Ridden with scandal…
Lady Miranda Reynolds lost her heart a long time ago. When she decided to finally wed, it was too late. A scandal left her a spinster on a shelf, with only the most desperate gentlemen willing to court her. Ironic since Miranda was once the most sought-after young lady in London.
But that was before Colin Hartley ruined her.
An earl by tragedy…
Colin Hartley, the Earl … Hartley, the Earl of Kilmaire is in desperate need of an heiress. And her money. He isn’t particular about his future bride, it’s a hand he seeks, not a heart. Colin’s still belongs to another. The only woman he’s ever loved jilted him to marry a future duke.
A second chance…
An unfortunate misunderstanding cost Colin and Miranda he happy ending they deserved. Six long years later, fate intervenes once again.
Miranda didn’t marry a duke. Or an earl. Or anyone.
She’s been waiting for Colin. Her wicked earl.
A steamy, sexy romp through post-Regency London. Book 3 of the Wickeds series by bestselling author Kathleen Ayers.
Book 1 Wicked’s Scandal
Book 2 Devil of a Duke
Book 3 My Wicked Earl
Book 4 Wickedly Yours
Book 5 Tall Dark & Wicked
Book 6 Still Wicked
Book 7 Wicked Again
more
Another solid entry in the Wicked series. This one is set at a house party that the Dowager has organized under the guise of helping a friend of the family find a wealthy wife. The hero’s estates are in shambles and he promised his brother to set things right. The Dowager has invited a couple of wealthy prospects although she sees more between her granddaughter and the hero. Colin, the hero, is a part Irish Earl, lapsed Catholic and has a cursed past as in a mad as a hatter mother who tried to murder him then committed suicide. Not much to offer given the times. He’s a blonde Irishman, but his brooding scar and occasional Irish lilt make him irresistible. Even the Dowager admires his charming ways.
Miranda is on the shelf due to some heavy duty gossip that has pretty much derailed her options for marriage. No, not compromised, she shot her mother’s evil lover who was trying to murder Miranda’s half-brother and his pregnant wife.
Unfortunately, the hero and the heroine are at odds over something that happened six years ago. Yep, a terrible misunderstanding that kept them away. I will have to say that the onus is on the hero for being a big fat idiot.
I’ve read this series totally out of order, but the heroine, Miranda, is the daughter of the vile and evil Jeanette from the first book. The evil Jeanette is present in spirit only.
I’m not going to bother with more plot points, but let some of the characters speak for themselves.
The managing Dowager. If you loved Violet from Downton Abbey, look no further.
Donata allowed the barest whisper of satisfaction to cross her lips. Ridley, that pompous, annoying ass, should not be counting on Miranda’s dowry to pay off his extensive debts. Lord Hamill, whose limp was likely due to falling off his horse drunk, would need to find another brood mare. Seating him on the other side of Miranda was a brilliant maneuver. The old codger was so hard of hearing that if Miranda spoke to him, he had to lean closer to her, giving the appearance that he was inspecting her bosom. Which he likely was.
Lady Helen was entirely lacking in decorum. She even ogled Lord Welles during dinner. Not that Welles didn’t enjoy being ogled, but that was hardly the point.
The ultimate heroine to OW smackdown
Lady Helen…
I do hope you’ll forgive me, but I quite admire you. Lady Helen’s face took on a look of innocence. Miranda turned, knowing what would come next.
***********
“You understand, with it being my first season and my father’s title fairly recent, that we cannot have an ounce of scandal attached to us.”
“Of course.” Miranda replied. “One wonders then, why you would entertain the suit of the Cursed Earl.”
Lady Helen’s perfect brow wrinkled as if she were wrestling with some inner dilemma.
“Well it’s quite different for a gentleman, obviously. Scandal only makes some men, like Lord Kilmaire, that much more attractive. Women, however, become unsuitable. I’ve often thought it unfair. You’re so terribly brave to withstand such talk and still go about in society.”
What a little bitch Lady Helen was.
“What makes you so certain,”Miranda said softly, “That you are not considered unsuitable?”
Lady Helena’s perfect composure faltered. She reddened, rather unattractively. “You are..”
Miranda turned in her seat abruptly and leaned forward, her nose nearly touching Lady Helen’s. “I am the sister of the Marquess of Cambourne, your host. My lineage and that of my family would never be in dispute, nor would I need to marry to gain social standing.”
Lady Helen fell back as if slapped.
“I would consider what you say next, Lady Helen, very carefully. “My circumstances, of which you have very kindly offered your sympathy, will be nothing compared to the circumstances you will find yourself in should this conversation continue further. I would beg you to remember who my grandmother is and the damage she can inflict with only a few, well placed words. I fear neither you nor your family could withstand such an assault.”
Lady Jeanette Cambourne had not been much of a mother to Miranda, but she had imparted some useful lessons to her daughter. Namely, how to give a set down to a malicious little bitch.