Miss Alice Bursnell has one goal–wreak revenge on Nathaniel Eastwood, Viscount Abingdon, for the seduction, ruin, and death of her beloved twin sister. But how to expose a seducer without falling prey herself? As she gets closer to Nathaniel, she finds she is in serious danger of following in her sister’s much-too-tempted footsteps. The man is nothing like the heartless rake she expected…and … expected…and his kisses are truly divine.
When a mysterious and gorgeous woman confronts Nathaniel at a fancy ball, he suspects she has murder on her mind–his own. But the more he tries to determine who the deceptively innocent beauty is–and what she’s up to–the deeper he falls under her alluring spell. Nathaniel fears he’s in imminent danger of losing his life…or worse, his heart.
Each book in the Wicked Secrets series is STANDALONE:
* Twice As Wicked
* Lady Gone Wicked
* Wicked With the Scoundrel
more
I’ve had a lucky streak lately picking books and Bright’s debut (hard to believe something this engaging and polished is a first book!) was no exception.
The story is fun and very different from anything else I’ve read. I also thought the characters had personalities that were all their own. Alice is that perfect balance of heroine who manages to be steady of purpose, intelligent, and ingenious without appearing too modern or coming across as annoying. I may be old fashioned, but I like to read historical novels where the characters act like a person from the early nineteenth century might have done, and Bright has a skilled, deft touch in that area.
Nate is also an intriguing hero who manages to fall somewhere between alpha and beta (so, I guess gamma?) Anyhow, he endeared himself to me when he showed a healthy concern when it came to his own hide. All too often characters in a book (especially heroes, who we like to be assertive) fail to respond in realistic ways to threats or danger.
I also liked (without going into spoiler territory) Alice’s ability to adjust her aims when the evidence showed she had guessed incorrectly.
Bright writes GREAT dialogue and has a witty turn of phrase that makes reading her characters’ introspective moments a joy, as well.
Lots of fun to read and I’ve already bought book two!
Full review appeared on Reader’s Edyn on 10/13/17
Alice Bursnell is an intelligent woman, with her mind set on revenge. Quick and witty, she believes she has uncovered the identity of the man who both ruined and caused the death of her twin sister. Now she is on a mission to expose the culprit as the cad he is. Unfortunately, the more she gets to know Nathaniel, the more she begins to doubt his guilt – and the more she desires more of his devastating kisses. As her focus strays away from Nathaniel as a lecher, she begins to uncover some of his family secrets, including the true identity of the one who ruined her sister. She struggles to understand why her sister would allow herself into such a situation, but then discovers exactly why once she succumbs to her deep desire for Nathaniel. In the midst of all of this is a legend of the second son – a legend that almost surely guarantees death for Nathaniel. Her quest to expose him quickly shifts to her desperation to save his life.
Nathaniel Eastwood, Viscount Abingdon is not your typical sexy, charming, sought-after, single, rake. No, Nathaniel is more of an anomaly. Over tall, and quite uncoordinated, with a body that is not nearly flattered in the current fashion trends, he is more of a loner. Trusting only a single friend, he isn’t known for his social prowess, or ability to sweep women off their feet. But something about him attracts Alice and he too finds himself unexplainably drawn to her – craving her attention, fantasizing some deliciously sinful desires involving her. After acknowledging his feelings, he discovers her true motivation behind seeking him out. Knowing it was all an act to get closer to him breaks his trust and his heart, which is something he rarely (OK, never) gifts. Knowing the truth might allow him the ability to help Alice, and get closer to her, but if he can’t hold confidence in her, they have nothing. There is, too, the fact that she intends on killing his brother.
I freaking adored this book! I have never read anything by Ms. Bright before and I was hankering for a historical romance when I stumbled upon this review opportunity. I have been reading a lot of contemporary lately and wanted to get back to the genre that I treasure above all. I have to tell you, I was sucked in by the cover before anything else. After reading the blurb, I knew I had to read this one. Ms. Bright is a gifted storyteller – the world she creates and intertwines with so many other components is truly fascinating. I was sucked in and remained there, enraptured the entire time. I don’t recall even putting the book down once. I loved that both main characters were not the typical heiress and heir searching for their true match. These two broke the mold of characteristic traits in the most spectacular way. One could almost describe them as hidden treasures. The ton thinks of Nathaniel as somewhat of a klutz in an awkward body – which is so far from the truth. And Alice isn’t one of those drop-dead beauties, but also is so much more beyond the exterior. They are two treasures meant to be discovered only by one another. Broken in one way, complimenting in the next. The secondary cast was truly wonderful and a brilliant addition. I can’t wait to read about Ms. Benton and Wessex as I am sure their turn will be coming soon. I also, very much want to know what is going on with Nicholas – I am sure something amazing will be revealed with him and his story. All speculation at this point regardless, but I’d like to hope I have some idea of what might come next. Every character had a purpose and they all fulfilled it beautifully, even beginning to spin their own stories in the process. I can honestly say that Ms. Bright is now in the ranks of a “go-to” author in my reading world. I know it is only my first read by this phenomenal author, but I truly feel that any reader who loves HR with a bit of suspense and some truly fabulous characters will not be disappointed in the least. Do yourself a favor and get this book immediately!
Kindle version provided by NetGalley/Entangled in exchange for an honest review.
Read in Oct 2017 via a NetGalley ARC but hadn’t posted review to BookBub, so have copied/pasted my review from Goodreads.
Impressive debut novel by the author; the main characters are likeable and the story is engaging and holds the readers attention. Overall I enjoyed it though there were a few inconsistencies (including a chipmunk!).
Miss Alice Bursnell is determined to wreak revenge on Nathaniel Eastwood, Viscount Abingdon, for the seduction, ruin, and death of her beloved twin sister Adelaide after being given Adelaide’s locket which had a portrait & the initials NE. As she gets closer to Nathaniel, she finds she is in serious danger of following in her sister’s much-too-tempted footsteps. The man is nothing like the heartless rake she expected and his kisses are truly divine.
Everything is not as it seems & once Alice realises the truth she also realises how attracted she is to Nate. Nate is lovely as far removed from a rakes as can be, he thinks someone is trying to kill him which would play out the family’s history, he’s attracted to Alice but can’t understand why she looks at him with such venom. An easy reading, well written debut novel. The characters are well portrayed & the plot is of an even good pace. I hope some of the secondary characters especially Wessex have their story. The only downside was we don’t have chipmunks in England nor do we use kilometres far better to have been squirrels & miles!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I have been on a roll lately reading a lot of good books. Not sure why but I am not complaining. This story is right up there in terms of quality. A debut book that is fun and flirty and intriguing. I loved it! I could not figure out the mystery which really hooked me. Alice and Nathaniel are wonderfully written characters and their banter is off the charts. I do not want to leave out Wessex. He is wicked and hilarious. I was left with questions – who is Mr. Manning and why is Nicholas involved with him? What is Nicholas’ endgame? What is up next for Wessex and Eliza? All questions I look forward to having answered in future books. If you like smartly written characters, give this new author a try.
Disappointed with sloppy ending. Too many strings in the story were not tied up and seemed ccreated just to create the love story.
Fun read!
Revenge is sweet unless you fall in love with the villain. Some twist & turns in this romance but it is all worth it in the end. Recommend with 4 S.
Enjoyed this read – liked the characters and the plot.
characters were so “fresh” and likable – can’t wait for her next book – really enjoyed her writing style
The protagonists are flawed in ways that make them feel significantly more real than those in most romance novels, which I hugely appreciate. I can’t wait for the next one!