him from the East End of London. He was also training him in Vanza.
Romance: When Artemis met Madeline he was instantly attracted to her. She liked him and admired his physic. He kissed her and she responded. When she was his house guest, he made love to her in his study. He then realized she was a virgin. The first time wasn't the best experience for her. The next time they made love it was to comfort him after he confessed his revenge against the men who raped his lover Catherine. His care and concern for her and hers for him made them realize their feelings for one another. After the mystery was solved he asked her to marry him a little awkwardly but still asked her. He forgot to mention he loved her. She told him she needed to hear it. Cute.
Series Connection: This was the first of the series to connect to the second book. The characters from the first book were never mentioned in either the second or third book in the series. In the third book "Wicked Widow", the following characters were mentioned from the second book, "I Thee Wed": Ignatias Lorring, Edison Stokes & Farrell Blue. The "Book of Secrets" was also mentioned also in the second book.
Opinion: In this third book there was a noticable difference, the romance and mystery were equally entwined, whereas in the first two, the story concentrated more on the mystery. I enjoyed the mystery and intrigue in this book and the dialogue between the MC's. It was nice that Artemis's man of affairs and Madeline's aunt got together romantically. The whole Vanza order is a little dark and mysterious with many players giving it another worldly atmosphere. I really enjoyed the romance more in this book. Well done AQ. I rated this 4.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2013
Yes, the plot is identical to 99% of her other books under the Amanda Quick pseudonym, but the enjoyment comes from the accessories she hangs on the basic plot. This book passed a pleasant afternoon.
March 24, 2016
This is honestly one of the most boring romance novels I've ever read. The only way to make this book entertaining is to take a drink every time the words Vanza or Vanzagarian are used. I gave up at 48% complete because I just couldn't be bothered to push myself to finish. I give this book a solid "blergh".
May 14, 2022
More suspense, less romance but fast paced funny!
January 16, 2016
Madeline Deveridge is quite aware of the epithet with which Society has marked her. They call her 'Wicked Widow' after her husband's death a year ago; convinced that Madeline shot her husband, and then set her house on fire to cover the crime. When Madeline's maid is kidnapped in front of the infamous Dream Pavilions, Madeline summons Artemas Hunt - the brilliant and reclusive master of arcane talents and secret owner of London's pleasure pavilions.
Convinced that her husband's ghost is somehow involved, Madeline blackmails Artemas into providing help. Once their bargain is struck, Madeline and Artemas begin to realize that the 'ghost' poses a very real threat. Now they must plunge into a world of intrigue and the ancient mysteries of a secret society to match wits with a calculating killer. I loved this regency romance and give it five stars
Convinced that her husband's ghost is somehow involved, Madeline blackmails Artemas into providing help. Once their bargain is struck, Madeline and Artemas begin to realize that the 'ghost' poses a very real threat. Now they must plunge into a world of intrigue and the ancient mysteries of a secret society to match wits with a calculating killer. I loved this regency romance and give it five stars
January 5, 2019
Amanda Quick / Jayne Ann Krentz is a fall back / go to read from my " younger days" .
Love her books now as much as I did the first time I picked one up!
If you like a bit of mystery, some laughs , a bit of " spice " do read her books !
I don't think you , as the reader, would be disappointed in any way!
Love her books now as much as I did the first time I picked one up!
If you like a bit of mystery, some laughs , a bit of " spice " do read her books !
I don't think you , as the reader, would be disappointed in any way!
May 19, 2020
I have enjoyed the series. I listened to the audio version and found the narration to be very good. The plot was a bit weak so I am giving this a 3.5 and rounding up to a 4. An enjoyable way to pass the time. It has an interview with the author from 2000 with Jayne Ann Krentz that was done shortly after the release of the book
July 21, 2016
Una de las novelas de Amanda Quick que más me ha gustado por la relación de los protagonistas y su toque de humor. Es una novela típica de la autora, con su toque paranormal y su misterio.
February 9, 2021
Tahun 2011 saya pertama kali membaca buku author dan seri ini, Vanza #1, "With This Ring" yg aujubileh membosankan. Dan 10 thn kemudian, kali ini saya membaca Vanza #3... masih aja jelek plot ceritanya.
Dari bbrp kali baca buku author belakangan ini, saya mendapati ciri menjengkelkan (tapi mungkin justru menggembirakan bagi fans "virgin trope" addict), heroine-nya, janda ataupun blm menikah, pasti masih PERAWAN. Bleh!!!! Tipe yg teraniaya oleh relationship mereka yg kacau sebelum bertemu dgn hero (cinta sejatinya) di buku.
Madeline Reed Deveridge adalah tipikal heroine author, krn rumor dirinya sbg pembunuh suaminya, Madeline mendapat reputasi sbg "Wicked Widow", lalu minta bantuan pd Artemas Hunt, seorang Vanza, yg juga punya niat membalas dendam dgn mencari pembunuh kekasihnya yg mati diperkosa sblmnya. Jujur aja, aku sudah lupa tugas, tujuan dan apa maksudnya komunitas Vanza ini di buku pertama. Lagian gak dijelaskan lagi di buku ini, saya samar-samar menduga Vanza ini semacam komunitas klenik dgn campuran science dan medis. Tapi gak tau kenapa bbrp anggota Vanza malah menyimpang spt Artemas jadi detektif dan tokoh antagonis di buku ini juga anggota Vanza.
Masalah utama buku ini adalah kelemahan dlm motif pembunuhan. Utk apa si pembunuh yg menyamar menjadi hantu suami Madeline ini bersusah payah demi sebuah buku kuno. Chemistry Madeline dgn Artemas walau rada maksa mnrt saya, msh mendingan deh.
Belum ada buku dari author yg saya beri rating diatas 3 bintang. Masih menunggu.
Dari bbrp kali baca buku author belakangan ini, saya mendapati ciri menjengkelkan (tapi mungkin justru menggembirakan bagi fans "virgin trope" addict), heroine-nya, janda ataupun blm menikah, pasti masih PERAWAN. Bleh!!!! Tipe yg teraniaya oleh relationship mereka yg kacau sebelum bertemu dgn hero (cinta sejatinya) di buku.
Madeline Reed Deveridge adalah tipikal heroine author, krn rumor dirinya sbg pembunuh suaminya, Madeline mendapat reputasi sbg "Wicked Widow", lalu minta bantuan pd Artemas Hunt, seorang Vanza, yg juga punya niat membalas dendam dgn mencari pembunuh kekasihnya yg mati diperkosa sblmnya. Jujur aja, aku sudah lupa tugas, tujuan dan apa maksudnya komunitas Vanza ini di buku pertama. Lagian gak dijelaskan lagi di buku ini, saya samar-samar menduga Vanza ini semacam komunitas klenik dgn campuran science dan medis. Tapi gak tau kenapa bbrp anggota Vanza malah menyimpang spt Artemas jadi detektif dan tokoh antagonis di buku ini juga anggota Vanza.
Masalah utama buku ini adalah kelemahan dlm motif pembunuhan. Utk apa si pembunuh yg menyamar menjadi hantu suami Madeline ini bersusah payah demi sebuah buku kuno. Chemistry Madeline dgn Artemas walau rada maksa mnrt saya, msh mendingan deh.
Belum ada buku dari author yg saya beri rating diatas 3 bintang. Masih menunggu.
September 11, 2021
3 stelle e 1/2
Nuovo capitolo della serie Vanza che ho trovato scorrevole e piacevole; ma purtroppo come il precedente volume della serie mancava quel non so che per renderlo avvincente.
I personaggi li ho trovati molto ben delineati e intriganti, un fatto positivo per una lettura di questo genere purtroppo però non spiccavano come dovevano nella storia sia quelli principali che quelli di supporto, però sono stati piacevoli da leggere.
Nel complesso una bella lettura.
Nuovo capitolo della serie Vanza che ho trovato scorrevole e piacevole; ma purtroppo come il precedente volume della serie mancava quel non so che per renderlo avvincente.
I personaggi li ho trovati molto ben delineati e intriganti, un fatto positivo per una lettura di questo genere purtroppo però non spiccavano come dovevano nella storia sia quelli principali che quelli di supporto, però sono stati piacevoli da leggere.
Nel complesso una bella lettura.
February 16, 2019
Actual Rating: 2.5 Stars
March 28, 2010
Another enjoyable historical from Amanda Quick. This one is part of the Vanza series, similar to the Arcane Series, but with more of a philosphy, fighting skills, and other points of interest rather than the psychic angle. One of the common links between the two societies is the practice of mesmerism, which appears to be similar to present day hypnotism.
Of course, it is a romance mixed with a balance of suspense. The hero in our stories is a member of the society, and is involved in a plot of revenge when the story opens. He quickly becomes embroiled in the heroine's problems, however, as an incident forces her to reveal she knows his association with Vanza, a fact about himself he has been trying to keep secret. As he offers to assist her with her problems, they intertwine with his as the story progresses. One of the settings in the book is called a Dream Pavilion, and I found it interesting because it sounded like a sort of early version of modern day amusement park or fair, without the mechanical rides.
I like the writing style here and have come to depend on it. Amanda Quick, AKA, Jayne Ann Krentz, has kept to that formula but added some different elements to the story to keep it interesting. And as always, the characters are great, including the side characters as well.
Of course, it is a romance mixed with a balance of suspense. The hero in our stories is a member of the society, and is involved in a plot of revenge when the story opens. He quickly becomes embroiled in the heroine's problems, however, as an incident forces her to reveal she knows his association with Vanza, a fact about himself he has been trying to keep secret. As he offers to assist her with her problems, they intertwine with his as the story progresses. One of the settings in the book is called a Dream Pavilion, and I found it interesting because it sounded like a sort of early version of modern day amusement park or fair, without the mechanical rides.
I like the writing style here and have come to depend on it. Amanda Quick, AKA, Jayne Ann Krentz, has kept to that formula but added some different elements to the story to keep it interesting. And as always, the characters are great, including the side characters as well.
June 30, 2016
Autant les premiers tomes de cette série m'avaient enthousiasmée, dans la mesure où j'aime beaucoup l'écriture d'Amanda Quick, autant j'ai été un peu déçue par ce livre-là...
Mon principal problème a été l'héroïne qui, à plusieurs reprises, m'a agacée par son comportement, parfois un peu hypocrite et sa constante animosité envers Vanza.
J'ai été cependant ravie de retrouver les principaux éléments qui font le charme des livres d'Amanda Quick: une intrigue suffisamment interessante et divertissante pour retenir notre attention jusqu'à la fin du livre (ici une histoire de vengeance en parallèle de la recherche d'un fantôme), des personnages secondaires variés et qui, chacun, à leur manière, font avancer l'histoire (j'aimerais par exemple en apprendre davantage sur Zachary, le jeune homme à la tête du réseau d'espionnage des rues) et une histoire d'amour entre les deux héros, certes assez classique mais non sans intérêt.
Mon principal problème a été l'héroïne qui, à plusieurs reprises, m'a agacée par son comportement, parfois un peu hypocrite et sa constante animosité envers Vanza.
J'ai été cependant ravie de retrouver les principaux éléments qui font le charme des livres d'Amanda Quick: une intrigue suffisamment interessante et divertissante pour retenir notre attention jusqu'à la fin du livre (ici une histoire de vengeance en parallèle de la recherche d'un fantôme), des personnages secondaires variés et qui, chacun, à leur manière, font avancer l'histoire (j'aimerais par exemple en apprendre davantage sur Zachary, le jeune homme à la tête du réseau d'espionnage des rues) et une histoire d'amour entre les deux héros, certes assez classique mais non sans intérêt.
September 11, 2018
I enjoyed the idea of this novel, but the execution is horribly repetitive. Vanza, a core concept of this series, is a sort of secret society that focuses on collecting this mystical kind of scholarship, including fighting skills. This in itself is quite fun, but Vanza becomes a blanket term for anything in this story without any nuance or detail. There are Vanza herbs, Vanza fight moves, Vanza mazes, Vanza books, Vanza people, and they are referred to every page. The word lost all meaning to me.
The romance wasn't my cup of tea either. The first sex scene is horrifying: The hero is patronizing in stressful situations, which is one of my least favourite tropes. Meh.
The romance wasn't my cup of tea either. The first sex scene is horrifying: The hero is patronizing in stressful situations, which is one of my least favourite tropes. Meh.
April 27, 2010
very interesting love story holds your interest all the way to the end.
September 28, 2019
3,5 SECRETOS es la historia de la viuda que dicen que mató a su marido.
Parece que la autora caracterizó esta serie por primeros encuentros sexuales muy decepcionantes no sólo para la protagonista que siempre queda insatisfecha y confundida, sino para el lector que esperaba una mejor actuación de ambos.
Se trata de la viuda Madeline que manda a buscar a Artemis y le pide que rescate a su doncella ya que fue secuestrada en los alrededores de su parque de entretenimientos (lo cual deja en evidencia uno de sus secretos bien guardados ya que el hombre es un aristócrata y es avergonzarte que estuviera involucrado en el comercio). Además destacó sus habilidades Vanza con lo cual lo dejó completamente desconcertado.
Lo que me desconcertó a mí fue que el secreto de que trata el título, seguramente, la protagonista asegura no revelárselo a nadie, pero habla de él con su doncella, con su tía, a voz en cuello con Artemis. No sé qué idea tiene la autora por mantener un secreto. Todo el mundo parecía ya estar enterado. Además de que todo el mundo habla de la sociedad Vanza que se supone que es tan secreta como si se encontrara con n Vanza abajo de cada baldosa.
El hombre es tan caballeroso que espera a terminar el trabajo para exigirle respuestas.
Ella quiere contratarlo para averiguar algo que la aflige y se encuentran espiados en la casa embrujada del parque de atracciones. Pretende pagarle con una libreta llena de todos los datos de los Vanza y traducciones del libro considerado ser la llave del libro Vanza.
Es la historia de la viuda virgen de la que apuestan por sobrevivir una noche con ella. Se decía que quiso anular su matrimonio y como su padre no lo consiguió, decidió tomarlo en su propias manos.
Resultó ser cierto pero porque el marido estaba loco por conseguir el libro de los secretos Vanza y había envenenado a su padre e intentaba matarla cuando ella utilizó los “secretos Vanza” que su padre le confiaba para entrenarla y disparó a matar por sorpresa antes de que él la pudiera alcanzar. Ella se había enterado de que su historia era toda mentira y se había acercado a ella solamente para conseguir los secretos de su padre.
Resultó ser que su cuñado la atormentaba drogándola con vapores y sugestionándola con el fantasma de su marido ya que eran parecidos. Él quería el libro pero para venderlo. Ambos habían sido criados por un miembro de la rama oscura del Vanza.
Parece que la autora caracterizó esta serie por primeros encuentros sexuales muy decepcionantes no sólo para la protagonista que siempre queda insatisfecha y confundida, sino para el lector que esperaba una mejor actuación de ambos.
Se trata de la viuda Madeline que manda a buscar a Artemis y le pide que rescate a su doncella ya que fue secuestrada en los alrededores de su parque de entretenimientos (lo cual deja en evidencia uno de sus secretos bien guardados ya que el hombre es un aristócrata y es avergonzarte que estuviera involucrado en el comercio). Además destacó sus habilidades Vanza con lo cual lo dejó completamente desconcertado.
Lo que me desconcertó a mí fue que el secreto de que trata el título, seguramente, la protagonista asegura no revelárselo a nadie, pero habla de él con su doncella, con su tía, a voz en cuello con Artemis. No sé qué idea tiene la autora por mantener un secreto. Todo el mundo parecía ya estar enterado. Además de que todo el mundo habla de la sociedad Vanza que se supone que es tan secreta como si se encontrara con n Vanza abajo de cada baldosa.
El hombre es tan caballeroso que espera a terminar el trabajo para exigirle respuestas.
Ella quiere contratarlo para averiguar algo que la aflige y se encuentran espiados en la casa embrujada del parque de atracciones. Pretende pagarle con una libreta llena de todos los datos de los Vanza y traducciones del libro considerado ser la llave del libro Vanza.
Es la historia de la viuda virgen de la que apuestan por sobrevivir una noche con ella. Se decía que quiso anular su matrimonio y como su padre no lo consiguió, decidió tomarlo en su propias manos.
Resultó ser cierto pero porque el marido estaba loco por conseguir el libro de los secretos Vanza y había envenenado a su padre e intentaba matarla cuando ella utilizó los “secretos Vanza” que su padre le confiaba para entrenarla y disparó a matar por sorpresa antes de que él la pudiera alcanzar. Ella se había enterado de que su historia era toda mentira y se había acercado a ella solamente para conseguir los secretos de su padre.
Resultó ser que su cuñado la atormentaba drogándola con vapores y sugestionándola con el fantasma de su marido ya que eran parecidos. Él quería el libro pero para venderlo. Ambos habían sido criados por un miembro de la rama oscura del Vanza.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2025
I only got to page 30, skimmed a bit but the writing style really didn't reel me in, characters were unappealing and felt cardboard. There was no sense of urgency or emotion to fit what was happening.
August 2, 2018
Entertaining installment that might be my favorite in the Vanza series. Solid mystery with some great supporting characters.
November 16, 2021
Definitely my least favorite AQ/JAK book. The only reason I made it as far as I did was because of the excellent narration.
July 23, 2023
Not bad. Quite enjoyable, in fact. A re-read, of course.
June 8, 2024
Entertaining, Regency, romantic suspense
Madeline Deveridge is notorious among the ton as the Wicked Widow, because rumor has it that she murdered her husband shortly after their wedding. Her dead husband practiced the mystical meditation and martial arts techniques of Vanza, which originate from a monastery on the (fictional) island nation of Vanzagara. It is because of him that she is in possession of the information that wealthy, reclusive Artemas Hunt is a Vanza practitioner as well. She knows as an absolute fact that her husband is dead, but someone who looks like him, and is a Vanza practitioner like him, keeps showing up around London. She considers him to be the primary suspect behind suspicious deaths that have occurred among some reprobate aristocrats. Madeline needs someone to help her figure out what is going on, and only another Vanza practitioner will do.
I enjoyed the relationship between Madeline and Artemas very much. They are equally matched in intelligence, integrity, perseverance, and courage. As is often the case with JAK's romantic protagonists, there are entertaining, light moments of levity in the form of repartee between Madeline and Artemas, which are a welcome relief between intense bouts of action and adventure. I also chuckled at Madeline's description of Artemas to her aunt as, "mature yet still agile." Her aunt teases her about it multiple times over the course of the novel.
No age is provided for Madeline or Artemas but, given the fact that all of JAK's historical FMCs tend to be between 25-28, and her MMCs, whether historical or contemporary, tend to be between 35-39, I would guess that Madeline is around 26 and Artemas is around 37.
This novel was first released almost 25 years ago in 2000. It has held up well over time and does not feel dated in the author's approach to writing this story. Other than the fact that, unlike a large percentage of current-day historical romances, it does not contain excessive amounts of anachronistic lust scenes. To me personally, as a major fan of the romance genre, one of its most frustrating tropes is that unplanned pregnancies occur frequently in contemporary romances due to the FMC and MMC's irresponsibly failing to utilize readily available contraception, but in historical romances, during points in history where there was no reliable birth control, the FMC virtually never experiences an unplanned pregnancy, even though she and the MMC frequently engage in uninhibited bouts of unprotected sex. In addition, the aristocratic MMCs, who have had mistresses, and some have even gone to brothels (I'm looking at you, Loretta Chase), improbably, almost never have any bastard children and are never infected with STDs. In contrast, in all of JAK's romances, whether contemporary, historical or futuristic, there are only a couple of sex scenes toward the end of the novel, which are emotionally satisfying and avoid any crudeness of language or behavior, and her MMCs never have a history of promiscuity.
This is the second time I have read this novel. The first time I rated it 3 stars, but this time around it was a 4-star read for me. Maybe because I had just been disappointed by a whole string of romance novels, and I am grateful to JAK that I can always count on her for a well-written romance, with equally strong co-protagonists and none of the sex issues I just described.
I obtained free access to the audiobook version of this novel through Hoopla. It is narrated by the fabulous Barbara Rosenblat, who has voiced many novels by JAK. She always does a wonderful job. She is able to convincingly perform characters of all ages and genders and many different accents.
Madeline Deveridge is notorious among the ton as the Wicked Widow, because rumor has it that she murdered her husband shortly after their wedding. Her dead husband practiced the mystical meditation and martial arts techniques of Vanza, which originate from a monastery on the (fictional) island nation of Vanzagara. It is because of him that she is in possession of the information that wealthy, reclusive Artemas Hunt is a Vanza practitioner as well. She knows as an absolute fact that her husband is dead, but someone who looks like him, and is a Vanza practitioner like him, keeps showing up around London. She considers him to be the primary suspect behind suspicious deaths that have occurred among some reprobate aristocrats. Madeline needs someone to help her figure out what is going on, and only another Vanza practitioner will do.
I enjoyed the relationship between Madeline and Artemas very much. They are equally matched in intelligence, integrity, perseverance, and courage. As is often the case with JAK's romantic protagonists, there are entertaining, light moments of levity in the form of repartee between Madeline and Artemas, which are a welcome relief between intense bouts of action and adventure. I also chuckled at Madeline's description of Artemas to her aunt as, "mature yet still agile." Her aunt teases her about it multiple times over the course of the novel.
No age is provided for Madeline or Artemas but, given the fact that all of JAK's historical FMCs tend to be between 25-28, and her MMCs, whether historical or contemporary, tend to be between 35-39, I would guess that Madeline is around 26 and Artemas is around 37.
This novel was first released almost 25 years ago in 2000. It has held up well over time and does not feel dated in the author's approach to writing this story. Other than the fact that, unlike a large percentage of current-day historical romances, it does not contain excessive amounts of anachronistic lust scenes. To me personally, as a major fan of the romance genre, one of its most frustrating tropes is that unplanned pregnancies occur frequently in contemporary romances due to the FMC and MMC's irresponsibly failing to utilize readily available contraception, but in historical romances, during points in history where there was no reliable birth control, the FMC virtually never experiences an unplanned pregnancy, even though she and the MMC frequently engage in uninhibited bouts of unprotected sex. In addition, the aristocratic MMCs, who have had mistresses, and some have even gone to brothels (I'm looking at you, Loretta Chase), improbably, almost never have any bastard children and are never infected with STDs. In contrast, in all of JAK's romances, whether contemporary, historical or futuristic, there are only a couple of sex scenes toward the end of the novel, which are emotionally satisfying and avoid any crudeness of language or behavior, and her MMCs never have a history of promiscuity.
This is the second time I have read this novel. The first time I rated it 3 stars, but this time around it was a 4-star read for me. Maybe because I had just been disappointed by a whole string of romance novels, and I am grateful to JAK that I can always count on her for a well-written romance, with equally strong co-protagonists and none of the sex issues I just described.
I obtained free access to the audiobook version of this novel through Hoopla. It is narrated by the fabulous Barbara Rosenblat, who has voiced many novels by JAK. She always does a wonderful job. She is able to convincingly perform characters of all ages and genders and many different accents.
June 27, 2021
Liked the characters as usual but the story itself felt a bit choppy.
April 15, 2021
THIS IS A REREAD FOR ME - AND I LIKED IT BETTER THIS TIME
Madeline is a young widow. She lives with her Aunt Bernice in London. Madeline is infamous in London. It is rumored that she murdered her husband and then set the house on fire to hide her crime. Charges were never filed. She has maintained her innocence. She lives her life trying to ignore the rumors and gossip.
When her house maid is kidnapped near the gate of a pleasure garden, Madeline goes to the man who owns the entertainment site. She tells him he is responsible and he must help her rescue her maid.
Artemis is a wealthy man who is in the midst of a plan of revenge against 3 men. He is a man who understands that life is not always as it seems. He agrees to help rescue the maid. And in the process, he uses some youngsters who work for him by gathering information. Artemis is a man of many accomplishments. He is seldom without a good plan to solve a problem.
Madeline is drawn into Artemis’ world. He is interested in her. And she needs him to help her find a ghost. She also returns his interest although it is hard for her to admit to herself he is a good man.
They are led on adventures, one after another. There is an unknown villain. It is evident that someone (ghost or not) is trying to get something that Madeline has.
This is a fast moving plot and there are dangerous events involving both Madeline and Artemis. The villain is in the shadows but always around and always ready to do some dastardly deed.
Ms Quick creates interesting characters. Her heroines are always brave. Generally they act more bravely than they should at times. Madeline is no exception. But, Artemis is a true heroic figure. He works hard to protect both Madeline and her aunt.
This is an adventure story. There is a growing romance between Madeline and Artemis. But, the main thrust of the book is danger, excitement and mystery.
I am a fan of Ms Quick’s stories. They never disappoint me.
Madeline is a young widow. She lives with her Aunt Bernice in London. Madeline is infamous in London. It is rumored that she murdered her husband and then set the house on fire to hide her crime. Charges were never filed. She has maintained her innocence. She lives her life trying to ignore the rumors and gossip.
When her house maid is kidnapped near the gate of a pleasure garden, Madeline goes to the man who owns the entertainment site. She tells him he is responsible and he must help her rescue her maid.
Artemis is a wealthy man who is in the midst of a plan of revenge against 3 men. He is a man who understands that life is not always as it seems. He agrees to help rescue the maid. And in the process, he uses some youngsters who work for him by gathering information. Artemis is a man of many accomplishments. He is seldom without a good plan to solve a problem.
Madeline is drawn into Artemis’ world. He is interested in her. And she needs him to help her find a ghost. She also returns his interest although it is hard for her to admit to herself he is a good man.
They are led on adventures, one after another. There is an unknown villain. It is evident that someone (ghost or not) is trying to get something that Madeline has.
This is a fast moving plot and there are dangerous events involving both Madeline and Artemis. The villain is in the shadows but always around and always ready to do some dastardly deed.
Ms Quick creates interesting characters. Her heroines are always brave. Generally they act more bravely than they should at times. Madeline is no exception. But, Artemis is a true heroic figure. He works hard to protect both Madeline and her aunt.
This is an adventure story. There is a growing romance between Madeline and Artemis. But, the main thrust of the book is danger, excitement and mystery.
I am a fan of Ms Quick’s stories. They never disappoint me.
January 23, 2022
Wicked Widow is the third book in the loosely-linked Vanza series. This one is an interesting twist, as it's the only one (of the three in the series I've read) where Vanza isn't presented as this universally loved and benign principle--there are those who seek to use it for ill. To that end, Madeline Deveridge, the titular wicked widow, was once married to one such man. And she has reason to know that said husband was truly dead, if you know what I mean. Artemas Hunt, OTOH, is a full Vanza master (what that means, I could not tell you), and, based on Secret Books Madeline has inherited from her father, she not only knows this, but uses his clandestine activities in trade to blackmail him into helping her when someone claiming to be her husband has started stalking/gaslighting her.
I was very intrigued by this classic suspense premise, and I wish it was dwelled on a bit more, as it's genuinely creepy. Hunt, if I'm recalling correctly (I've overread JAK lately, and her plots are basically mad libs at this point), is motivated by his desire to avenge his former lover, who was raped by three society men and died while trying to escape. To me, those are two big, competing plots, and it would be better if one of them, preferably the first one, was the focus. The solutions to each of these were kind of meh. The haunted house and pleasure pavilion setting was very fun, though.
I literally just read another virgin widow, and I won't repeat that review, but *eye roll*. I really don't mind/appreciate when the first encounter between a h/H is underwhelming, but the way it was dealt with here (played for humor, with the butt being both the naive, ignorant heroine and the ruined pride of the hero), didn't work for me. Madeline's whole character, which could have been sophisticated, competent, and interesting, was lessened by the schlock mid-career JAK earnest ignorance vibes.
I was very intrigued by this classic suspense premise, and I wish it was dwelled on a bit more, as it's genuinely creepy. Hunt, if I'm recalling correctly (I've overread JAK lately, and her plots are basically mad libs at this point), is motivated by his desire to avenge his former lover, who was raped by three society men and died while trying to escape. To me, those are two big, competing plots, and it would be better if one of them, preferably the first one, was the focus. The solutions to each of these were kind of meh. The haunted house and pleasure pavilion setting was very fun, though.
I literally just read another virgin widow, and I won't repeat that review, but *eye roll*. I really don't mind/appreciate when the first encounter between a h/H is underwhelming, but the way it was dealt with here (played for humor, with the butt being both the naive, ignorant heroine and the ruined pride of the hero), didn't work for me. Madeline's whole character, which could have been sophisticated, competent, and interesting, was lessened by the schlock mid-career JAK earnest ignorance vibes.
July 26, 2015
It's funny how in the 2nd book, Ignatius Lorring had mentioned that he was the only master of Vanza in London, or something along those lines. Since they were having trouble figuring out how the young Vanza guy, John something?, where he learned his skills. But in this book, there were more masters in London than just Lorring.
If she is having bad dreams all the time at night, hence she doesn't sleep, why doesn't she actually take her Aunts tonics? Either way, if she doesn't want to take them, why take then and dump them out? What a waste.
Why is it that the main male characters, it seems in most of this authors stories, never last long during their first sexual encounter with the main female character? It's like the initial thrust, the female squirms/moves, and it's all over?
What does it mean to be 'transported.' When Madeline was talking about people finding out that she really had killed her husband, she said that she would be hung or transported.
I'm surprised that Artemas didn't send Zachary with the key to Vanzagaria. Considering they Zachary was studying Vanza with Artemas help and all.
Either way, this was a pretty good story. On to the next one.
If she is having bad dreams all the time at night, hence she doesn't sleep, why doesn't she actually take her Aunts tonics? Either way, if she doesn't want to take them, why take then and dump them out? What a waste.
Why is it that the main male characters, it seems in most of this authors stories, never last long during their first sexual encounter with the main female character? It's like the initial thrust, the female squirms/moves, and it's all over?
What does it mean to be 'transported.' When Madeline was talking about people finding out that she really had killed her husband, she said that she would be hung or transported.
I'm surprised that Artemas didn't send Zachary with the key to Vanzagaria. Considering they Zachary was studying Vanza with Artemas help and all.
Either way, this was a pretty good story. On to the next one.
May 14, 2017
With the exception of Amanda Quick's books, I general don't care for stories that deal with the rules of the British aristocracy. I greatly enjoyed this story, as well as the earlier novels written, by Jayne Ann Krentz, under the pen name of Amanda Quick. There is always a sense of humor that permeates her characters, as well as a story that is filled with lots of twists and turns. Perhaps, most significant, to me, are the strong, intelligent women who are at least as solid and enterprising as their male companions.
This story did not disappoint in any regard. The heroine, Madeline Devridge, is rumored to have killed her husband. Instead of retreating from society and it's gossip, she sets out to hire a man who can help her find out who is threatening her. Her relationship with Artemis Hunt and her eccentric aunt Bernice are modern in their approach to life and each other. The mysterious Vanzagarian Society, which permeates the story, lends enough of a sense of the paranormal to the story to satisfy this lover of everything Jayne Ann Krentz writes.
Met all my expectations and allowed me to spend many enjoyable hours.
This story did not disappoint in any regard. The heroine, Madeline Devridge, is rumored to have killed her husband. Instead of retreating from society and it's gossip, she sets out to hire a man who can help her find out who is threatening her. Her relationship with Artemis Hunt and her eccentric aunt Bernice are modern in their approach to life and each other. The mysterious Vanzagarian Society, which permeates the story, lends enough of a sense of the paranormal to the story to satisfy this lover of everything Jayne Ann Krentz writes.
Met all my expectations and allowed me to spend many enjoyable hours.
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