To Tame a Wicked Widow

Surrey SFS #2

by Nicola Davidson

Welcome to the Surrey Sexual Freedom Society - where unconventional and uninhibited ladies and gentlemen discuss all matters erotic...

After a thoroughly unpleasant first marriage, Madeline, Lady Upcott, reveled in a widow’s freedoms—both in the bedchamber and out. Yet society cares not for an independent woman, and her family has decided she must wed again to replenish the coffers. It seems her dream of happiness with a dominant man who fulfills her wickedest fantasies, is destined never to be.

History scholar Lord Ethan Dare has returned from Egypt to find his new inheritance on the brink of ruin, and his relatives at war with England’s notorious Wicked Widow. They want her banished, but the woman he meets is a warm, witty, and lushly sensual bluestocking who is more than willing to offer a younger and inexperienced man some very special instruction.

One night turns into a scorching hot affair for two kindred souls, but can fledgling love survive the crushing burdens of duty?

(Please note this book contains explicit language and sexual content.)

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Novella, Historical Fiction, Erotic Romance, Erotica

Kindle Edition

First published February 7, 2018

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Nicola Davidson worked for many years in media and government communications, but hasn't looked back since she decided writing erotic historical romance was infinitely more fun. When not chained to a computer, she can be found ambling along one of New Zealand’s beautiful beaches, cheering on the All Blacks rugby team, history geeking on the internet, or daydreaming. If this includes dessert—even better!
Her books have appeared in USA Today, NPR, and Entertainment Weekly.
Keep up with Nicola’s news on Twitter (@NicolaMDavidson) Facebook (Nicola Davidson – Author) Instagram (nicoladauthor) or her website www.nicola-davidson.com

Reviews

[JenReadsRomance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicola Davidson is a sure-fire winner for me when it comes to novellas. Given how short they are, she manages to pack a lot of interesting plot and character development...and, ahem, plenty of super steamy sex.

This is the 2nd in the Surrey Sexual Freedom Society, and I just love these characters and their desperate desire to find like-minded souls in the restrained society they're in. I don't love the virgin hero who's preternaturally gifted at fucking, and that's probably my only quibble with this book. Ethan has studied the erotic arts, but it's with Madeline that he loses his virginity. And they do *all* the things. Bonus points for Ethan and Maddie sticking it to her uptight relatives, one of the most hilariously charming parts of this plot. The dark moment felt a little forced, but overall, a really fun read.

If I was the type to write fanfic, it would be that the whole SSFS falls into a time machine, ends up in 2018, and basically do nothing but watch Tumblr porn and shop for sex toys online. Alas, they are stuck where they are...but at least they have each other! If you're look for a very sexy and quick read, check it out. I can't wait for the rest of this series.

[Fangirl Musings · Rating 3 out of 5]

I AM A GIANT BALL OF STUPID!

My dumbass didn't realize this was only 75 pages when I one-clicked. It's too short to justify a Down & Dirty Quickie Review, so here's some words.

It. Is. Short!

Shocking, I know, but our couple jump from meet-cute to the L word so fast I got whiplash. There's like 4 OTP scenes before it happens.

AND YET MY GRUMPINESS PROVES HOW GOOD THE WRITING AND CHARACTERS ARE

It's sensual and erotic and beautiful and I am so epic pissed it's only 75 pages!

A sexually liberated heroine. Light kink. Beta virgin hero. It hit all my good spots, y'all. My only complaint is, again, the length. The pacing is lightening fast, and is so quick that I couldn't connect with the romance of how these two fell in love. Especially since, you know, most of it happens off page. Le sigh.

But I liked it, I loved it, I wanted more of it.

[mina reads™️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
If the conflict wasn’t so forced and the story so short I would have given this five stars easily

This story is about Madeline a 28 year old widow and a 23 year old Viscount named Ethan. The two meet while Ethan attempts to settle the estate of Madeline’s deceased husband and things escalate between them. As with all the other books in this series it was great erotica, I loved their sexual dynamic and banter alot. There’s some mild dom/sub in here and I enjoyed that too. The reason this didn’t quite blow me away was the conflict, they say such strange out of character things to each other to drive an unnecessary conflict which is annoying in such a teeny tiny novella. We don’t have time for that!!!

Overall it was cute, sexy and fun like rest of the Surrey SFS series but the conflict...smh

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, I can cross off 'carriage sex' on my 2018 #RippedBodiceBingo card! I enjoyed this steamy historical romance novella with widow Madeline who falls for virgin hero Ethan, a slightly younger man whom she initiates into the finer arts of lovemaking (with his eager and enthusiastic consent). While he's interested in marriage, he doesn't have the wealth of his peers and worries she won't accept him for more than a fling. No worries, they figure things out before it's too late. All's well that ends well and another member of the Surrey Sexual Freedom Society gets their happy ending. With wit, charm and hot sex, the series is a pleasure to read.

[Kelspar · Rating 3 out of 5]

As soon as she says his name he gets an erection. He steps out of a carriage, she greets his back and he pops one. This story was ridiculous, fun, but ridiculous.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was fun! Another little novella and I really enjoyed it. I think I liked this one even a bit more than the first one in this series. I really enjoyed the dynamics between Madeline and Lord Dare and I felt like there was a bit more character work in this one compared to this first. I liked that Madeline was the one with more experience. There was some drama at the end that wasn't my favorite but it was resolved so quickly it didn't bother me. I own book 3 already so I'll probably just continue on in the series. Book 3 is the one I'm most excited about because I really enjoy romances with more than two people.

[Peppa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yeah, this one just didn't click for me.

I never really felt the emotional connection between the characters, it was all intense physical attraction from the start, which is fun, but when they're saying "I love you" after just a week? It felt rushed and kinda empty.

We're told they have deep feelings, but we're not really shown those quieter, meaningful moments that build real romance. Without that emotional foundation, their relationship just didn't feel believable to me.

I don’t think I will read other works from this author, it’s just not for me

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5

Another sweet and sensual historical fiction novella. I really loved reading a m/f romance in which the woman is experienced and the man is not. The conflict felt a little forced, but otherwise this was a delightful story. Nicola Davidson definitely knows how to write novellas well and I look forward to reading more of her work.

[ReadToBreathe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars
Too short.

[romancelibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet, and smutty insta-lust/love. Just what I was looking for. Rakish heroine and scholarly hero. Bonus: he's a virgin!

[Kate Long · Rating 4 out of 5]

Stars: 4 Stars
Format: Digital
Steam Level: Very Steamy
Series: Complete

This is a short novella at 75 pages but whoa is it hot and a delight to read.

Quick Thoughts:
- The relatives all suck. The mom kinda redeems herself but that is only a kind of maybe
- Madeline and Ethan are so awesome and wonderful together. All the heart eyes.
- Hello kink. Okay light kink but it is there and hot.
- This storyline normally would have stressed me out but since it was a novella I could read it
- Haha the confrontation at the end was great. Also loved the meeting at the end with the group all together. I really like all these characters

Overall really enjoyed this. The characters are wonderful and the sex is smoking. I wish it was longer but that is because I liked the characters so much, not because the story felt incomplete. Yup, bought the rest of the series and another by this author. I have a feeling she might become an auto buy.

[Kazen · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

It turns out this series is perfect for binging - the framing device connects one book directly to the other, and I'm inhaling them all in one go.

Here we have a one night stand - Lord Dare is a virgin who wants sexual experience, and Lady Upcott is a widow that is enjoying her freedom in the bedroom, where it turns out they're utterly compatible. Too bad her family and his duty to a newly acquired title prevent them from ever being together.

(Of course they end up together, this is a romance.)

While I love most everything here I didn't believe that Dare would fall into a BDSM role so easily. There is a scene with a much appreciated gut check, but other than that he goes from sexual n00b to Dom of her dreams in one night flat. All kinds of fun though, and why yes of course I went right on to book three.

Content notes: BDSM elements (light domination, spanking), strained family relationships

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Tame a Wicked Widow by Nicola Davidson is book Two in the "Surrey SFS" Series. This is the story of Madeline and Ethan Dare. This is easily a standalone book but the first book 'My Lady's Lover' was a very interesting book with a different twits of a love story. This series is dealing with different members of the Surrey Sexual Freedom Society that the group of women and men are in. This book is for Madeline who is a part of that Society. Madeline is a young women of 28 who is a widow and her time of morning is over...and they family wants to see her married. Dare is new to his title but travels with his family to visit Madeline. Dare is in his very early 20's and is not that experienced with women...but when he meets Madeline his Second Cousin widow he finds desire.
This was a very exciting novella....loved it!

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun and sexy read in the Surrey Sexual Freedom Society.

In this one we follow widow Lady Madeline as she teaches the inexperienced Lord Ethan Dare the ways of the bedroom. But things appear to be more than just sexual between them.

My issues with the first book aren’t present in this one. There’s no cheating, just lovely banter and steamy sex scenes.

As these books are so short I can’t say that I buy the characters falling in love by the end. However, I’m able to suspend my disbelief enough to enjoy them.

I really enjoyed our two main characters together, they make quite the pair. It’s refreshing to see an experienced, submissive woman and an inexperienced dominant man for a change.

All in all, I love these books for a quick way to pass the time, but I can’t see this becoming a new favourite series.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and steamy

Another entertaining read, this time with a younger man and a widow who needs to get far, far away from her imbecilic and selfish relatives. Their black moment was based on a misunderstanding and was a bit overblown, but other than that this was a fun story with a more than satisfying HEA.

Rating: 4 stars / B

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in a couple hours—read it straight through! I really liked the characters, though I hated Madeline’s family members (though that’s the point). As with much of Davidson’s work, it is smutty. However, it is no less enjoyable. A great read!

[Stacy Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

So hot and wonderful. Full review to come.

[EstelaReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starring Madeline, Lady Upcott and Lord Ethan Dare.

Madeline is a widow who has had a string of unsatisfying lovers after her husband’s death. Despite her terrible marriage she longs to find a worthy husband, but this time she wants to marry for love AND lust. She’s a little spitfire heroine who knows her sexuality and wouldn’t mind being disciplined by the right man.

Ethan has just inherited a destitute title. He is the cousin of a Madeline’s diseased husband and has been asked to curb her hoydenish manner. Upon seeing her, he’s instantly attracted and realized that taming her won’t be such a chore after all.

How utterly delicious these two were. Madeline and Ethan had instant chemistry. Madeline is an experienced lover who is 5 years older. Ethan is gladly surrendering his V-card to her, but quickly learns how to take charge and dominate Madeline the way she loves it. These two become lovers, but family obligations and the need to marry for wealth might just tear them apart. Ethan turns into a moody, broody hero for a yummy second when he thinks his time with a Madeline is over... god bless a heartbroken hero!!! But love conquers all with a little help from some friends.

This time Nicola Davidson had me ugly crying for Madeline and Ethan. These two made my toes curl and I’m once again woohooing Nicola Davidson for writing characters that gives me all the feels. Loved this story!!

This is book 2 in the Surrey Sexual Freedom Society Series.

My star system:
5 stars: Ugly cried AF... major book hangover... characters were amazing... made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will be re-reading this story over and over and over again!!

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the Surrey Sexual Freedom Society - where unconventional and uninhibited ladies and gentlemen discuss all matters erotic...

Madeline, Lady Upcott is now a widow & is enjoying her freedom after a lacklustre marriage. Yet society cares not for an independent woman, and her family has decided she must wed again so that she can continue to keep them. History scholar Lord Ethan Dare has returned from Egypt to find his new inheritance on the brink of ruin, and his relatives at war with England’s notorious Wicked Widow. They want her banished, but the woman he meets is a warm, witty, and lushly sensual bluestocking who is more than willing to offer a younger and inexperienced man some very special instruction.
Only a novella, unfortunately, but it packs a punch. Madeline is treated horribly by both her own relatives & those of her late husband, no wonder she kicked over the traces! Ethan would far rather be travelling the world than trying to deal with his inheritance. The pair are attracted to each other from their first meeting & what they first thought was to be one night quickly changes for both of them until misunderstandings almost drive them apart. I read the book in one session & found it a sexy, hot delightful read, the characters were very likeable & the story well paced. I look forward to more stories of the SSF society.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicola Davidson is the queen of erotic Regency romance, no doubt about it! Madeline, Lady Upcott – Maddy - is a lustful widow, and she makes no apologies about her brazenness. Done with propriety, after a dutiful marriage, she means to enjoy what life has to offer, and upon meeting the Ethan, the new Viscount Dare Ethan she knows he has what she wants. But he is younger, and let’s say circumstances do not seem the most favourable, but attraction being what it is, we have a grand romance waiting to happen.

Ms. Davidson always amazes me with the extraordinary quality of her writing, so lush and eloquent; with her innate ability to create endearing characters, to convey sexual chemistry the way she does, to tell a complete story within the confines of a novella – and how I always wish her stories were longer! But when faced with perfection, how can one complain? Furthermore, Ms. Davidson understands perfectly the intricacies of the Dominant/submissive relationship, of the people involved, and does not stoop to stereotypes. I adored Maddy: she glows, she exudes sensuality, self-confidence; she is a brilliant character, and Ethan is just as delectable. I could “see” them as if presented with a painting of the characters; Ms. Davidson’s descriptions of everything under the sun are beyond compare! I felt the blazing chemistry, the love, the passion; everything! TO TAME A WICKED WIDOW is another absolutely marvellous book by the incomparable Nicola Davidson!

[BarbooToo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Surrey Sexual Freedom Society is a place where unconventional and uninhibited ladies and gentlemen discuss all matters erotic. This tale is about a quirky, wicked widow who is also a bluestocking. Enter the new head of the family who is great looking, younger and also a virgin. They instantly like each other, especially since they are surrounded by sour, hateful family members on both sides.

Madeline is held back by the conventions and norms of the day and constantly hounded by her overly-critical relatives. Ethan arrives in England to begin his duties in his family who also have certain expectations; he is not wealthy or influential, but finds that he shares many of the same interests as the beautiful widow of the former head of the family. Their interactions range from sweet and fun to explosively naughty and steamy!

I really enjoyed the story of these two! Rarely do you see the male as the inexperienced one in the relationship. Their attraction is immediate, but they soon realize they enjoy many of the same things in life. Both were equally surprised when their passion for each other became more than they could have imagined.

One night turns into a steamy affair for these two, but they are both surrounded by heavy burdens of duty. I loved how their passion turns to so much more, with a few twists and turns to help them discover their true feelings and realize their happy ending.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This the second book in the series and it concerns a widow (Lady Upton) who is a member of the Surrey Sexual Freedom Society. She had been married off to a much older husband for the benefit of her avaricious and lazy family. She has come out of morning and is starting to enjoy herself, but unfortunately her family wish her to remarry a RICH and influential man. Her late husband's family also wish her to remarry as they feel she is a black mark upon their family's name due to the fact that she has conducted several love affairs. She is a bit of a 'bluestocking', she is independent and finds that most men do not accept her for who she is. Both families descend upon her home - including the new head of her husband's family (a Viscount) and her late husband's sisters (dreadful, abnoxious and cruel harpies). There is a HEA although the eventual couple (you have to read it to find out who they are) do have to weather several misunderstandings etc. This is a steamy novella but contains some fun elements. I enjoyed this book (book 2) much more than book 1. It was a little short and I would have liked more back story to explain why her late husband's sisters disliked her as much as they did. However, I would recommend this book and look forward to more in the series.

[Ashley-Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you only have 85 pages in your novella (novellette?) please use them properly. The author squished over a week of character development, plot, and relationship growth into this book and it was not well done. The pacing was inadequate, and I was annoyed because if this had been longer, or certain elements trimmed, it could have been a really good book. And you'd think an erotic story this short would at least focuse on the sex scenes? nope. there is a scene that goes from meeting to male orgasm (including some conversation, disrobing, and a bj) in about 2 pages. Also, I don't understand this need to write historical fiction packed full of modern concepts and phrasing. Do I believe people in the 19th century were having anal sex? Absolutely. Do I believe they understood the concept of a safeword? Not really. This story read as though the author was playing Erotic bingo: gotta include bdsm and menage and homosexuality and dildos and anal play and oral sex and.....it didn't work

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very entertaining read. Madeline, Lady Upcott meets the new head of the family, Ethan, Lord Dare. He is not as she assumes, and Ethan is equally
struck by Madeline’s appearance. Madeline is sexually experienced whereas Ethan has the theoretical knowledge but not the practical experience. Their story is steamy but also endearing. There are also some obnoxious secondary characters. This is a book that you can easily read in an evening that will leave you with the feel good factor. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. This is my honest review. However, I have preordered a copy for my kindle.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very steamy and entertaining read. I enjoyed the storyline of this book as it grabs and keeps your interest well. Characters are complex and well developed. I just loved the uniqueness of having the hero be inexperienced and the heroine be the teacher. The chemistry sizzles and the heat is just scorching. Join Madeline and Ethan as an unquenchable desire turns into a love that can't be denied. Can their love survive the burdens of duty? Grab a copy of this enjoyable read to see for yourself. I am posting a voluntary, honest review after reading and advance copy of this book.

[Kat Tolle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Read! To Tame A Wicked Widow by Nicola Davidson is the 2nd book in the Surrey SFS series. This is a very steamy story of finding new love and making one happy. Nicola has both charming and interesting characters and this book is very visual. The story had deceit, appalling family members, fascination, constant harping, poverty, misunderstandings, meddling family, laziness and love. Travel back in time 1814 Surrey, England with Madeline the Widow Lady Upcott and Lord Ethan Dare into a new world of sexuality.

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Favorite of the Series So Far

In her youth, Madeline married a rich old man. He's gone now and she's making up for lost time with a little impropriety and a lot of fun. Her family is after her to remarry and the leader of the Marry Off Madeline Committee is the new Viscount Dare. Neither is what the other expects and neither expects the connection they each feel to the other.

Brilliant, fast-paced, layered, clever, and sexy - it's nearly the perfect erotic historical romance.

[Tisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're interested in a older woman & younger man romance. This couple is hot and sexy from the Regency era. Lady Madeline is independent & runs the society meeting of misfits of the era. Where different types of couples in love are welcome.
Read the romance of a gentleman who wants to know how to desire & satisfy woman. He is young and inexperienced. Lady Madeline was in an unhappy loveless marriage and now just wishes she could have passion.
See what Ethan & Madeline do to get those passions going.

[Albi (albireadingromance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Tame a Wicked Widow
by Nicola Davidson

Setting:
England 1814

Characters:
Madeline
Ethan
Lady Portia
Amelia
Bea

Tropes:
Widow Heroine
V!rg!n hero
Seggs lessons
Erot!ca
Historical Romance

Goodreads:
🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟

Spice:
🌶 🌶 🌶 🌶

Review:
OK, so I really really really love Historical erot!ca. This novella was pure fun. Really interesting and developed characters. I really enjoyed Maddy and Ethan. I definitely plan to read more from this author.

Content Warnings:
Death of Spouse
Some slût shaming

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wicked, erotic tale of a bluestocking, wicked widow and a virgin. You can imagine Ethan’s enthusiasm for Madeline once she decides to offer instruction. She is held back by conventions and norms and her overly-critical relatives. Ethan and Madeline’s interactions are explosive and fun and naughty. There is one scene that really summed up the book…no, I cannot say because it would give it away…just read and find out!

I received a complimentary copy from the author.