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Wicked #1
A Wicked Proposition
Lady Catherine Dunleavy arrived in London from Dublin to confront her negligent guardian, only to find the man has abandoned his Countess, and the three orphans left in his care. Her sister offers her condolences for the tragedy that has killed their parents and sanctuary, but little else in the way of help. The Earl has made plans to set aside his Countess and has petitioned for divorce. Scandalous and as unheard of as it is, Catherine realizes without Lord Iverleigh's help, her and her two young brothers are destitute.
Her sister Lilly seems content to sit back and give Lord Iverleigh his way, but Catherine has other ideas. The shockingly wicked solution to end his plans of divorce and remarriage to his illustrious mistress gives Catherine the idea. Steal him away from the widow and spurn him, and give her sister the chance she needs to reconcile with her husband. But Gabriel is not the man Catherine was led to believe, and after enjoying his tender passions, she comes to see the man that he truly is.
Honest and noble to a fault, the handsome nobleman Gabriel St. Armand has seen his share of heartache at the hands of his treacherous wife. He rescues the raven-haired beauty from life in a brothel, only to discover a woman who reignites his heart's desire. Determined now to be free of his Countess and to be with Catherine, he has no idea his steps to free himself further imperil them both.
Nicholas Van Ryker is a smuggler and adventurer, and unlikely best friend to Gabriel. He obsesses over the green-eyed beauty his friend stole beneath his nose, determined to ignore the feelings she ignites within him. Gabriel asks him to follow his new mistress and divine her many secrets. Nicholas agrees, led by the memory of a stirring kiss shared in a quiet garden. He discovers Catherine is deceiving his friend and offers terms to keep his silence. He thinks one day with her spent in his bed will make him forget the lush beauty he cannot get from his mind.
The Countess's game is in play. Lilly is not about to give up her place as Gabriel's wife. Determined and cunning, she has thought of everything to reach her goals, even sacrificing the sister who unknowingly aids her.
From the smoke-filled boudoirs of London's most notorious brothel to the drawing rooms of the nobility, comes a tale of murder, blackmail, and unquenchable passions. On a windswept island a new love is born and is tested by the unseen ghosts of the past.
Catherine is haunted by a love she cannot forget and a man who owns her soul. Forced to choose, she must follow her heart at last.
Her sister Lilly seems content to sit back and give Lord Iverleigh his way, but Catherine has other ideas. The shockingly wicked solution to end his plans of divorce and remarriage to his illustrious mistress gives Catherine the idea. Steal him away from the widow and spurn him, and give her sister the chance she needs to reconcile with her husband. But Gabriel is not the man Catherine was led to believe, and after enjoying his tender passions, she comes to see the man that he truly is.
Honest and noble to a fault, the handsome nobleman Gabriel St. Armand has seen his share of heartache at the hands of his treacherous wife. He rescues the raven-haired beauty from life in a brothel, only to discover a woman who reignites his heart's desire. Determined now to be free of his Countess and to be with Catherine, he has no idea his steps to free himself further imperil them both.
Nicholas Van Ryker is a smuggler and adventurer, and unlikely best friend to Gabriel. He obsesses over the green-eyed beauty his friend stole beneath his nose, determined to ignore the feelings she ignites within him. Gabriel asks him to follow his new mistress and divine her many secrets. Nicholas agrees, led by the memory of a stirring kiss shared in a quiet garden. He discovers Catherine is deceiving his friend and offers terms to keep his silence. He thinks one day with her spent in his bed will make him forget the lush beauty he cannot get from his mind.
The Countess's game is in play. Lilly is not about to give up her place as Gabriel's wife. Determined and cunning, she has thought of everything to reach her goals, even sacrificing the sister who unknowingly aids her.
From the smoke-filled boudoirs of London's most notorious brothel to the drawing rooms of the nobility, comes a tale of murder, blackmail, and unquenchable passions. On a windswept island a new love is born and is tested by the unseen ghosts of the past.
Catherine is haunted by a love she cannot forget and a man who owns her soul. Forced to choose, she must follow her heart at last.
607 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 17, 2012
73 people are currently reading
257 people want to read
About the author
Karolyn Cairns
21 books37 followersKarolyn Cairns is a single mother of 14 yr old twins. She lives in sunny Florida. She spends a lot of time sitting in the sun thinking about that next great book. When she's not making up stories, she spends a lot of time working in the garden. She's back to work writing after some time off. Its been a great year.
She just wrapped up The Libertine's Wife, a historical romance. I would warn you right away that the hero in this book lives his life by a philosophy and set of rules most women would find disagreeable. We make NO apologies for Garret. He won't apologize, so why should we? A new historical romance titled A Viking's Love, is also available now. She is currently working on books three to 'The Wicked Series' and 'The Lost Tribe Series'. 'A Wicked Arrangement' is in the works, and 'Fangs', both due out in the spring.
Karolyn enjoys reviews and comments from readers. She thanks you for all your encouragement.
**BIO from Smashwords profile**
She just wrapped up The Libertine's Wife, a historical romance. I would warn you right away that the hero in this book lives his life by a philosophy and set of rules most women would find disagreeable. We make NO apologies for Garret. He won't apologize, so why should we? A new historical romance titled A Viking's Love, is also available now. She is currently working on books three to 'The Wicked Series' and 'The Lost Tribe Series'. 'A Wicked Arrangement' is in the works, and 'Fangs', both due out in the spring.
Karolyn enjoys reviews and comments from readers. She thanks you for all your encouragement.
**BIO from Smashwords profile**
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 21, 2016
The preview looked promising. Lily and her stepmother do not get along. As a result, she is forced into marrying Gabriel. Already, you can see Lily's devious mind in motion. Then it happened, our "heroine" Catherine ( Lily's stepsister) shows up at her door. Parents are death and now she along with her younger brothers are orphans and Catherine want to know why Gabriel who is now her guardian did not reply back to her letters. It could be because Lily was burning Catherine's letters and then Lily comes up with the brilliant idea of Catherine seducing her husband and what better place then a whorehouse. It amazed me that Catherine agreed to the plan. As Lily predicted, Gabriel fell for Catherine as did his friend Nicholas who was Lily's secret lover. Nicholas did not know that Lily was Gabriel's wife until much later. Soon Catherine becomes pregnant, Lily has her kidnapped and locked away. Catherine gives birth to twins. Lily takes the boy and tells the nursemaid to get rid of the other baby- a girl. The nursemaid takes the girl and runs as far as she can from Lily. After months of searching, Nicholas comes on by the body of Catherine who was shot in the head by her sister. To his relief, Catherine is alive but has no idea what happen. Nicholas along with his family and friends expect for Gabriel who was still in the dark. Eventually, Catherine marries Nicholas. Slowly, she remembers bits and pieces of her former life. Gabriel learns of his former friend's marriage and is hurt by both Nicholas and Catherine's betrayal. In the meanwhile, Lily's cohorts are either shot, killed or arrest. Lily finds herself arrest and is sentenced to death. But don't cry over Lily yet. Remember the whorehouse from the beginning of the book. It seem that the men who are being blackmailed found out who the new blackmailer was. Note to future blackmailers- never use your own stationary. Long story short, our blackmailer who was drugged and bruised is in Lily's cell. Lily is on the run- plotting revenge.
I couldn't get over how horrible the heroes and heroine were and I found myself cheering for Lily's plans to work. I probably will read the second book in the series to see if she does.
I couldn't get over how horrible the heroes and heroine were and I found myself cheering for Lily's plans to work. I probably will read the second book in the series to see if she does.
November 17, 2013
Hated the way this story ended. The main characters were not very likeable, either. Lily was horrible. I didn't think Nicholas and Catherine should have a happy ending. Although Gabriel was very flawed, he had the worst of the storylines. He had been a victim of Lily's lies and deception. Nicholas and Catherine betrayed and lied to him but they were able to excuse themselves. Their lies and deception far outweighed Gabriel's flaws. It irritated me at how Catherine always justified her actions and never gave Gabriel a chance. The author really did an injustice to Gabriel. There seemed to be no sympathy for the loyalty of his friendship with Nicholas. Nicholas planned to steal Catherine all along. He manipulated Catherine. The book was a disappointment. Catherine was gullible, naive and easily swayed by Nicholas. Nicholas was a lousy friend. I felt more sympathy for Gabriel. The author was determined to justify Nicholas and Catherine being together. I didn't like them at all.
August 6, 2014
I hated this book I read as much as i could and then threw it down in disgust the characters were all flawed especially the heroine who was weak willed and pathetic she was meant to be outspoken and strong and was in fact a huge disappointment. the male leads especially Nicolas was a joke was he not meant to be a true friend to Gabriel instead he betrays that friendship by premeditation no less and the story in facts does not end with the characters that were together for most of the book. I read Historical romance because the women fought against their environment they were smart, tough and strong nothing like this lead was and the gentlemen were flawed but they had honor and moral to a certain degree they did not plan to stab a friend in the back and end up with their true love suffice to say I would not touch a Karolyn Cairns book if you thew one at me.
December 15, 2014
This book sucks
I love love historical romances but this book fell very short of satisfaction. I do not think bad behavior should be rewarded. Usually the hero was bad then they reformed. Who I thought was the hero got screwed. I am not happy with this book and WILL NOT read another by her. You would think after reading 600 pages you would be at least satisfied. I am not. Very deeply UNSATISFIED
I love love historical romances but this book fell very short of satisfaction. I do not think bad behavior should be rewarded. Usually the hero was bad then they reformed. Who I thought was the hero got screwed. I am not happy with this book and WILL NOT read another by her. You would think after reading 600 pages you would be at least satisfied. I am not. Very deeply UNSATISFIED
December 3, 2015
This was a long book
Over six hundred pages but boy it was good. There is so much in this book that it's hard to do a review that would justify it. There is the whole love triangle with Catherine, Gabriel and Nicholas. Then you have the evil bitch Lily, who is Catherine's sister and Gabriel's wife...yes lots of family going on this one. But it was enjoyable and can't wait to read the second.
Over six hundred pages but boy it was good. There is so much in this book that it's hard to do a review that would justify it. There is the whole love triangle with Catherine, Gabriel and Nicholas. Then you have the evil bitch Lily, who is Catherine's sister and Gabriel's wife...yes lots of family going on this one. But it was enjoyable and can't wait to read the second.
December 22, 2014
I was so conflicted about this book until the ending, and then I just got angry that I wasted my time reading it. Nothing was resolved, all the characters were left in some sort of limbo. Now apparently I have to read ANOTHER book to find out how everything is resolved. Well I won't do it, the characters weren't like able enough for me to care.
November 8, 2015
I have no idea how to even review this book.
1 It was too long.
2 I began getting desperate to know how it ended but wait, IT DOESN'T END! You need book 2 for you to know how it ends.
The book started off good, great in fact and then it got unbelievably ridiculous and unrealistic, even for a Fiction novel. Historical Romance? I think not.
1 It was too long.
2 I began getting desperate to know how it ended but wait, IT DOESN'T END! You need book 2 for you to know how it ends.
The book started off good, great in fact and then it got unbelievably ridiculous and unrealistic, even for a Fiction novel. Historical Romance? I think not.
May 4, 2015
Never ending :(
At first I was intrigued, but then it was never ending, long and tedious. This could have been 2 books. Way to many characters to deal with and to many stories to keep up with.
Great writing if it were cleaned up. My 1st and last book sorry
At first I was intrigued, but then it was never ending, long and tedious. This could have been 2 books. Way to many characters to deal with and to many stories to keep up with.
Great writing if it were cleaned up. My 1st and last book sorry
September 29, 2018
Talk about twists and turns, OMG, does this book have some. A Wicked Proposition, by Karolyn Cairns, is a phenomenal historical romance with more ups and downs than a rollercoaster. Ms. Cairns has provided readers with a well-written book furnished with outstanding characters. I totally love the characters in this book. The characters' relationships are so twisted I'm not even going to try to explain them. I will say there is plenty of drama, smokin' hot sex, action, suspense and bits of humor. This is one of those books you can't put down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Karolyn Cairns soon. A Wicked Proposition is book 1 of the Wicked Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger. After reading the epilogue though, you'll want to read the next book.
July 25, 2017
A Wicked Proposition (The Wicked Series Book 1)
I enjoyed the first book in A Wicked Proposition immensely. The story started out slow; however I was loath to put the book down, midway through the story. Nice back story and with all the children this series could continue for a long time!
I enjoyed the first book in A Wicked Proposition immensely. The story started out slow; however I was loath to put the book down, midway through the story. Nice back story and with all the children this series could continue for a long time!
January 10, 2022
Creed and Jealousy are companion.
Had this book for a while and just read as I had a break from working. This book has the making the making of a good English movie. Creed and Jealousy can make people do crazy things.
Had this book for a while and just read as I had a break from working. This book has the making the making of a good English movie. Creed and Jealousy can make people do crazy things.
August 21, 2018
It's Like A Soap Opera
I swear, it was like reading a soap opera. It was a trainwreck, a messy debacle that simply kept going. I am honestly not sure how to feel.
I swear, it was like reading a soap opera. It was a trainwreck, a messy debacle that simply kept going. I am honestly not sure how to feel.
May 7, 2019
Great twists and turns, loved the introduction of the many characters I could foresee future books with a few story lines here. Great read!
May 31, 2019
To long
Poorly written characters
Poorly written characters
May 1, 2015
Great plot but with many errors...
I loved the plot. It had everything from love triangles to murder schemes. But at times it was confusing as to who the author was talking about by writing the wrong name. When something was explained between 2 different people and then a completely different name is thrown in, makes for a confusing read. I re-read the pages previously and didn't figure out what the author was talking about until chapters later.
I also didn't think some ideas were well thought out. Some characters weren't introduced, just thrown in there and you would think, who is that? The author would also introduce something to expect but never announce it happening but would reference back to it later in the story.
I think a stronger heroine would've been appreciated. Catherine was docile and manipulated throughout the entire book. I honestly only finished reading it to find out if the witch sister got what she deserved but even then I was cheated as it's a cliffhanger. I will not be purchasing the sequel.
So all in all, if you are looking for a book that isn't mainstream, read this. I do not favor books where I am drawn away from the story due to mistakes in grammar, spelling, and character confusion.
I loved the plot. It had everything from love triangles to murder schemes. But at times it was confusing as to who the author was talking about by writing the wrong name. When something was explained between 2 different people and then a completely different name is thrown in, makes for a confusing read. I re-read the pages previously and didn't figure out what the author was talking about until chapters later.
I also didn't think some ideas were well thought out. Some characters weren't introduced, just thrown in there and you would think, who is that? The author would also introduce something to expect but never announce it happening but would reference back to it later in the story.
I think a stronger heroine would've been appreciated. Catherine was docile and manipulated throughout the entire book. I honestly only finished reading it to find out if the witch sister got what she deserved but even then I was cheated as it's a cliffhanger. I will not be purchasing the sequel.
So all in all, if you are looking for a book that isn't mainstream, read this. I do not favor books where I am drawn away from the story due to mistakes in grammar, spelling, and character confusion.
May 3, 2015
A Wicked Proposition, well polt has merit however it execution has several flaws that I could not get past. The three of the four main characters weren't what I would have them be. The fourth Lillianne the villain is absolutely perfect in her role. Cathrine for the first half of the book is very weak willed and frankly a moron even for her age and of the time period. Both the men Gabriel and Nicholas are both horrible convincing and manipulative people. They did not seem to fit their roles as friends. I did not have any respect for the characters they had very little repeatability to me... Cathrine seemed to come to be exempt for her betrayal that she was indeed guilty of. Nicholas also seemed to come away cleanly from his misdeeds. Gabriel however got the shaft. His wife was horrid, his mistress ends up married to his closest friend, he is still lied to as the last pages unfold. I envisioned it ending differently.
May 6, 2012
I loved this and can't believe it was a free read. The story was fast paced and the charactors were well developed and believable. My thing was Cathrine was just so weak she was abused and being held against her will by Gabriel who was a slezzy spoiled asswhole. And the Nicholas in opinion basically raped her. Both men relish in taking advantage of her loss of memory and dangling her children and brothers over her heads. I did not like the ending not only should she have ended things with Gaberiel but with Nicholas as well. This poor girl was just surounded by all of these shady, slezzy, people she never had a chance to save her family from the start. I hate that she never got any closure for herself or her family.
September 19, 2014
I have been reading Historical Romance since I was a teenager, and although they will always be my favorite, they started to be so predictable. Other than the occasional plot twist, they were the same. Boy meets girl, boy falls in love with girl, they live happily ever after. This book, though, WOW. No simple story here. I do think Catherine could have been stronger willed, and I thought she was so naïve for taking everything Lilly said at face value. She was all set to believe Lilly with ought even talking to Gabriel. Despite Nicholas and Gabriel being friends, the each did what they had to do to have her. I do think she ended up with the right guy. I believe she was just better suited to Nicholas. I will definitely be reading the sequel.
November 19, 2013
I am not sure how I feel about this book. It was not a terrible story but I never fully liked any of the characters. Everyone acted so selfishly throughout the book and to be quite honest I was hoping Catherine would somehow end up with Gabriel, not Nicholas. And what was the ending? Is there a second book? There was no clear conclusion to the story. Catherine is with Nicholas but is still wonderng about her feelings for Gabriel; Lilly escapes and has a plan. I mean I was interested to finish the story to see what would happen and how it would all work out but I do not think I loved the book or that I would read it over and over again like I do with other stories.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 3, 2015
A good book for the most part, but several problems. Too much evil that did not get any closure. Evil brought out in the book that seemed unrelated and did not get fixed. Like children getting kidnapped and abused by so called pillars of the city. People getting murdered with no action or investigation. The fact that the book ended with the two most evil characters getting free is horrible. I liked the plot, but too much other stuff brought in and not fitting well. This book could have been so much better. I don't want to get caught up in the sequel at all. I'll just pretend all the bad guys were hanged.
April 8, 2014
Don't let the weird creepy cover full you, this books is a gem. I am not sure what this first one entailed as I've now read the entire series and they all intermingle in my mind as one story, but it's definitely worth the read. I cannot believe this was free! Wow, certainly not predictable, and the characters are amazing and flawed and the story is awesome. It reminds me of Wideacre in that everyone is a bit wicked.
October 28, 2012
Loved it! Quite a page-turner, what with all the twists and turns. I love how the fully fleshed out characters had back stories. I like characters who muddled somewhere between white and black; keeps you guessing! I'm on my 3rd run, and I still manage to get surprised with all the little details I missed on the previous readings!
August 14, 2014
This was an amazing read full of love, murders, violence, heartbreak, danger, lies and deceit. That pretty much covers all kinds of emotions and themes. There were many tragic events that left me emotional. The novel was well written and I had read it all without stopping. I issue
caution for those who do not take strong crimes and abuse well to not read this otherwise I loved the book.
caution for those who do not take strong crimes and abuse well to not read this otherwise I loved the book.
October 29, 2019
This author is known for putting her characters through the ringer. Talk about a drama fest. How many times did I say, "Daaaaaamn!" Just when I thought all that could possibly happen had happened, I checked my Kindle and I was only at 40 percent LOL....that's just a ballpark... T
Then, I found out there was a sequel? This book and its sequel kept me up ALL night!
Then, I found out there was a sequel? This book and its sequel kept me up ALL night!
January 20, 2016
Normally, I love long books.... however, I feel this one DRUG on. It was good, and I like the storyline(s), but still I feel it could have wrapped up in about half the length or maybe 2/3 the length. And I see no reason for it to have continued.
Like I said, I did like the book. But I was ready for it to be finished when it got to the end.
Like I said, I did like the book. But I was ready for it to be finished when it got to the end.
August 9, 2012
This book is fantastic! Like others who have written, I too, hope a sequel is coming. The storyline twisted, turned, tied together, and had me turning pages to find out what would happen next. I fell in love with the characters (and hated some). This would make a very good movie...
September 2, 2014
I liked this book, it had a good story , romance , intrigue a bit of action thrown in . Over 3000 pages long but I couldn't put it down & have now downloaded the sequel as I want to find out what happens as ending has a cliffhanger . Worth reading though,
January 6, 2015
lots of twists
A lot of typos which bothers me. The story was good. I don't agree with the authors choices (she seems to like love triangles) but overall I enjoyed the book was enjoyable and I will be reading the next one
A lot of typos which bothers me. The story was good. I don't agree with the authors choices (she seems to like love triangles) but overall I enjoyed the book was enjoyable and I will be reading the next one
April 22, 2015
Wow talk about intriguing!!!
Plots with in plots!!!! Betrayals all around!!! Love found and lost, memories forgotten love found again but with it comes a love triangle!!!! Assassins, lies, secrets this book has it all!!!! And then leaves you on a cliffhanger!!!
Plots with in plots!!!! Betrayals all around!!! Love found and lost, memories forgotten love found again but with it comes a love triangle!!!! Assassins, lies, secrets this book has it all!!!! And then leaves you on a cliffhanger!!!
October 1, 2015
Awesome
Wow. I was hooked on this one. Catherine was suckered by her sister. Lilly a conniving bitch made her do some outrageous things. Gabriel thought he helped her. Then Nicholas his best friend loves her too. See what happens.
Wow. I was hooked on this one. Catherine was suckered by her sister. Lilly a conniving bitch made her do some outrageous things. Gabriel thought he helped her. Then Nicholas his best friend loves her too. See what happens.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews