Simply Wicked Redux

by Lisa G. Riley

Cassie Edwards is the only child of parents who were murdered when she was young, and she’s spent most of her life grieving their loss. The murderer has not been caught and re-enters her life angrier and with definite plans for her. And she has no idea who it is. At twenty-two, she's determined to live life out loud and an aspiring actress, has moved to London after graduating Yale. While at Yale, she'd roomed with Esme, younger sister to British CEO, Tony Carleton, the man Cassie believes is meant for her if only he'd learn to go with his gut.

Cassie's a bit spoiled (courtesy of a doting uncle), daring, determined and headstrong. She wants two things in life: Tony Carleton and her career. Tony’s the oldest son of a British Lord and Lady. He works hard and is trying to prove himself capable of running the company that's been in his family for generations. He’s circumspect (but not stuffy), responsible, headstrong and determined – especially to NOT get involved with a "bloody chit" who’s fourteen years his junior. No matter how attractive, stimulating and fascinating he finds her. It wouldn’t be right...would it?

Genres: Interracial Romance, Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary

250 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 17, 2008

About the author

Multi-published author who loves the end result, but isn't all that crazy about the entire process. I write multi-racial stories across several genres including historical, paranormal, erotic and suspense.

Reviews

[TinaNoir · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is actually a 2 1/2 star for me.

I read this book about a month or so ago and now that I am sitting here to review it I had a moment where I drew a complete blank. I could not remember a thing about it. I vaguely remember kinda liking it. So I went to read the synopsis to remind myself of it. Then the lightbulb went on. Oh! that one.

First, I was very surprised that I even picked up this book considering that the first book by this author I read At Last, I did not like. That is usually enough to turn me off an author forever. But I got this one and sat with it.

It did start out quite strongly. The heroine Cassidy was interesting. She was quite bold and vivid. She also had a good backstory. Then the story kicked in with her pursuing her reluctant hero. This is an IR story and I must say I give the author kudos with not making race an issue. In fact it was pretty much a non-issue. No the reluctance on the heroes part was because of their age difference. So yay! But the age thing was pretty flimsy.

The story settled into the pull-push between the hero, Tony, wanting Cassidy but not allowing himself to. And Cassidy doing her level best to wear him down. If the story had stayed there, it would have been so pleasant and I would have closed the book happily knowing I had read a nice contemporary romance. My favorite kind.

But... no. The heroine had to go and get herself a stalker. And a convoluted, almost nonsensical motive came along with the stalker. Killed some enjoyment of the story for me right there. So a story that started on such a strong, promising note ended on a WTF? from me.

[Mspraise50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have known of this author for a while and indeed I have a couple of her books on my kindle unread. A fellow reader recommended that this was a good read so I read it.

I loved Cassie and her mouth with no filter. However, I could have shot Tony for his ridiculous condition on their relationship. Because of that restriction, he could not be there when she needed him and she did not want to reach out to him for help. Definitely worth the read.

[SassyMama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simply Sensational

“Simply Wicked” is only the second novel I’ve read by Ms. Lisa G. Riley. And she has spun a simply sensational tale full of mystery, romance and comedy. In the beginning we meet a very precocious Cassidy, whose life is suddenly turned upside down by a major traumatic event. Due to these unfortunate circumstances she is raised by her grandmother and her uncle, who do their best to protect her by changing her last name and moving to a different locale. Cassidy has always dreamed of becoming an actress, from the time she was a little girl she has wanted NOTHING more than to be on stage. All grown up and off to college to pursue her life-long dream, Cassidy meets Esme, her new roommate, her parents, and Tony, Esme’s brother, the man of her dreams. I enjoyed the instant camaraderie and concern that Esme’s family shows Cassidy during their initial meeting. Cassidy is quite taken with Tony and being a girl who ALWAYS goes after what she wants, (and usually gets it) she lets him know that he is her hearts desire. The instant and mutual attraction scares Tony, because although he is quite smitten with Cass, he is consumed by the “issue” of the 14 year age difference, and determined to fight his feelings for her at all cost. But can he STOP Cass, who’s is undeterred by his unwilling participation in her pursuit of his love?!! Or will Tony FINALLY give in and follow his heart?!! I found myself LOL at Cass sexy and humorous antics throughout this novel in an attempt to sway Tony in his course of action. Their many heated verbal debates just aided in adding fuel to the already fiery passions that consumed them both. And in the midst of all this romance and comedy, will the possibility of a “happily-ever-after” for Tony and Cass be cut short by the crazed psycho, who has been stalking her?!! I was caught up in this suspenseful romance. I found Ms. Riley’s cast of characters, main and secondary, to be quite entertaining with the combination of a witty dialogue and an intriguing storyline this made for a hot, fun and quick read!

[Didichan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really loved this book in the start.. it was fun french and cute... but then it go really tedious quick.. Tony kept being indecisive about the whole thing, it became annoying very quick .. ... and the whole three years plan .. i wanted to scream.. ... but still it was a well writing story.. i liked the author writing style... Simply Wicked was a good read.. i just wish Tony had being more assertive with his affection for Cassy... he was very childish for his age... and that is never an attractive quality.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title says it all. The book was great from the time you pick the book to the very end. If you like a book with some complication, love & suspense then this is the book, and oh did I forget to say it was HOT and boy is it HOT. You will meet Cassie who at the tender age 4 has always wanted to be on stage ever since her parent took her to see Annie the Broadway Play. Cassie who on her way home from ballet practice can't wait to get home to tell her mother how her practice went, while seating in the back seat of the carpool mom, Cassie is thinking of the play that she and her father will be putting on for her mother. Once Cassie gets home she stumbles upon a tragedy.

As the year goes by Cassidy blossoms into a beautiful young woman who enters Yale University's theater program. There is where she meets her roommate, Esme Carleton, and from the very beginning they hit it off. Cassie has always been a talker and once she meets them they can't believe how much this young lady can talk. Cassie takes one look Anthony and knows he is the one; she falls hopeless in love with him. Cassie is so taken with him that she holds nothing back in letting Anthony know that she is attracted to him. Let’s just say that once he get his bearing that he is so undone that she completely throws if off. Tony is fourteen years older than Cassie and although he has falling in love with Cassie he has a proposition for Cassie that they wait 3 years to be together because he doesn’t want her to later in life regret that she hasn’t live her life. He is given her the space she need to explore life as a young woman.

Through all of this there is someone out to hurt Cassie. I read this book when it came out in 2008 and Mrs. Riley has breathe new life into this book with a hot new cover and added scenes to the book. I enjoyed re-reading this book and I hope Esme will finally get her story. I would love a follow up to Tony & Cassie. I recommend this book back when it was first release and I highly recommend this book now, you can’t go wrong with more scenes and more of Tony & Cassie……….they heat up the pages as well.


Louise

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second time I've read this novel. I read it when it was originally published about 10 years ago before the word "bae" was a thing, which made me realize changes were made to the story. I was in love with this story, and I still am; although since my tastes have changed over the years (and so has the story but by how much is a mystery), I am probably not as in love with it as I used to be. Nonetheless, this is one of those stories you don't want to think too much about or else you'll realize it's lacking things. For example, there's some suspense, but the ending wrapped up too neatly and easily. However, if you focus on the relationship between Cassidy and Tony then you'll love it. So I've given it four stars. :).

[Minnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I want to say the story plot is cute but don't want to offend Lisa G. Riley if this is not what she aimed for. The story opens with 6-year old Cass finding her parents murdered. Cass is raised by grandmother and uncle and goes on to attend college. The story takes a turn when Cass meets an very proper English family and they adore her. There is a light sex section that seems to go on and on and on. There are a few surprises but basically I would say it's a romance novel.
Lisa G. Riley is a very good writer.

[PT · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good book with nice element of romantic suspense.
I know a lot of readers saw the heroine as spunky, but I thought her interaction with the hero made her come off as a wee bit of a spoiled brat. I know the hero found her physically attractive, but I couldn't see them as compatible with the large age difference.
Not a bad read overall though.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the mystery that threaded through the novel. I hadn't solved it by the end, so for me that's always a good sign! The ending was sweet and there were sexy scenes throughout the book.

I enjoyed the characters and the premise for the book. Leave it to a man to come up with a crazy plan that there's no way he'll be able to follow through on!

[Wikinerd · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was very soap opera esque. It was enjoyable though

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it more 12 years ago but still, it remains one of my favourite interracial romance (bwwm) especially because the race factor wasn't an issue.

[Cherie · Rating 5 out of 5]

*****EXCELLENT******

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

I was sold on this book by a description from another reader, I won't be able to thank her enough. This book was really good. I've just found a new one-click author!!!!!