Too Wicked to Kiss

Some of the very first books that I fell in love with were Gothic romances and as I began this story, I felt like I had stepped back in time. There is truly something mesmerizing about the dark castle, the frightening first glimpse of the man of the manor and his tortured soul. The heroine who is an innocent and scared out of her wits but oddly forms an attraction. Have I set the stage? Multiply all of those thoughts by ten and you have an amazing story written by one of the masters of historical romance who has absolutely surrounded me with the atmosphere and suspense of this genre’
Evangeline (of how I love that name!) Pemberton was desperately trying to escape her cruel stepfather after the death of her mother. She had come upon Lady Stanton and her daughter who had taken her in and had her traveling with them to a local soiree. Well the “local” was not true because it took an entire day to get there and then seeing their destination and the finding out the real reason they were going to Blackberry Manor. Oh yes, how underhanded could these two ladies be!
But when they arrived and she saw the object of their focus, she could hardly move.
“He was angry. Horribly angry. His eyes glittered like a wolf’s because he was a wolf a beautiful, powerful, violent wolf, prowling toward his unsuspecting prey.” Enter Gavin Lioncroft, reclusive, brooding hero, having been suspected of murder and angry because his sister had invited guest to his home.
I just wanted to set the stage but what a page turner!! I could almost “see” the setting in my mind and picture all of the characters in this play. I say play because it unfolded with all the parts to make a fascinating tale. I cannot wait for more in this series and I know this will go on my to be read again bookshelf!

‘Too Wicked to Kiss’ is book one in the Scoundrels & Secrets’ Series. This is the story of Evangeline Pemberton and Gavin Lioncroft. When I see Ms. Ridley name on a book I know I will be getting a really good story and this one did not let me down.
Evangeline is headed to a party along with other guest to the reclusive Lioncroft estate. Gavin has been rumored to have killed his parents but nothing was proven. Evangeline is attracted to Gavin as he is with her when they first meet..but now there has been another murder. Has Evangeline let her heart rule her mind or does Gavin just have bad luck? This book got me in from the first few sentences!

Too Wicked to Kiss by Erica Ridley
Gothic Love Stories #1

Evangeline Pemberton is on the run. She believes her mother’s friend, Lady Stanton, will keep her safe from her evil stepfather. In borrowed clothes she is drug along to compromise Gavin Lioncraft…well to assist in compromising him so that Susan Stanton can marry him. Evangeline is NOT happy with the idea but is willing to do just about anything to remain safe from her abusive murderous stepfather.

The first time Evangeline and Gavin set eyes on one another sparks fly. Of course Evangeline is sure it is fear of a “murderer” that has her tingling but…is it? Susan is not ready to settle down even though she is ready to leave her mother behind. There is another young woman on the marriage market and she is not enamored with the man her father has chosen for her. Rose, Gavin’s sister, comes to dinner with bruises put there by her husband, and Gavin is incensed. The house party is off to a rollicking start with a dinner followed by dancing and everyone rather put out. Later…Rose’s husband is found dead but…who is the murderer?

This book had romance, plenty of people that could have killed a man nobody liked, some games, an evil stepfather, a woman with paranormal abilities often called a witch, plenty of people to like and a lot more to dislike. It was dark and creepy and just what it was supposed to be.

Did I like this book? Yes
Do I want to read more in this series? Definitely!

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

Great story, with twists and turns, murder, distrust, betrayal, loyalty, forgiveness, and love. The characters are colorful, the setting truly gothic, and a lot of it was quite amusing, despite the darkness and some violence. Looking forward to the next book in this series!

ONE SPECTACULAR START!!!
Nailed it! Scenes, characters, location, dynamics and details are written with such realism there’s no trouble interpreting each scenario as they play off one another smoothly. One chaotic ride with a bounty of swirling emotions bursting into play front and center. Mesmerizing, intriguing, pulse racing, heart pounding, tantalizing wonder that’s as riveting as it is captivating. Toss in a multitude of inadvertent surprises and vexing circumstances keep you flipping page after page. Hurdling all the obstacles, twists and conflicts, along with a few bumps and bruises catapult this bad boy to life beautifully. Mastering a bevy of mishaps and surprising incidents propels a full range of stormy emotions swirling and thrusting them into play front and center. All the drama, confusion and suspense fuse this baby together piece by piece. The characters personalities are well matched as they blend and flow smoothly. The scenes are so colorfully described it paints one amazing backdrop. Outstanding job Erica, thanks for sharing this baby with us.

I do loved this story which mixes a historical setting with a bit of paranormal and a mystery to solve but at time I struggled to like the heroine.
The hero is dark, brooding with fit of temper, but to me, he never gave proof to be the ruthless murdered he is accused to be. Sure he is easily angered when he sees abuse but it does not make him a monster.
And for ten years he payed a deep price for his recklessness and late teen mistakes. He was seventeen when the events which sealed his fate occurred, not yet an adult.
Sure, Evangeline’s upbringing was violent and filed with abuses and made her weary of men, but she is quick to judge and pass her veto on those she thinks guilty. While Gavin tried at each turn to win her trust, even when her omission or some miscommunication showed her in a bad light, he always forgave her.
And m each time he expressed his faith in her by confessing his own errors and secrets, she censured him and played hot and cold with his feelings, never able accept him for the man he is, flaws and gifts.
Why I found her often inconstant and shallow, lacking of trust for the one man she says she is in love. Hopefully she apologized every time she doubted him.
And after all, it is what makes us human, our faults and goods. It is not always pleasant to see our own defects in others, why Mrs Ridley did a great job with her different characters as the wide range of personalities was a perfect representation of the good and bad in the human being.
4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author and I had previously preordered the full series. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Evangeline Pemberton’s mother has recently died & she’s fled her childhood home & her stepfather Neal to take shelter with the Stanton’s. Lady Stanton & her daughter Susan have been invited to a house party at the sprawling estate of reclusive Gavin Lioncroft, who is rumoured to have killed in cold blood. Evangeline accompanies them having been drawn into a scheme of Lady Stanton.
Evangeline has a gift which some see as a curse. Everyone apart from Evangeline & the twins seem to be frightened of Gavin. When a guest is murdered, Evangeline is torn. Could the man to whom she is so powerfully drawn, also be a ruthless killer?
A well written page turning book that I was loath to put down. Well portrayed characters with a good mix of likeable & dislikeable characters. I liked both Evangeline & Gavin & how their attraction grew. I loved how Gavin, who didn’t want to host a house party, played to his guests’ fears. I love regency romances & I love a good murder mystery so put the two together & I’m a happy bunny. I love the author’s other books so couldn’t resist this ‘gothic’ novel & I found it to be a fun read with more than a little tongue in cheek. I can’t wait to read the rest of this re-released series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

A castle filled with secret passages is the setting of this wonderful story where Gavin and Evangeline find redeeming love. The story is filled with mystery and mayhem. Gavin is unhappy to have a group of unwanted guests thrust upon him but is determined to do the best he can. Evie has run away from home and finds herself in the middle of a nightmare house party. When a guest dies it is up to her and Gavin to figure out the killer. This takes place amongst some strange happenings and the start of their love together.

Really enjoyed this book. The story is full of witty repartee and great characters.

Erica Ridley A recluse being forced into a house party in is own home, a heroine that has visions all in in the setting of a Manor in a Historical time period. Mystery, Romance and deception is in order of the day! I was hooked! What a great read!