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The Cunningham Family #3
Her Wicked Heart
Once, Louisa “Lou” Cunningham had everything. Now, she has nothing to lose.
Her father’s dead. Her family’s fortune is gone. She’s drifting, and she’d rather lose herself in the arms of her sexy program director (or anyone, really) than deal with the turmoil inside of her.
But even the wildest spirit can’t run forever. Lou knows that in order to move on with her life, she has to go back. And that means returning to the estate she once called home—even if that estate is now a luxury tourist attraction called Huntington Manor.
At Huntington Manor, she’s no longer Lou Cunningham. She’s Addison Thomas, assistant to the hotel’s General Manager. Infiltrating her old home might be one of her crazier schemes, but she’s ready for the challenge. What she’s not ready for is Ward, the sexy Casanova of a contractor who keeps stumbling across her path. As much as she’d love to forget about her issues in the depths of his azure blue eyes, she’s here to heal, not fall back into bad habits. Even if he has the most delicious set of biceps she’s ever seen. Even if he might be the only one who understands what she really needs...
*Recommended for readers 18+*
Approx. length = 71,000 words
HIS WICKED GAMES SERIES
Book 1 - His Wicked Games
Book 2 - Truth or Dare
Book 2.5 - Sweet Victory
HER WICKED HEART SERIES
(spin-off series)
Book 1 - Her Wicked Heart
Book 2 - Lost and Found (Coming Late Spring 2014)
Her father’s dead. Her family’s fortune is gone. She’s drifting, and she’d rather lose herself in the arms of her sexy program director (or anyone, really) than deal with the turmoil inside of her.
But even the wildest spirit can’t run forever. Lou knows that in order to move on with her life, she has to go back. And that means returning to the estate she once called home—even if that estate is now a luxury tourist attraction called Huntington Manor.
At Huntington Manor, she’s no longer Lou Cunningham. She’s Addison Thomas, assistant to the hotel’s General Manager. Infiltrating her old home might be one of her crazier schemes, but she’s ready for the challenge. What she’s not ready for is Ward, the sexy Casanova of a contractor who keeps stumbling across her path. As much as she’d love to forget about her issues in the depths of his azure blue eyes, she’s here to heal, not fall back into bad habits. Even if he has the most delicious set of biceps she’s ever seen. Even if he might be the only one who understands what she really needs...
*Recommended for readers 18+*
Approx. length = 71,000 words
HIS WICKED GAMES SERIES
Book 1 - His Wicked Games
Book 2 - Truth or Dare
Book 2.5 - Sweet Victory
HER WICKED HEART SERIES
(spin-off series)
Book 1 - Her Wicked Heart
Book 2 - Lost and Found (Coming Late Spring 2014)
207 pages, ebook
First published February 27, 2014
About the author
Ember Casey
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Ember Casey is a USA Today bestselling writer who lives in Atlanta, Georgia in a den of iniquity (or so she likes to tell people). She write books about wicked billionaires, Hollywood bad boys, playboy princes, and sexy treasure hunters.
When she's not writing steamy romances, you can find her whipping up baked goods (usually of the chocolate variety), traveling (her bucket list is infinite), or generally causing trouble (because somebody has to do it).
Ember Casey is a USA Today bestselling writer who lives in Atlanta, Georgia in a den of iniquity (or so she likes to tell people). She write books about wicked billionaires, Hollywood bad boys, playboy princes, and sexy treasure hunters.
When she's not writing steamy romances, you can find her whipping up baked goods (usually of the chocolate variety), traveling (her bucket list is infinite), or generally causing trouble (because somebody has to do it).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 29, 2014
4.5 Stars
What a lovely story!! Let me say I was skeptic about this book, which is a spin off, and the heroine. Louisa Cunningham is the sister of Calder Cunningham of "His wicked games" and she didn't make a great character in that series. Practically we all hated her.
But this book gives the chance to discover a different Louisa, a very fragile girl with a lot of issues, but also a wild child and someone who thinks of herself as a selfish bitch. I loved her acts of vandalism and little games, they were really funny.
And of course the hero Ward, is such an amazing character, I loved him! He's sexy as hell, dark auburn hair, blue eyes, a body to kill. He works as contractor in the manor, that once belonged to Louisa's family. He's a very interesting character, with a lot of issues too and has a secret regarding his identity. And is this secret what makes this book more interesting.
I think this book didn't begin well, Louisa was whinnying all the times about her 'tragedy', the Cunninghams were filthy rich only a couple of months ago and lost everything after the death of the family patriarch. Than it was Ian this guy who Louisa had an one year affair, who was pretty annoying and really I was even thinking to DNF it. I couldn't understand her reasons to stay and work under an other identity in the manor. The manor is a beautiful magical house who is more like a castle with an amazing maze, built by her great grandfather and that her brother sold to cover their fathers debts and now the new owner is converting it in a hotel/spa/luna park. Louisa always hated her house and felt guilty in living in something that rich and beautiful. But now that they sold it, she couldn't let it go. So she decided to go there and work under false identity as assistant of the manor manager. I didn't see anything interesting captivating my curiosity for the first 40%, I was bored. BUT everything changed after that point of the story and than I loved it!
The last 60% of this book is where the real story between Louisa and Ward begins. They both are hiding secrets about their identity.
It was a very pleasant surprise to know who he was, but I have to admit, I had already guessed his link with the new owner of the manor
This is a beautiful and hot love story, I loved the writing, the story development in the other half of the book and the amazing hero.
I recommend it ;)
What a lovely story!! Let me say I was skeptic about this book, which is a spin off, and the heroine. Louisa Cunningham is the sister of Calder Cunningham of "His wicked games" and she didn't make a great character in that series. Practically we all hated her.
But this book gives the chance to discover a different Louisa, a very fragile girl with a lot of issues, but also a wild child and someone who thinks of herself as a selfish bitch. I loved her acts of vandalism and little games, they were really funny.
And of course the hero Ward, is such an amazing character, I loved him! He's sexy as hell, dark auburn hair, blue eyes, a body to kill. He works as contractor in the manor, that once belonged to Louisa's family. He's a very interesting character, with a lot of issues too and has a secret regarding his identity. And is this secret what makes this book more interesting.
I think this book didn't begin well, Louisa was whinnying all the times about her 'tragedy', the Cunninghams were filthy rich only a couple of months ago and lost everything after the death of the family patriarch. Than it was Ian this guy who Louisa had an one year affair, who was pretty annoying and really I was even thinking to DNF it. I couldn't understand her reasons to stay and work under an other identity in the manor. The manor is a beautiful magical house who is more like a castle with an amazing maze, built by her great grandfather and that her brother sold to cover their fathers debts and now the new owner is converting it in a hotel/spa/luna park. Louisa always hated her house and felt guilty in living in something that rich and beautiful. But now that they sold it, she couldn't let it go. So she decided to go there and work under false identity as assistant of the manor manager. I didn't see anything interesting captivating my curiosity for the first 40%, I was bored. BUT everything changed after that point of the story and than I loved it!
The last 60% of this book is where the real story between Louisa and Ward begins. They both are hiding secrets about their identity.
It was a very pleasant surprise to know who he was, but I have to admit, I had already guessed his link with the new owner of the manor
This is a beautiful and hot love story, I loved the writing, the story development in the other half of the book and the amazing hero.
I recommend it ;)
March 5, 2014
4.5 Stars
You know how you read certain authors, and you just have to read all of their books- they write so well. Ember Casey is one of those authors for me.
Even though I wanted more of Calder and Lily’s story because I love them fiercely, I couldn’t wait to hear the story of the infamous Louisa Cunningham, Calder’s sister.
Back in the States after working overseas in Thailand, Lou does the unthinkable, and goes undercover to work at her former home. The Hunington Manor estates has been turned into a luxury tourist attraction, but that doesn’t stop Lou from dying her hair and blending in as Addison Thomas, assistant to the general manager, Mr. Haymore. You know, from her description in all of Ember’s other books, I really thought I was going to hate her- especially from her interactions and bitchiness to Lily- but in reality, I didn’t hate her. I felt sorry for her, for all she went through, this was her way of getting closure.
She is crazy withdrawn from everyone, and to ease the pain of everything- she copes with running. There are so many memories surrounding her, and she can’t escape them. She never really had a mother figure either, so I am sure that’s tough, and explains quite a bit. That and having your father pass away at twenty three.
She bumps into Ward, a handyman fixing up the manor- and has a sweet little make out session with him, but runs- because that’s what she does. She also had a relationship- If you can call it that, with Ian, the project manager back in Thailand that she also ran from.
She thinks she is incapable of receiving love, but also giving it away. I am sure it stems from the guilt of everything she feels from her past. And she is just torturing herself by staying at the manor, but it is something she feels like she has to do.
There are plenty of little heat factors, dusted into the story- which keep it interesting. And there is a little tiny blurb with Calder in it, which I am totally ok with.
Fun fact- when someone writes a novel, based on new characters, it is not nice to be disappointed with the new work. Everyone should be excited that Ember has decided to keep writing, because she is that good. Of course everyone wants more Calder and Lily- just like we all want more Christian and Ana. Be excited to see new characters and where there story lines will go! I, for one, am ecstatic that Ember has written a new novel, a great novel- with new characters and emotions to read about. It keeps things fun and interesting. Congrats to you Ember, on another job well done. And hurry up! I want more Lou and Ward, ok?
You know how you read certain authors, and you just have to read all of their books- they write so well. Ember Casey is one of those authors for me.
Even though I wanted more of Calder and Lily’s story because I love them fiercely, I couldn’t wait to hear the story of the infamous Louisa Cunningham, Calder’s sister.
Back in the States after working overseas in Thailand, Lou does the unthinkable, and goes undercover to work at her former home. The Hunington Manor estates has been turned into a luxury tourist attraction, but that doesn’t stop Lou from dying her hair and blending in as Addison Thomas, assistant to the general manager, Mr. Haymore. You know, from her description in all of Ember’s other books, I really thought I was going to hate her- especially from her interactions and bitchiness to Lily- but in reality, I didn’t hate her. I felt sorry for her, for all she went through, this was her way of getting closure.
She is crazy withdrawn from everyone, and to ease the pain of everything- she copes with running. There are so many memories surrounding her, and she can’t escape them. She never really had a mother figure either, so I am sure that’s tough, and explains quite a bit. That and having your father pass away at twenty three.
She bumps into Ward, a handyman fixing up the manor- and has a sweet little make out session with him, but runs- because that’s what she does. She also had a relationship- If you can call it that, with Ian, the project manager back in Thailand that she also ran from.
She thinks she is incapable of receiving love, but also giving it away. I am sure it stems from the guilt of everything she feels from her past. And she is just torturing herself by staying at the manor, but it is something she feels like she has to do.
There are plenty of little heat factors, dusted into the story- which keep it interesting. And there is a little tiny blurb with Calder in it, which I am totally ok with.
Fun fact- when someone writes a novel, based on new characters, it is not nice to be disappointed with the new work. Everyone should be excited that Ember has decided to keep writing, because she is that good. Of course everyone wants more Calder and Lily- just like we all want more Christian and Ana. Be excited to see new characters and where there story lines will go! I, for one, am ecstatic that Ember has written a new novel, a great novel- with new characters and emotions to read about. It keeps things fun and interesting. Congrats to you Ember, on another job well done. And hurry up! I want more Lou and Ward, ok?
October 7, 2015
Audiobook
Narration - Sarah Beth Goer - Pretty Good. This is the second book I've listened to that Sarah narrated and she's getting better with each title she narrates.
Now the book? Well, I liked it. Did I like all the characters? NO! Lou (our heroine) about drove me off the deep end. She starts off by running from Ian and comes back to her childhood home under another identity to try to get a job. She's hired as the manager's assistant just as they are putting the finishing touches on the conversion of the estate into a luxury tourist attraction. She's JUST been hired and has barely made it to her room when she's got her tongue down another guys throat! OK, so that's not really what drove me off the deep end. She could easily be crowned the queen of Blue Ballsia! There are hmmm...I don't know...four, maybe five scenes where she's all over either Ward or Ian, getting them all riled up, ready to play hide the salami and she puts a screeching halt to it, telling them "I can't do this"
But then again? Blue Ballsia once, shame on you, Blue Ballsia twice, and then thrice, shame on me. So maybe Ward and Ian are the bigger clunk heads!
I never really understood what she hoped to accomplish by going back to her childhood home. She realized that there was nothing she could do to stop what was happening. She did engage in quite a bit of shenanigans of which I'm still uncertain how she wasn't busted.
I didn't realize this was the third book in a series, so it works as a stand-alone. If you like a lot of drama and some humorous shenanigans, then, I think you will enjoy this book.
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from Audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review
Narration - Sarah Beth Goer - Pretty Good. This is the second book I've listened to that Sarah narrated and she's getting better with each title she narrates.
Now the book? Well, I liked it. Did I like all the characters? NO! Lou (our heroine) about drove me off the deep end. She starts off by running from Ian and comes back to her childhood home under another identity to try to get a job. She's hired as the manager's assistant just as they are putting the finishing touches on the conversion of the estate into a luxury tourist attraction. She's JUST been hired and has barely made it to her room when she's got her tongue down another guys throat! OK, so that's not really what drove me off the deep end. She could easily be crowned the queen of Blue Ballsia! There are hmmm...I don't know...four, maybe five scenes where she's all over either Ward or Ian, getting them all riled up, ready to play hide the salami and she puts a screeching halt to it, telling them "I can't do this"
But then again? Blue Ballsia once, shame on you, Blue Ballsia twice, and then thrice, shame on me. So maybe Ward and Ian are the bigger clunk heads!
I never really understood what she hoped to accomplish by going back to her childhood home. She realized that there was nothing she could do to stop what was happening. She did engage in quite a bit of shenanigans of which I'm still uncertain how she wasn't busted.
I didn't realize this was the third book in a series, so it works as a stand-alone. If you like a lot of drama and some humorous shenanigans, then, I think you will enjoy this book.
I received a copy of this audiobook free of charge from Audiobookblast in exchange for an unbiased review
November 13, 2016
This is the second book of this series I have listened to, I still felt a little lost and still believe you need to listen from the first book to get the full understanding. I thought the book was good with a good plot. This didn’t have as many hot sex scenes as the next book in the series. It does have some surprises for a lot of people.
Ms. Goer as the narrator did a wonderful job. Her male characters were wonderful as well as her female ones. She puts a lot of emotion into the listen and gets better with each new audio of hers I listen to. I did not hear any background noise nor any place where the volume is higher or lower than the last. She has a smooth clear voice with lots of passion in it. You had not trouble knowing who was talking whether it was male or female each are clear, and clean voices. You were never left guessing what each character felt. There was no background noise just a clear pleasant listen. If any breaks where taken you could not tell. I look forward to listening to more from this narrator.
Some of the characters I really like other not so much. Lou is so wishy washer she knows what she wants but doesn’t. She thinks maybe she should go back to the guy she left but then decides not. She uses sex to get her through the tough times which has put her in the mess she is in. I do have to give her credit she is trying to change. She isn’t doing so badly for having lost everything she had but still needs to grow up a lot. I understand why she went back for closure I am unsure if she ever got it. Ian is something else you are left wondering how he still has a job after all he does. My heart really went out to him over the course of the book as his story unfolds. I couldn’t feel sorry for Lou I didn’t like her from the start but I did like her a little at the end. I am still unsure how she got away with some of the things she did. She runs to hot and cold for my liking
This is a story full of drama secrets that when they do come out will leave a lot of pain. This was an enjoyable read I did find a few things I really liked about the book. Most of the men in this story are just not the smartest things. I do not know why Ward hung on so long he had to have known she was using him. Ian for me was the best part of this story he stood up for his self telling the whole word what they could kiss not caring what anyone thought. If you like drama wishy washy women who uses men than this is the story for you.
Ms. Goer as the narrator did a wonderful job. Her male characters were wonderful as well as her female ones. She puts a lot of emotion into the listen and gets better with each new audio of hers I listen to. I did not hear any background noise nor any place where the volume is higher or lower than the last. She has a smooth clear voice with lots of passion in it. You had not trouble knowing who was talking whether it was male or female each are clear, and clean voices. You were never left guessing what each character felt. There was no background noise just a clear pleasant listen. If any breaks where taken you could not tell. I look forward to listening to more from this narrator.
Some of the characters I really like other not so much. Lou is so wishy washer she knows what she wants but doesn’t. She thinks maybe she should go back to the guy she left but then decides not. She uses sex to get her through the tough times which has put her in the mess she is in. I do have to give her credit she is trying to change. She isn’t doing so badly for having lost everything she had but still needs to grow up a lot. I understand why she went back for closure I am unsure if she ever got it. Ian is something else you are left wondering how he still has a job after all he does. My heart really went out to him over the course of the book as his story unfolds. I couldn’t feel sorry for Lou I didn’t like her from the start but I did like her a little at the end. I am still unsure how she got away with some of the things she did. She runs to hot and cold for my liking
This is a story full of drama secrets that when they do come out will leave a lot of pain. This was an enjoyable read I did find a few things I really liked about the book. Most of the men in this story are just not the smartest things. I do not know why Ward hung on so long he had to have known she was using him. Ian for me was the best part of this story he stood up for his self telling the whole word what they could kiss not caring what anyone thought. If you like drama wishy washy women who uses men than this is the story for you.
April 8, 2020
*This review is for all The Cunningham Novels, 1, 2, & 3*
Good books, wish there was another book to go along to see what happens to Lily & Calder once they move in together. Calder is the Alpha male in the beginning but as much as he wants to control it throughout the books he can't. Lily is the strong female even though at the beginning she succumbs to his games. The games are captivating. These books do want you to keep reading, they hold your interest. However, I would only recommend these books if someone has read a lot of alpha/romance novels before.
Good books, wish there was another book to go along to see what happens to Lily & Calder once they move in together. Calder is the Alpha male in the beginning but as much as he wants to control it throughout the books he can't. Lily is the strong female even though at the beginning she succumbs to his games. The games are captivating. These books do want you to keep reading, they hold your interest. However, I would only recommend these books if someone has read a lot of alpha/romance novels before.
August 15, 2021
This is really good stroy I agree, but for some reason I couldn't connect to Lousia and Ward as much as I did with Lily and Calder. Their story just touched my heart. I felt every single thing they felt. But didn't experience same with these two. The story and writing is great no doubt in that. But this just my personal view what I felt.
February 12, 2021
I'm going to have to dnf this as 15% Louisa, I don't think carry on with this when the main character is irritating me so much so soon
March 25, 2017
Louisa and Ward
I liked this story also! Ward is something else! Louisa is mixed up and so hard on herself, confused and sad! Ward gives her something easy, beautiful and touching! Eager to see more of them!
I liked this story also! Ward is something else! Louisa is mixed up and so hard on herself, confused and sad! Ward gives her something easy, beautiful and touching! Eager to see more of them!
April 14, 2020
4✨
When Louisa took off at the end of Sweet Victory I didn't know where she was going to go or what she was going to do. And then she decided she would come back to her childhood home, the one that Calder had sold. The new owners are turning it into a tourist attraction and Louisa ultimately plans to derail it from the inside.
When we first meet Ward, he's a handyman minding his own business when Lou comes out of nowhere and tries to get into his pants. I didn't get the impression that Ward was hot-headed from that one encounter but the next time we see him, he's brawling in the foyer and it's not the last time he gets in a tussle. The man breaks windows and noses but he is so hot when he's doing it. Whereas anyone else would be fired, Ward never gets canned and my suspicions ended up being correct: He was
The relationship between Ward and Louisa heats up throughout the novel. Louisa sorts through some complicated feelings for a past flame and - I hope - learns from them. And then Ward and Louisa get their HEA...
Or do they? Heheheh.
“But I have no patience for cheaters. I don’t care what people say—cheating never ‘just happens.’ If your eye’s wandering, then there’s something wrong with your relationship. Either work things out with your partner or have the balls to break things off before jumping into bed with someone else. It’s pretty simple.”
When Louisa took off at the end of Sweet Victory I didn't know where she was going to go or what she was going to do. And then she decided she would come back to her childhood home, the one that Calder had sold. The new owners are turning it into a tourist attraction and Louisa ultimately plans to derail it from the inside.
When we first meet Ward, he's a handyman minding his own business when Lou comes out of nowhere and tries to get into his pants. I didn't get the impression that Ward was hot-headed from that one encounter but the next time we see him, he's brawling in the foyer and it's not the last time he gets in a tussle. The man breaks windows and noses but he is so hot when he's doing it. Whereas anyone else would be fired, Ward never gets canned and my suspicions ended up being correct: He was
The relationship between Ward and Louisa heats up throughout the novel. Louisa sorts through some complicated feelings for a past flame and - I hope - learns from them. And then Ward and Louisa get their HEA...
Or do they? Heheheh.
May 17, 2014
Confession...after reading the ‘His Wicked Games’ series I wasn’t sure about reading Lou’s story. I grew to have a strong dislike for her after she left her brother, Calder, behind to pick up the pieces of their father’s estate after his death. She was a free-spirited rich girl who seemed to do whatever she wanted and didn’t care what others thought.
Boy, was I wrong!
Louisa Cunningham is a surprise. She is young and has a lot of growing up to do, but she won over my heart with her need for closure and insane antics to get it.
The family fortune is gone and the home she grew up in was sold and has been turned into a hotel. She’s not ready to let her past without leaving her mark. As the master of disguise and intrigue she grabs the attention of Ward Brannon. Hold on. Let me re-phrase that. She grabs Ward Brannon and he won’t forget it. Literally.
Ward Brannon is a mystery of his own. A brawler who has been hired as a contractor to remodel and restore Lou’s former home. He is not prepared for her entrance into his life, but once she gets under his skin there is nothing that can remove her…until secrets about their pasts come to the forefront.
Lou was a wonderful surprise. She was spirited and sneaky, two things I love. Ward was cocky and mysterious. When the two of them were together it was combustible and the end was full of fireworks…and I’m still waiting for the finale (please write faster, Ember).
Ember is a flawless storyteller. The twists and turns in this book are incredible and kept me sucked in the entire time. I was on the edge of my seat several times as well as squirming in it as well. It was the perfect mix of emotion.
I cannot wait for the release of Lost and Found! 4.75 crazy stars!
Boy, was I wrong!
Louisa Cunningham is a surprise. She is young and has a lot of growing up to do, but she won over my heart with her need for closure and insane antics to get it.
The family fortune is gone and the home she grew up in was sold and has been turned into a hotel. She’s not ready to let her past without leaving her mark. As the master of disguise and intrigue she grabs the attention of Ward Brannon. Hold on. Let me re-phrase that. She grabs Ward Brannon and he won’t forget it. Literally.
Ward Brannon is a mystery of his own. A brawler who has been hired as a contractor to remodel and restore Lou’s former home. He is not prepared for her entrance into his life, but once she gets under his skin there is nothing that can remove her…until secrets about their pasts come to the forefront.
Lou was a wonderful surprise. She was spirited and sneaky, two things I love. Ward was cocky and mysterious. When the two of them were together it was combustible and the end was full of fireworks…and I’m still waiting for the finale (please write faster, Ember).
Ember is a flawless storyteller. The twists and turns in this book are incredible and kept me sucked in the entire time. I was on the edge of my seat several times as well as squirming in it as well. It was the perfect mix of emotion.
I cannot wait for the release of Lost and Found! 4.75 crazy stars!
August 12, 2014
I really admire Ember Casey's work - both in terms of the quality of her writing and in terms of how she's handling this whole indie author thing - and I was blown away by His Wicked Games. Her Wicked Heart, the first book in a spin-off series from the Wicked Games series, is a solid story that will appeal to romance readers who love a bad girl as well as a bad boy.
Things I liked about this book: I like Casey's attention to the characters' psychology. It helps make them more believable. I also think Casey pulled off a difficult moment when Lou and Ward are making out in the hedge maze at one point and she keeps calling him an asshole and he calls her a selfish bitch. I know that some people had a hard time with this, but I totally got it: By repeating back to each other how each felt about themselves, they were making the other person felt seen and accepted for who they thought they were. Pretty brilliant, if you ask me. Casey's also good at establishing and drawing out sexual tension, and this book is no exception. There are some sexy scenes here.
Criticisms: My biggest sticking point is that Lou was hard for me to relate to. I understood her intellectually, but I couldn't connect with her emotionally. I didn't dislike her, but I didn't like her well enough to tempt me to read the second book. However, it certainly won't put me off this author's work. I'll definitely give Casey's next series a try.
Overall, this is a quick read with some good sexual tension and unique characters.
Things I liked about this book: I like Casey's attention to the characters' psychology. It helps make them more believable. I also think Casey pulled off a difficult moment when Lou and Ward are making out in the hedge maze at one point and she keeps calling him an asshole and he calls her a selfish bitch. I know that some people had a hard time with this, but I totally got it: By repeating back to each other how each felt about themselves, they were making the other person felt seen and accepted for who they thought they were. Pretty brilliant, if you ask me. Casey's also good at establishing and drawing out sexual tension, and this book is no exception. There are some sexy scenes here.
Criticisms: My biggest sticking point is that Lou was hard for me to relate to. I understood her intellectually, but I couldn't connect with her emotionally. I didn't dislike her, but I didn't like her well enough to tempt me to read the second book. However, it certainly won't put me off this author's work. I'll definitely give Casey's next series a try.
Overall, this is a quick read with some good sexual tension and unique characters.
January 27, 2015
To everybody who really liked this book: I'm sorry! Dont read this!
OMG what the hell did i just read... I cannot believe that i spend 3.99 on this thing. Louisa doesnt have ONE redeeming quality, not one. She is indeed, as she so often thought and screamed, a selfish, lying bitch. I hated her so so much, GOD. I feel sorry for Calder, Ian, Ward and even Lily for having to be related to her. She lies, hurts, she knows she's doing it! She feels bad about it? - I dont buy that she does, because if you feel bad about some stupid thing you do, you dont fucking do it again and again! - but does she fix it? Does she stop? No.. She hangs up on everybody to avoid a confrontation, always thinking: "Why is he lecturing me!! I don't need this right now!!" WHAT!?? Are you 16??? She doesn't think about anybody, the last part of the book is of her running away from her brother, a-fucking-gain... Avoiding dealing with her fuck up, which made absolutely NO sense to me, and probaly messing her brother's life once again, and letting him deal with the consequences of her bullshit. Sister or not, i would have never contacted her again in my life and shut the door in her face if she dared show up again. I am being mean? Yes, but i dont care, because i hate her. Still, this is my own fault, I knew that hated her in Sweet Victory and still i bought this book, hoping that i'd hear a little more from Lily and Calder. Fail.
OMG what the hell did i just read... I cannot believe that i spend 3.99 on this thing. Louisa doesnt have ONE redeeming quality, not one. She is indeed, as she so often thought and screamed, a selfish, lying bitch. I hated her so so much, GOD. I feel sorry for Calder, Ian, Ward and even Lily for having to be related to her. She lies, hurts, she knows she's doing it! She feels bad about it? - I dont buy that she does, because if you feel bad about some stupid thing you do, you dont fucking do it again and again! - but does she fix it? Does she stop? No.. She hangs up on everybody to avoid a confrontation, always thinking: "Why is he lecturing me!! I don't need this right now!!" WHAT!?? Are you 16??? She doesn't think about anybody, the last part of the book is of her running away from her brother, a-fucking-gain... Avoiding dealing with her fuck up, which made absolutely NO sense to me, and probaly messing her brother's life once again, and letting him deal with the consequences of her bullshit. Sister or not, i would have never contacted her again in my life and shut the door in her face if she dared show up again. I am being mean? Yes, but i dont care, because i hate her. Still, this is my own fault, I knew that hated her in Sweet Victory and still i bought this book, hoping that i'd hear a little more from Lily and Calder. Fail.
October 2, 2014
See more of my reviews on my blog Thoughts At One In The Morning.
My Thoughts:
I was looking forward to this one for a long, long, long time after reading all three books in the His Wicked Games series. There was a little tease of Lou at the end of it, and I was curious, although a little irritated with her attitude. But, I had to know what was going on in her head.
The story starts with a bang, er, a very steamy kiss. Lou and Ward... now that's what I call instant chemistry! Sadly, though, Lou has a lot going on in her mind, and she appears pretty flighty in some of her choices. But she's learning how to move on in life--trying to, anyway--so you can't hold it against her. She and Ward draw closer as the days pass, and like two magnets, they attract. He doesn't know who she really is, though. What would happen when all the cards are on the table?
Her Wicked Heart is a brilliant continuation to the world created in His Wicked Games. You're pulled in immediately, and you're held there until the very end because you need to know what will happen to Lou with all her lies, and what's next for her and Ward. There's a lot of emotion, and a lot of heartbreak, but not in the way you think. Ember Casey just knows how to keep you hanging on and wanting more.
My Rating: Exceptional
My Thoughts:
I was looking forward to this one for a long, long, long time after reading all three books in the His Wicked Games series. There was a little tease of Lou at the end of it, and I was curious, although a little irritated with her attitude. But, I had to know what was going on in her head.
The story starts with a bang, er, a very steamy kiss. Lou and Ward... now that's what I call instant chemistry! Sadly, though, Lou has a lot going on in her mind, and she appears pretty flighty in some of her choices. But she's learning how to move on in life--trying to, anyway--so you can't hold it against her. She and Ward draw closer as the days pass, and like two magnets, they attract. He doesn't know who she really is, though. What would happen when all the cards are on the table?
Her Wicked Heart is a brilliant continuation to the world created in His Wicked Games. You're pulled in immediately, and you're held there until the very end because you need to know what will happen to Lou with all her lies, and what's next for her and Ward. There's a lot of emotion, and a lot of heartbreak, but not in the way you think. Ember Casey just knows how to keep you hanging on and wanting more.
My Rating: Exceptional
September 3, 2015
--I was given this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This being the third book in the Cunningham Family series, I was glad I listened to the other two first. While,this could be a stand alone novel, it was helpful to have the background from Calder and Lily, making this much more fun and interesting. I didn't have a feeling about what to expect from Lou, she was Calder's sister who left right after her dad died and was much the philanthropist. Couldn't be more wrong. While it took me a while to warm up to her, and the issues of her dealing with her loss(es), I eventually began to really like her. Ian I found to be sweet but pathetic. He really got on my nerves, but Ward....loved him. He was a very complex character, you learn a lot of his sides and understand his ways of thinking.
Sara Beth Goer did a wondeful job portraying this book. Her rendition of Lou in all of her complicated sides made her believable. I couldn't believe the book was over, a very fast 7-1/2 hours.
And the cliffhanger...Can't wait for Lost and Found to be out so I can continue this audio adventure!
This being the third book in the Cunningham Family series, I was glad I listened to the other two first. While,this could be a stand alone novel, it was helpful to have the background from Calder and Lily, making this much more fun and interesting. I didn't have a feeling about what to expect from Lou, she was Calder's sister who left right after her dad died and was much the philanthropist. Couldn't be more wrong. While it took me a while to warm up to her, and the issues of her dealing with her loss(es), I eventually began to really like her. Ian I found to be sweet but pathetic. He really got on my nerves, but Ward....loved him. He was a very complex character, you learn a lot of his sides and understand his ways of thinking.
Sara Beth Goer did a wondeful job portraying this book. Her rendition of Lou in all of her complicated sides made her believable. I couldn't believe the book was over, a very fast 7-1/2 hours.
And the cliffhanger...Can't wait for Lost and Found to be out so I can continue this audio adventure!
March 2, 2014
Lou is not an easy character to love. She is emotionally immature and still suffers from an extensive amount of guilt from being born into an extremely wealthy family. Never knowing her mom and the sudden death of her father at the young age of 23 don't help matters either. She struggles, day in and day out, with the decision she's made to disguise herself in order to take a position working at what was formerly her family's estate. After reading about her brother, it is not difficult to see they are related, yet obviously deal with the aftermath of their father's death very differently. Lou and Ward's relationship is sudden, intense, and creates/reveals a lot of emotional turmoil for both of them. Total cliffhanger ending though--I cannot wait to see what the next book brings!
September 8, 2015
I did receive this book as a free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
This does follow our Cunningham story, although it has changed over to the sister 'Lou'. She seems like a nice person, although a bit off on what her goals in life are. I feel like she is struggling through life. Her father has recently passed away, she doesn't know or understand how to grieve.
Lou takes. Job back at her old house which was sold to pay off the family debt. Lou has changed her identity becoming someone else. Lou has her demons she is fighting. She has her own internal battle that she needs to sort through. She shouldn't have gone to work at her old house. Will she realize this before it's too late?
This does follow our Cunningham story, although it has changed over to the sister 'Lou'. She seems like a nice person, although a bit off on what her goals in life are. I feel like she is struggling through life. Her father has recently passed away, she doesn't know or understand how to grieve.
Lou takes. Job back at her old house which was sold to pay off the family debt. Lou has changed her identity becoming someone else. Lou has her demons she is fighting. She has her own internal battle that she needs to sort through. She shouldn't have gone to work at her old house. Will she realize this before it's too late?
November 23, 2015
This was a pleasant surprise. I wasn't sure what I was getting into, since it's the third book in a series and I haven't read the two preceding books.
It worked well as a standalone and I'm considering going back to purchase the first two. The story was interesting while still being realistic. The main character is completely unpredictable, so it made for a fun ride.
The narrator was a little 'rough' sounding...I might think twice about getting the other books in the series if it's the same narrator. Otherwise, a fun, sexy new adult read.
I was provided with a free copy of this audio book by the author, publisher or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review.
It worked well as a standalone and I'm considering going back to purchase the first two. The story was interesting while still being realistic. The main character is completely unpredictable, so it made for a fun ride.
The narrator was a little 'rough' sounding...I might think twice about getting the other books in the series if it's the same narrator. Otherwise, a fun, sexy new adult read.
I was provided with a free copy of this audio book by the author, publisher or narrator in exchange for an unbiased review.
January 15, 2015
The Cunningham Saga continues
Another great installment of the Cunningham drama. This one exclusively Calder's little sister. I can feel her pain and she tries to exorcise her demons over the death of her father and the loss of the family home to somebody who turns out into a theme park. In walks the handyman to ease her troubled heart. Of course he has secrets of his own but lo and behold the two turn to hot and heavy sex. I have turned my week into an amazing and heated week of Cunningham's. Cannot wait to see how everyone turns out!
Another great installment of the Cunningham drama. This one exclusively Calder's little sister. I can feel her pain and she tries to exorcise her demons over the death of her father and the loss of the family home to somebody who turns out into a theme park. In walks the handyman to ease her troubled heart. Of course he has secrets of his own but lo and behold the two turn to hot and heavy sex. I have turned my week into an amazing and heated week of Cunningham's. Cannot wait to see how everyone turns out!
March 8, 2014
3.75 star's Great Storyline felt bad for Ian knowing that he was in love with Lou and she could not return her love for him. But I do love the relationship that Ward and Lou has developed between the two of them, and I can see why because of the lost they haven't came to terms with. Can't wait to read the next book to see how they relationship develops.
April 25, 2014
Can't wait for Book 2 - Lost and Found!!
What a combination - Lou and Ward. Wealthy bitter background versus poor bitter background but one thing they have on common.... The chemistry between them! And what electrifying chemistry it is. Lou's a spit fire.... But Ward gives her a run for her money( so to speak)! Great read
What a combination - Lou and Ward. Wealthy bitter background versus poor bitter background but one thing they have on common.... The chemistry between them! And what electrifying chemistry it is. Lou's a spit fire.... But Ward gives her a run for her money( so to speak)! Great read
August 27, 2016
I waited to read this book because quite frankly, I didn't like Lou. But, I am so glad I changed my mind and read it anyway! Now I love her! This book was so sexy and funny, there were so many laugh out loud moments. Ward is oh so sexy, and the two of them together was just fantastic! I cannot wait to find out what happens next with these two crazy kids!
March 13, 2014
Usually when a book has a main character that frustrates me to no end, especially from the beginning, I'll stop reading. However, Louisa in this book is so complex that I couldn't put the book down. Her eye candy helped keep my interest as well. Can't wait for the next book!
June 25, 2014
I enjoy reading Louise Cunningham story because I could feel her emotions. She's been through so much losing her father and then losing her inheritance. It was so sad. Poor confuse girl but then she met Ward. Who changed her life.
March 24, 2014
Fun Read
If your looking for a fun entertaining well written book this is it. it's light and funny. don't regret the purchase. Bought the series.
If your looking for a fun entertaining well written book this is it. it's light and funny. don't regret the purchase. Bought the series.
August 8, 2015
3.5 Stars
December 7, 2014
I didn't want to put it down.
January 25, 2015
Loved this book. I always wondered what was going on with Lou in "His Wicked Games" and "Truth or Dare. Now we get to see how her fathers death really effected her.
January 30, 2015
Pretty interesting story about Lousia.
May 16, 2015
This one started out really slow and repetitive. I almost DNF. It got much better half way through and the end was fun.
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