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Boscastle #7
Wicked as Sin
Handsome cavalry officer Sir Gabriel Boscastle returns from Waterloo a hero, only to resume his pursuit of forbidden pleasures in London. There is no bet this cynical gentleman will not take–and no woman he cannot seduce. But when he travels to the country manor he wins during a card game, he discovers there is one gamble he has never risked and that he may have met his match. His opponent and neighbor is none other than Alethea Claridge, the only person who stood by him during his wildest years and the only woman ever to captivate his heart.
The beautiful and solitary Lady Alethea is seemingly still mourning for her fiancé, who died in battle. But beneath her shield of feigned sorrow, she hides an unspeakable secret–one that could destroy her reputation forever. So when this dark horseman thunders back into her life one night, she is understandably wary of him. She had defended Gabriel once when he was a wicked boy. But now, as a beguiling man, he makes his sensual desires well known even as he swears he will reform. Will the irresistible scoundrel redeem himself and restore her trust in love or ruin her completely? She will soon have her answer as Gabriel challenges everything she believes about love, about herself, and about what it takes to be a hero.
The beautiful and solitary Lady Alethea is seemingly still mourning for her fiancé, who died in battle. But beneath her shield of feigned sorrow, she hides an unspeakable secret–one that could destroy her reputation forever. So when this dark horseman thunders back into her life one night, she is understandably wary of him. She had defended Gabriel once when he was a wicked boy. But now, as a beguiling man, he makes his sensual desires well known even as he swears he will reform. Will the irresistible scoundrel redeem himself and restore her trust in love or ruin her completely? She will soon have her answer as Gabriel challenges everything she believes about love, about herself, and about what it takes to be a hero.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
39 people are currently reading
483 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Hunter
51 books429 followersJillian Hunter is the bestselling author of over twenty historical romances. She lives with her husband, three daughters, a pug and a poodle in Southern California. She loves anyone who can make her laugh, which means she is in love with Mike Myers and Tyler Perry.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 5, 2013
***This Review contains spoilers***
Hunter spins a tale of passion which has lasted seven long years with “Wicked as Sin.” As a young boy, Gabriel Boscastle was put in the local pillory to be disgraced. The only person who showed him an ounce of compassion was the graceful Lady Aletha Claridge. Her compassion remained with Gabriel after he left Helbourne and stayed buried in his heart for seven long years. When he finally returns to the place of his upbringing, he’s a celebrated cavalry officer and a rake. Aletha is still graceful and compassionate, awakening the love that Gabriel has harbored in his heart for her after seven long, hard years.
The novel opens with Gabriel’s return to Helbourne. He’s crossing a condemned bridge. Aletha spies him from her estate and goes to help. Gabriel makes it across, but seeing Aletha again has ignited his long dormant passion he had for her. To his surprise, Aletha is still single. Her fiancé was killed in the war. Unknown to Gabriel, her fiancé, Jeremy Hazlett, had raped her before he left. Aletha harbors no fondness for Jeremy’s memory. Jeremy’s brother, Guy, makes a proposal to Aletha to be her protector, but Gabriel shows up and kicks the married man of four out of the house. Aletha is grateful. Gabriel and Aletha share a kiss that reawakens the passion between them.
Gabriel initially intends to sell Helbourne Hall, but decides to hold onto it for a little longer. Over the course of five weeks, Aletha invites Gabriel over for Friday night dinner parties and the parties fan the flames of their desires. Finally, Gabriel returns after leaving late one night and the couple make love.
Gabriel proposes to Aletha. She accepts. He takes her to London to announce his engagement to the London Boscastles, but on the night of the engagement party, he learns that Aletha has met the acquaintance of Audrey Watson, a woman who runs a bordello. Gabriel thinks Aletha is a courtesan. He leaves without announcing his engagement, making Aletha look bad. Aletha is heartbroken.
While Gabriel is gone, he learns the truth about Aletha from Guy Hazlett – that his brother raped Aletha. Gabriel feels guilty for treating Aletha so poorly. He goes to the Claridge townhouse and the couple have a passionate argument before making up. The wedding is back on and the couple marry, but not before Gabriel has an encounter with his long, lost brother Sebastien.
This is the seventh of the Boscastle series and just as enjoyable as the others. The novel is fast paced. The plot is tight and consistent. It was nice to see how the other Boscastle women (Jane, Julia, Chloe, Emma) were doing, but I missed the presence of Eloise and Jocelyn in this book. I enjoyed Aletha’s character. She was very warm and compassionate – very earthy. I also liked how freely Gabriel and Aletha admitted and embraced their love.
Hunter’s love scenes are graphic, yet tasteful. The dialogue is sharp and witty between Aletha and Gabriel. The introduction of Sebastien seemed a little forced, and I think I’d like to see a novel taking a second look a few of the previous Boscastles romances instead of moving onto to a new romance. Overall, “Wicked as Sin,” is a sinful delight to read.
Hunter spins a tale of passion which has lasted seven long years with “Wicked as Sin.” As a young boy, Gabriel Boscastle was put in the local pillory to be disgraced. The only person who showed him an ounce of compassion was the graceful Lady Aletha Claridge. Her compassion remained with Gabriel after he left Helbourne and stayed buried in his heart for seven long years. When he finally returns to the place of his upbringing, he’s a celebrated cavalry officer and a rake. Aletha is still graceful and compassionate, awakening the love that Gabriel has harbored in his heart for her after seven long, hard years.
The novel opens with Gabriel’s return to Helbourne. He’s crossing a condemned bridge. Aletha spies him from her estate and goes to help. Gabriel makes it across, but seeing Aletha again has ignited his long dormant passion he had for her. To his surprise, Aletha is still single. Her fiancé was killed in the war. Unknown to Gabriel, her fiancé, Jeremy Hazlett, had raped her before he left. Aletha harbors no fondness for Jeremy’s memory. Jeremy’s brother, Guy, makes a proposal to Aletha to be her protector, but Gabriel shows up and kicks the married man of four out of the house. Aletha is grateful. Gabriel and Aletha share a kiss that reawakens the passion between them.
Gabriel initially intends to sell Helbourne Hall, but decides to hold onto it for a little longer. Over the course of five weeks, Aletha invites Gabriel over for Friday night dinner parties and the parties fan the flames of their desires. Finally, Gabriel returns after leaving late one night and the couple make love.
Gabriel proposes to Aletha. She accepts. He takes her to London to announce his engagement to the London Boscastles, but on the night of the engagement party, he learns that Aletha has met the acquaintance of Audrey Watson, a woman who runs a bordello. Gabriel thinks Aletha is a courtesan. He leaves without announcing his engagement, making Aletha look bad. Aletha is heartbroken.
While Gabriel is gone, he learns the truth about Aletha from Guy Hazlett – that his brother raped Aletha. Gabriel feels guilty for treating Aletha so poorly. He goes to the Claridge townhouse and the couple have a passionate argument before making up. The wedding is back on and the couple marry, but not before Gabriel has an encounter with his long, lost brother Sebastien.
This is the seventh of the Boscastle series and just as enjoyable as the others. The novel is fast paced. The plot is tight and consistent. It was nice to see how the other Boscastle women (Jane, Julia, Chloe, Emma) were doing, but I missed the presence of Eloise and Jocelyn in this book. I enjoyed Aletha’s character. She was very warm and compassionate – very earthy. I also liked how freely Gabriel and Aletha admitted and embraced their love.
Hunter’s love scenes are graphic, yet tasteful. The dialogue is sharp and witty between Aletha and Gabriel. The introduction of Sebastien seemed a little forced, and I think I’d like to see a novel taking a second look a few of the previous Boscastles romances instead of moving onto to a new romance. Overall, “Wicked as Sin,” is a sinful delight to read.
May 16, 2016
One star for the writing style, which is smooth and professional. Really helped me get through the book.
One star for the characters. Our heroes knew each other as children and reconnected as adults. The emotional connection between them was real and their romance was very believable. The hero is a colonel and a h*ll-raiser but was ready to settle down. The heroine is very sensible and didn't annoy me with her need to prove herself by doing stupid stuff.
The plot started out ok, but really fizzled at the half way point. The author realized that she needed to extend their story and so threw in a plot device to over complicate their romance. really the story should have been much shorter. Too much time was spent on setting up future books and revisiting old characters.
Overall an ok read but nothing special.
One star for the characters. Our heroes knew each other as children and reconnected as adults. The emotional connection between them was real and their romance was very believable. The hero is a colonel and a h*ll-raiser but was ready to settle down. The heroine is very sensible and didn't annoy me with her need to prove herself by doing stupid stuff.
The plot started out ok, but really fizzled at the half way point. The author realized that she needed to extend their story and so threw in a plot device to over complicate their romance. really the story should have been much shorter. Too much time was spent on setting up future books and revisiting old characters.
Overall an ok read but nothing special.
Read
August 18, 2015Gave up on this one after 75 pages. The mix of angst and humorous banter didn't really gel for me. Also the arrival of the heroine's almost-brother-in-law to serve as story villain seemed out of left field and contrived. Probably best left to readers who are already juiced into the series, which I am not.....
October 17, 2017
Leído en Marz 2011
3.5 estrellas
Perverso como el Pecado
Argumento:
El apuesto oficial de caballería sir Gabriel Boscastle, regresa de Waterloo siendo un héroe, sólo para retomar su búsqueda de placeres prohibidos en Londres. No hay apuesta que este cínico caballero no acepte, ni mujer que no pueda seducir. Pero cuando viaja a la mansión campestre que ganó a las cartas, descubre que existe un juego al que jamás ha jugado, y que podría haber encontrado la horma de su zapato. Su contrincante y vecina no es otra que Alethea Claridge, la única persona que le plantó cara durante sus años más alocados y la única mujer que ha logrado capturar su corazón.
La hermosa y solitaria lady Alethea sigue, aparentemente, de luto por su prometido, que murió en la batalla. Pero bajo su escudo de fingida aflicción, oculta un atroz secreto que podría destruir su reputación para siempre. De modo que, cuando una noche este apuesto jinete regresa como un trueno a su vida, comprensiblemente recela de él. Alethea defendió a Gabriel cuando era un muchacho travieso. Pero ahora que es un seductor, le revela sus deseos sensuales sin la menor duda, pese a que jura que se reformará. ¿Se redimirá este irresistible granuja y le devolverá a Alethea la confianza en el amor o la arruinará para siempre? Alethea no tardará en tener la respuesta mientras Gabriel pone en tela de juicio todo lo que ella cree acerca del amor, de sí misma, y de lo que se precisa para ser un héroe.
3.5 estrellas
Perverso como el Pecado
Argumento:
El apuesto oficial de caballería sir Gabriel Boscastle, regresa de Waterloo siendo un héroe, sólo para retomar su búsqueda de placeres prohibidos en Londres. No hay apuesta que este cínico caballero no acepte, ni mujer que no pueda seducir. Pero cuando viaja a la mansión campestre que ganó a las cartas, descubre que existe un juego al que jamás ha jugado, y que podría haber encontrado la horma de su zapato. Su contrincante y vecina no es otra que Alethea Claridge, la única persona que le plantó cara durante sus años más alocados y la única mujer que ha logrado capturar su corazón.
La hermosa y solitaria lady Alethea sigue, aparentemente, de luto por su prometido, que murió en la batalla. Pero bajo su escudo de fingida aflicción, oculta un atroz secreto que podría destruir su reputación para siempre. De modo que, cuando una noche este apuesto jinete regresa como un trueno a su vida, comprensiblemente recela de él. Alethea defendió a Gabriel cuando era un muchacho travieso. Pero ahora que es un seductor, le revela sus deseos sensuales sin la menor duda, pese a que jura que se reformará. ¿Se redimirá este irresistible granuja y le devolverá a Alethea la confianza en el amor o la arruinará para siempre? Alethea no tardará en tener la respuesta mientras Gabriel pone en tela de juicio todo lo que ella cree acerca del amor, de sí misma, y de lo que se precisa para ser un héroe.
February 15, 2018
Bittersweet love story
I've always wonder about how and what would be Gabriel's story after I fir read the book #4 in the series. And then reading a few spoiler left me so scared to read it. Stories with a heroine who had been raped is hard to read for me because it feels like a torment to read even a slight detail of the event and I was trying to read this without thinking too much of the heroine's past but eveytime it is mention I am breaking apart as well. It still as humorous as the other books of the author but since the heroine had a dark past it gave a different feeling and aura to it.
I've always wonder about how and what would be Gabriel's story after I fir read the book #4 in the series. And then reading a few spoiler left me so scared to read it. Stories with a heroine who had been raped is hard to read for me because it feels like a torment to read even a slight detail of the event and I was trying to read this without thinking too much of the heroine's past but eveytime it is mention I am breaking apart as well. It still as humorous as the other books of the author but since the heroine had a dark past it gave a different feeling and aura to it.
November 16, 2021
The two characters deserve one star each, and that is the only reason why this book even got two stars. I've worked with sexual assault victims, and the h in this story did not exhibit any trauma symptoms. While I can understand that trauma can be unique to each individual, there are still typical symptoms, none of which came out in this story. The rape comes across as a convenient plot device, and the author is doing a great disservice to sexual assault victims.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2018
After reading the series about the Boscastle's brothers and sisters, it is fun to read about their cousins. The cousins are hell raisers just like the rest of the family.
December 8, 2018
content warning for those who need it.
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character was assaulted in past. It is referenced throughout the story.
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character was assaulted in past. It is referenced throughout the story.
March 19, 2019
Again, pretty good book. About the same kind of review for this book as the last one.
Finished: May 20, 2017.
Finished: May 20, 2017.
October 20, 2020
Fine. A good diversion from the pandemic.
March 3, 2021
I am so in love with the Boscastle family! I can't wait to dive into the next one.
November 14, 2021
He was immature, she was fearful, and I'm not really sure what unites them in the end.
December 13, 2021
Love this series, but this one was just middle of the road.
June 14, 2023
Typical romance unresolved parts of story ok only
June 7, 2025
#88 - 2025
Genre: Historical Romance
Genre: Historical Romance
November 21, 2009
If you have read the others in this Boscastle series, you will be delighted with finally reading Gabriel's story! He was all I hoped for but alot more I didn't expect and loved! I loved how his care for people, as he did for his Boscastle cousins, was continued in this book as well as their love and friendship with him. Lady Alethea was perfect for Gabriel. The surprises in this book of Gabriel's brothers set up for more Boscastle books to come! You can jump into reading this book of the series but you'll want to go back and read the others. This author has a great way of bringing the past characters together and the reader will get to read and know some updates on them. Its as reading a reunion on them all because once you read one book of the Boscastles, you'll care deeply for them as if they are indeed a real family, which this author Jillian Hunter so brings out in her books! An author who has the delightful humor within her stories that are so uplifting and a joy to read!
September 29, 2012
This was a good, solid three star book. It started out decently, but I didn't like how the resolution to one of the conflicts took too long. I felt that the hero was too dense to pick up on it, and the heroine should have been a bit more forthcoming. A quicker resolution would have affected the plot, but then again, it kind of dragged toward the middle. Both the hero and heroine knew one another in the past, but there wasn't enough explanation of what the hero was doing in the intervening years. There were many allusions to his past sins, but no solid explanation of what he had to atone for. However, this is part of a bigger series with handsome heroes that I like. I like how both of them managed to find some sort of redemption. This was a good book to spend a Friday night reading.
July 19, 2016
Gabriel Bocastle is a "Sir" who was valorous in war and is now working his way through most of the vices in London. His gambling has just won him a crumbling manor. One that is in the village where he grew up. Where his stepfather used to beat him and humilliate him and no one cared. No one except for Alethea Claridge. She was the daughter of the local high-ranker but she defied her parents to comfort Gabriel.
She's still around and she is still unmarried. Supposedly, she's mourning the fiancé she lost in the war. But
These two crazy kids will have to decide if childhood crushes can stand up to the test of grown-up expectations.
She's still around and she is still unmarried. Supposedly, she's mourning the fiancé she lost in the war. But
These two crazy kids will have to decide if childhood crushes can stand up to the test of grown-up expectations.
July 6, 2008
Actual title is "Wicked as Sin".
The first of a new series by Jillian Hunter was a disappointment for me. I loved her other two trilogies that I read, but this one just seemed rushed and didn't flow well at all for me. The hero was massively lacking in self-confidence even after his multiple successes (how did he do it?) and the heroine's massive 'shame' and unwillingness to share with her lover even after he proposed seemed too too histrionic for me. Overall, about everything seemed overdone and that's too bad as I normally enjoy this author's stuff. She needs to lighten up and go back to the books and plots she does well.
The first of a new series by Jillian Hunter was a disappointment for me. I loved her other two trilogies that I read, but this one just seemed rushed and didn't flow well at all for me. The hero was massively lacking in self-confidence even after his multiple successes (how did he do it?) and the heroine's massive 'shame' and unwillingness to share with her lover even after he proposed seemed too too histrionic for me. Overall, about everything seemed overdone and that's too bad as I normally enjoy this author's stuff. She needs to lighten up and go back to the books and plots she does well.
July 9, 2019
New author for me 2019. Romantic. Little erotica. Historical. sometimes a little suspense.
Books 1-5 were all fast reads & great books. Rest of series was fast reads and hot books. Really enjoyed reading the series and wanting more :-)
Read in Order: YES, you need to read in order. Since all of the characters continue in all of the books since it is about the Boscastle family and all the ins and outs of their lives.
Looking forward to reading all of them. . .
Books 1-5 were all fast reads & great books. Rest of series was fast reads and hot books. Really enjoyed reading the series and wanting more :-)
Read in Order: YES, you need to read in order. Since all of the characters continue in all of the books since it is about the Boscastle family and all the ins and outs of their lives.
Looking forward to reading all of them. . .
August 4, 2008
Very engaging book. It had the type of heroines and heroes I like. The ones who have weathered a storm or two, but still maintains a positive, productive life. This is my first Boscastle Family book, but I will be looking for the others now. And I will look for other Jillian Hunter books. The writing is first rate, and the characters understandable.
January 10, 2009
A very enjoyable story, one about Sir Gabriel Boscastle, cousin of the main characters, and also the prelude to what happened to Gabriel's brothers, and mother. At the end of this story we get a glimpse of Sebastian, Gabriel's older brother, and so we will have another 3 or 4 books on the Boscastle family.
July 11, 2010
Was so looking forward to Gabriel's story. Didn't see the connection between the h/h. Dialog was hard to follow and was like you you missed an inside joke. Wasn't as steamy as prior books in the series. I think Jillian Hunter had a ghost writer fill in for her for this one!! I'd skip this one because you'll be disappointed.
January 16, 2012
Young love grown up. Awww.
Gabriel annoyed me in the other books he was in, but in this he really shone and all his assholey moves were explained and he and Althea were so beautiful together.
The stuff with Sebastien was annoying because it was an obvious hook for a sequel when the time could have been better spent elsewhere.
Gabriel annoyed me in the other books he was in, but in this he really shone and all his assholey moves were explained and he and Althea were so beautiful together.
The stuff with Sebastien was annoying because it was an obvious hook for a sequel when the time could have been better spent elsewhere.
November 2, 2014
Not my favorite book in this series. I felt it was a bit rushed and that this book was almost a filler before Ms. Hunter introduces a meatier plot with Gabriel's brothers. I was a bit disappointed and felt that there was a lot of fluff in this book that was not completely necessary. I still enjoyed reading it, however.
May 28, 2009
This book was enjoyable and had some funny banter in it. I didn't feel that it was the best Jillian Hunter book I have ever read, however, it was entertaining and held my attention. It also set up the next book in an intriguing way.
August 22, 2010
I really liked Gabriel. I could not pronounce Alethea's name through the whole book but I'm sure it's a pretty name... I felt horrible for her how her betrothed stole her innocence (the bastard!) but was very happy Gabriel fell for her! All in all, cute cute!
Want to read
March 14, 2016I've recently realized I hate Jillian Hunter's style of writing, but since this book is currently in my position, I'll try it one day. But, for the sake of memory, and reminding myself, here and now, to not hold my breath in the future.
March 30, 2013
I didn't like how Alethea has to hide her "sordid" past from Gabriel. Is it really sordid when your so-called fiance rapes you? heck no! Alas, Gabriel seems like such a cad for having not picked up on her hints. Otherwise, would have been a much cuter story.
August 14, 2008
It was good, but not quite up to the standards of the other Boscastle books. This was Gabriel's book and starts a new subseries with his family.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews