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Private Arrangements #0.5
A Touch Wicked
Note: This is republished expanded edition of a previously published novella of the same name.
The Masquerade has only two rules: Depart by morning and never reveal your identity.
HE IS LONDON'S MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR
James, the Earl of Kent, is at the top of every debutante's list for marriage. He's handsome, wealthy, and on the lookout for a bride. But when he meets a mysterious beauty at London's most illicit club, fascination becomes intrigue-and she harbours deadly secrets.
SHE IS A PENNILESS NOBODY
In a desperate bid to save her criminal sister, Emma Dumont infiltrates the earl's household under false pretences. When a clue leads her to a scandalous masque, she finds herself in the arms of her handsome employer-and torn between duty and lethal attraction.
As her sister's crimes threaten to expose Emma's deception, she becomes entangled in a brutal conspiracy. And with the truth comes danger...
The Masquerade has only two rules: Depart by morning and never reveal your identity.
HE IS LONDON'S MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELOR
James, the Earl of Kent, is at the top of every debutante's list for marriage. He's handsome, wealthy, and on the lookout for a bride. But when he meets a mysterious beauty at London's most illicit club, fascination becomes intrigue-and she harbours deadly secrets.
SHE IS A PENNILESS NOBODY
In a desperate bid to save her criminal sister, Emma Dumont infiltrates the earl's household under false pretences. When a clue leads her to a scandalous masque, she finds herself in the arms of her handsome employer-and torn between duty and lethal attraction.
As her sister's crimes threaten to expose Emma's deception, she becomes entangled in a brutal conspiracy. And with the truth comes danger...
275 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 11, 2024
396 people are currently reading
720 people want to read
About the author
Katrina Kendrick
7 books162 followersKatrina Kendrick is the romance pen name for fantasy author Elizabeth May.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
December 6, 2023
grumpy Earl x mysterious lady’s maid
Reasons why you should read this book:
✔️ scandalous 🌶️ masquerade
✔️ fmc who takes charge in bed
✔️ grumpy Earl obsessing over his mysterious lady’s maid
✔️ strong female characters all rebelling against societal norms & driving men crazy
Wonderful historical romance that weaves together the story of young Emma lost in London and a stern Earl of Kent who is resigned to a dull life of aristocracy. When their worlds collide there are sparks ✨ and some bangs 🌶️🌶️
Don’t be fooled by the cover! This book is extra spicy 🥵 with heroine taking charge in bed and not being shy about it! Even though this is a historical romance the author used ‘modern’ words to describe all bedroom activities which I really appreciated.
I just loved how obsessed James was with Emma. Both the Emma he knew as a lady’s maid as well as the anonymous seductress Emma he met at the Masquerade 🎭
“We all have our ghosts. Would you like my help with yours?”
“She wanted him to forget her? God, but he wished he could. If only to reclaim some scrap of sanity.”
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I will definitely add the rest of the series to my TBR.
grumpy x sunshine
boy obsessed
anonymous 🌶️ escapades
forced proximity
interesting side characters
Reasons why you should read this book:
✔️ scandalous 🌶️ masquerade
✔️ fmc who takes charge in bed
✔️ grumpy Earl obsessing over his mysterious lady’s maid
✔️ strong female characters all rebelling against societal norms & driving men crazy
Wonderful historical romance that weaves together the story of young Emma lost in London and a stern Earl of Kent who is resigned to a dull life of aristocracy. When their worlds collide there are sparks ✨ and some bangs 🌶️🌶️
Don’t be fooled by the cover! This book is extra spicy 🥵 with heroine taking charge in bed and not being shy about it! Even though this is a historical romance the author used ‘modern’ words to describe all bedroom activities which I really appreciated.
I just loved how obsessed James was with Emma. Both the Emma he knew as a lady’s maid as well as the anonymous seductress Emma he met at the Masquerade 🎭
“We all have our ghosts. Would you like my help with yours?”
“She wanted him to forget her? God, but he wished he could. If only to reclaim some scrap of sanity.”
This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I will definitely add the rest of the series to my TBR.
grumpy x sunshine
boy obsessed
anonymous 🌶️ escapades
forced proximity
interesting side characters
November 4, 2020
I generally don't read novellas as they are not as satisfying as the full length novel but after a long long time I've finally read a sweet yet erotic novella where the idea of masquerade intrigued me ALOT!!!
I just love the whole idea of unknown identity and employee-employer relation.
Writing was amazing. It's the first time I've read the author's story and I loved it.
I just love the whole idea of unknown identity and employee-employer relation.
Writing was amazing. It's the first time I've read the author's story and I loved it.
Read
September 12, 2023I just turned a draft of this in, so I want to talk about why it didn't come out at the same time as the re-releases of my other previously self-published books.
In 2018, I wrote and self-published a novella called "A Touch Wicked" under a secret pen name, Katrina Kendrick. I had never written romance before, so it was a very pressure-free way to experiment with writing something new. The rest is sort of history: I loved writing romance, I'm now exclusively writing romance under both of my pen names (EM for romantasy and KK for historical), and Bloomsbury bought the rights to my Katrina Kendrick books.
Since A Touch Wicked was my very first romance, I proposed rewriting and expanding it into a full length novel. My editor agreed.
So even though they share the same characters, the novella "A Touch Wicked" is not the same as the 2024 novel A Touch Wicked. But there are pieces of the novella still there that have been rewritten and given different context. It's been a joy to revisit all my previously self-published romance novels--and this one in particular, since it will always be my very first.
xx
Elizabeth May/Katrina Kendrick
In 2018, I wrote and self-published a novella called "A Touch Wicked" under a secret pen name, Katrina Kendrick. I had never written romance before, so it was a very pressure-free way to experiment with writing something new. The rest is sort of history: I loved writing romance, I'm now exclusively writing romance under both of my pen names (EM for romantasy and KK for historical), and Bloomsbury bought the rights to my Katrina Kendrick books.
Since A Touch Wicked was my very first romance, I proposed rewriting and expanding it into a full length novel. My editor agreed.
So even though they share the same characters, the novella "A Touch Wicked" is not the same as the 2024 novel A Touch Wicked. But there are pieces of the novella still there that have been rewritten and given different context. It's been a joy to revisit all my previously self-published romance novels--and this one in particular, since it will always be my very first.
xx
Elizabeth May/Katrina Kendrick
April 9, 2022
I have not read this author before and really enjoyed the book. It really is hot and steamy right from the start. It also has an enjoyable plot that with the h being a woman active in the late Victorian Suffragette movement. It is a long short story with a hea. If you enjoy steam, try this one.
May 25, 2024
I feel kind of mixed up about this read and specifically felt the h and her situation fell flat for me. I did like the story though I wish I'd read this when it was just a novella because I'm also super curious what parts were expanded by the author and if it might have actually flowed better for my tastes in a shorter format. But two friends loved this newly released version and their happy, amazingly worded reviews are here - Soft Nectarine's review and Andrea's review
This is a class difference, employee/employer, hidden identity, steamy historical. I enjoyed their sexual chemistry but was left wishing for more in the emotional intimacy side from the h (since she's hiding pretty much everything for the majority of the story). She also constantly pushes away because she's clinging to those literal and figurative masks while the H's practically begging for more. Yet, the H falls in love and proposes (multiple times by the end!) and it felt like, at least the first time, was on the basis of sexual compatibility and that physical chemistry rather than true love. However, he was obsessed with the h in any identity he met her so there's that. Frequent, detailed spicy scenes with marking and some woman in charge moments too. In one of the h's identities (the employee to his employer identity), the main characters are also a volcano ready to burst with their tension, innuendos, and almost crossing the line scenes.
Written in third person, dual POV. No real ow drama (H has planned to look for an appropriate bride at a certain time so lacklusterly begins that and h has feelings about it, but he's not really interested cause he's obsessed with her on two fronts lol) and no om drama. Neither appeared to be virgins, no real history given but the H hasn't been with anyone in so long, he thinks about it not being since the dawn of time or something to that effect.
I loved the side characters, some of which already have books out! The plot regarding the search for her sister was stagnant for so long, though when it heated up, it definitely brought some action, intrigue, and surprisingly humor. I wanted more sister time on page where they weren't talking about the h's relationship however. There is a HEA with a slightly future epilogue of an unknown amount of time passed, but they're married and still rolling around the sheets, no masks needed.
This is a class difference, employee/employer, hidden identity, steamy historical. I enjoyed their sexual chemistry but was left wishing for more in the emotional intimacy side from the h (since she's hiding pretty much everything for the majority of the story). She also constantly pushes away because she's clinging to those literal and figurative masks while the H's practically begging for more. Yet, the H falls in love and proposes (multiple times by the end!) and it felt like, at least the first time, was on the basis of sexual compatibility and that physical chemistry rather than true love. However, he was obsessed with the h in any identity he met her so there's that. Frequent, detailed spicy scenes with marking and some woman in charge moments too. In one of the h's identities (the employee to his employer identity), the main characters are also a volcano ready to burst with their tension, innuendos, and almost crossing the line scenes.
Written in third person, dual POV. No real ow drama (H has planned to look for an appropriate bride at a certain time so lacklusterly begins that and h has feelings about it, but he's not really interested cause he's obsessed with her on two fronts lol) and no om drama. Neither appeared to be virgins, no real history given but the H hasn't been with anyone in so long, he thinks about it not being since the dawn of time or something to that effect.
I loved the side characters, some of which already have books out! The plot regarding the search for her sister was stagnant for so long, though when it heated up, it definitely brought some action, intrigue, and surprisingly humor. I wanted more sister time on page where they weren't talking about the h's relationship however. There is a HEA with a slightly future epilogue of an unknown amount of time passed, but they're married and still rolling around the sheets, no masks needed.
December 8, 2023
A huge thank you to NetGalley and Aria and Aries for providing me an eARC of this book.
I will straight up say that I really did not enjoy this book and almost gave up at 40%. Every character was a cut-and-paste of every other historical romance book I’ve read. It also felt difficult to believe that the mmc didn’t recognise the fmc even though her disguise was a wig and a mask that only covers her eyes? The insta love between the main characters was also very cringe and felt unbelievable.
The pacing of this book was also a huge issue, nothing much happened in the first 50% of the book apart from the main characters lusting over one another. Then in the last 15% we have two assassination attempts that never really get explained? Maybe this just wasn’t the book for me.
I will straight up say that I really did not enjoy this book and almost gave up at 40%. Every character was a cut-and-paste of every other historical romance book I’ve read. It also felt difficult to believe that the mmc didn’t recognise the fmc even though her disguise was a wig and a mask that only covers her eyes? The insta love between the main characters was also very cringe and felt unbelievable.
The pacing of this book was also a huge issue, nothing much happened in the first 50% of the book apart from the main characters lusting over one another. Then in the last 15% we have two assassination attempts that never really get explained? Maybe this just wasn’t the book for me.
![Profile Image for Andrea ☾ [is inconsistently consistant].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1642113904i%2F116166019._UY200_CR2%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
January 21, 2024
3.75 ⭐️ This was surprisingly great!
I have to admit I started this with zero expectations. It takes a lot for a historical romance to tickle me the right way - I'm more of a contemporary/ paranormal romance girl. This book, however, was exactly what I needed.
Leaving my bookish comfort zone is not always great, but I've been in a bit of a slump this month and I needed something to shake me out of it... and I'm not positive I've fully kicked the slump but I did manage to finish this and enjoy it thoroughly!
Emma is looking for her sister in London, after finding her Paris apartment ransacked. When she finds a way to get employed as a lady's maid to the Earl of Kent's wayward sister, she has only one clue as to where to find her sister: an invite to The Masquerade, a most secretive and exclusive club.
This was so much spicier than I expected, and there's a lot of intrigue and angst. I especially liked that Emma, the FMC, is the one taking charge more often than not, and saying no to him multiple times. James, the MC, is quite literally taken by her in every iteration in which he sees or knows her. He wants her in any way he can, and it was just so sweet.
I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a historical romance with a hint of rebellion and a couple of spies!
Thank you so much Net Galley for providing me with an eARC!*
I have to admit I started this with zero expectations. It takes a lot for a historical romance to tickle me the right way - I'm more of a contemporary/ paranormal romance girl. This book, however, was exactly what I needed.
Leaving my bookish comfort zone is not always great, but I've been in a bit of a slump this month and I needed something to shake me out of it... and I'm not positive I've fully kicked the slump but I did manage to finish this and enjoy it thoroughly!
Emma is looking for her sister in London, after finding her Paris apartment ransacked. When she finds a way to get employed as a lady's maid to the Earl of Kent's wayward sister, she has only one clue as to where to find her sister: an invite to The Masquerade, a most secretive and exclusive club.
This was so much spicier than I expected, and there's a lot of intrigue and angst. I especially liked that Emma, the FMC, is the one taking charge more often than not, and saying no to him multiple times. James, the MC, is quite literally taken by her in every iteration in which he sees or knows her. He wants her in any way he can, and it was just so sweet.
I definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a historical romance with a hint of rebellion and a couple of spies!
Thank you so much Net Galley for providing me with an eARC!*
Read
November 25, 2024I think this is a dnf for me. I have to force myself to keep reading and I'm only 40% into it. I think I'll stop the agony now
April 15, 2024
Assassins, Spies and Love!
Emma and Isobel Dumont are the illegitimate daughters of the Duke of Southampton and a French mother had grown up in poverty in Paris when the Duke had thrown his mistress out.
They had done everything they could to find money for medicine for their mother. To no avail.
Concerned for her sister Isabel, Emma had gone to her flat and found the place in disarray and Isabel missing. What she does find is a card with a place in London called The Masquerade. She’s then attacked by a man who’s also looking for Isobel. Emma’s able to fight free.
Emma flees to London where she becomes a maid to Alexandra, the sister of James Grey, the Earl of Kent. With employment settled she’s able to pursue her search. That means entering The Masquerade.
But who does she meet there but James. Emma becomes Tempest. James is completely enthralled by Tempest, but how can he be attracted to both her and his sister’s maid. He’s troubled, puzzled and enchanted.
A novel of passions playing out as Emma searches for her sister. (Way to much weight is given to the “passionate” part I felt.) In the end I wanted more attention given to the search for Isobel and less handwringing by Emma over her passionate interaction with James.
Isabel is involved somehow in a mysterious organization called the Syndicate. Assassins are after her. In the end the resolution will involve the Home Office and a mysterious spy, Callahan.
I’m loving Alexandra BTW. Her story I suspect will be be a cracker.
A lively, steamy read!
An Aria & Aries ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Emma and Isobel Dumont are the illegitimate daughters of the Duke of Southampton and a French mother had grown up in poverty in Paris when the Duke had thrown his mistress out.
They had done everything they could to find money for medicine for their mother. To no avail.
Concerned for her sister Isabel, Emma had gone to her flat and found the place in disarray and Isabel missing. What she does find is a card with a place in London called The Masquerade. She’s then attacked by a man who’s also looking for Isobel. Emma’s able to fight free.
Emma flees to London where she becomes a maid to Alexandra, the sister of James Grey, the Earl of Kent. With employment settled she’s able to pursue her search. That means entering The Masquerade.
But who does she meet there but James. Emma becomes Tempest. James is completely enthralled by Tempest, but how can he be attracted to both her and his sister’s maid. He’s troubled, puzzled and enchanted.
A novel of passions playing out as Emma searches for her sister. (Way to much weight is given to the “passionate” part I felt.) In the end I wanted more attention given to the search for Isobel and less handwringing by Emma over her passionate interaction with James.
Isabel is involved somehow in a mysterious organization called the Syndicate. Assassins are after her. In the end the resolution will involve the Home Office and a mysterious spy, Callahan.
I’m loving Alexandra BTW. Her story I suspect will be be a cracker.
A lively, steamy read!
An Aria & Aries ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
December 20, 2025
James, Earl of Kent, is turning THIRTY and is feeling FLIRTY DEEP ENNUI OVER THE THOUGHT OF GETTING MARRIED. Meanwhile, he's also horny on main for Emma Dumont Clark, the mysterious maid hired for his sister. He goes to a sexy club where he meets a sexy stranger and they do sexy sex. Except the sexy stranger is actually Emma Dumont Clark, on the hunt for her missing sister! :o
1. I was told this was a novella and I guess it used to be a novella and I got the expanded edition which means THIS IS A FULL NOVEL? THE LIES?
2. While I did enjoy this, I was a little... put off by the perceived development of the relationship between James and Emma: he meets her and is immediately in the throes of LUST, so he goes and meets his sexy sex friend (also Emma) and they have sex. A lot. Allegedly to distract James from his attraction to Emma.
Except the book makes sure to point out how James and Emma do not interact with one another ("pulling away" is the phrase used, I think) during the period of much sex. Which, fine.
So then James proposes to his mystery sex friend, and she says no because of the secrets.
So then James goes home and returns to having intense boners for his sister's maid and they end up flirting at one another until sex happens. Emma admits (some) of her secrets.
So then James asks her to "stay" in some nebulous not-marriage way.
2.5 And I guess I just don't really ... believe in the romance side of things? There's so mutual attraction and lust and sex that there really isn't enough of them talking or supporting one another or understanding one another. Emma barely confesses all her secrets! James is one note, and that note is B(oner) flat!
So that aspect was disappointing.
2.6 OH ALSO, am I meant to believe that these two boned like rabbits for several weeks while Emma wore a full wig + mask??? WHAT???
3. I glanced ahead at subsequent novels in this series and ... does Isabel just disappear? WTF? I see stories for Richard and Alexandria and then some other randoms, but Isabel and Callahan are just... gone? HMM.
4. Yeah, so this was fine?
1. I was told this was a novella and I guess it used to be a novella and I got the expanded edition which means THIS IS A FULL NOVEL? THE LIES?
2. While I did enjoy this, I was a little... put off by the perceived development of the relationship between James and Emma: he meets her and is immediately in the throes of LUST, so he goes and meets his sexy sex friend (also Emma) and they have sex. A lot. Allegedly to distract James from his attraction to Emma.
Except the book makes sure to point out how James and Emma do not interact with one another ("pulling away" is the phrase used, I think) during the period of much sex. Which, fine.
So then James proposes to his mystery sex friend, and she says no because of the secrets.
So then James goes home and returns to having intense boners for his sister's maid and they end up flirting at one another until sex happens. Emma admits (some) of her secrets.
So then James asks her to "stay" in some nebulous not-marriage way.
2.5 And I guess I just don't really ... believe in the romance side of things? There's so mutual attraction and lust and sex that there really isn't enough of them talking or supporting one another or understanding one another. Emma barely confesses all her secrets! James is one note, and that note is B(oner) flat!
So that aspect was disappointing.
2.6 OH ALSO, am I meant to believe that these two boned like rabbits for several weeks while Emma wore a full wig + mask??? WHAT???
3. I glanced ahead at subsequent novels in this series and ... does Isabel just disappear? WTF? I see stories for Richard and Alexandria and then some other randoms, but Isabel and Callahan are just... gone? HMM.
4. Yeah, so this was fine?
October 23, 2021
Emma Dumont is a duke’s bastard daughter with an unfortunate crush on her employer, James Grey, the Earl of Kent. James is on the verge of seeking a bride when he receives an invitation to The Masquerade, an illicit club where members carry on affairs in complete anonymity. Emma realizes this is her one chance to spend a night in James's arms.
This is the prequel novella in the Private Arrangements series, and my first time reading this author. I really liked the writing and plan to buy the other stories featuring James’s siblings. This story was well paced, engaging, and sexy!
Tropes: Class Difference, Masquerade, Secret Crush
Steam Rating: 3
This is the prequel novella in the Private Arrangements series, and my first time reading this author. I really liked the writing and plan to buy the other stories featuring James’s siblings. This story was well paced, engaging, and sexy!
Tropes: Class Difference, Masquerade, Secret Crush
Steam Rating: 3
Read
April 26, 2018So good. Sigh.
December 12, 2023
(2.5) a short mystery, quick love, and masquerades (I never understand how they work)
May 26, 2018
Okay, not great
This book about a titled gentleman and a commoner woman, an employee in his household, is old hat until spice is added to the plot by way of an illicit masquerade where sexual fantasies may be played out incognito by all participants.
The usual amorous contact occurs in rather staid description. Not a lot to expound upon here. The actual descriptions of the character of these individuals is better. And the development of characters is done very well. Where the first two-thirds of the book drags, it picks up, rather entertainingly, in the last third. I found the dialogue between all characters then quite intelligent and interesting.
So the book gets better by the ending while issues of sufferage, women's employment and education as well as the societal issues of class distinction are discussed in an English Victorian Era setting.
Readers of historical fiction related to women's issue might like this book.
This book about a titled gentleman and a commoner woman, an employee in his household, is old hat until spice is added to the plot by way of an illicit masquerade where sexual fantasies may be played out incognito by all participants.
The usual amorous contact occurs in rather staid description. Not a lot to expound upon here. The actual descriptions of the character of these individuals is better. And the development of characters is done very well. Where the first two-thirds of the book drags, it picks up, rather entertainingly, in the last third. I found the dialogue between all characters then quite intelligent and interesting.
So the book gets better by the ending while issues of sufferage, women's employment and education as well as the societal issues of class distinction are discussed in an English Victorian Era setting.
Readers of historical fiction related to women's issue might like this book.
September 4, 2020
I have read thousands of books in my lifetime but last year I read 379 books and over 1600 in 5 years. I have read hundreds and hundreds of different authors but there is only about 15-20 that I truthfully can say are on the top of my list of favorites and have read all their books. Lately, I started researching new authors.
I found Katrina Kendrick’s books awhile back, downloaded on my fire and never got around to reading them and would delete them for another KU book. Well I am so glad I came back to her. I loved this book. I loved the characters and their story. The sex was really great too. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read the next 2. I know she only has 3 total books but you won’t be disappointed. If I like the first one by an author it’s very rare I don’t like the others. Can’t wait to read more.
I found Katrina Kendrick’s books awhile back, downloaded on my fire and never got around to reading them and would delete them for another KU book. Well I am so glad I came back to her. I loved this book. I loved the characters and their story. The sex was really great too. I couldn’t put it down. I can’t wait to read the next 2. I know she only has 3 total books but you won’t be disappointed. If I like the first one by an author it’s very rare I don’t like the others. Can’t wait to read more.
September 2, 2018
WHOOPS, I should have read this one first. hahaha, oh well. I still quite liked it. I just almost wish it'd been a full-length book and I could have really seen James and Emma fall in love? Even so, I was glad I got their story! I'm a big fan of secret identities and one character not knowing who the other is. It makes for a fun read, and James was such a soft idiot omg. Emma deserved the world, and I'm so happy he realized that, though, but not without a little help from his abrasive siblings. I'm dying to read Alexandra's book. I NEED IT.
April 5, 2019
So good
I read His Scandalous Lessons first and I liked it but I LOVED this book. Emma and James are wonderful. This book was hot from the beginning. I loved the reference to Fantomina. Emma’s character was one of my favorite heroines. I loved her spunk and wit.
I read His Scandalous Lessons first and I liked it but I LOVED this book. Emma and James are wonderful. This book was hot from the beginning. I loved the reference to Fantomina. Emma’s character was one of my favorite heroines. I loved her spunk and wit.
May 28, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Emma travels overseas in search of her lost sister, and finds herself employed as a maid to the Earl of Kent. In an effort to escape his responsibilities and his thoughts of his new mysterious maid, James attends the Masquerade, the secret illicit club for aristocrats, and lusts over a woman who also has secrets she won’t let go of.
This was a quick, spicy, insta-lust historical romance filled with angst, secrets, conspiracy, and crazy siblings. I thought the pacing of the story was a bit chaotic where at times part of the story just came out of left field when there was room to gradually build up to it. Also, I love me some spice, but I think there was a little too much of the story focused on the deed and their banter that didn’t really give substance to the story. So I didn’t fall in love with the MCs but enjoyed the side characters/siblings! I thought the sibs were more multi layered and interesting, so I think their stories would be more exciting to read. All in all, I thought it was a good, sweet story, but was hoping for just a little more.
Thank you netgalley for the eARC and the opportunity to read and review!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Emma travels overseas in search of her lost sister, and finds herself employed as a maid to the Earl of Kent. In an effort to escape his responsibilities and his thoughts of his new mysterious maid, James attends the Masquerade, the secret illicit club for aristocrats, and lusts over a woman who also has secrets she won’t let go of.
This was a quick, spicy, insta-lust historical romance filled with angst, secrets, conspiracy, and crazy siblings. I thought the pacing of the story was a bit chaotic where at times part of the story just came out of left field when there was room to gradually build up to it. Also, I love me some spice, but I think there was a little too much of the story focused on the deed and their banter that didn’t really give substance to the story. So I didn’t fall in love with the MCs but enjoyed the side characters/siblings! I thought the sibs were more multi layered and interesting, so I think their stories would be more exciting to read. All in all, I thought it was a good, sweet story, but was hoping for just a little more.
Thank you netgalley for the eARC and the opportunity to read and review!
February 7, 2024
3🌟
A short, sweet and scandalous period drama set in London 1872.
This was a fun little book, short and sweet with just 231 pages. It had a whole mix of elements, including a little bit of a mystery.
This is a very spicy, historical romance, so for fans of Bridgerton, this one is for you.
The only things that I didn’t particularly enjoy was that it was so short it felt very rushed at times. It also felt like we could’ve gotten a bit more information in there and a bit less spice. But for a short novel, it was still pretty good.
Thank you @netgalley @_elizabethmay and @bloomsburrypublisbing for this ARC. A Touch Wicked is set to release April 11th.
A short, sweet and scandalous period drama set in London 1872.
This was a fun little book, short and sweet with just 231 pages. It had a whole mix of elements, including a little bit of a mystery.
This is a very spicy, historical romance, so for fans of Bridgerton, this one is for you.
The only things that I didn’t particularly enjoy was that it was so short it felt very rushed at times. It also felt like we could’ve gotten a bit more information in there and a bit less spice. But for a short novel, it was still pretty good.
Thank you @netgalley @_elizabethmay and @bloomsburrypublisbing for this ARC. A Touch Wicked is set to release April 11th.
December 6, 2023
I really liked this book a lot. I feel like their was so much excitement from start to finish & was not hard to immediately get into ! An I was honestly surprised to have such a big story fit in such a small amount of time ! I do wish there was a little bit more expansion on characters though. But I absolutely love the different point of view perspectives. This was a very well written historical romance but also had a modern vibe to it that it made it easy to put myself in the book ! This book absolutely will be among my favorites reads for 2023!
December 6, 2023
I picked this one out because it was an interesting premise. I wished there were more interactions between them as the employee and boss. The buildup of their relationship was mostly lust. Which was okay but I needed more love. Also, the sister plot of the story was a bit disappointing. I needed more of what was going on and felt that part of the story was rushed. The ending was cute. Overall, it was okay. Would I buy this book, probably not but I encourage others to read it.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for my ARC.
December 7, 2023
The cinderella style plot line of secret identities at a masquerade club was what ultimately drew me in to this novella. In addition to the cute covers (I find that historical romance is, how else to put this, behind the times when it comes to swearing away from shirtless men on the covers and oddly sensual scenes with real people). However, the nature of the relationship (and the wait progressed) was of the insta-lust variety and not based in enough love, connection, and friendship.
To put it lightly, I did not particularly care for the nature of the spicy scenes. There were a lot of them, and I promise I am not one to complain about the frequency if it fits amongst the plot events and serves a purpose. I understand that the entire plot is based on the characters hooking up at a club, but this brought down my reading experience substantially. You know, I think my primary issue was not the elevated frequency alone but the added aspect of them being written not to my standards. Listen, girl power and all, but it seemed strange and out of character for this woman to act as the supremely dominant one in the bedroom, not to mention a tad historically inaccurate. Let's put it this way: the first scene was not particularly...focused on female pleasure. Not being sold on the first scene really caused me to check out form this book. Plus, the usage of some cringy sexual terminology during those scenes really put me off.
I'd like to mention that people in the reviews for this book kept noting that the heroine is active in the late Victorian Suffragette movement. I wouldn't say that. Other than, after being directly asked by the hero's sister, revealing that she is in favor of women's suffrage (in addition to a few more mentionings), that was practically the extent of her "participation."
Ultimately the ending left much to be desired. This book claims to be a feminist/progressive historical romance, but I did not have that experience. I think that type of story would be possible with the duke's sister as the main heroine. Unfortunately, I have little faith in this author's ability to carefully craft a plot and pursue adequate character development, so I will not be sticking around to find out.
✦ 2 stars
To put it lightly, I did not particularly care for the nature of the spicy scenes. There were a lot of them, and I promise I am not one to complain about the frequency if it fits amongst the plot events and serves a purpose. I understand that the entire plot is based on the characters hooking up at a club, but this brought down my reading experience substantially. You know, I think my primary issue was not the elevated frequency alone but the added aspect of them being written not to my standards. Listen, girl power and all, but it seemed strange and out of character for this woman to act as the supremely dominant one in the bedroom, not to mention a tad historically inaccurate. Let's put it this way: the first scene was not particularly...focused on female pleasure. Not being sold on the first scene really caused me to check out form this book. Plus, the usage of some cringy sexual terminology during those scenes really put me off.
I'd like to mention that people in the reviews for this book kept noting that the heroine is active in the late Victorian Suffragette movement. I wouldn't say that. Other than, after being directly asked by the hero's sister, revealing that she is in favor of women's suffrage (in addition to a few more mentionings), that was practically the extent of her "participation."
Ultimately the ending left much to be desired. This book claims to be a feminist/progressive historical romance, but I did not have that experience. I think that type of story would be possible with the duke's sister as the main heroine. Unfortunately, I have little faith in this author's ability to carefully craft a plot and pursue adequate character development, so I will not be sticking around to find out.
✦ 2 stars
August 10, 2024
3.5 stars
A Touch Wicked is a very short novella that gets right to the point. There’s no wasted time here, our main characters are masked up and in bed together within what seems like mere pages. I’m a big fan of cutting through the noise and getting to the point but it doesn’t help to sell a deep and meaningful connection when we’re clearly being shown superficial lust.
I did like the glimpses at what I expect to be the topics of the next few books in the series and am looking forward to getting more context there. I think His Scandalous Lessons is a little longer than A Touch Wicked so maybe there will be a little more character and relationship development possible.
I will admit that I appreciated that James had to work for it a little in the end. And not just ‘I’ve accepted I’m going to marry a commoner’ work but actual reading feminist literature and educating himself and considering another perspective besides the entitled male one he’s so comfortable in. It’s the sole reason for the 3.5 stars rating, making this enjoyable rather than a three-star average read.
A Touch Wicked is a very short novella that gets right to the point. There’s no wasted time here, our main characters are masked up and in bed together within what seems like mere pages. I’m a big fan of cutting through the noise and getting to the point but it doesn’t help to sell a deep and meaningful connection when we’re clearly being shown superficial lust.
I did like the glimpses at what I expect to be the topics of the next few books in the series and am looking forward to getting more context there. I think His Scandalous Lessons is a little longer than A Touch Wicked so maybe there will be a little more character and relationship development possible.
I will admit that I appreciated that James had to work for it a little in the end. And not just ‘I’ve accepted I’m going to marry a commoner’ work but actual reading feminist literature and educating himself and considering another perspective besides the entitled male one he’s so comfortable in. It’s the sole reason for the 3.5 stars rating, making this enjoyable rather than a three-star average read.
February 19, 2023
So I don’t think novella romances are for me, especially not ones that revolve around hookups. Way too instalust/instalove for my liking and because it’s a novella, it was too short to include genuine moments that would make the romance interesting to read about. The major time skips from them hooking up twice, to then it all of a sudden being a few weeks later having done many, many more, and are now sharing tragic details from their personal lives in bed just felt way too rushed and not a believable timeline. The random bit of angst was just weird and nothing really felt right.
Feel like the important topics of class, gender, etc was just wasted in here.
Feel like the important topics of class, gender, etc was just wasted in here.
May 3, 2024
Feminist, sexy and utterly captivating. I adored both James and Emma, and loved how their story progressed! Totally discovered a new fave romance series!
August 31, 2020
Even better the second time! A romance of hiding behind a mask that delves into the social disparity between genders and the many levels of vulnerability and intimacy.
April 2, 2024
By day Emma poses as a maid in a handsome Earl’s house, by night Emma attends a Masquerade and ends up attracting his attention. Emma is penniless, hates nobility, and is a nobody. This makes it impossible for her to be with James, the Earl of Kent. Oh and she is on the hunt for her beloved, criminal sister and ends up tangled in a web of danger and deceit.
You can’t take this book too seriously, it’s enjoyable, dramatic, and filthy in the best ways. The historical inaccuracy and impropriety of the whole situation are honestly best ignored. It was a fun and light-hearted book. Do I want to read the rest of the series? Absolutely. I enjoyed every minute of this book - apart from Emma was slightly grating on me by the end. I would have also enjoyed more interactions between Emma and James while she was a maid. It felt a little like half the story she was Emma and the other half she was Tempest with the worlds not really colliding enough for me. For example, seeing Emma the maid interact with James after she’d been with him the night as Tempest would have fleshed it out a bit more for me.
This book is a solid 3.5 stars but honestly I’d read it again and would read the others so I’ll give it a 4 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
You can’t take this book too seriously, it’s enjoyable, dramatic, and filthy in the best ways. The historical inaccuracy and impropriety of the whole situation are honestly best ignored. It was a fun and light-hearted book. Do I want to read the rest of the series? Absolutely. I enjoyed every minute of this book - apart from Emma was slightly grating on me by the end. I would have also enjoyed more interactions between Emma and James while she was a maid. It felt a little like half the story she was Emma and the other half she was Tempest with the worlds not really colliding enough for me. For example, seeing Emma the maid interact with James after she’d been with him the night as Tempest would have fleshed it out a bit more for me.
This book is a solid 3.5 stars but honestly I’d read it again and would read the others so I’ll give it a 4 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 10, 2024
Narrated by Victoria Aston
Genre: historical romance
London, 1872
Emma Dumont is desperate to find and save her sister. She infiltrates the house of James Gray, Earl of Kent, posing as a lady’s maid to his sister Alexandra, who sheds maids like coats because of her wild temperament and brazen bluestocking writings. James is relieved to have someone like Emma who seems to be able to take Alex in hand. James know he needs to ignore his attraction to Emma, as her employer it’s highly inappropriate, so at his brother’s urging, he goes to a masked sex club. Unbeknownst to him, Emma is there too, looking for her sister. She knows it’s him, but he doesn’t know it’s her, and the anonymity gives them a chance to explore their attraction.
This was originally a prequel novella for the Private Arrangements series, newly republished as an expanded novel. It’s well edited, because it never drags the ways an expanded novella sometimes might. I actually read it fourth - after His Scandalous Lessons, Tempting the Scoundrel, and A Bride by Morning - and I liked having read it after Alex’s book Tempting the Scoundrel, because I already knew her HEA, and James and Emma’s relationship is hinted at in the other books, so I was primed. But I also think you could start here. It’s truly never a bad thing to start a series with the sex-in-a-mask hidden identity trope!
I love the sizzling chemistry that Katrina Kendrick creates between her main characters. I can never get enough of them on page, and I devoured this series one book after the other as quickly as I could. From a plot perspective, there’s enough intrigue to keep the story moving, but the book’s real movement comes from the desire for the characters to f— and also to discover who they really are. I truly had a blast.
Thank you to Bloomsbury for an eARC for review. A Touch Wicked is available now!
Genre: historical romance
London, 1872
Emma Dumont is desperate to find and save her sister. She infiltrates the house of James Gray, Earl of Kent, posing as a lady’s maid to his sister Alexandra, who sheds maids like coats because of her wild temperament and brazen bluestocking writings. James is relieved to have someone like Emma who seems to be able to take Alex in hand. James know he needs to ignore his attraction to Emma, as her employer it’s highly inappropriate, so at his brother’s urging, he goes to a masked sex club. Unbeknownst to him, Emma is there too, looking for her sister. She knows it’s him, but he doesn’t know it’s her, and the anonymity gives them a chance to explore their attraction.
This was originally a prequel novella for the Private Arrangements series, newly republished as an expanded novel. It’s well edited, because it never drags the ways an expanded novella sometimes might. I actually read it fourth - after His Scandalous Lessons, Tempting the Scoundrel, and A Bride by Morning - and I liked having read it after Alex’s book Tempting the Scoundrel, because I already knew her HEA, and James and Emma’s relationship is hinted at in the other books, so I was primed. But I also think you could start here. It’s truly never a bad thing to start a series with the sex-in-a-mask hidden identity trope!
I love the sizzling chemistry that Katrina Kendrick creates between her main characters. I can never get enough of them on page, and I devoured this series one book after the other as quickly as I could. From a plot perspective, there’s enough intrigue to keep the story moving, but the book’s real movement comes from the desire for the characters to f— and also to discover who they really are. I truly had a blast.
Thank you to Bloomsbury for an eARC for review. A Touch Wicked is available now!
December 28, 2023
A Touch Wicked is a grump/sunshine regency romance, perfect for someone looking to get a Bridgerton-like fix.
Emma Dumont poses as Emma Clark, serving in the Earl of Kent's home as maid to the raucous and untamable Alexandra. Emma, the bastard of a Duke, is only in London to search for her missing sister at the Masquerade, a weekly masked party of debauchery. When she runs into the masked Earl of Kent, however, sparks fly. As Emma's search continues, however, a broken heart may be the least of her worries.
While the book does take quite a lot of creative liberties, the character building is lovely. Alexandra, the sister of the MMC, takes the narrative by storm, providing both comedic relief and an exceptional ally for the FMC. In general, the narrative puts an emphasis on badass female characters, from Alexandra to Emma's sister to the nameless Masquerade owner. Sadly, Emma seems to be the least badass of these, but she holds merit in her own ways.
Overall, the book is a solid introduction to an intriguing regency romance series, and I'm excited to see where the story goes next!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria & Aries Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Emma Dumont poses as Emma Clark, serving in the Earl of Kent's home as maid to the raucous and untamable Alexandra. Emma, the bastard of a Duke, is only in London to search for her missing sister at the Masquerade, a weekly masked party of debauchery. When she runs into the masked Earl of Kent, however, sparks fly. As Emma's search continues, however, a broken heart may be the least of her worries.
While the book does take quite a lot of creative liberties, the character building is lovely. Alexandra, the sister of the MMC, takes the narrative by storm, providing both comedic relief and an exceptional ally for the FMC. In general, the narrative puts an emphasis on badass female characters, from Alexandra to Emma's sister to the nameless Masquerade owner. Sadly, Emma seems to be the least badass of these, but she holds merit in her own ways.
Overall, the book is a solid introduction to an intriguing regency romance series, and I'm excited to see where the story goes next!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria & Aries Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
December 28, 2023
A Touch Wicked is a grump/sunshine regency romance, perfect for someone looking to get a Bridgerton-like fix.
Emma Dumont poses as Emma Clark, serving in the Earl of Kent's home as maid to the raucous and untamable Alexandra. Emma, the bastard of a Duke, is only in London to search for her missing sister at the Masquerade, a weekly masked party of debauchery. When she runs into the masked Earl of Kent, however, sparks fly. As Emma's search continues, however, a broken heart may be the least of her worries.
While the book does take quite a lot of creative liberties, the character building is lovely. Alexandra, the sister of the MMC, takes the narrative by storm, providing both comedic relief and an exceptional ally for the FMC. In general, the narrative puts an emphasis on badass female characters, from Alexandra to Emma's sister to the nameless Masquerade owner. Sadly, Emma seems to be the least badass of these, but she holds merit in her own ways.
Overall, the book is a solid introduction to an intriguing regency romance series, and I'm excited to see where the story goes next!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria & Aries Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Emma Dumont poses as Emma Clark, serving in the Earl of Kent's home as maid to the raucous and untamable Alexandra. Emma, the bastard of a Duke, is only in London to search for her missing sister at the Masquerade, a weekly masked party of debauchery. When she runs into the masked Earl of Kent, however, sparks fly. As Emma's search continues, however, a broken heart may be the least of her worries.
While the book does take quite a lot of creative liberties, the character building is lovely. Alexandra, the sister of the MMC, takes the narrative by storm, providing both comedic relief and an exceptional ally for the FMC. In general, the narrative puts an emphasis on badass female characters, from Alexandra to Emma's sister to the nameless Masquerade owner. Sadly, Emma seems to be the least badass of these, but she holds merit in her own ways.
Overall, the book is a solid introduction to an intriguing regency romance series, and I'm excited to see where the story goes next!
Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria & Aries Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
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