Irresistibly Wicked

The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside #7

by Melissa Foster

Zander Wicked lives life fast, on his bike, on the job, and with women. But one split second shatters his world and forces him to face truths he’s spent a lifetime outrunning. His family doubts he can change, but Zander knows better, and when the woman who helped save him needs more than a little help herself, he sets out to prove everyone wrong.

Shauna Flores knows what it means to fight for survival. As an EMT and a person in recovery, she’s rebuilt her life piece by piece while carrying the weight of a best friend she refuses to give up on. The last thing she expects is to end up bound to a man like Zander Wicked, or to find herself in a marriage of convenience that blurs every line between right and wrong.

Two people with checkered pasts, an arrangement that ties them together, and a future neither sees coming—one that will test their limits, their loyalties, and the lengths they’re willing to go to for the people they love.

Tropes: Small-town, found family, MC / biker romance, close proximity, protective hero, alpha hero, he falls first, strangers to lovers, chance meeting, reformed playboy, marriage of convenience.

Genres: Marriage Of Convenience, Found Family, Small Town Romance, Romance, He Falls First, Forced Proximity, Contemporary

462 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2025

About the author

NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL, and USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR

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Melissa Foster is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 100 novels. She writes sexy and heartwarming contemporary romance and women’s fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Melissa’s emotional journeys are lovingly erotic, always family oriented, and feature fiercely loyal heroes, smart, sassy heroines, and complex relatable issues.

Melissa also writes sweet romance under the pen name, Addison Cole here: https://addisoncole.com

Melissa loves to hear from readers! Feel free to send her an email or chat with her on social media.

Melissa welcomes the opportunity to chat with book clubs and other reading groups.

"What sets Melissa Foster apart are her compelling characters who you care about... desperately...I dare you to read the first chapter and not be hooked." International bestseller, M.J. Rose

"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"--Author Jennie Shortridge

Reviews

[Kaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75⭐

✨Marriage of Convenience
✨Found Family
✨Small Town
✨Close Proximity
✨He Falls First
✨Reformed Playboy
✨Strangers to Lovers

This book was everything and I loved Zander more than I thought I would. Zander and Shauna were truly everything and I went through it all while reading, from laughing to being upset to falling in love and crying - Zander and Shauna's story truly had it all.

Zander Wicked, the man you are. Like, I didn’t think that I was going to fall in love with Zander this much, but I am absolutely obsessed, and if I had to rank the Wicked books, Irresistibly Wicked would be my number two pick right behind the Wicked Aftermath.

I had liked Zander before this, simply as the fun, playboy, golden retriever-esque mask he always put on, but I truly fell in love with who he is behind his mask. And how he was just so attentive and just such a golden retriever kind of husband.

I also loved how this book showed a different side of the family in a couple of scenes when they were actually at odds over Zander marrying Shauna. And even though these kinds of interactions were strange to see at first, knowing what a loving and supportive family the Wickeds are, it was also good to see them disagreeing and struggling there for a second, because that is just what sometimes happens in families.

But I do truly just love the Wickeds so much, the way that they accepted Shauna as soon as they met her, how they helped her with Brian even before they knew her, and just how they are always there for each other.

If you haven't read the Wicked series yet, I need you all to pick it up and give it a go.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Zander, I have been waiting for you!! I loved a good reformed playboy and Zander hit that spot for me.

Zander loves living life. He has his family, club, friends, job, and the countless women he attracts. He is the goofball with a heart of gold. Shauna left home at seventeen with her best friend Brian. Her life was far from ever being easy. She is now sober and working as an EMT changing her life for the better. The only struggle is Brian relapsed and she is trying to take of him.

But one night changes everything, Shauna was on a drive when she saw the car accident happen right before her eyes. She was first on the scene and took care of Zander until helped arrived. From that moment, Shauna felt a pull to him but could not explain why this guy she never even met was a magnet. Months later, Zander offers himself up to be her husband to inherit the money she was given so she can use it to get Brian into rehab. These two are fiercely loyal to a fault and will do anything for the people in their lives. This wedding may be a sham but the feelings that naturally grow are not. The little orbit they create with each other pulls them closer together and creates this safe space. Will these two be able to let each other go at the end of the contracted time? Can two broken souls mend each other?

This book was everything I needed in life. The banter is top tier. Shauna does not hold back on Zander. In turn, makes Zander more intrigued by her. Shauna does not let his past dictate who Zander is. Shauna sees the real Zander and I think that is who he needed in his life. This book had a lot of hard hitting subjects: alcohol addiction, recovery, and dyslexia. But Melissa was able to write it in a beautiful heartbreaking way. We still get the Wicked family love and banter. I missed this family.

Lets be real, Kitty was the main star of this book.

[b cozy book lounge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book truly has it all, laugh-out-loud moments, heartbreaking emotions, and swoony, tender romance
.
Zander lives life in the fast lane, a charming playboy who takes each day as it comes. Shauna, on the other hand, is an EMT and a reformed alcoholic who ran away from home at seventeen with her best friend Brian to escape a toxic upbringing.

Their worlds collide. literally, when Zander, running late after a reckless night, is struck by a truck that jumps a red light. Shauna witnesses the crash and pulls him from his car moments before it bursts into flames. After waking from a brain injury and spending three months in the hospital, Zander remembers only one thing: the voice of an angel singing to him.

Fate clearly wasn’t done with them. A chance encounter at a store brings them face-to-face again, and the very next day, Zander shows up at Shauna’s house to make repairs. sparking the beginning of something neither of them expected.

But life isn’t simple. Brian begins slipping back into addiction and hurts Shauna one night, forcing Zander to step in. He brings her into his home, and with the help of his brothers and cousins, their beautiful found-family unit, they get Brian into rehab.

Shauna has an inheritance letter from her grandfather. To receive it, she needs to stay clean and be married for two months. The money is the only way she can afford Brian’s treatment. Neither she nor Zander ever imagined marriage… but Zander steps up. He agrees to marry her and even offers to lend her the money, no strings attached.

What begins as a fake marriage slowly shifts into something real. Zander is a secret romantic, constantly surprising Shauna. flowers on her car at work, heartfelt notes, and the quiet, steady devotion of a man who’s falling harder than he ever expected. As they renovate his cottage together, it becomes clear that something deep and genuine is blossoming… even though they both know their arrangement has an expiration date.

The found-family element is absolutely beautiful, Zander’s family embraces Shauna instantly, wrapping her in warmth, protection, and love she’s never truly experienced.

I loved this story from the very first page to the very last.

Let’s not forget our cute little grey cat , Kitty who lives to be dressed up 🐈‍⬛

Add Irresistibly Wicked to your TBR—Zander is 100% new book-boyfriend material. 💕📚

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

♦️Found family
♦️Forced Proximity
♦️small town romance
♦️marriage of convenience

[Nadine Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Second Chance at Life Stars

I love Melissa Foster's books, and you will hear that every time I read one. The way she writes pulls you into the story and has you hanging on every word, as if you have a vested interest in what happens to each couple, their family, and their friends. I jokingly said in one of my reviews that I should keep track of how fast I start to cry with each book, that one chapter 5, but this one, this one had me grabbing the tissues in the FIRST CHAPTER!


𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒎𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewIW



**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here: Nadine Bookaholic's Links

[Julie Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Zander Wicked is allergic to marriage, children, and relationships. His reputation in town and neighboring ones is legendary. His parents feel one good woman will bring him to his knees. They are also worried he is not the same guy since his accident.

Shauna Flores hit rock bottom and has worked her way back with a job as a local paramedic. Leaving home as a teen and not having a loving family as role models, she and her best friend Brian do the best they can. Excess partying, alcohol and drugs. Brian needs help and she has an option to do so, but she needs a husband for 2 months.

The two are not even friends, barely know each other, but enjoy spending time together. Both do not see marriage in their future, which is why Zander has agreed to help his friend. Figuring this is their one and only time at the alter, he goes all out to spoil Shauna.

I love the journey these two take, it is emotional at times, and we know where things are headed, just not the how. I love how Kitty is the only woman in his life, he is the cutest cat dad, and kitty is the most spoiled cat in Bayside. I am ready for Zeke’s book.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has so many feelings. Little did Zander and Shauna know they were made for each other. I loved the journey Ms. Foster took us on where two people who thought they would never settle down leaned so much about themselves. Shauna and Brian had grown up together, were best friends, and had run away together because of horrible parents. Unfortunately Brain and Shauna had fallen into drugs just like their parents. Luckily Shauna had come out of the experience vowing to never be like that again as she had a fire chief that hired her as a medic and had her trained. You will love seeing how many things from two people’s past-Shauna and Zander- come to play in their present. The way Zander and Shauna met was like no other characters I have read. I loved Zander Wicked and his family as they all were around to help anyone who needed it. Zander had always been a player and had never had real feelings for anyone besides his family. I loved watching Zander and Shauna get to know and trust each other. There were some heartbreaking scenes, but also a lot of laughter. I strongly encourage you to read the book.

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Still waters or reckless tides.”

Zander Wicked is a flirt and a playboy until a life changing event makes him rethink his life.

Every minute of the day is a chance for change. Make this one yours.

Shanna was at the right place at the right time. She has had a hard life but she turned it around for herself.

You might be Shauna Flores to everyone else, but to me you’ll always be the angel who saved me.”

This huge biker family will melt your heart with their banter and close ties. There is a huge cast of characters that’ll make you fall in love and comer back for many more in the future. I’ll be there for sure!!

[Orsi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Először is nem szeretem ezeket a borítókat. Valahogy mindig elrémisztenek az olvasástól de most extra romantikus könyvet akartam úgyhogy azt mondtam bele vágok. Volt benne romantika meg sok olyan pillanat amikor a szemem forgattam és kissé túl hosszú is volt számomra. Maradok inkább a fantasy könyveknél. Az igazán az én világom. Számomra ez most 3/5 ⭐️


First of all, I don't like these covers. They always scare me away from reading, but I wanted an extra romantic book this time, so I said I'll give it a go. It had romance and a lot of eye-rolling moments, and it was a bit too long for me. I'll stick with fantasy books. That's really my world. For me, it's 3/5 now ⭐️

[Philippa - (The British Bibliophile) · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️ — Review to be updated

🏆 — A top read of 2025

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review Irresistibly Wicked (The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside #7) by Melissa Foster

I love the Dark Knights and all they stand for, their love of family, friends and the community takes these books to another level.

We are back in Bayside, Cape Cod with the Wicked family, their friends for Zander Wicked and Shauna Flores’s story and what a story it was.

This was an emotional, well written, passionate story that held me captive from the first chapter to the last.

I loved their journey and I found myself reading well into the night as I needed to read what was coming next.

Their chemistry was palpable and it was wonderful to watch their relationship develop.

[Lawlah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written so beautifully. It features found family, dyslexic and ADHD rep, marriage of convenience, addiction recovery, and so much more.

Zander and Shauna’s love story was tender and gradual — no big fanfare, just two people slowly growing into love in the most natural way. The representation of dyslexia, ADHD, and drug/alcohol addiction was handled with care and felt very well researched.

It’s definitely a slow burn, but once it ignites, it really delivers.

I adore the Wicked family — the way they welcomed Shauna without hesitation was so heartwarming. Their dynamic truly brought the found-family theme to life. Zander’s relationship with his own family also felt authentic and beautifully portrayed.

One quote that stuck with me:
“Every minute of the day is a chance for change, make this one yours.”

This was a 5-star read for me, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Thank you to the author and Grey Promotion for this beautiful ARC.

[FireSerene Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I love most about this story is how the past keeps finding its way into the present, slowly bringing two broken people together. With the warmth of the Wicked family and all the little moments of love and growth, it feels like finding someone who helps you become the best version of yourself.

[Cheryl Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! Zander Wicked, a building contractor underwent such a transformation in this story that I couldn't help falling in love with him. From playboy to mature planner within 42 chapters.

"“I could lie and say I’ll call, but as I mentioned last night, that’s not how I roll.” He didn’t want to get tangled up in any strings and never went home with the same woman twice."

Shauna Flores, an EMT for the local fire department and an alcoholic has her own demons. But she is extremely competent and has a heart of gold.

"She knew addiction was a demon that could sink its claws into a person and lure them back to the dark side without warning."

These characters literally save each other in this book. And those Wickeds and the other Dark Knights, every community needs their own version. The difficult subjects in this book are tackled with both realism and sensitivity.

From what I learned about Zander in previous books, I had no idea that he would turn out as he did. This was an extremely satisfying 5 star read.

[_naouress · Rating 5 out of 5]

And there goes Melissa again, raising my standards even higher and making me fall for yet another fictional character.

This book was such a pleasure to read and I enjoyed every part of it from the parts that tore my heart open to the ones that made me swoon and the ones that had me laughing out loud. I just finished the book (or more accurately it finished me) and I am still too emotional to write all my thoughts about it rn except to say that this is, without any doubt, a 6 stars read 🙌🏾🙌🏾

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fucking woman! How she manages to grab me by the throat every single story is beyond my comprehension. She did a little more this time. Sure, she had me by the throat, but she also had me by my heart. The level of intense emotion that I felt through most of this story is staggering to think about right now, weeks after reading. I never can take pen to paper immediately after finishing one of her stories, so I wait. It’s incredibly hard to write anything remotely resembling a review right after you finish a powerful story such as this one. You have to sit with it and your feelings and hope that when the time comes to do it you can do it without falling apart. This is my third attempt today so here we go …

This is not just a romance journey. This is way bigger than that and Melissa is really good at writing these types of stories. The type where the people are carrying very heavy packs on their backs. The type of story where the growth and development of the individual is just as riveting and important as the “journey” is. The type where one really cannot happen without the other. The one where readers forget about the “journey” easily because they are so riveted to the individuals and invested in their development. The type where the development of a couple moves organically and true to real-life, or as true as one can get in a fictional story. The type where two people develop from individuals to friends, from friends to a lot more and a lot more to everything. She doesn’t skip a step and she always, and I mean ALWAYS, tackles those “packs” they are carrying with respect. Realistic fiction is my jam and she never disappoints.

Zander & Shauna are both “survivors” of life in their own right. The packs they carry have different weights in them. Reading their story was an inspiration. It was an emotional tsunami and worth every tear. There’s a very strong “family vibe” to all of Melissa’s stories and this one had an especially strong vibe of it. The circumstances surrounding Shauna called for it and Melissa delivered tenfold!

This isn’t a “light” story by any stretch, but it is beautiful and vibrant and any reader lucky enough to experience it, would be better for it. Go do the thing.

[Amber (Amber Reads Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️.5

Irresistibly Wicked is the 7th book in the Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside series, but you can definitely read it as a standalone. This was my first book in from the series, and I loved it so much I plan to read the previous books. Melissa Foster is a new to me author this year and I love how she writes found family and super swoony heroes.

Zander Wicked is seen as the fun-loving, spontaneous, player of the family but things change after he almost dies in a car accident. Shauna is an EMT that happened to be on the scene, and she pulls him out of the wreck and treated him till paramedics arrive. Shauna felt connected to him and Zander remembered the voice of his "angel" since she visited him while he was in an induced coma. They run into each other a couple more times and it felt like something kept pulling them together.

Shauna escaped her abusive and drunk parents with her best friend Brian when they were teens. They also struggled with addiction, but Shauna turned her life around and has been sober a couple of years. Unfortunately, Brian is hitting rock bottom with his addiction and Shauna is desperate to get him in rehab. She has an inheritance she could use to pay for the rehab, but one of the stipulations was she had to be married. Zander steps in as a white night to offer a marriage of convenience to help her.

Zander and Shauna had amazing banter and chemistry that was impossible to deny. They can't keep things platonic during their fake marriage for long. Zander may have been a player, but he is so protective, swoony, and loyal. I adore a reformed player and he was perfection. I also loved that he was a cat daddy…adorable.


🐈‍⬛ Small-town
🐈‍⬛ Found family
🐈‍⬛ MC / Biker romance
🐈‍⬛ Forced Proximity
🐈‍⬛ He Falls First
🐈‍⬛ Reformed Playboy
🐈‍⬛ Marriage of Convenience

AUDIOBOOK REVIEW

🎤Dual narration by Sean Masters & Savannah Peachwood

Sean Masters and Savannah Peachwood were perfect as Zander and Shauna. They brought the banter, chemistry, and emotion to life. I loved this audio and would highly recommend it.

Thank you to Must Love Audio for providing the ALC.

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irresistibly Wicked is book 7 in The Wickeds: Dark Knights At Bayside series and it can read entirely fine as a standalone. It was the first book I read in the series and I never felt lost or that I was missing anything. What in the world… I truly need to read more Melissa Foster because holy hell this woman had me in a damn chokehold for the entirety of this book. Her writing is chef's kiss, the way she delivered this story is an absolute masterpiece. I'm obsessed. I don't even have words to express how powerful and beautiful this story was. It grabbed me right from the start, it took my heart and my soul. The realness of the story, the emotions, the feelings and the reactions is truly what made me connect even deeper with this book.

Zander wow this man, the sweetness of him, the perfection that he is, he stole my heart entirely. Shauna was such a beautiful and fierce FMC with her share of struggles. Them both coming together with all that weight on their shoulders and finally being able to lean on someone else was absolutely breathtaking. The character depth, emotional maturity and growth is outstanding. Going along with them on this journey was all consuming. It had me in all my feelings. This story just resonated so deeply with me. Their relationship grew so flawlessly and organically. Never felt forced or fake, which is something I absolutely adore. The entire Dark Knights family is absolutely outstanding and I'm so going back and reading all the books!

Overall, this was a phenomenal read. This is truly an author I need to read more of. She truly knows how to make me feel while reading and delivers beautiful stories.

🎧 The narration by Savannah Peachwood & Sean Masters was phenomenal. They were so good together. They brought Zander & Shauna to life so beautifully. I could feel their emotions and feelings through their voices. The tones of their voices, absolute perfection. I could've listened to them forever! Highly recommend the audio.

✨️ Thank you to @mustloveaudio & @melissafoster for my gifted audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

[Emmy Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

my eyes are red, tears are pouring down my face, all because of this masterpiece of a book. BECAUSE THIS IS WRECKING ME, does it have a happy ending? Yes it does, but ITS THE LOVE. It’s not just romance, it’s this undeniable connection, emotional vulnerability and deep intimate love. This romance is the kind that makes your heart ache for that kind of love in real life. I love some good yearning, and I love a good he falls first but this book took it to next level. She saves his life, and after that he ends up dreaming up his angel with a beautiful voice. When he helps her with getting her best friend into rehab, to get the money she has to get married. And Zander, being the whipped man he is, volunteers. They’re both fated, I feel like the little fate hints are very fun like the tattoos and the night 4 years ago. And as much as they try to stay platonic, one can only resist the pull of fate for so long. This book broke me and healed me in the best way possible. The security and the trust is something that really stands out to me. Even though Zander is less noticeable because he hides behind humour both characters have high walls and this sense of loneliness, and it’s so beautiful how perfectly they fit like two pieces of a puzzle, moulding together and becoming whole. Shauna is such a sweet character, she hides but Zander really brings her out. And Zander.. this man had me swooning. He was so dedicated to making her smile and feel loved, and making memories and falling in love with her even though he knew it couldn’t last. This book was magnificent and I’m forever undone. I give this a 5/5

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved reading Zander and Shauna's story.
When Zander is involved in a hit and run accident Shauna is there to help save him. She's an EMT and does everything to keep him stable until help arrives.
It seems their lives together are fated as this isn't the first time they have met. Now Shauna needs help to get her inheritance to help her best friend get the help he needs for his addiction. Zander offers a marriage on paper so she can get the money.
But its more than that though, Zander is there for everything she needs and soon fake is turning into reality but can they admit it to themselves.
A must read with a perfect ending and the Wicked family by their side every step of the way.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Irresistibly Wicked: Zander Wicked

What an exciting , intense and drama filled story about Zander Wicked, who despite his playboy life, he finds himself in a life changing time of his life. He keeps remembering some song, and a person singing said song, yet finding this person may be harder than hard. When through a chance meeting, her humming, he asks her and she if off! Join in on through their end ride. Beautiful, emotional experience and full of unexpected drama. Loved this story ❤️.

[Nicole ReadingBetweenTheSheets · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Angel fallen

Dangggggg....this book was amazing!

Zander Wicked has met the one women who can get him to sign a marriage license. Shauna is his angel, after all...he owes his life to her...but he actually saved her life first.

This may be my new favorite Wicked!?!? Author Melissa Foster has written another amazing MC romance with family, friends, heat, big hearts love, and sacrifice.

Fantastic read!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wicked by name

Zander Wicked is a lovable rogue with a heart of gold who's life gets turned upside down when he has an accident and gets rescued by an off duty EMT called Shauna. Fate keeps bringing these two back together and they end up in a marriage of convenience. These two fall hard and fast for each other. I cried with laughter at their antics and I truly believe that these two are soul-mates. Shauna is fierce and stubborn meanwhile Zander is flirty and laid back. These two compliment each other in every way possible. One of my favourite reads this year.

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

The start of the book almost made me not read it. It is an okay read after that start but not my favorite. I usually enjoy the books by this author but these resent ones are just not measuring up with the usual characters. It was also disappointing after being so hyped up for Aria the glimpse at Zeke in this has me second guessing that too.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review Irresistibly Wicked (The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside #7) by Melissa Foster

I love the Dark Knights and all they stand for, their love of family, friends and the community takes these books to another level.

We are back in Bayside, Cape Cod with the Wicked family, their friends for Zander Wicked and Shauna Flores’s story and what a story it was.

This was an emotional, well written, passionate story that held me captive from the first chapter to the last.

I loved their journey and I found myself reading well into the night as I needed to read what was coming next.

Their chemistry was palpable and it was wonderful to watch their relationship develop.

[The Bosnian · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ROMANTIC BOSNIANBLOG REVIEW
*ARC review* 4.5 stars

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[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melissa's Shop / Amazon / Apple / Nook / Kobo / Google



Zander's lived most of his life as carefree, charming flirt. Then one horrible accident changes his outlook on, well...everything. That night, an angel saved him and he's determined to find her. When he hears her voice again, he knows he has to get her into his life. Now they're in a marriage of convenience that's quickly becoming real, for both of them. They're developing into friends then more, and has them dreading their inevitable expiration date.



Shauna had horrible parents as did her best friend, Brian. They grew up together and ran from their parents together. And then they started doing the same things their parents did, and spiraled. Shauna had a special person in her life who helped her realize she needed to change her path. Unfortunately, Brian's relapsed and Shauna needs inherited money to pay for his rehab. There's just one little condition to that money, that's where Zander comes in. She goes into their marriage thinking of it as a temporary arrangement they'll both benefit from. What it actually becomes is something so much more...



Zander and Shauna are so perfect for each other - each has heartbreaking pasts, and each worked hard to overcome all the obstacles that had been placed in their paths. I love all of Melissa's couples, but there is something particularly special about this pairing. I wanted to hug them both, and I'm not ashamed to admit I shed a few tears along the way. But I just knew they were going to figure things out and find their way to their much deserved happy forever, together. There's so much to love here - their smokin' hot chemistry, the way his family welcomed her into theirs, her found family at the fire station, and most of all, their heart. I'm going to remember Shauna and Zander for a very long time.



ARC provided by the author for an honest review.

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[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was perfection. The layered connections between the characters was well done. Their banter and chemistry was engaging. The family aspect was spot on, as always. You can count on the Wickeds to do it big. Kitty was the real star of the show. I loved her.

If you have the chance to listen to the audiobook, Sean Masters and Savannah Peachwood do an amazing job. Sean Masters has the voice of an angel and Savannah Peachwood can convey emotion and depth like no one else I have heard. In all aspects and all formats, this book is amazing.

[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Irresistibly Wicked by Melissa Foster; it is an incredible marriage of convenience love story. It is the seventh book in her The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside series. I love the series and am looking forward to reading other books in the series. Melissa Foster has once again shown that she is an amazing storyteller. I love that she continues to write the books that I love to read and is a must-read author for me. I was hooked from the first few pages, it was impossible to put Irresistibly Wicked down, and I loved every moment on every page. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another? One of my favorite parts is that I love how the title of the book is incorporated into the love story. Irresistibly Wicked is the story of Shauna Flores, EMT and Alexander “Zander” Wicked, who works for his family’s business, Cape Renovations. On the morning of New Year’s Eve, after spending the night with two women, Zander runs late for work and his car is hit by a truck running by a red light. Shauna is driving through an intersection and sees a truck hit a car and run it off the road. She calls 911 and pulls the driver from the burning car, and stays with “Zeke” the name Zander gives her until the first responders arrive. Shauna visits Zander while in a medially induced coma in the ICU. She then runs into him at the local convenience store and later when Zander arrives at her apartment for repairs. Zander shows up at the firehouse and Shauna reveals that she and her roommate are best friends and former addicts, who grew up in homes with parents who had substance abuse issues. Zander notices Shauna’s tattoo and they realize their connection to one another. Shauna believes that Brian is using again. Zander unexpectedly arrives at her house shortly after an encounter with Brian that leaves Shauna with bruises on her arms. Zander takes her to his home, to keep her safe and away from Brian. Shauna reveals that her grandfather left her an inheritance with stipulations, one being that she had to be married for two months. Shauna and Zander agree to a marriage of convenience, so that Shauna has the funds to put Brian in rehab. Zander makes the arrangements for Brian’s rehab. Love the engagement ring that Zander chose for Shauna. Zander takes Shauna shopping to purchase something for her to wear for their wedding, and buy wedding rings. Only Zander’s family and Shauna’s boss, Captain, Rodney Chaney know the truth about their marriage. I love the surprise that the Wickeds have for Shauna and Zander, and how the women support her. Initially, Shauna is overwhelmed by all the Wickeds and all their love. As Shauna, and Zander spend more time together as husband and wife, and renovating his home things change between them. Conversation between Zander and Shauna flows so easily, with playful innuendos and naughty banter, with dirty talking Zander constantly flirting with Shauna. Their chemistry is one of my favorite parts of the book as well as Zander’s nickname for Shauna. Another favorite part is the irony of the tattoo on Zander’s finger. I love that they each share secrets with one another that they never shared with anyone before. Shauna shares secrets about her childhood, and Zander shares secrets about his Dyslexia. Shauna and Zander both have issues with trust. The surprise honeymoon that Zander plans for him and Shauna is my favorite part of the story, I love all the details of the honeymoon and how their relationship changed. I love Zander’s cat, Kitty and Shauna’s relationship with her. I love how the Wicked women embrace her and include Shauna in their women’s book club. I love the songs selected throughout the story. A plot twist puts their relationship in jeopardy and causes Shauna to move back in with Brian, but I love the outcome of the plot twist. I love everything that Zander does for both Shauna. I love that Zander and Shauna finally admit their true feelings for one another. I love the renovations to Zander’s home, especially the pole that Zander had installed for Shauna. I love that the ending of their love story it is the perfect ending of Shauna and Zander’s love story. I love how both Zander and Shauna change because of their love for one another, especially how Shauna realizes she is not alone and all the support that the Wickeds have given to Brian during his recovery. Another favorite part is the epilogue and Madigan and Tobias’s wedding. I think dirty talking Zander might be my favorite Wicked. I loved the heart-to-heart conversation that Shauna has with Zander’s mother. I really enjoy how the book is told from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. Irresistibly Wicked is a marriage of convenience love story and is filled with heartbreaking and heartwarming moments. I love the lighter moments where I find myself smiling and laughing out loud. Irresistibly Wicked is filled with all those things that we have come to love and expect in a love story, Melissa Foster did not disappoint, especially with the poignant and bittersweet moments as well as plot twists and surprises that filled this page turner. I love how Melissa Foster always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong, sassy woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy biker. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Irresistibly Wicked the characters feel like family and friends. It felt like a family reunion, catching up with the other characters in the series. I enjoyed all the interactions between the Wicked siblings and cousins, and Shauna’s interactions with them, it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I love that Shauna finally has girlfriends. I loved all the characters in Irresistibly Wicked, especially Junie and Rosie. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? I thoroughly enjoyed Irresistibly Wicked. Highly recommend this incredible love story and am so looking forward to reading the other books in the series.

[Emilie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC reçu en échange d’un avis honnête (je remercie beaucoup Melissa Foster et Valentine PR Management pour l’envo de cet ARC)

TW: abus, alcool, drogue

J’adore les romans de Melissa Foster, se plonger dedans c’est comme retrouver un vieil ami chaleureux. Et j’aime d’autant plus sa série « The Wickeds: Dark Knights at Bayside« . J’avais hâte de lire l’histoire de Zander, alors quand j’ai eu la chance de recevoir un ARC autant dire que je n’ai pas perdu de temps avant de me plonger dedans. D’autant plus au vu de ce qui s’était passé à la fin du tome précéedent… Zander est l’un des plus jeunes frères et cousins Wickeds. C’est aussi le clow et le playboy de service. Jusqu’à ce qu’un événement bouleverse sa vie et qu’il fasse la recontre de Shauna, une jeune femme à la vie difficile qui sait mieux que personne ce que veut dire se battre pour survivre. Travaillant maintenant en tant que secouriste urgentiste et ancienne adict, elle a reconstruit sa vie tout en aidant du mieux qu’elle peut son meilleur ami, refusant de l’abandonner à ses démons. Elle est habituée à tout faire seule, alors quand Zander débarque et lui propose un mariage arrangé afin de lui venir en aide, les lignes sont vite brouillées et Shauna n’arrive plus vraiment à définir le faux du vrai… Ces deux-là vont se retrouver liés par un arrangement et un futuer qu’ils n’avaient pas vu venir et qui va tester leurs limites et voir jusqu’où ils sont prêt à aller pour les gens qu’ils aiment…

Une nouvelle fois Melissa Foster nous sort un roman brillant avec des personnages incroyables qui m’ont autant fait rire que touché. J’ai adoré Zander, le clown de service, assez playboy qui se dévoile énormément dans ce roman. On en apprend plus sur lui et on voit que ses blagues sont un peu un moyen de cacher des failles et des faiblesses qu’il ne veut pas montrer au monde. C’est évidemment aussi quelqu’un de très protecteur tout comme le reste de sa famille. Alors quand il rencontre Shauna et qu’il la voit en difficulté il est impossible de ne pas vouloir lui venir en aide. D’autant plus qu’il y a des liens forts entre eux, peut être même plus que ce qu’ils n’imaginent. Et puis Shauna est la personne parfaite pour Zander, elle le complète parfaitement. Elle a du caractère et énormément de sarcasme et dans le même temps beaucoup de sensibilité et bien sûr quelques faiblesses. Leur relation est à la touchante et d’une douceur incroyable, avec des touches d’humour qui donnent un cocktail parfait et est à la hauteur de ces deux personnages.
Evidemment les personnages secondaires sont tout aussi géniaux. C’est toujours un plaisir de retrouver le clan Wicked et de voir les relations que Zander entretient avec eux, notamment Zeke, son frère dont il est très proche. C’est d’ailleurs sur ce dernier que portera le prochain (et dernier?) tome que j’ai hâte de découvrir car Zeke m’intrigue énormément. Pour en revenir au reste du clan, c’est génial de les retrouver et de voir comment ils évoluent chacun tout au long de la série. Vraiment je sais que je ne m’ennuie jamais avec eux car ils amènent tous quelque chose à leur façon.

En ce qui concerne l’histoire, il y a de nombreux thèmes de société et d’actualité qui sont abordés et qui amènent pas mal de profondeur, d’autant plus qu’ils sont très bien traités. La trame de mariage arrangé m’a beaucoup plus et tout ce qui avec avec également. Je suis passée par plein d’émotions au cours de ma lecture et je ne me suis pas ennuyée une seule seconde. C’est vraiment une lecture doudou et cette fois peut-être plus que toutes les autres car j’ai appris le décès d’une personne de ma mamie dont j’étais très proche durant la période où je lisais ce livre et il m’a beaucoup aidé à apporter un peu de douceur et à penser à autre chose dans ce moment difficile. La lecture peut être un remède ou une aide dans des moments douloureux et cela a été le cas ici, encore plus avec la plume de Melissa Foster et l’univers et les personnages qu’elle crée qui sont doux et chaleureux. Cela fait du bien de lire ce genre de livres et je ne peux que recommander ce livre ainsi que cette série à tout ceux qui cherchent une lecture qui leur réchauffera le coeur. J’espère d’ailleurs que cette série sera un jour traduite car elle mérite vraiment à être connue.

https://kingdomofwordsblog.wordpress....

[Leticia (jerseygirlsbookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I know in my heart I was always meant to be yours, and you were always meant to be mine."
Whatever strange things happen in real life, I know I will always feel love, hope, and a sense of belonging in a Melissa Foster book. And here, with Shauna and Zander, I was home.

"Don’t… let me… go."
Zander Wicked has always been the good-time guy in the family, always out to have a bit of fun. Life’s too short to hold back.
Until there’s an accident, and that life he lives hard is almost taken away from him. Almost, because someone was there to make sure he made it through.

"I’ll find you, Angel, if it’s the last thing I do."
That person is Shauna. Unlike Zander, her life has been filled with ups and downs, and she’s had to fight for everything she has. A runaway at seventeen, she became an addict, but now, sober, she’s an EMT. And she just so happened to be on the site of Zander’s accident.
Coincidence? Maybe. I’ll let you decide that.

"Did you forget my name already?"
"No. You might be Shauna Flores to everyone else, but to me you’ll always be the angel who saved me."
Besides the doctors, who fought hard to save him, she was there too. She sang to him. She helped pull him through. And he never forgot the voice of his angel.
So much so that, once he’s recovered, he makes a point of finding her. Yes, of course he wants to thank her, but from the start it feels like… more.

"She’s like a midnight ride on your favorite bike, and I don’t mean that sexually. She’s bold and unstoppable, roaring on the straightaways, grounded and stable on the curves, and able to handle whatever life throws at her without losing traction."
There’s a bond there, and as the book goes on, you’ll realize it runs deeper than we—or even they—know. More than the physical side, because they’re clearly attracted to each other, it’s a kind of pull that ends up creating a strong friendship.
And when she needs to get married to get access to an inheritance so that she can help her best friend, it’s Zander who offers to help.

"I didn’t ogle you,"
"Well, you sure didn’t hightail it out of the bathroom."
"Because I was late for work—"
"And I was naked,"
"That wasn’t my fault! I had to brush my teeth."
"And ogle me."
One of my favorite parts of this book was the connection they have, which, mixed with how clearly they want each other but are fighting it, turns into fun, flirty banter that had me grinning and kicking my feet the whole time.
And get ready to swoon for Zander when he’s in full-on Cat Daddy mode because damn, that makes him even more irresistible!

"I will not stand for guys hitting on you while you’re wearing that ring. I take this role very seriously, and now that you’re my fiancée, every other guy on this planet is out of luck."
Zander takes his fake-fiancé role very seriously. He makes sure Shauna is treated like the queen she is, even if she is a girl after my own heart who cares a lot more about practical than pretty stuff.
Their fake wedding could easily be my dream one, and the way his family gets involved and welcomes her into the fold… No one does found family like Melissa.

"Sorry, darlin’, but you feel too good. I’m not going to last."
"So much for your review."
"It’s your fault. It’s never felt like this before."
The problem with faking this for everyone becomes obvious when neither of them feels like it’s fake anymore. They give in, and it’s spicy and loving and all the feelings come out to play. They’re perfect together in every way.

"That girl sees you clear as day, Zander. Maybe clearer than you want to be seen, given your situation."
There are other things to consider, though. Even though they clearly fell hard, both are battling things. Shauna needs to be there for her best friend, which means putting her own life on the back burner for a while. And Zander… the pretty boy has so many layers it will be hard for you not to fall for him.

"He wanted to be the man who brought her those experiences and earned those stunning reactions. He wanted to be the man who made her coffee and ate her burned casseroles, and he wanted it every day of their lives."
Both of them are very, very real, which only added to my love for this book. As did the small moments and details, like numbers and tattoos and their past. Fate? Let’s just say Melissa makes it very hard not to believe in it.

"You are my first and only ride or die. The only freedom I want is to call you mine every day for the rest of my life."
Shauna and Zander saved each other. From past to present, from friends to lovers to a forever that was hard-earned but so worth it, they supported and helped each other find the best version of themselves. And that version is them—together.