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Wicked Sons #9
Eight for Losing, One for Loving
Only cats have nine lives…
Leo Hunt has come to a crossroads in his life. A notable Corinthian, and a man who can never say no to a challenge, Leo has decided it's time to grow up. His friends are all marrying and settling down, and his sister’s blissful if chaotic family life has given him the idea that he might like something of the sort himself. The woman who has inspired this volte-face is his sometime friend, sometime nemesis, Violetta Spencer. Leo has known Vi since they were children and has never been in her company for above five minutes without vexing her.
Until now…
Cat got your tongue…
When Leo Hunt makes his intention to pursue her known, Vi thinks he’s lost his mind. Either that, or he’s doing it for a dare, or a lark, or, more likely, a bet. Whatever the reason, she’s not about to fall for it. He might be the man she has secretly loved since girlhood, but she’s no fool, and any connection between them would surely end in disaster. However, Vi has not reckoned upon her marriage-minded adopted mama, Lady Trevick. The lady is determined to see Vi happily married, whether she likes it or not.
Finding herself out manoeuvred, Vi determines to endure Leo’s courting like one would a bout of the measles, until he tires of the idea.
A catastrophe waiting to happen…
When Leo takes an unwilling Vi for yet another turn around the park, he is on his best behaviour, well aware that, unlike his favourite feline, he does not have nine lives and his chances with Vi are running out.
Sadly, no one told his constant companion, The Cat, Mau. Unlike most cats, Mau’s devotion is legendary, a superior feline, he is famous among the ton – and among those with nefarious intentions. Lured from his master’s side, Mau is snatched by criminals determined to demand a vast ransom for the beloved and much-admired animal.
All does not go smoothly, however.
All nine lives…
When their diversion fails, the criminals flee with Mau in their clutches, and Violetta and Leo in hot pursuit. On the following adventure, Vi discovers not only that she’s enjoying herself despite imminent ruin, but that devil may care Leo is not at all what she expected.
Leo Hunt has come to a crossroads in his life. A notable Corinthian, and a man who can never say no to a challenge, Leo has decided it's time to grow up. His friends are all marrying and settling down, and his sister’s blissful if chaotic family life has given him the idea that he might like something of the sort himself. The woman who has inspired this volte-face is his sometime friend, sometime nemesis, Violetta Spencer. Leo has known Vi since they were children and has never been in her company for above five minutes without vexing her.
Until now…
Cat got your tongue…
When Leo Hunt makes his intention to pursue her known, Vi thinks he’s lost his mind. Either that, or he’s doing it for a dare, or a lark, or, more likely, a bet. Whatever the reason, she’s not about to fall for it. He might be the man she has secretly loved since girlhood, but she’s no fool, and any connection between them would surely end in disaster. However, Vi has not reckoned upon her marriage-minded adopted mama, Lady Trevick. The lady is determined to see Vi happily married, whether she likes it or not.
Finding herself out manoeuvred, Vi determines to endure Leo’s courting like one would a bout of the measles, until he tires of the idea.
A catastrophe waiting to happen…
When Leo takes an unwilling Vi for yet another turn around the park, he is on his best behaviour, well aware that, unlike his favourite feline, he does not have nine lives and his chances with Vi are running out.
Sadly, no one told his constant companion, The Cat, Mau. Unlike most cats, Mau’s devotion is legendary, a superior feline, he is famous among the ton – and among those with nefarious intentions. Lured from his master’s side, Mau is snatched by criminals determined to demand a vast ransom for the beloved and much-admired animal.
All does not go smoothly, however.
All nine lives…
When their diversion fails, the criminals flee with Mau in their clutches, and Violetta and Leo in hot pursuit. On the following adventure, Vi discovers not only that she’s enjoying herself despite imminent ruin, but that devil may care Leo is not at all what she expected.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 15, 2024
407 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Emma V. Leech
110 books807 followersBestselling author hiding mostly in 19th-century England, venturing out only for chocolate and tea.
Emma V. Leech is the award-winning author of multiple bestselling series across Regency romance, Regency mystery and paranormal romance. Fall in love with swoon-worthy rogues, bold heroines, witty banter and deeply romantic happily-ever-afters. Follow Emma on BookBub for new releases and exclusive deals.
EMMA’S BOOKS
Rogues And Gentlemen
Regency romance – 17-book series (ongoing)
Sexy, tumultuous and irresistibly romantic. From pirates and smugglers to earls and dukes, these unforgettable rogues will sweep you away!
Winter Rogue
A Regency Christmas romance within the Rogues & Gentlemen world
A scandal-weary earl, a runaway heiress and a crumbling country estate snowed in for Christmas. A sensual, heart-tugging holiday novella about redemption, desire and a love neither of them expects.
A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
A collection of three romantic holiday stories featuring beloved Rogues & Gentlemen characters. Expect snowstorms, sizzling tension, unexpected proposals, mistletoe moments and heart-melting happily-ever-afters – a cosy festive escape for Regency romance lovers.
The Girl Is Not For Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
Miss Olivia Penrose is the only thing standing between her family and ruin when a brooding aristocrat crashes into her carefully laid plans. Sparks fly amid family secrets, snowy scandals and irresistible festive longing in this passionate, witty and deeply romantic winter read.
Girls Who Dare
Regency romance – 12-book series
Inside every wallflower is the heart of a lioness. When these overlooked young women make a pact to change their lives, rules are broken, reputations are risked and love becomes the most daring adventure of all.
Daring Daughters
Victorian romance – 19-book series and two compilations
The next generation of the Girls Who Dare. Their mothers risked everything for love – now their daughters are ready to be even bolder. An ongoing series of fiercely romantic stories set in a rapidly changing world.
Wicked Sons
Victorian romance – 12-book series
Their mothers dared all for love. Their sisters did the same. Now it’s the sons’ turn… dangerous, tempting and determined not to fall – until the right woman brings them to their knees.
The Venturesome Ladies Of Little Valentine
Regency romance – my current series
A quiet seaside village, a wave of scandalous newcomers and local ladies who refuse to be swept aside. A warm, witty Regency series full of secrets, second chances and delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.
The Regency Romance Mysteries
Regency romantic suspense – 3-book series
Dashing heroes, wicked villains, murder, mystery – and heroines who refuse to sit prettily and wait to be rescued. Perfect if you like your Regency romance served with danger and intrigue.
The French Vampire Legend
Paranormal romance – 4-book series
A dark, dramatic and heart-wrenching tale of courage, sacrifice and a love that not even time, war or monsters can destroy. Gothic atmosphere, high stakes and a romance that refuses to die.
The French Fae Legend
Fantasy romance – 4-book series
An award-winning saga with close to sixteen million online reads. Moving between modern-day France and the Fae Lands, these books weave powerful magic, danger and an all-consuming love that proves stronger than any enchantment.
The Book Lover
A standalone paranormal romance novella
A book-obsessed young woman, an infuriatingly charming stranger and the unnerving sense that stories might be bleeding into real life. A short, intensely romantic tale for anyone who has ever fallen in love with books… and perhaps with something not entirely of this world.
Emma V. Leech is the award-winning author of multiple bestselling series across Regency romance, Regency mystery and paranormal romance. Fall in love with swoon-worthy rogues, bold heroines, witty banter and deeply romantic happily-ever-afters. Follow Emma on BookBub for new releases and exclusive deals.
EMMA’S BOOKS
Rogues And Gentlemen
Regency romance – 17-book series (ongoing)
Sexy, tumultuous and irresistibly romantic. From pirates and smugglers to earls and dukes, these unforgettable rogues will sweep you away!
Winter Rogue
A Regency Christmas romance within the Rogues & Gentlemen world
A scandal-weary earl, a runaway heiress and a crumbling country estate snowed in for Christmas. A sensual, heart-tugging holiday novella about redemption, desire and a love neither of them expects.
A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
A collection of three romantic holiday stories featuring beloved Rogues & Gentlemen characters. Expect snowstorms, sizzling tension, unexpected proposals, mistletoe moments and heart-melting happily-ever-afters – a cosy festive escape for Regency romance lovers.
The Girl Is Not For Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
Miss Olivia Penrose is the only thing standing between her family and ruin when a brooding aristocrat crashes into her carefully laid plans. Sparks fly amid family secrets, snowy scandals and irresistible festive longing in this passionate, witty and deeply romantic winter read.
Girls Who Dare
Regency romance – 12-book series
Inside every wallflower is the heart of a lioness. When these overlooked young women make a pact to change their lives, rules are broken, reputations are risked and love becomes the most daring adventure of all.
Daring Daughters
Victorian romance – 19-book series and two compilations
The next generation of the Girls Who Dare. Their mothers risked everything for love – now their daughters are ready to be even bolder. An ongoing series of fiercely romantic stories set in a rapidly changing world.
Wicked Sons
Victorian romance – 12-book series
Their mothers dared all for love. Their sisters did the same. Now it’s the sons’ turn… dangerous, tempting and determined not to fall – until the right woman brings them to their knees.
The Venturesome Ladies Of Little Valentine
Regency romance – my current series
A quiet seaside village, a wave of scandalous newcomers and local ladies who refuse to be swept aside. A warm, witty Regency series full of secrets, second chances and delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.
The Regency Romance Mysteries
Regency romantic suspense – 3-book series
Dashing heroes, wicked villains, murder, mystery – and heroines who refuse to sit prettily and wait to be rescued. Perfect if you like your Regency romance served with danger and intrigue.
The French Vampire Legend
Paranormal romance – 4-book series
A dark, dramatic and heart-wrenching tale of courage, sacrifice and a love that not even time, war or monsters can destroy. Gothic atmosphere, high stakes and a romance that refuses to die.
The French Fae Legend
Fantasy romance – 4-book series
An award-winning saga with close to sixteen million online reads. Moving between modern-day France and the Fae Lands, these books weave powerful magic, danger and an all-consuming love that proves stronger than any enchantment.
The Book Lover
A standalone paranormal romance novella
A book-obsessed young woman, an infuriatingly charming stranger and the unnerving sense that stories might be bleeding into real life. A short, intensely romantic tale for anyone who has ever fallen in love with books… and perhaps with something not entirely of this world.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
December 4, 2024
It was a good love story between Leo and Vi, but not my favorite leech romance.
November 17, 2024
I always love Emma’s characters and world building. However, when I get to the book about secondary characters that were in other books that are now main characters, I tend to be disappointed with their story. Despite Leo and Vi spending time together, it doesn’t feel like they actually spent time together. It just felt like nothing really happened despite that they traveled together to chase after the catnappers.
A few “attraction” & physical scenes but nothing with them learning things about each other that they didn’t know before because they were spending all their time together with no one else around.
Vi, honestly, annoyed me with her reasoning of why she couldn’t see Leo settling down. She seemed to be jumping to conclusions about him and it didn’t really seem like she knew him despite them having grown up together all their lives. I understood her worry of losing someone else she loved due to her parents so I could see her worry of him cliff diving and competing in horse races and fights to be justified, however, him not being able to remain faithful to her or that he was too quick to lose interest in things so he’d obviously lose interest in her was annoying to me. Too judgmental especially since she was supposedly supposed to be his friend of many years!
I didn’t see enough even of Leo’s point of view why he loved Vi. Beyond the physical and that he liked word sparring with her. Show us!!! In other books, it had the letters from Leo to Vi (mostly him acting as Mau) and you could feel the connection between them in the letters. I couldn’t really feel the connection between them in this book.
Also, I was disappointed there was very little of Mau in the book. Poor Mau is catnapped and, unfortunately, we never get to see what happens to Mau from his point of view. That seems like a lost opportunity to me. Emma could have easily have written chapters from Mau’s POV. Leo used to write letters from Mau to Vi so it would have been amusing to the reader to get Mau’s point of view of the catnapping and how he fought the catnapppers. In older books, we sometimes got to see the villain’s point of view and we didn’t in this book. That could have made the book more interesting to us to get to know the villains by way of Mau!!
Overall, I enjoyed the book but it could have been so much better.
A few “attraction” & physical scenes but nothing with them learning things about each other that they didn’t know before because they were spending all their time together with no one else around.
Vi, honestly, annoyed me with her reasoning of why she couldn’t see Leo settling down. She seemed to be jumping to conclusions about him and it didn’t really seem like she knew him despite them having grown up together all their lives. I understood her worry of losing someone else she loved due to her parents so I could see her worry of him cliff diving and competing in horse races and fights to be justified, however, him not being able to remain faithful to her or that he was too quick to lose interest in things so he’d obviously lose interest in her was annoying to me. Too judgmental especially since she was supposedly supposed to be his friend of many years!
I didn’t see enough even of Leo’s point of view why he loved Vi. Beyond the physical and that he liked word sparring with her. Show us!!! In other books, it had the letters from Leo to Vi (mostly him acting as Mau) and you could feel the connection between them in the letters. I couldn’t really feel the connection between them in this book.
Also, I was disappointed there was very little of Mau in the book. Poor Mau is catnapped and, unfortunately, we never get to see what happens to Mau from his point of view. That seems like a lost opportunity to me. Emma could have easily have written chapters from Mau’s POV. Leo used to write letters from Mau to Vi so it would have been amusing to the reader to get Mau’s point of view of the catnapping and how he fought the catnapppers. In older books, we sometimes got to see the villain’s point of view and we didn’t in this book. That could have made the book more interesting to us to get to know the villains by way of Mau!!
Overall, I enjoyed the book but it could have been so much better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2025
I really wanted to like this book because I liked Leo and Vi (and Mau) from the other books in the series, but honestly, the story was flat. And Vi was kind of a wet blanket. It took me a long time to read because it was just so dull.
November 21, 2024
4 Stars
I would like to think Mau is a Maine Coon, and since I have Maine Coons this was especially sweet. I feel like Emma has had quite the improvement in writing her last few books in this series. This felt less generic, and was quite fun. It's a super quick read, and doesn't have much depth, but that's not what we are really looking for here? It's just entertaining.
I do wish we got a few flashbacks to learn more about Leo and Violetta's past relationship/interactions growing up. It felt like Leo all of a sudden decided he was in love with V, but we aren't shown why or how that's spurned on? V's own realization that she wants to marry Leo felt a bit too quick considering the years of pushing Leo away. I think more flashbacks could have added some tension and spice? This was cute but lacked some drama.
I would like to think Mau is a Maine Coon, and since I have Maine Coons this was especially sweet. I feel like Emma has had quite the improvement in writing her last few books in this series. This felt less generic, and was quite fun. It's a super quick read, and doesn't have much depth, but that's not what we are really looking for here? It's just entertaining.
I do wish we got a few flashbacks to learn more about Leo and Violetta's past relationship/interactions growing up. It felt like Leo all of a sudden decided he was in love with V, but we aren't shown why or how that's spurned on? V's own realization that she wants to marry Leo felt a bit too quick considering the years of pushing Leo away. I think more flashbacks could have added some tension and spice? This was cute but lacked some drama.
December 10, 2024
I had been really looking forward to Leo's book, perhaps too much and that is why I'm only doing 4 stars. I was kind of expecting a matilda and montagu style epic from these two.
I did enjoy it. It was a fun adventure, but I could have done with a little bit more emotional depth. Had we not had the letters and interactions from the previous books this would have fallen a little flat as a standalone. It's a tough one because I don't want to read repetition of past meetings but maybe there could have been some flashbacks to when they were younger.
We had some amazing supporting characters in the last book, and again that happened here.
Style wise, there were a lot of superlong paragraphs that could have been broken up a little, as I felt myself wanting to start to skim them. As always, I, and am sure many many other fans would be more than happy to read ARCs
I did enjoy it. It was a fun adventure, but I could have done with a little bit more emotional depth. Had we not had the letters and interactions from the previous books this would have fallen a little flat as a standalone. It's a tough one because I don't want to read repetition of past meetings but maybe there could have been some flashbacks to when they were younger.
We had some amazing supporting characters in the last book, and again that happened here.
Style wise, there were a lot of superlong paragraphs that could have been broken up a little, as I felt myself wanting to start to skim them. As always, I, and am sure many many other fans would be more than happy to read ARCs
November 21, 2024
Emma V. Leech is one of my favourite authors (amongst sir Terry Prattchet, George RR Martin and sever others). So I am always waiting impatiently for the next book knowing that I will like it. And I did like this book. I miss laughter, but I suppose Laurie Bainbrige can't be a hero of every single book :) We have also got used to intrigue, subterfuge, mystery and tragic past, yet here we had to be content with a disgruntled servant.
However, we met delightful reverend Harbottle and I hope we will see him again.
Another thought that I had while reading, was that while every book of Daring Daughters was focused on a different couple, we had a lot of correspondence and "pop ins" from other characters. In wicked sons series we have very little of it and I miss it.
However, we met delightful reverend Harbottle and I hope we will see him again.
Another thought that I had while reading, was that while every book of Daring Daughters was focused on a different couple, we had a lot of correspondence and "pop ins" from other characters. In wicked sons series we have very little of it and I miss it.
December 2, 2024
perfection!!
Absolutely wonderful! Ive been waiting for their story and it did not disappoint! You could feel the chemistry between them and how perfect they were for each other. Mau and the reverend were wonderful as well!
The reverend was a perfect representation of my favorite sleuthing priest Father Brown. His name may have beem different but Emma wrote him to a tee! I was just happily smiling the entire way through! As usual I have preordered the next book and am not so patiently awaiting the next one!!
Absolutely wonderful! Ive been waiting for their story and it did not disappoint! You could feel the chemistry between them and how perfect they were for each other. Mau and the reverend were wonderful as well!
The reverend was a perfect representation of my favorite sleuthing priest Father Brown. His name may have beem different but Emma wrote him to a tee! I was just happily smiling the entire way through! As usual I have preordered the next book and am not so patiently awaiting the next one!!
November 25, 2024
Finally Realizing her Love
I absolutely loved Vi and Leo’s adventure and her finally realizing her beauty and worth. When Leo’s cat Mau is kidnapped Vi demands she go with Leo and follow the culprits. But when they loose the villain’s they ask a local Reverend for assistance and tells him they are man and wife. As they are lead on this meery adventure Vi must make a decision. A wonderful story with a perfect ending.
I absolutely loved Vi and Leo’s adventure and her finally realizing her beauty and worth. When Leo’s cat Mau is kidnapped Vi demands she go with Leo and follow the culprits. But when they loose the villain’s they ask a local Reverend for assistance and tells him they are man and wife. As they are lead on this meery adventure Vi must make a decision. A wonderful story with a perfect ending.
November 18, 2024
Oh Leo!
This just a good as hoped, Leo is such a great character and Mau was a stroke of genius. I really enjoyed their story, of course they got Vi but the how was so entertaining! Brilliant plot and well executed. The reason I keep reading she makes all her stories just a bit different but true to the characters we have grown up with.
This just a good as hoped, Leo is such a great character and Mau was a stroke of genius. I really enjoyed their story, of course they got Vi but the how was so entertaining! Brilliant plot and well executed. The reason I keep reading she makes all her stories just a bit different but true to the characters we have grown up with.
November 22, 2024
I couldn’t put this book down, and if it wasn’t for the fact that I didn’t want it to end, I could very easily have demolished it in one sitting.
It is far and above the best book of the series by far. It completely recaptures the magic of Girls who Dare and Daring Daughters. Leo and Vi were an absolute delight. I can’t wait for the next book!
It is far and above the best book of the series by far. It completely recaptures the magic of Girls who Dare and Daring Daughters. Leo and Vi were an absolute delight. I can’t wait for the next book!
November 30, 2024
This is a charming book that can rival some of the work by Georgette Heyer with some sexual scenes thrown into the mix. The plot is a bit daft with the kidnap of a cat resulting in a frantic chase out of London heading north.
The writing has a light touch, the main and minor characters are well drawn, there is humour along with romance and a bit of drama. All in all very enjoyable.
The writing has a light touch, the main and minor characters are well drawn, there is humour along with romance and a bit of drama. All in all very enjoyable.
November 24, 2024
not bad, but DNF
The story was ok, but I am tired of reading about the poor h waiting and loving a man who gets to have adventures and scr*ws multiple mistresses, yet has ALWAYS LOVED THE h. Sure he has.
The story was ok, but I am tired of reading about the poor h waiting and loving a man who gets to have adventures and scr*ws multiple mistresses, yet has ALWAYS LOVED THE h. Sure he has.
March 14, 2025
I really liked this book. I started with the Girls Who Dare series , then read Daring Daughters Series and am now reading Wicked Sons. I really enjoy reading about the next generation in any series, love having characters pop up throughout the series, etc.
I think this msg be my favorite Wicked Sons book so far. I have like some more than others - but this one I really enjoyed. One reason I think is that readers who follow the series have known both Leo and Violetta for a while. It’s always fun to read about two characters you already know. Ms Leach has been setting the stage for these two to get together, which has angst already built in.
There is plenty of build up and angst, very good character development of secondary characters which adds to the story.
I think this msg be my favorite Wicked Sons book so far. I have like some more than others - but this one I really enjoyed. One reason I think is that readers who follow the series have known both Leo and Violetta for a while. It’s always fun to read about two characters you already know. Ms Leach has been setting the stage for these two to get together, which has angst already built in.
There is plenty of build up and angst, very good character development of secondary characters which adds to the story.
September 20, 2025
Another Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Story.
I enjoyed reading this Story.
Vi (Violetta) & Leo's were wonderful characters.
I am looking forward to reading Belinda & Felix's story in the next book in this series.
I enjoyed reading this Story.
Vi (Violetta) & Leo's were wonderful characters.
I am looking forward to reading Belinda & Felix's story in the next book in this series.
November 16, 2024
Finally
I have been waiting for Vi and Leo to act upon their feelings! Emma Leech delivered a rousing good time filled with adventure. Don't miss out on this lovely book!
I have been waiting for Vi and Leo to act upon their feelings! Emma Leech delivered a rousing good time filled with adventure. Don't miss out on this lovely book!
November 17, 2024
Nicely done
November 18, 2024
Emma V. Leech's books are a must-read for me. I was really looking forward to Leo and Vi's book and it did not disappoint. A great storyline and, of course, a happy ever after. I can't wait for the next book!
December 29, 2024
comedy and love
This book was great, funny, silly, romantic and heartwarming. Sad to end it. Would love to see these books come to life.
This book was great, funny, silly, romantic and heartwarming. Sad to end it. Would love to see these books come to life.
January 21, 2025
Love this series
It was hard to put down the book once istarted. It's a page turner. It was well written. Great chemistry between H/H
It was hard to put down the book once istarted. It's a page turner. It was well written. Great chemistry between H/H
February 13, 2025
Enjoyable friends to lovers story, a bit of kidnapping and adventure too
CW: animal distress; scene of violence; mention of violent death
CW: animal distress; scene of violence; mention of violent death
February 27, 2025
I wish this had more meat and angst!!!!
June 3, 2025
More kidnappings in this book only it’s a cat that’s kidnapped and it’s kidnapped twice!
July 13, 2025
Leo has decided it is Vi he wants for a wife and decided to prove he is no longer reckless and irresponsible. When Mau gets kidnapped the two of them end up on an adventure that leads to their hea
December 19, 2024
I have adored Leo’s and Vi’s interactions throughout earlier books, never a dull moment. Mau, the cat, and its antics are delightful. I absolutely loved Vi’s and Leo’s exploit together. Vi, finally, showed her adventurous side.
Leo’s cat, Mau, is kidnapped, Vi demands to go with Leo and follow the culprits. When they lose the villain’s, they ask a local Reverend for assistance and tell him that they are man and wife (wedding time)
Leo’s cat, Mau, is kidnapped, Vi demands to go with Leo and follow the culprits. When they lose the villain’s, they ask a local Reverend for assistance and tell him that they are man and wife (wedding time)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews