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Secrets & Scandals #2
His Wicked Heart
Note: Alternate/new cover edition for ISBN13: 9780615647364
It’s hard to be respectable…
Jasper Sinclair, Earl of Saxton, made a bargain with the devil—his father—to marry in one month's time. But instead of declaring his intentions for an acceptable debutante, he indulges his long-buried baser needs by joining a fighting club and pursuing a delectable woman who may not be what she seems. Soon he finds himself battling addictions that threaten his already wicked heart.
When you’d rather be wicked
Orphaned seamstress Olivia West wants the chance to lead an honest, respectable life, but the arrogant Earl of Saxton launches a daunting campaign to make Olivia his mistress. Destitute and desperate, Olivia agrees to one night with the dangerous peer, and draws upon her mother’s courtesan experience to seduce him. After binding and blindfolding him, she brings him to the edge of release, only to switch places with an actual prostitute. However, Jasper detects Olivia’s deception and vows to claim what he's owed— not his money, her.
It’s hard to be respectable…
Jasper Sinclair, Earl of Saxton, made a bargain with the devil—his father—to marry in one month's time. But instead of declaring his intentions for an acceptable debutante, he indulges his long-buried baser needs by joining a fighting club and pursuing a delectable woman who may not be what she seems. Soon he finds himself battling addictions that threaten his already wicked heart.
When you’d rather be wicked
Orphaned seamstress Olivia West wants the chance to lead an honest, respectable life, but the arrogant Earl of Saxton launches a daunting campaign to make Olivia his mistress. Destitute and desperate, Olivia agrees to one night with the dangerous peer, and draws upon her mother’s courtesan experience to seduce him. After binding and blindfolding him, she brings him to the edge of release, only to switch places with an actual prostitute. However, Jasper detects Olivia’s deception and vows to claim what he's owed— not his money, her.
322 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2012
646 people are currently reading
919 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Burke
208 books2,280 followersDarcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her Reader Club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 106 reviews
May 3, 2015
"Damn it, Olivia. I am not a mistake. I am the Earl of Saxton.
Sometimes you stumble upon a hidden gem and it is one of the best feeling in the world! And this was one of those moments. I picked it up on Netgalley because I liked the blurb and I want to put up posters: This book deserves to be read!
I don't want to spoil anything! The greatest books are sometimes the most difficult to review. Add a dashing future duke, an awful father that you want to strangle, a bastard daughter with a courtesan for a mother and the most wonderful aunt and you get this charming tale. And yes, there is a fight club! So if you like your heroes on the dangerous side, then this is a book for you! Olivia is a wonderful heroine from very humble backgrounds. How can she ever become a duchess?
It might not be the most realistic piece of literature, but I am charmed. I have found a new fav author and I'm already off to read the next one!
Thanks to Intrepid Reads and Netgalley for providing me with this gem!
April 30, 2021
One my favorites of DB.
Reread:
I loved this book. The story line is so different from other HR.
This is such an enjoyable romance.
Reread:
I loved this book. The story line is so different from other HR.
This is such an enjoyable romance.
June 5, 2022
H was too annoying and weak while h was a ninny!
June 16, 2020
'It’s hard to be respectable…
Jasper Sinclair, Earl of Saxton, made a bargain with the devil—his father—to marry in one month's time. But instead of declaring his intentions for an acceptable debutante, he indulges his long-buried baser needs by joining a fighting club and pursuing a delectable woman who may not be what she seems. Soon he finds himself battling addictions that threaten his already wicked heart.
When you’d rather be wicked
Orphaned seamstress Olivia West wants the chance to lead an honest, respectable life, but the arrogant Earl of Saxton launches a daunting campaign to make Olivia his mistress. Destitute and desperate, Olivia agrees to one night with the dangerous peer, and draws upon her mother’s courtesan experience to seduce him. After binding and blindfolding him, she brings him to the edge of release, only to switch places with an actual prostitute. However, Jasper detects Olivia’s deception and vows to claim what he's owed— not his money, her.'
________________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
His Wicked Heart is the second book in Darcy Burke's Secrets and Scandals series and is a historical romance.
I found this book to be stronger than the first in the seriesand it was a faster read for me. I found this book to be a quick read, which was a result of the action and subterfuge. Despite some problems I had with the two main characters, I did like both of them. My favorite characters were Jasper's aunt, Louisa and his friend, Sevrin and I look forward to learn more about his character later on in the series.
I found Jasper to be quite manipulative. As a priviledged earl, his character largely didn't seem aware that he was behaving so terribly and instead seemed to spend most of his time villifying Olivia's actions. Not that Olivia doesn't make some bad choices as well, but it really bothered me that he couldn't seem to fathom the fact that many of her actions stemmed from being a vulnerable woman in the world with little to no protection or means. As a result, I often found Jasper to be infuriating and hard to like. I wish they had begun to behave better toward one another earlier in the book.
From what I've read of the series thus far, I'm enjoying it and would recommend it to others who enjoy Darcy Burke's books. Full disclosure, I think this is only the second book that she ever publushed and, like the first in this series, I don't the writing to be as strong as her more recent books, but it is still an enjoyable read. His Wicked Heart is not a clean romance.
I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series To Seduce a Scoundrel and learning more about Sevrin.
_____
I would like to thank the author, Darcy Burke, for sharing a copy of His Wicked Heart with me for reviewing purposes. This is my honest review.
Jasper Sinclair, Earl of Saxton, made a bargain with the devil—his father—to marry in one month's time. But instead of declaring his intentions for an acceptable debutante, he indulges his long-buried baser needs by joining a fighting club and pursuing a delectable woman who may not be what she seems. Soon he finds himself battling addictions that threaten his already wicked heart.
When you’d rather be wicked
Orphaned seamstress Olivia West wants the chance to lead an honest, respectable life, but the arrogant Earl of Saxton launches a daunting campaign to make Olivia his mistress. Destitute and desperate, Olivia agrees to one night with the dangerous peer, and draws upon her mother’s courtesan experience to seduce him. After binding and blindfolding him, she brings him to the edge of release, only to switch places with an actual prostitute. However, Jasper detects Olivia’s deception and vows to claim what he's owed— not his money, her.'
________________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
His Wicked Heart is the second book in Darcy Burke's Secrets and Scandals series and is a historical romance.
I found this book to be stronger than the first in the seriesand it was a faster read for me. I found this book to be a quick read, which was a result of the action and subterfuge. Despite some problems I had with the two main characters, I did like both of them. My favorite characters were Jasper's aunt, Louisa and his friend, Sevrin and I look forward to learn more about his character later on in the series.
I found Jasper to be quite manipulative. As a priviledged earl, his character largely didn't seem aware that he was behaving so terribly and instead seemed to spend most of his time villifying Olivia's actions. Not that Olivia doesn't make some bad choices as well, but it really bothered me that he couldn't seem to fathom the fact that many of her actions stemmed from being a vulnerable woman in the world with little to no protection or means. As a result, I often found Jasper to be infuriating and hard to like. I wish they had begun to behave better toward one another earlier in the book.
From what I've read of the series thus far, I'm enjoying it and would recommend it to others who enjoy Darcy Burke's books. Full disclosure, I think this is only the second book that she ever publushed and, like the first in this series, I don't the writing to be as strong as her more recent books, but it is still an enjoyable read. His Wicked Heart is not a clean romance.
I'm looking forward to reading the next in the series To Seduce a Scoundrel and learning more about Sevrin.
_____
I would like to thank the author, Darcy Burke, for sharing a copy of His Wicked Heart with me for reviewing purposes. This is my honest review.
June 8, 2020
His Wicked Heart, by Darcy Burke is a historical romance story worth reading.
Darcy’s ability to use words describing the details of the scenes, pulls the reader and their imagination into the story. The suspense and drama had me gasping and dropping my jaw on a few occasions. Darcy writing brought you into the world, where Olivia and Jasper suffered heartache and pain to find their way to one another. This helped me relate more to the characters and what they felt at that time.
I found myself and cheering them on to the end. The drama. The suspicion. The fights and the steamy romance scenes, gives this story the fire that will keep the reader glued to the book. Olivia’s character is a strong woman.
The people who judge her, may think that she’s week, but her smart whit and living, as they say the common life, taught her well. She was able to beat back her nay sayers and hold her head high, while walking into a room. Jasper’s character, feared no one. Not even his controlling father the Duke. Jasper walks through this book with is fist held high and the soft words and genuine love for Olivia. Oh, I haven’t forgot about the naughty ecstasy that Olivia and Jasper share in their stolen moments.
Jasper fingers where dancing like Fred Astaire’s feet in this book. Read the book. You will understand what I’m talking about. Talk about someone being on fire! Olivia was saying to herself, heavens, their is no way I’m letting this man get away.
I recommend this book with two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers... read on! I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
Darcy’s ability to use words describing the details of the scenes, pulls the reader and their imagination into the story. The suspense and drama had me gasping and dropping my jaw on a few occasions. Darcy writing brought you into the world, where Olivia and Jasper suffered heartache and pain to find their way to one another. This helped me relate more to the characters and what they felt at that time.
I found myself and cheering them on to the end. The drama. The suspicion. The fights and the steamy romance scenes, gives this story the fire that will keep the reader glued to the book. Olivia’s character is a strong woman.
The people who judge her, may think that she’s week, but her smart whit and living, as they say the common life, taught her well. She was able to beat back her nay sayers and hold her head high, while walking into a room. Jasper’s character, feared no one. Not even his controlling father the Duke. Jasper walks through this book with is fist held high and the soft words and genuine love for Olivia. Oh, I haven’t forgot about the naughty ecstasy that Olivia and Jasper share in their stolen moments.
Jasper fingers where dancing like Fred Astaire’s feet in this book. Read the book. You will understand what I’m talking about. Talk about someone being on fire! Olivia was saying to herself, heavens, their is no way I’m letting this man get away.
I recommend this book with two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers... read on! I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
May 7, 2021
Am not going to get into the plot because so many others have done a great job summarizing it. This ended up being way more of a run-of-the mill HR than I expected it to be. Given the original premise of Olivia arranging a switcheroo sexual encounter in order to avoid selling her body, I expected to be drawn in by the story. The beginning was captivating but I felt that the pacing really slowed down after that.
The plot is driven by a lot of unnecessary conflict and misunderstanding arising from Olivia's secrets. Olivia feels compelled to hide the truth about her background (her mother was a courtesan and she's a bastard). This "original sin" begets more and more lies to cover up her background, especially when she meets Jasper (an earl) who distrusts her and her motives.
The plot is driven by a lot of unnecessary conflict and misunderstanding arising from Olivia's secrets. Olivia feels compelled to hide the truth about her background (her mother was a courtesan and she's a bastard). This "original sin" begets more and more lies to cover up her background, especially when she meets Jasper (an earl) who distrusts her and her motives.
May 27, 2012
Jasper Sinclair, Earl of Saxton, is well aware of the bargain he made to let his sister marry for love but that does not stop his arrogant father from demanding he fulfill his duty to wed within the month...to a proper young lady with proper breeding. Absolutely no lady lacking prestigious credentials will be acceptable, even if he ruins her. Jasper thought he had found love years ago and even though he ruined her, her family was quickly shipped off to America as she was well beneath a future Duke's realm. As he is out looking for some entertainment one night, he helps rescue a red-haired beauty who turns him down flat. Confident she will change her mind, he leaves his card as being her protector is much better that the hovel she is staying in. So it comes at no surprise that the red-haired beauty sends around a note a day later. What happens after, though, is a huge surprise and sets a course that will change Jasper's life forever.
Olivia West, daughter of a notorious courtesan, is recently orphaned and struggling to make ends meet by doing work as a seamstress. She hopes to find a job doing embroidery and almost has some luck, when she receives an unwanted advance and all her prospects plummet. Meeting the dashing Jasper leaves quite an impression on her but as she is determined to be better than her mother, she turns him away until it looks like she has no other options. Together, with a friend, they come up with a crazy (and I do mean crazy) idea that ends up crashing and leaving a very irate Jasper to deal with Olivia. And just when all hope seems lost, an angel arrives in the form of one Lady Louisa to whisk her away to a life she never knew. There is just one small problem...Louisa just happens to be Jasper's aunt and Jasper is determined to protect his beloved aunt from the surely scheming, deceitful Olivia. Matters of the heart are always a bumpy road but when trust is lost, what will it take to reform that trust and find happiness? Jasper is determined to figure that out with Olivia!
After reading Darcy Burke's debut, Her Wicked Ways, and meeting Jasper and seeing the sacrifice he was willing to make to allow his sister her happiness, I was very eager for his book and I am so glad it was enjoyable! Jasper was such a delightful mufti-layered character. On the surface, he knows his duty and knows he can never ruin another innocent again and he feels much remorse and anger as to how the situation was handled. He finds some solace in a fighting club, run by a peer but a peer that is pretty scandalous in his own right but it helps Jasper release some of his tension while showing what true friends can be, peerage or no peerage. Jasper also has a kind heart proven by his willingness to help those who cross his path with unfortunate circumstances. When he is betrayed by Olivia, it takes quite a while before he can start to trust her again and find the strength and courage he needs to stand up to his father to do what is right for him. Olivia is trying to succeed in one of my favorite professions of this time period and I loved the little tidbits about fashion and sewing. She lets down her guard for a moment and lets herself do something truly reckless and in the end, it will almost cost her true love and happiness. Olivia is a decisive, strong, independent young lady who is longing for a real family, a place to fit in and Jasper with his sexy, kind heart and strong loyalty to those he loves, is the perfect partner. If you are looking for a romance that is going to make you smile and sigh and shake your ereader because you want the couple to work it out and find that trust again mixed with dreadfully annoying parents and a loving, perhaps a bit dotty, aunt--this is a wonderful romance to read! Darcy Burke is an author to watch! 4 solid stars
Thanks so much to the author for providing me with this eARC!
Olivia West, daughter of a notorious courtesan, is recently orphaned and struggling to make ends meet by doing work as a seamstress. She hopes to find a job doing embroidery and almost has some luck, when she receives an unwanted advance and all her prospects plummet. Meeting the dashing Jasper leaves quite an impression on her but as she is determined to be better than her mother, she turns him away until it looks like she has no other options. Together, with a friend, they come up with a crazy (and I do mean crazy) idea that ends up crashing and leaving a very irate Jasper to deal with Olivia. And just when all hope seems lost, an angel arrives in the form of one Lady Louisa to whisk her away to a life she never knew. There is just one small problem...Louisa just happens to be Jasper's aunt and Jasper is determined to protect his beloved aunt from the surely scheming, deceitful Olivia. Matters of the heart are always a bumpy road but when trust is lost, what will it take to reform that trust and find happiness? Jasper is determined to figure that out with Olivia!
After reading Darcy Burke's debut, Her Wicked Ways, and meeting Jasper and seeing the sacrifice he was willing to make to allow his sister her happiness, I was very eager for his book and I am so glad it was enjoyable! Jasper was such a delightful mufti-layered character. On the surface, he knows his duty and knows he can never ruin another innocent again and he feels much remorse and anger as to how the situation was handled. He finds some solace in a fighting club, run by a peer but a peer that is pretty scandalous in his own right but it helps Jasper release some of his tension while showing what true friends can be, peerage or no peerage. Jasper also has a kind heart proven by his willingness to help those who cross his path with unfortunate circumstances. When he is betrayed by Olivia, it takes quite a while before he can start to trust her again and find the strength and courage he needs to stand up to his father to do what is right for him. Olivia is trying to succeed in one of my favorite professions of this time period and I loved the little tidbits about fashion and sewing. She lets down her guard for a moment and lets herself do something truly reckless and in the end, it will almost cost her true love and happiness. Olivia is a decisive, strong, independent young lady who is longing for a real family, a place to fit in and Jasper with his sexy, kind heart and strong loyalty to those he loves, is the perfect partner. If you are looking for a romance that is going to make you smile and sigh and shake your ereader because you want the couple to work it out and find that trust again mixed with dreadfully annoying parents and a loving, perhaps a bit dotty, aunt--this is a wonderful romance to read! Darcy Burke is an author to watch! 4 solid stars
Thanks so much to the author for providing me with this eARC!
June 23, 2020
Let this post of mine be in tribute to a friend whose smile will always shine bright in my heart.
A terrible shock and all I wanted was to lose myself in a book without my brain turning to mush, so back to my comfort genre.
His Wicked Heart by Darcy Burke is a charming story of two people who finds it hard to trust each other even though the desire smolders between them from the first sight itself. Olivia is not looking to sell her body for benefits, her only wish is to live life honorably so when Jasper the Earl of Sexton propositions her, Olivia firmly rebuts the offer. And then fate intervenes in the form of a loving aunt who believes Olivia is her late husband’s daughter and tries to change the ugly duckling to a swan.
I loved the story for its portrayal of kindness and the character Sevrin who runs the fight club. The underlying thread of parental abuse endured by Jasper was painful but loved how the author has shown the strength in character for both Jasper and Olivia. If you are looking for a story with some amazing characters and loving romance, this one is the perfect choice.
A terrible shock and all I wanted was to lose myself in a book without my brain turning to mush, so back to my comfort genre.
His Wicked Heart by Darcy Burke is a charming story of two people who finds it hard to trust each other even though the desire smolders between them from the first sight itself. Olivia is not looking to sell her body for benefits, her only wish is to live life honorably so when Jasper the Earl of Sexton propositions her, Olivia firmly rebuts the offer. And then fate intervenes in the form of a loving aunt who believes Olivia is her late husband’s daughter and tries to change the ugly duckling to a swan.
I loved the story for its portrayal of kindness and the character Sevrin who runs the fight club. The underlying thread of parental abuse endured by Jasper was painful but loved how the author has shown the strength in character for both Jasper and Olivia. If you are looking for a story with some amazing characters and loving romance, this one is the perfect choice.
June 11, 2013
STUNNING PERIOD ROMANCE
Jasper Sinclair Earl of Saxton has just left a brothel, unhappy with the girl provided for him. As he makes his way to his coach he sees a young woman being accosted by a man, after rescuing her he walks her to her lodgings, she's extremely beautiful and Jasper assumes she is a prostitute, he then asks her for an appointment.
Olivia West had been returning home from the theatre where she was a seamstress, and is offended at Jaspers assumption about her. She refuses him. Undeterred Jasper gives her his card. This is but the first meeting between these two, their lives from that moment are changed forever.
This is a complex and well written story from Darcy Burke, an author who is a new discovery to me, but is fast becoming a firm favourite. The characterisation is perfect. Jasper is a multi-faceted man, his emotions run deep, he's unpredictable, but loyal to a fault. His life is coloured by his relationship with his overbearing father. Olivia's life has not been much easier than Jasper's. Her mother was a courtesan of much notoriety. Olivia is illegitimate and does not know who her father is. But her mother is now dead and Olivia's life is far from easy struggling to survive all alone.The chemistry between Jasper and Olivia just sizzles. the love scenes are passionate.The supporting characters add to the story's appeal.
Right from the first page I was hooked and could not put this down, a recommended read
ARC courtesy of NetGalley
Jasper Sinclair Earl of Saxton has just left a brothel, unhappy with the girl provided for him. As he makes his way to his coach he sees a young woman being accosted by a man, after rescuing her he walks her to her lodgings, she's extremely beautiful and Jasper assumes she is a prostitute, he then asks her for an appointment.
Olivia West had been returning home from the theatre where she was a seamstress, and is offended at Jaspers assumption about her. She refuses him. Undeterred Jasper gives her his card. This is but the first meeting between these two, their lives from that moment are changed forever.
This is a complex and well written story from Darcy Burke, an author who is a new discovery to me, but is fast becoming a firm favourite. The characterisation is perfect. Jasper is a multi-faceted man, his emotions run deep, he's unpredictable, but loyal to a fault. His life is coloured by his relationship with his overbearing father. Olivia's life has not been much easier than Jasper's. Her mother was a courtesan of much notoriety. Olivia is illegitimate and does not know who her father is. But her mother is now dead and Olivia's life is far from easy struggling to survive all alone.The chemistry between Jasper and Olivia just sizzles. the love scenes are passionate.The supporting characters add to the story's appeal.
Right from the first page I was hooked and could not put this down, a recommended read
ARC courtesy of NetGalley
June 2, 2015
In "His Wicked Heart", Darcy Burke provides us a story of a broken man who feels trapped by his station, and his father; and a woman who feels burdened by her poverty and her own troubled childhood. They meet by happenstance - a misunderstanding, actually - and Jasper (Duke of Saxton) is intrigued. Even in their meeting, though, we see the sensitive side of Jasper when he interrupts an aggressive suitor. Jasper is a truly sensitive character and throughout the book, we see him picking up "strays". We didn't spend much time at his home in this book, but I feel certain it's completely staffed with people down on their luck who need a hand up - and Jasper provides it. Jasper is definitely a complicated character, because while we see him trying to change the world, one hard-luck case at a time, we also see how he deals with the tension in his life - through fighting. He spent much of his life on the receiving end of violence, so I find it interesting that his method of dealing with the stress and tension in his life is violently - but controlled violence in the fighting club. But, you never see him display that violence outside of the club unless when warranted (i.e. when he is attacked). He uses his helping of those in need, and his fight club, to soothe the life-long hurts he has experienced. He may seem fierce but I actually think he's very gentle. I know he doesn't expect a woman to ever do more than fill his needs sexually and in society - and he fully expects those needs to be met by different women. Until he meets Olivia and struggles with his feelings for her.
Poor Olivia. I loved her but it is clear that she is trapped in a vicious cycle dictated by her station and her lot in life. She is an honorable woman and works hard to meet her meager needs honorably. Ironically, she meets Jasper when he mistakes her for exactly what she never intends to be - a prostitute. I think he sees her as a challenge - something for him to strive for - but knows that nothing can come of his relationship with her. Olivia is a strong woman - at least as strong as a woman can be in London of the time. But beneath that strength is the 14 year old girl who is still seeking approval from her aunt and uncle, and love from her mother. She finds that love in an unlikely place - a dear old woman who embraces Olivia into her family - and Olivia comes willingly because I think its the first real unconditional love she's felt from another. Olivia also understands her lot in life and even though she is being embraced by Louisa, she doesn't believe this will secure her a place in society. It does, however, secure her the love of a wonderful widow in Louisa, and puts her right in the Jasper's sites - and in his bed. Throughout the book, Olivia struggles with balancing what she knows is proper behavior for a woman of the time with her overwhelming feelings towards Jasper, even as she knows they are wrong. Both Jasper and Olivia struggle to fight their feelings for each other, and what they know to be their duty to their station, and it creates a lot of angst as their relationship develops.
I think what I liked the most about this story is how Jasper, with Louisa's help, finally realizes that he has more power over his destiny than he realizes. Jasper feels trapped by his place in society and it takes Louisa to help him understand that his position in society can be a position of power and not just shackles on his life. Jasper is acting as though his father has all the power, but Louisa helps him see that he can leverage what he knows about his father's desires to achieve his own goals - a life with Olivia. We see a huge turnaround in his father's relationship with Jasper once Jasper turns his position into a position of power. I almost think that his father begrudgingly gains respect for Jasper when Jasper finally stands up for what he wants in life. In the end, we see a great transformation in Jasper as he realizes that happiness and love IS in the cards for him with Olivia, and he finds a way to have the life he wants with her. And she happily joins him in that life!
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Poor Olivia. I loved her but it is clear that she is trapped in a vicious cycle dictated by her station and her lot in life. She is an honorable woman and works hard to meet her meager needs honorably. Ironically, she meets Jasper when he mistakes her for exactly what she never intends to be - a prostitute. I think he sees her as a challenge - something for him to strive for - but knows that nothing can come of his relationship with her. Olivia is a strong woman - at least as strong as a woman can be in London of the time. But beneath that strength is the 14 year old girl who is still seeking approval from her aunt and uncle, and love from her mother. She finds that love in an unlikely place - a dear old woman who embraces Olivia into her family - and Olivia comes willingly because I think its the first real unconditional love she's felt from another. Olivia also understands her lot in life and even though she is being embraced by Louisa, she doesn't believe this will secure her a place in society. It does, however, secure her the love of a wonderful widow in Louisa, and puts her right in the Jasper's sites - and in his bed. Throughout the book, Olivia struggles with balancing what she knows is proper behavior for a woman of the time with her overwhelming feelings towards Jasper, even as she knows they are wrong. Both Jasper and Olivia struggle to fight their feelings for each other, and what they know to be their duty to their station, and it creates a lot of angst as their relationship develops.
I think what I liked the most about this story is how Jasper, with Louisa's help, finally realizes that he has more power over his destiny than he realizes. Jasper feels trapped by his place in society and it takes Louisa to help him understand that his position in society can be a position of power and not just shackles on his life. Jasper is acting as though his father has all the power, but Louisa helps him see that he can leverage what he knows about his father's desires to achieve his own goals - a life with Olivia. We see a huge turnaround in his father's relationship with Jasper once Jasper turns his position into a position of power. I almost think that his father begrudgingly gains respect for Jasper when Jasper finally stands up for what he wants in life. In the end, we see a great transformation in Jasper as he realizes that happiness and love IS in the cards for him with Olivia, and he finds a way to have the life he wants with her. And she happily joins him in that life!
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
April 20, 2020 🎁 Books 1 & 2 in the Series are FREE on Amazon today (4/20/2020)! 🎁
July 2, 2020
I was not a fan of our hero. He spent a lot of time talking about how he didn’t want to be like his father and yet continued to seek his approval. Yet at one point he was yelling at our Heroine and then started having sex with her. That was not cool. Also ladies sometimes a mean guy isn’t troubled, he’s just mean, and its his own job to fix his own problems. You can’t love the meanness out of him.
July 12, 2012
You can find this review and more at Forever Book Lover
This is the second in a series, but quite honestly it can be a stand alone book. We met Jasper in "Her Wicked Ways", we saw that he placed his sister's happiness over his own. This book has so much going on, so hang on tight you in for a wonderful time.
I was looking forward to reading Jasper’s story, just the little tease that Darcy gave us in the first book was enough temptation me. In Her Wicked Ways the readers learned that Jasper Sinclair, Earl of Saxton, made a bargain with his devil of a father to marry in one month’s time.
Jasper is out trying to secure an evening of pleasure. He comes to the aid of a woman who was being accosted by a rather forward bloke, unhindered rage poured through Jasper as he tried to master his control. After the ordeal, he insists on walking the strikingly redhead home. The entire neighborhood is filled prostitutes, not knowing if this was her profession, he propositions her, only to be turned down. Bits of Jasper's character begins to develop and we learn that Jasper has a darker side and finds his release in fighting. As the rage he still is feeling is bubbling up in side him, he stumbles upon a fighting club audition, a club ran by a outcasted viscount, Sevrin. And surprisingly to all, he befriends Sevrin, a viscount who was notorious for ruining a girl, his brother’s fiancée and refused to marry her.
Olivia, I immediately loved her. Her mother came from one of the oldest professions and Olivia is trying to rise above the life that she was born into. All Olivia is searching for is a family to call her own. In a turn of fate she befriends Jasper's loving and eccentric aunt, Lady Merriweather believes that Olivia is the daughter of her late husband. This just sets the stage for a worldwind of events, hold on tight you are in for a wonderful ride. You will love the final showdown between Jasper and his father, and with a little help from his friends in the end, true love wins and Olivia finds the family she was looking for..
I also came to appreciate Lady Phillipa, she will have her story told in the next book in this series, To Seduce a Scoundrel. What a surprising leading man, Ms. Burke picks for this independent and strong willed heroine.
I enjoyed this book, and if you like historical romances you will love this one, the story line was fresh, you have a cast of well developed characters. Darcy Burke is a new author for me, but she has found a place on my auto ordering from now one. She is an author on the move!!
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thanks again, Darcy!!
This is the second in a series, but quite honestly it can be a stand alone book. We met Jasper in "Her Wicked Ways", we saw that he placed his sister's happiness over his own. This book has so much going on, so hang on tight you in for a wonderful time.
I was looking forward to reading Jasper’s story, just the little tease that Darcy gave us in the first book was enough temptation me. In Her Wicked Ways the readers learned that Jasper Sinclair, Earl of Saxton, made a bargain with his devil of a father to marry in one month’s time.
Jasper is out trying to secure an evening of pleasure. He comes to the aid of a woman who was being accosted by a rather forward bloke, unhindered rage poured through Jasper as he tried to master his control. After the ordeal, he insists on walking the strikingly redhead home. The entire neighborhood is filled prostitutes, not knowing if this was her profession, he propositions her, only to be turned down. Bits of Jasper's character begins to develop and we learn that Jasper has a darker side and finds his release in fighting. As the rage he still is feeling is bubbling up in side him, he stumbles upon a fighting club audition, a club ran by a outcasted viscount, Sevrin. And surprisingly to all, he befriends Sevrin, a viscount who was notorious for ruining a girl, his brother’s fiancée and refused to marry her.
The sounds of fighting—of fists striking flesh, of exertion—moved through him like the finest symphony, a balm for his frayed temper.
Olivia, I immediately loved her. Her mother came from one of the oldest professions and Olivia is trying to rise above the life that she was born into. All Olivia is searching for is a family to call her own. In a turn of fate she befriends Jasper's loving and eccentric aunt, Lady Merriweather believes that Olivia is the daughter of her late husband. This just sets the stage for a worldwind of events, hold on tight you are in for a wonderful ride. You will love the final showdown between Jasper and his father, and with a little help from his friends in the end, true love wins and Olivia finds the family she was looking for..
I also came to appreciate Lady Phillipa, she will have her story told in the next book in this series, To Seduce a Scoundrel. What a surprising leading man, Ms. Burke picks for this independent and strong willed heroine.
I enjoyed this book, and if you like historical romances you will love this one, the story line was fresh, you have a cast of well developed characters. Darcy Burke is a new author for me, but she has found a place on my auto ordering from now one. She is an author on the move!!
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. Thanks again, Darcy!!
May 8, 2020
There was a great deal about this story that was depressing; Jasper, Earl of Saxton's childhood was depressing, his father, the Duke of Holborn, was cruel, and both major characters lied to each other and others repeatedly.
Mis Olivia West was the bastard daughter of a dead courtesan-actress. She does not know who her father was. She's keeping herself barely fed and housed through her efforts as a seamstress. She's saved from harm by Jasper, Earl of Saxton when he drives away a man attacking Olivia. When he offers Olivia money for sex, she is horrified, although she is really needy. She refuses Jasper; he leaves his card, assuming she will change her mind. When Olivia gets really desperate for money, she and a friend decide to cheat Jasper; when he catches her red-handed, he constantly reminds her of her error throughout the book. Jasper is really good at manipulation.
In an unlikely twist, Olivia finds herself with Lady Louisa, who decides Olivia is the daughter she never had. Lady Louisa just happens to be Jasper's beloved aunt. Lady Louisa is a lovely character and Sevrin is darkly interesting (I understand the next story in this series is about him).
The sex between the couple seemed odd because they still didn't trust each other even though they were willing to be intimate with each other. Besides that, Jasper had promised his father that he would marry the woman his father wanted, even though he continued to have sex with Olivia.
The action was well-paced and the pages flew by because there were so many twists and turns. However, there were too many hostile characters and the main couple really didn't treat each other well until the epilogue.
Secrets & Scandals
1. Her Wicked Ways (2012)
** 2.His Wicked Heart (2012)
3. To Seduce a Scoundrel (2012)
Mis Olivia West was the bastard daughter of a dead courtesan-actress. She does not know who her father was. She's keeping herself barely fed and housed through her efforts as a seamstress. She's saved from harm by Jasper, Earl of Saxton when he drives away a man attacking Olivia. When he offers Olivia money for sex, she is horrified, although she is really needy. She refuses Jasper; he leaves his card, assuming she will change her mind. When Olivia gets really desperate for money, she and a friend decide to cheat Jasper; when he catches her red-handed, he constantly reminds her of her error throughout the book. Jasper is really good at manipulation.
In an unlikely twist, Olivia finds herself with Lady Louisa, who decides Olivia is the daughter she never had. Lady Louisa just happens to be Jasper's beloved aunt. Lady Louisa is a lovely character and Sevrin is darkly interesting (I understand the next story in this series is about him).
The sex between the couple seemed odd because they still didn't trust each other even though they were willing to be intimate with each other. Besides that, Jasper had promised his father that he would marry the woman his father wanted, even though he continued to have sex with Olivia.
The action was well-paced and the pages flew by because there were so many twists and turns. However, there were too many hostile characters and the main couple really didn't treat each other well until the epilogue.
Secrets & Scandals
1. Her Wicked Ways (2012)
** 2.His Wicked Heart (2012)
3. To Seduce a Scoundrel (2012)
April 12, 2025
Kobo+ Mad About Series Challenge HRBC 2025. Tropes: Regency Romance, Class Difference, Illigitimacy, Love at First Sight, Family/Friends,
MC's h. Miss Olivia West, 21, mother Fiona Scarlet actress/courtesan, raised by her Aunt and Uncle the West's in a village in Devon, her aunt booted her out at 14 as she discovered her husband was her real father, L. Louisa Merriweather discovered her through her embroidery and believes she is her late husband Merry's illigitimate daughter because of a letter and the embroidery matches a painting that Merry painted. It is the same as a box Olivia has belonging to her mother. H. Jasper, Earl of Saxton, son of Duke of Holburn, brother to Miranda (Bk.#1).
Comment: This is the second book in this series of 6 books and I am enjoying it a lot more than the first one. I think I will rate this book 4 Stars.
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MC's h. Miss Olivia West, 21, mother Fiona Scarlet actress/courtesan, raised by her Aunt and Uncle the West's in a village in Devon, her aunt booted her out at 14 as she discovered her husband was her real father, L. Louisa Merriweather discovered her through her embroidery and believes she is her late husband Merry's illigitimate daughter because of a letter and the embroidery matches a painting that Merry painted. It is the same as a box Olivia has belonging to her mother. H. Jasper, Earl of Saxton, son of Duke of Holburn, brother to Miranda (Bk.#1).
Comment: This is the second book in this series of 6 books and I am enjoying it a lot more than the first one. I think I will rate this book 4 Stars.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2020
I liked the villain more than the hero and disliked the heroine more and more as I read.
May 27, 2018
This is a generous 4 star review. Jasper Sinclair 12th Earl of Saxton and Heir to his father Holborn's Dukedom, is a kind, generous, handsome, sexy and compassionate for a Aristocrat. His father the Duke of Holborn has insisted he marry and provide an heir. Jasper has agreed to do as his father has said after he makes a deal with him to let his sister marry the man she loves.
Olivia West dress designer and seamstress is the bastard daughter of a deceased actress and courtesan. Olivia doesn't know who her father his and is down on her luck when she is rescued by Jasper from a man trying to attack her.
I loved Jasper's aunt Lady Louisa who happens upon Olivia's embroidery on some handkerchiefs. The design is one her deceased husband Viscount Merriweather created. Louisa believes that Olivia is her husbands bastard daughter and take her right away to live with her. The two ladies get on well together and Louisa treats Olivia like she is indeed her daughter. I love this part of the story. It was happy but sad in a way. Living with Louisa puts Olivia in the direct path of Jasper. Jasper doesn't trust her but is willing to put up with her and help hide her dubious parentship. The two grow closer together even though they have many secrets and are hiding things from each other. Jasper and Olivia have a hot and sexy affair and Jasper is disgusted with himself for Olivia was a Virgin and he has ruined her. But the relationship continues to grow until both realize they are in love with each other. I loved the HEA ending of the story. What I didn't like was the fight club. But I did understand it and it certainly makes for a different storyline in a Historical Romance novel. This story has lots of twist and turns and is true to the series name Secrets & Scandals.
Olivia West dress designer and seamstress is the bastard daughter of a deceased actress and courtesan. Olivia doesn't know who her father his and is down on her luck when she is rescued by Jasper from a man trying to attack her.
I loved Jasper's aunt Lady Louisa who happens upon Olivia's embroidery on some handkerchiefs. The design is one her deceased husband Viscount Merriweather created. Louisa believes that Olivia is her husbands bastard daughter and take her right away to live with her. The two ladies get on well together and Louisa treats Olivia like she is indeed her daughter. I love this part of the story. It was happy but sad in a way. Living with Louisa puts Olivia in the direct path of Jasper. Jasper doesn't trust her but is willing to put up with her and help hide her dubious parentship. The two grow closer together even though they have many secrets and are hiding things from each other. Jasper and Olivia have a hot and sexy affair and Jasper is disgusted with himself for Olivia was a Virgin and he has ruined her. But the relationship continues to grow until both realize they are in love with each other. I loved the HEA ending of the story. What I didn't like was the fight club. But I did understand it and it certainly makes for a different storyline in a Historical Romance novel. This story has lots of twist and turns and is true to the series name Secrets & Scandals.
April 29, 2020
What's not to like in a Darcy Burke novel. I've read many of her books and this one was excellent. Our hero, Jasper Sinclair, Earl of Saxton, is being pushed by his parents - mostly his arrogant father - into marrying within the year. His time is drawing to a close when he meets Olivia West. He takes her for a prostitute and really doesn't believe her story when she tells him she's "not that type of girl." But that doesn't stop him from pursuing her for his own lustful purposes. Olivia is definitely at the end of her rope as she has lost a seamstress job and a temporary acting job and now has to find some way to make money. She gets drawn into a fraudulent scheme with "a real prostitute" in order to make a little money, but that turns out to be a total bust. So now she has to depend on her skills as a seamstress to make some money. Lucky for her, a lady of the ton thinks she is the long lost daughter of her deceased husband and takes her to her home and tries to integrate her into "society." The lady, Lady Louisa, is Jasper's aunt, and therein begins our complicated story. It's one that you will enjoy, with a few twists and turns. You will enjoy the secondary characters as well- Lady Louisa, Lord Severin, and a cast of servants and "regular people." Ms. Burke has also created some "bad guys" that you will enjoy hissing and booing and hope they will eventually get the ending that they deserve. Definitely recommend this novel and look forward to reading the next one in this series. There's no cliffhangers in this book.
July 30, 2018
3.5 STARS - HERO YOU WILL LOVE TO HATE!
I couldn't wait to read Jasper's story because I enjoyed him in the first book of the series, he was such a disappoint in this.
Like in book 1 there isn't romance, until the very end. As in book 1 our main character (H in this book) doesn't redeem himself until the very end. There are a lot of lovemaking scenes, outside of marriage and VERY descriptive.
I did enjoy his aunt and his non society friends and hope some of them will get their own stories. There are a lot of secrets or half truths in this story, which if they were forthcoming, this story wouldn't have been so frustrating. It would have moved faster and been more enjoyable.
The Lord's name is used in vain often, so be warned.
Through most of the story our H was to be betrothed to another, while he is having sex with our h. He thinks she is a Whore and treats her as such.
There is an epilogue which saved the book for me and was satisfying. We finally are treated to HEA but it was touch and go for about 90% of this book. I am not going into the premise as many have explained it. Just what you may discover reading it. (ljb)
I couldn't wait to read Jasper's story because I enjoyed him in the first book of the series, he was such a disappoint in this.
Like in book 1 there isn't romance, until the very end. As in book 1 our main character (H in this book) doesn't redeem himself until the very end. There are a lot of lovemaking scenes, outside of marriage and VERY descriptive.
I did enjoy his aunt and his non society friends and hope some of them will get their own stories. There are a lot of secrets or half truths in this story, which if they were forthcoming, this story wouldn't have been so frustrating. It would have moved faster and been more enjoyable.
The Lord's name is used in vain often, so be warned.
Through most of the story our H was to be betrothed to another, while he is having sex with our h. He thinks she is a Whore and treats her as such.
There is an epilogue which saved the book for me and was satisfying. We finally are treated to HEA but it was touch and go for about 90% of this book. I am not going into the premise as many have explained it. Just what you may discover reading it. (ljb)
August 19, 2018
Wow, loved it!!
Drawn to Jasper in book one, so delighted his story was just as juicy as his sisters.
Not ashamed to say I got tingles every time Olivia and Jasper were in the same room. Not only did the story boast two heroes you couldn't help but love and feel for but hosted an array of characters that intrigued and just begged for further acquaintance - Lady Philippa and Lord Sevrin being to name but two.
A well written story infused with great plot twists built to push and pull at your heart strings as Jasper and Olivia fought to deny their instant attraction for each other, fuelled by their pasts clouded and tormented by Jasper's infuriating and cruel father and Olivia's selfish mother. Two hearts ultimately driven to seek love and trust but scared to believe they deserve it, hence a plot tangled with misunderstandings that just can't help but make for great reading . What's not to love, just couldn't put it down.
Drawn to Jasper in book one, so delighted his story was just as juicy as his sisters.
Not ashamed to say I got tingles every time Olivia and Jasper were in the same room. Not only did the story boast two heroes you couldn't help but love and feel for but hosted an array of characters that intrigued and just begged for further acquaintance - Lady Philippa and Lord Sevrin being to name but two.
A well written story infused with great plot twists built to push and pull at your heart strings as Jasper and Olivia fought to deny their instant attraction for each other, fuelled by their pasts clouded and tormented by Jasper's infuriating and cruel father and Olivia's selfish mother. Two hearts ultimately driven to seek love and trust but scared to believe they deserve it, hence a plot tangled with misunderstandings that just can't help but make for great reading . What's not to love, just couldn't put it down.
September 30, 2018
I found His Wicked Heart a very gripping story of two characters who were destined to be together. They were both from entirely different backgrounds. He was a young Earl and she was the bastard daughter of a courtesan. I loved how the story unfolded and they came to realize how they actually complemented one another. There were appealing and not so appealing secondary characters. This was definitely a romantic, but also highly sensual read which Darcy Burke manages to portray so well.
The reasons I enjoyed this book: it had wonderful characters, was unpredictable, original, twisted, and very romantic and steamy.
The reasons I enjoyed this book: it had wonderful characters, was unpredictable, original, twisted, and very romantic and steamy.
May 5, 2020
Love will find a way
This story had me wondering throughout how Jasper and Olivia would ever find their happily ever after. With Jasper's father the Duke a threat to their happiness because of Olivia's background, it seemed impossible but love found a way. This was a wonderful story about two people from different worlds who both had emotional scars and found a way to be together. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
This story had me wondering throughout how Jasper and Olivia would ever find their happily ever after. With Jasper's father the Duke a threat to their happiness because of Olivia's background, it seemed impossible but love found a way. This was a wonderful story about two people from different worlds who both had emotional scars and found a way to be together. Thoroughly enjoyed this book!
June 8, 2020
Olivia is trapped by a man who wants her. Jasper comes to her rescue and then propositions her himself. When she says no he gets angry. He cool his anger with a fight. Now he has a new pass time. When Olivia loses her job she listens to an aquaintance and agrees to fool Jasper into believing she is consenting to his advances. When his aunt tells her that she is the daughter of her husband and invites her home ,Jasper is outraged. It is an interesting book.
August 10, 2020
This is my first book from this author and I loved it
I've read so many historical romance novels and been stumbling on a lot of bland ones lately
But this one right here reminded me of why I love HR in the first place
A broken hero and heroine whose love fixes each other, I love the chemistry between them, I could feel the desire they had for each other in all their encounters and the sex whew! Hot hot hot
Well written and with this I've found a new fav HR author
I've read so many historical romance novels and been stumbling on a lot of bland ones lately
But this one right here reminded me of why I love HR in the first place
A broken hero and heroine whose love fixes each other, I love the chemistry between them, I could feel the desire they had for each other in all their encounters and the sex whew! Hot hot hot
Well written and with this I've found a new fav HR author
January 12, 2018
A delectable page turner
From the seedy parts of London into society Olivia's life is in a whirl and she pulls the read along on her tempestuous ride. This story has glimpses of violence, steamy love scenes as well as touching moments. A story that will keep you engrossed for hours!
From the seedy parts of London into society Olivia's life is in a whirl and she pulls the read along on her tempestuous ride. This story has glimpses of violence, steamy love scenes as well as touching moments. A story that will keep you engrossed for hours!
December 17, 2019
The daughter of a courtesan actress, shipped off to live with an aunt and uncle for the first 14 years of her life, has no idea which of her mothers lovers may actually be her father. However, she has managed to hold on to her virtue and ends up falling in love with an Earl. His father the Duke does everything he can to separate the couple.
May 5, 2020
His Wicked Heart (Secrets & Scandals Book 2)
The love story of Jasper and Olivia. Olivia is the daughter of London ones famous courtesan, Fiona Scarlet. Her mother has been dead for close to a year, and man look at her like she is her mother. When Louise, Lady Merrweather find her and tell her she is the daughter of her late husband. Can she made it is the Ton? Great story.
The love story of Jasper and Olivia. Olivia is the daughter of London ones famous courtesan, Fiona Scarlet. Her mother has been dead for close to a year, and man look at her like she is her mother. When Louise, Lady Merrweather find her and tell her she is the daughter of her late husband. Can she made it is the Ton? Great story.
May 10, 2020
Good story.
I enjoyed the story, loving rags to riches theme, skipped the erotica, it didn't detract from the storyline at all. I am not interested in " grannyporn" but realize that a number of readers are. I have purchased the six books in the series and look forward to book three.
I enjoyed the story, loving rags to riches theme, skipped the erotica, it didn't detract from the storyline at all. I am not interested in " grannyporn" but realize that a number of readers are. I have purchased the six books in the series and look forward to book three.
June 10, 2020
I picked this book out of my kindle shelf at random and it was a lucky thing since I dnf the first book in the series and I probably wouldn’t have read this one if I had known. I liked the story, the characters and the twists and turns to get to the end. I would recommend this one, it can be read by itself and I would continue the series from here.
July 2, 2021
I really enjoyed the fact, that Darcy was able to take a mundane idea, and place an interesting twist onto it. Be aware, there some bits of strong language inserted in places. The banter is quite enjoyable , as well as the steamy scenes between Jasper & Olivia. I found myself writing down several noteworthy words along the way.
Kudos to Darcy Burke.
I can’t wait to read the next story.
Kudos to Darcy Burke.
I can’t wait to read the next story.
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