A darkly romantic gothic mystery with hidden motives and forbidden love from a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author:“Sensual and witty… A delicious, dark Gothic treat!”- Eloisa James, New York Times bestselling authorHIS TOUCH HOLDS HER CAPTIVEFrom the ravens circling its spires to the gargoyles adorning its roof, Blackberry Manor looms ominously over its rambling grounds. And behind … Blackberry Manor looms ominously over its rambling grounds. And behind its doors, amid the flickering shadows and secret passageways, danger lies in wait…
TO HIS EVERY DARK DESIRE
Evangeline Pemberton has been invited to a party at the sprawling estate of reclusive Gavin Lioncroft, who is rumored to have killed in cold blood. Initially, his towering presence and brusque manner instill fear… until his seductive attentions and unexpected vulnerability conquer her resistance.
But when a guest is murdered, Evangeline is torn. Could the man to whom she is so powerfully drawn, also be a ruthless killer?
Gothic Love Stories
- Too Wicked to Kiss
- Too Sinful to Deny
- Too Tempting to Resist
- Too Wanton to Wed
- Too Brazen to Bite
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A Gothic novel with hidden walls and mysterious death. A tragic hero and a terrified heroine. What more could you ask for you say…. a satisfying ending! This one has it all. Thank you Erica Ridley for another great story.
This was a fantastic read,could not put it down,loved it.
I can be assured of reading the best, most entertaining stories ever from this author.
That said, Erica Ridley delivers an absorbing dark Gothic tale of ruthless unforgettable scenes. The story is thought provoking, intimate, sensual and stirring. Love and lose living with a wretched unforgivable past renders Gavin so delightful amidst the tragedy. Evangeline struggling to hide and survive among ruthless people with devious intentions. Gavin defies the limits of his heart and soul. This is a multilayered story with each layer unfolding into a heartfelt irresistible ending of light.
Erica Ridley never fails to bring wonderful characters to life.
Good
I loved this mystery and the growth of the characters!
A wonderful period romance, a heroine with a special gift and a murder mystery to solve, made this book a very entertaining read.
Loved how author told Evangeline’s and Gavin’s stories so interestingly. The murder mystery was fun. I loved the length of the book, but just wish the ending after her rescue lasted a little longer.
What happens when a Gothic romance hits a murderous man? You ended up with a heroine on the run with secrets of her own.
Haunting accounts of a woman’s life in a time when she had no freedom. I lobed the Blackberry Manor setting, too. Spooky without being too dark. Evangeline and Gavin are a great mix of curious about each other but also tightly holding their secrets. Lots of steam and chemistry, too.
Plus: a whodunit murder mystery with some twists and turns. Highly recommend.
CW: for abuse (not between heroine/hero), slur against the Romani.
I always enjoy books by Ms. Ridley and this book was another enticing read. Evangeline Pemberton is hiding a secret, a secret that killed her mother. Traveling to Blackberry Manor for a house party on the goodwill of her cruel aunt, Evangeline wants nothing more than to hide from her stepfather and his fists. Almost from the moment they enter the foyer of the forbidding Blackberry Manor, Evangeline feels a strange attraction to Gavin Lioncroft, a murderer who was never charged for his crime. The guests at the party all have secrets and something to hide, but when one of them ends up dead, Lioncroft is again accused of the murder. Evangeline must use her gift to clear the man who is slowly winning her heart.
From the opening pages when Evangeline accidentally runs into Gavin in a darkened hallway, his dangerous animal magnetism is hard to resist. I found the full cast of characters in the book a little hard to follow in the beginning and to keep them straight. The mystery of the murderer is well done and the suspense was carried throughout the book. First Evangeline tries to unravel the murder while hoping that her stepfather never finds her. His cruelty and torture of her is cringe worthy. Can Gavin save her all the while trying to save his own neck from swinging on the gallows.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
Found her ‘gift’ an interesting twist, and she was well written.
Evangeline Pemberton has run away from the cruelty of her stepfather to her dead mother’s friend, Lady Stanton. She is aware of The Gift – Evangeline with a touch can see the secrets people keep. Her stepfather keeps her locked away to use her gift to further his gains. But Evangeline is determined to use her powers to help. But it seems that she traded one abuser for another – Lady Stanton decided to marry her daughter Susan to Gavin Lioncroft, who is rumored to have killed his parents a decade ago. His money along with her ruined daughter will open society’s doors to both. Evangeline’s life has been very lonely and solitary, especially since her mother died. She longs for a friend and family – but a slight touch brings blinding headaches and visions. Until she meets Gavin. His sister has invited the Stanton family along with others in her family for a house party. But the unexpected happens – Gavin’s brute of a brother-in-law is murdered! All believe Gavin guilty – can Evangeline untangle the lies that everyone is telling and discover the true murderer?? Romantic tale with added mystery of lies and guilt and the yearning for love and forgiveness.
Too Wicked Too Kiss is a darn good murder mystery. There’s romance, of course, but the mystery kept me guessing until the very last. That rarely happens so this was a treat to read. There are a lot of emotionally damaged people stuck in a house together for a “country house party”. There wasn’t much party to it at all which is a-ok with me. This is book 1 in the Gothic Love Stories series. I’ve read one other of the four and they’ve both been good.
#EricaRidley #GothicLoveStories #romance #murdermyster
Well, I didn’t want to read gothic historical romance, I love historical romance but gothic…I didn’t think it was my thing. What an eye opener! I loved this book, I read it in one day, couldn’t put it down! I’ve read a couple of this series and have just bought another, I’m going to start it right now!
What happened after the murder who is automatically pointed at Gavin?
A Fantastic time at BlackBerry Manor with it’s mazes of BlackBerry bushes & crazy people who are unable to keep from causing trouble including the servants.
An intimidating Man with so much anger, hurt & no Family support.
A Lady who is a Clairvoyant & is scared out of mind.
I was so engrossed in the Story, I almost didn’t sleep. I honestly couldn’t put the Book down.
I look forward to reading the next Book in the Series.
This is a great book, good characters, witty, and romantic!
Not you usual, always enjoyable Erica Ridley but captivating and haunting just the same
Had trouble putting the book down it was so good!
Avouons-le, je n’avais jamais lu de “romance gothique”. Il n’est jamais trop tard pour commencer… Que l’on ne s’attende pas à lire Walpole ici. Mais c’est plutôt réussi, et très divertissant. Sur la trame connue d’une Cendrillon hirsute dotée de magiques pouvoirs, l’auteur construit une histoire agréable à lire. Certaines scènes sont franchement hilarantes et le couple d’amoureux contrariés, par-delà les clichés, est particulièrement sympathique. Leur romance mouvementée est espiègle et intelligemment menée. En bref, c’est très bien écrit, et totalement maîtrisé !
K