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Wicked Trilogy #2
Tall, Dark, and Wicked
A wickedly wonderful new romance from the New York Times bestselling author of His Wicked Reputation
Most women will give him anything he wants. She is not most women… As a well-known barrister and the son of a duke, Ives confines his passionate impulses to discreet affairs with worldly mistresses. A twist of fate, however, has him looking for a new lover right when a fascinating woman shows up in his chambers, asking him to help save her father from the gallows. Unfortunately, he has already been asked to serve as the prosecutor in the case, but that only ensures close encounters with the rarity named Padua Belvoir. And every encounter increases his desire to tutor her in pleasure’s wicked ways...
Having always been too tall, too willful, and too smart to appeal to men, Padua Belvoir is shocked when Ives shows interest in her. Knowing his penchant for helping the wrongly accused, she had initially thought he might be her father’s best hope for salvation. Instead, he is her worst adversary—not least because every time he looks at her, she is tempted to give him anything he wants…
Most women will give him anything he wants. She is not most women… As a well-known barrister and the son of a duke, Ives confines his passionate impulses to discreet affairs with worldly mistresses. A twist of fate, however, has him looking for a new lover right when a fascinating woman shows up in his chambers, asking him to help save her father from the gallows. Unfortunately, he has already been asked to serve as the prosecutor in the case, but that only ensures close encounters with the rarity named Padua Belvoir. And every encounter increases his desire to tutor her in pleasure’s wicked ways...
Having always been too tall, too willful, and too smart to appeal to men, Padua Belvoir is shocked when Ives shows interest in her. Knowing his penchant for helping the wrongly accused, she had initially thought he might be her father’s best hope for salvation. Instead, he is her worst adversary—not least because every time he looks at her, she is tempted to give him anything he wants…
391 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 6, 2015
187 people are currently reading
1429 people want to read
About the author
Madeline Hunter
102 books2,107 followersMadeline Hunter is a nationally bestselling author of historical romances who lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. Her books have won two RITA awards and seven nominations, and have had three starred reviews in Publishers Weekly. In a parallel existence to the one she enjoys as a novelist, Madeline has a Ph.D. in art history and teaches at an East Coast university.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 226 reviews
February 5, 2020
Absolutely Loved the characters in this book!
Lovely, smart, heroine!
Hero that is savvy, great in bed, and puts his heroine's needs above his own!
Sister in-law that loves unconditionally and without judgement.
Best brothers and partners in crime one could ask for.
Lovely, smart, heroine!
Hero that is savvy, great in bed, and puts his heroine's needs above his own!
Sister in-law that loves unconditionally and without judgement.
Best brothers and partners in crime one could ask for.
May 17, 2016
Ives stood there in his shirtsleeves. No coats, no cravat. No pretense.
He did not say a word. He did not have to. He announced his intentions with his mere presence, and through the way he looked at her.
I think amazing book hangover colored my experience with this one. It was well written but the relationship between the two leads in the beginning felt a bit stiff to me. Later on, when they entered the bedroom, things turned sultry but I still never felt myself warming up to them.
Like everyone else, I'm disappointed there were no courtroom scenes with our hero being a barrister; such a lost interesting opportunity.
I really liked the brothers' relationships and how they interacted with one another. This was my favorite part of the story and where I felt realness of relationship and emotion.
*Anyone else think the guy on the cover looks like a pouty little boy who got his toy taken away?
He did not say a word. He did not have to. He announced his intentions with his mere presence, and through the way he looked at her.
I think amazing book hangover colored my experience with this one. It was well written but the relationship between the two leads in the beginning felt a bit stiff to me. Later on, when they entered the bedroom, things turned sultry but I still never felt myself warming up to them.
Like everyone else, I'm disappointed there were no courtroom scenes with our hero being a barrister; such a lost interesting opportunity.
I really liked the brothers' relationships and how they interacted with one another. This was my favorite part of the story and where I felt realness of relationship and emotion.
*Anyone else think the guy on the cover looks like a pouty little boy who got his toy taken away?
October 21, 2015
Gah, we need half stars. This is a solid three and a half. I'm being hard on Hunter because I feel she's right on the edge of something amazing and then doesn't quite get there. It's all fine, but it could be so, so great. There's much to like here. The language is well done and period appropriate. The descriptions are lovely. The H/h are well-characterised. Bright, independent Padua and clever, determined, sensible (in many respects) Ives. The sex is really well written and the sexual tension between the characters builds nicely and is maintained. There's a weird sort of half-hearted BDSM element to this book which I didn't care for (this is the 'wicked' aspect of the stupid title); it felt shoehorned in and, frankly, if you're going to Go There (and I'm not sure you should in an historical romance) then you should actually go the whole way rather than having bondage just turn up in the bedroom without any kind of pre-amble. The relationship between Ives and his brothers is well done and I liked that Gareth and Eva made an appearance in the story. The plot rumbled along quite reasonably, but there's a sense that Hunter had an idea but didn't commit to it. A barrister falling for the daughter of the man he's prosecuting is a really interesting concept, but the barrister bit seemed a bit lost. Sure, there's some discussion at the start about barristers and solicitors ('So I must find a solicitor and have him ask you. Instead of one lawyer I must hire two.' - yep, God Bless the English legal system) and some legalese thrown in there but Ives spends most of his time investigating the crime rather than prosecuting it. You don't even get a scene with Ives in a courtroom, let alone donning his wig and gown - I am mystified that you can pass this up if you have a barrister hero. Perhaps a barrister doing some investigating pre-trial isn't completely unrealistic for the early 19th century [for an historian turned lawyer, I know precious little about the history of my profession: must read a book on this], but it's certainly not how things work nowadays. Even with the investigating though, Hunter doesn't really commit and somehow the book ends up being (mostly) a typical kind of historical romance which goes from front room, to park, to dining room, to bedroom, to country mansion, to London and back again. There's nothing wrong with those kind of books, most of my favourite reads are exactly those kind of books, but they do require the central romance to shine. It's here where Hunter falls down. As with the first book in this series the characters get together because of mutual attraction. That's fine, but I need a bit more. Perhaps some sparkling dialogue or a scene or two where one wins the other over or a few of those small but profound moments when one can see the love developing. This has all come across as awfully critical. I don't mean it to. I really enjoyed this book. I'll be reading the next one in the series, I just hope that's the book where Hunter knocks it out of the park, because she has all the skills to write something brilliant, Tall, Dark and Wicked isn't quite there.
September 28, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1RkS9q9
Oh how delicious! Tall, Dark and Wicked was an absolute treat! Sexy, fun and just a little bit wicked too.
The quick of it is that Padua's father has been carted off to prison--charges unknown--and in desperate need of help in saving his life she seeks out a man known for his talents in the courtroom. Only to find out that the man she'd hoped to have on her side is the enemy himself and the man charged with prosecuting her father. Dum..dum..dum!!!!!! Even worse...he's gorgeous, sexy and completely intriguing and those feelings aren't one sided. Oh yeah. All in all...trouble for both of them.
Ives and Padua were both fantastic characters and so well matched (even if not socially so--he's the son of a duke). She's no dainty flower and spoke her mind, had a powerful will and wasn't afraid to show her intelligence. And Ives. He's a good man that may be a little bit wicked in his down time but when it came to justice and finding the truth wasn't one to shirk his responsibilities. They had the chemistry, the respect between them and definitely the heat. It was fun watching them deal with their desires and getting to know each other. Dealing with the legal side of things that kept them on opposing teams (even if they didn't want to be). And eventually working together.
The storyline with her father was nicely done. While it wasn't action packed there was a slight bit of danger and mystery in not knowing exactly what her father was charged with and who was behind using him for sinister means. Hunter had me just as exasperated and frustrated as the characters as they sought out the truth. Love when that happens.
All in all, Tall, Dark and Wicked kept me turning the pages late into the night and seriously wanting to give the hero a good lick. With fantastic characters, a lovely romance and wonderful support in the form of his brothers I'm definitely excited to see how this trilogy will end. It's been a treat so far and oh it's going to be painful waiting for the last one to come out in May.
~~~~~~~~~~
Aaaand I do believe this is gonna be today's read. *noms*
I know it's not the same guy but he reminds me so much of the guy from book one. The hair and cloths I guess?? lol Can't wait to read it though :)
Review coming from herding cats & burning soup.
January 6, 2023
Gostei muito desta abordagem da Madeline Hunter ao romance histórico-erótico. Por fim, a donzela não é virgem, nem indefesa. Não há mal-entendidos, não há diz-que-disse, não chega sequer a haver mentiras. Transparente, com os dilemas interiores essenciais ao enredo.
April 4, 2016
Does the description put to mind Secret Nights by Anita Mills? In both stories the heroine asks the barrister hero to save her father...
I haven't read Anita Mills's book yet so lack a comparison, but if someone has please help shed some light.
I haven't read Anita Mills's book yet so lack a comparison, but if someone has please help shed some light.
October 12, 2015
Originally posted
HERE
.
It’s such a pity this series has such cheesy packaging. It doesn’t do the books – with their complex stories – much justice, and the titles have nothing to do with the characters!
Madeline Hunter is one of my favourite authors, and I don’t even read the blurbs of her books before I start them, I’m that sure I’ll like each one.
Tall, Dark and Wicked is no exception, and this is probably one of my absolute favourites from her.
Hunter’s books are different because they’re mature, historically accurate, and always work in a full plot apart from the romance. The men act like men of their time, and the women act like women of the time, able to be strong without donning breeches and running around making fools of themselves to prove they’re “empowered”.
Hunter also makes sure her characters take the social rules of the day into account. This is the early nineteenth century (though why were we not given a date at the start?!) as it was, and people thought and acted and approached the world differently.
In this one – as in the book before – the heroine is not from the top rung of society, and so her struggles and her unconventional lifestyle are believable.
In both books in this series so far I’ve been convinced of the heroes’ attraction to their heroines, even though they are not immediately the most impressive women. It helps a great deal that the relationship takes time to grow, with the actual falling in love happening there on the page – something that is forgotten by too many authors too often.
I could go on about the romance, but then I don’t really need to. Every book by this author is pretty steamy, and the scenes are never sleazy. I could say how hot the hero was, but what really drew me in was how intelligent and kind and fair he was.
Hunter writes some of the best historical men around. They don’t read as women writing male characters, as too many do. She always makes her scenes between her male characters funny and the conversations realistic.
Also wonderful to see an author who always gives her heroines good female friends.
I do wish that the same mistakes with language didn’t keep turning up in every one of Hunter’s books. The reason the random Americanisms irritate me so much with this author is because her language is so beautiful and her writing so capable of pulling you into a different era, that the mistakes are particularly jarring.
The one that drives me absolutely batty is having all the characters say ass instead of the correct arse! It makes me mad each and every time I see it! Also, with a mathematics teacher heroine, of course we had our English characters saying math instead of the correct maths.
If you’re after a fluffier historical romance, you won’t find it here. This is EXACTLY the kind of historical romance I want to read, and for me, this one was one of my best reads of the year.
It’s such a pity this series has such cheesy packaging. It doesn’t do the books – with their complex stories – much justice, and the titles have nothing to do with the characters!
Madeline Hunter is one of my favourite authors, and I don’t even read the blurbs of her books before I start them, I’m that sure I’ll like each one.
Tall, Dark and Wicked is no exception, and this is probably one of my absolute favourites from her.
Hunter’s books are different because they’re mature, historically accurate, and always work in a full plot apart from the romance. The men act like men of their time, and the women act like women of the time, able to be strong without donning breeches and running around making fools of themselves to prove they’re “empowered”.
Hunter also makes sure her characters take the social rules of the day into account. This is the early nineteenth century (though why were we not given a date at the start?!) as it was, and people thought and acted and approached the world differently.
In this one – as in the book before – the heroine is not from the top rung of society, and so her struggles and her unconventional lifestyle are believable.
In both books in this series so far I’ve been convinced of the heroes’ attraction to their heroines, even though they are not immediately the most impressive women. It helps a great deal that the relationship takes time to grow, with the actual falling in love happening there on the page – something that is forgotten by too many authors too often.
I could go on about the romance, but then I don’t really need to. Every book by this author is pretty steamy, and the scenes are never sleazy. I could say how hot the hero was, but what really drew me in was how intelligent and kind and fair he was.
Hunter writes some of the best historical men around. They don’t read as women writing male characters, as too many do. She always makes her scenes between her male characters funny and the conversations realistic.
Also wonderful to see an author who always gives her heroines good female friends.
I do wish that the same mistakes with language didn’t keep turning up in every one of Hunter’s books. The reason the random Americanisms irritate me so much with this author is because her language is so beautiful and her writing so capable of pulling you into a different era, that the mistakes are particularly jarring.
The one that drives me absolutely batty is having all the characters say ass instead of the correct arse! It makes me mad each and every time I see it! Also, with a mathematics teacher heroine, of course we had our English characters saying math instead of the correct maths.
If you’re after a fluffier historical romance, you won’t find it here. This is EXACTLY the kind of historical romance I want to read, and for me, this one was one of my best reads of the year.
September 17, 2016
I've given this a B at AAR.
Tall, Dark and Wicked is the second book in Madeline Hunter’s Wicked trilogy, and focuses on Lord Ywain (Ives) Hemingford, younger brother of the Duke of Aylesbury. As was the case in the previous book, His Wicked Reputation), the author has very skilfully blended together an intriguing story that is rich in historical detail and a sensual romance between two attractive protagonists who, at first glance, seem to be somewhat mismatched.
Ives is a man who knows who he is, what he wants and how to get it. He is the epitome of cool, calm and collected, his emotional detachment, logical mind and keen intelligence serving to make him one of the most highly respected and successful barristers in the country.
His detachment is shaken one evening however when a shabbily dressed but striking young woman suddenly appears at his house and asks him to act for her, or rather, for her father, who has been thrown into Newgate on counterfeiting charges. Such a thing is incredibly serious; putting counterfeit money into circulation is an attempt to debase the coinage and upset the economy, and is almost tantamount to treason. England has only recently emerged from a long and costly war and is struggling to deal with its aftermath – lots of returning soldiers with no jobs to go to, unrest caused by food shortages and the introduction of mechanisation has already led to riots (most famously the one at Peterloo in 1819), and the Home Department (in charge of national security) is becoming increasingly paranoid and resorting to underhand methods in an attempt to clamp down on any activity they believe to be suspicious.
Ives can’t deny the sudden fascination he feels for Padua Belvoir, but acting on impulse is not his way. His intimate relationships are conducted almost like business transactions; his mistresses are experienced women and the relationships are negotiations rather than seductions. That way, both parties know where they stand and what to expect. But Ives finds himself behaving unexpectedly out of character when it comes to Padua; he’s attracted to her intelligence and strength of character, but there’s also something not quite right about her father’s case. He has been asked by the Prince Regent to act as the prosecutor for the Crown, so to become involved with her could ruin him professionally. Yet when he learns from one of the government’s agents that Padua’s visits to her father in prison have attracted the wrong sort of attention, he is unable to walk away and begins to investigate further.
I have to say at this point that I have no idea how legal matters worked at the beginning of the 19th century and whether Ives, as a barrister, would have been able or expected to conduct such an investigation into the validity of the charges or the culpability of the suspect. But Ms Hunter’s research into the historical background of the novel is sound, and I imagine the same is true of her research into the workings of the legal profession at the time.
Padua is an interesting character, a well-educated young woman who dreams of attending university in Italy, where there are a small number of such institutions which will admit women to a course of study. Since the death of her mother, she has had no contact with her father and did not, in fact, have the slightest idea where he was living, only knowing that he was in London. Her feelings towards him are a mixture of resentment, frustration and what I can only describe as thwarted love; she visits him in prison and takes him books and food, yet he continually rebuffs her, insisting she leaves him alone and showing no affection or gratitude whatsoever for her visits. In spite of this, however, Padua remains determined to help him, sure that he has somehow been duped or forced into doing something against his will and judgement. I have to admit that there were times I wanted to shake some sense into one or both of them; but Padua’s loyalty is one of the qualities Ives most admires about her, and I suppose her determination to do the right thing by her father, regardless of his attitude towards her is admirable.
It’s a refreshing change to encounter an aristocratic hero who works for a living, and this is one of a handful of historicals I’ve read where the hero is a member of the legal profession. Ives is a sexy hero (although not at all wicked unless one counts his desire to be obeyed without question in the bedroom
Tall, Dark and Wicked is the second book in Madeline Hunter’s Wicked trilogy, and focuses on Lord Ywain (Ives) Hemingford, younger brother of the Duke of Aylesbury. As was the case in the previous book, His Wicked Reputation), the author has very skilfully blended together an intriguing story that is rich in historical detail and a sensual romance between two attractive protagonists who, at first glance, seem to be somewhat mismatched.
Ives is a man who knows who he is, what he wants and how to get it. He is the epitome of cool, calm and collected, his emotional detachment, logical mind and keen intelligence serving to make him one of the most highly respected and successful barristers in the country.
His detachment is shaken one evening however when a shabbily dressed but striking young woman suddenly appears at his house and asks him to act for her, or rather, for her father, who has been thrown into Newgate on counterfeiting charges. Such a thing is incredibly serious; putting counterfeit money into circulation is an attempt to debase the coinage and upset the economy, and is almost tantamount to treason. England has only recently emerged from a long and costly war and is struggling to deal with its aftermath – lots of returning soldiers with no jobs to go to, unrest caused by food shortages and the introduction of mechanisation has already led to riots (most famously the one at Peterloo in 1819), and the Home Department (in charge of national security) is becoming increasingly paranoid and resorting to underhand methods in an attempt to clamp down on any activity they believe to be suspicious.
Ives can’t deny the sudden fascination he feels for Padua Belvoir, but acting on impulse is not his way. His intimate relationships are conducted almost like business transactions; his mistresses are experienced women and the relationships are negotiations rather than seductions. That way, both parties know where they stand and what to expect. But Ives finds himself behaving unexpectedly out of character when it comes to Padua; he’s attracted to her intelligence and strength of character, but there’s also something not quite right about her father’s case. He has been asked by the Prince Regent to act as the prosecutor for the Crown, so to become involved with her could ruin him professionally. Yet when he learns from one of the government’s agents that Padua’s visits to her father in prison have attracted the wrong sort of attention, he is unable to walk away and begins to investigate further.
I have to say at this point that I have no idea how legal matters worked at the beginning of the 19th century and whether Ives, as a barrister, would have been able or expected to conduct such an investigation into the validity of the charges or the culpability of the suspect. But Ms Hunter’s research into the historical background of the novel is sound, and I imagine the same is true of her research into the workings of the legal profession at the time.
Padua is an interesting character, a well-educated young woman who dreams of attending university in Italy, where there are a small number of such institutions which will admit women to a course of study. Since the death of her mother, she has had no contact with her father and did not, in fact, have the slightest idea where he was living, only knowing that he was in London. Her feelings towards him are a mixture of resentment, frustration and what I can only describe as thwarted love; she visits him in prison and takes him books and food, yet he continually rebuffs her, insisting she leaves him alone and showing no affection or gratitude whatsoever for her visits. In spite of this, however, Padua remains determined to help him, sure that he has somehow been duped or forced into doing something against his will and judgement. I have to admit that there were times I wanted to shake some sense into one or both of them; but Padua’s loyalty is one of the qualities Ives most admires about her, and I suppose her determination to do the right thing by her father, regardless of his attitude towards her is admirable.
It’s a refreshing change to encounter an aristocratic hero who works for a living, and this is one of a handful of historicals I’ve read where the hero is a member of the legal profession. Ives is a sexy hero (although not at all wicked unless one counts his desire to be obeyed without question in the bedroom
October 9, 2015
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2015/10/review-...
Lord Ywain Hemingford (Ives) is the son of a Duke and a talented barrister who is a favorite of the crown. A man known to have particular tastes in the bedroom, his choice of mistresses is limited to professionals and worldly widows who are more than able to handle his vivacious appetites. Having just let go of his latest paramour go, Ives is in the middle of writing a list of qualities his next mistress will have when his butler interrupts to announce a caller:
Loyal
Good-Humored
Intelligent
Uninhibited
Passionate
Accommodating
Padua Belvoir, daughter of a scholar and a progressive teacher for an all girls school, has come to Ives in engage his services. Her father has been charged with a serious crime and sent to Newgate to await trial. As his reputation is known for helping the underdog, Padua hopes Ives will help her save her father from the gallows. Unfortunately, Ives has already taken the case as the prosecutor for crown. Padua’s best hope has become her greatest adversary.
“It is always useful to meet one’s adversary.”
“I am not your adversary, Miss Belvoir. You are not the one who will be on trial.”
“We will have opposite goals, so I think the word is accurate.”
Ives attraction to Padua and his need to ensure justice is indeed served compels him to help Padua investigate her father’s case. As they get closer to the truth of what her father has done and why, so does the intensity of their attraction. But Padua refuses to become just another woman to warm Ives bed. She wants it all…but Ives isn’t sure he can give her what she needs.
The second installment of Madeline Hunter’s Wicked Trilogy sets up an engaging adversaries to lovers trope filled with humor, wit, erotically charged love scenes, and a strong dose of suspense and intrigue. Steady pacing, delicious dialogue, and a strong initial setup sets readers on a delightful course that introduces our hero and heroine and sets the stage for the next brother to fall victim to cupid’s arrow.
I found myself instantly smitten by our hero and heroine. Heavily character driven, our protagonists are a compelling mixture of contrasts that only serves to highlight their compatibility. Though their stations in life place them at opposite ends of the social spectrum, they are both intelligent, strong, loyal people who mess together brilliantly. Ives is a delightfully sexy alpha with a heart of gold and a commanding nature. A good decent man whose sedate exterior hides a charming rake whose flirtations and naughty suggestions are charmingly displayed. His stealth pursuit and seduction of Padua is shown in his need to make sure she is safe and well cared for at all times.
“What a loss if you had not been born, Padua. To the world but mostly to them. […] And I would have never met the rarity that is Padua Belvoir.”
Padua is a fascinating woman. A flower in the rough, she doesn’t let her station in life stop her from getting what she wants. From teaching her female students complicated math to proving her father’s innocence, Padua is a force to be reckoned with. While her loyalty and intelligence is engaging; it’s her strong nature that pulls you into her orbit. Not a shy retiring miss; she embraces her attraction to Ives, intent on enjoying her time with him as long as she can. Though, there is a vulnerability within her that appears at certain times, letting us know that she is well aware of the differences between her and Ives.
“It would not last, but for a day or so she would not have to worry about where she would sleep and what she would eat. What must it be like to never, ever have to worry about such things? She could not imagine such a life in full, but for a few moments she had a hint of what it must taste like.”
Ives and Padua’s romance begins slowly, neither of them were looking for love due to the awkwardness of their situation. Their chemistry is a physical presence that only serves to increase its flame as the story progresses. Neither are one for games of the heart (though in the bedroom-all bets are off) nor are we inundated with overly dramatic misconstrued events. There is playfulness to their affair and lovemaking that surprisingly blends well with the seriousness of the conflict. Their passions are evenly matched and you will swoon as Ives seeks to teach Padua everything there is to know about the pleasures of the flesh.
“The first thing is that you do as I say,” he explained.
“You command me, you mean,”
“Yes.”
“No seductions.”
“No.”
“Negotiations?”
“You can say no.”
“It sounds-It should not be exciting, but I find the notion is. A little frightening but-”
“The second thing is you will answer my questions.”
“We will be chatting?”
“You will tell me things I want to hear.”
“Anything else?”
“You will address me as my lord.”
“This has nothing to do with your title, does it?”
An eccentric and amusing cast of secondary characters only serves to further endear you to this family. Garth and his lovely bride, Eva are back (Wicked Intentions) as is Ives other brother, Lance, the newest Duke. I loved the frank and humorous speech between them all. The brothers truly care for one another and their dialogue more than proves this. All three are an adventurous lot and I look forward to Lance’s story next.
The main conflict resolves itself in a climactic fashion as the pieces all come together in a tidy and interesting conclusion and the story ends in a delightful manner, assuring us Ives and Padua will be just fine together. Ms. Hunter continues to delight and intrigue fans with her latest historical offering and I look forward to reading about the last wicked brother.
RATING: B
Lord Ywain Hemingford (Ives) is the son of a Duke and a talented barrister who is a favorite of the crown. A man known to have particular tastes in the bedroom, his choice of mistresses is limited to professionals and worldly widows who are more than able to handle his vivacious appetites. Having just let go of his latest paramour go, Ives is in the middle of writing a list of qualities his next mistress will have when his butler interrupts to announce a caller:
Loyal
Good-Humored
Intelligent
Uninhibited
Passionate
Accommodating
Padua Belvoir, daughter of a scholar and a progressive teacher for an all girls school, has come to Ives in engage his services. Her father has been charged with a serious crime and sent to Newgate to await trial. As his reputation is known for helping the underdog, Padua hopes Ives will help her save her father from the gallows. Unfortunately, Ives has already taken the case as the prosecutor for crown. Padua’s best hope has become her greatest adversary.
“It is always useful to meet one’s adversary.”
“I am not your adversary, Miss Belvoir. You are not the one who will be on trial.”
“We will have opposite goals, so I think the word is accurate.”
Ives attraction to Padua and his need to ensure justice is indeed served compels him to help Padua investigate her father’s case. As they get closer to the truth of what her father has done and why, so does the intensity of their attraction. But Padua refuses to become just another woman to warm Ives bed. She wants it all…but Ives isn’t sure he can give her what she needs.
The second installment of Madeline Hunter’s Wicked Trilogy sets up an engaging adversaries to lovers trope filled with humor, wit, erotically charged love scenes, and a strong dose of suspense and intrigue. Steady pacing, delicious dialogue, and a strong initial setup sets readers on a delightful course that introduces our hero and heroine and sets the stage for the next brother to fall victim to cupid’s arrow.
I found myself instantly smitten by our hero and heroine. Heavily character driven, our protagonists are a compelling mixture of contrasts that only serves to highlight their compatibility. Though their stations in life place them at opposite ends of the social spectrum, they are both intelligent, strong, loyal people who mess together brilliantly. Ives is a delightfully sexy alpha with a heart of gold and a commanding nature. A good decent man whose sedate exterior hides a charming rake whose flirtations and naughty suggestions are charmingly displayed. His stealth pursuit and seduction of Padua is shown in his need to make sure she is safe and well cared for at all times.
“What a loss if you had not been born, Padua. To the world but mostly to them. […] And I would have never met the rarity that is Padua Belvoir.”
Padua is a fascinating woman. A flower in the rough, she doesn’t let her station in life stop her from getting what she wants. From teaching her female students complicated math to proving her father’s innocence, Padua is a force to be reckoned with. While her loyalty and intelligence is engaging; it’s her strong nature that pulls you into her orbit. Not a shy retiring miss; she embraces her attraction to Ives, intent on enjoying her time with him as long as she can. Though, there is a vulnerability within her that appears at certain times, letting us know that she is well aware of the differences between her and Ives.
“It would not last, but for a day or so she would not have to worry about where she would sleep and what she would eat. What must it be like to never, ever have to worry about such things? She could not imagine such a life in full, but for a few moments she had a hint of what it must taste like.”
Ives and Padua’s romance begins slowly, neither of them were looking for love due to the awkwardness of their situation. Their chemistry is a physical presence that only serves to increase its flame as the story progresses. Neither are one for games of the heart (though in the bedroom-all bets are off) nor are we inundated with overly dramatic misconstrued events. There is playfulness to their affair and lovemaking that surprisingly blends well with the seriousness of the conflict. Their passions are evenly matched and you will swoon as Ives seeks to teach Padua everything there is to know about the pleasures of the flesh.
“The first thing is that you do as I say,” he explained.
“You command me, you mean,”
“Yes.”
“No seductions.”
“No.”
“Negotiations?”
“You can say no.”
“It sounds-It should not be exciting, but I find the notion is. A little frightening but-”
“The second thing is you will answer my questions.”
“We will be chatting?”
“You will tell me things I want to hear.”
“Anything else?”
“You will address me as my lord.”
“This has nothing to do with your title, does it?”
An eccentric and amusing cast of secondary characters only serves to further endear you to this family. Garth and his lovely bride, Eva are back (Wicked Intentions) as is Ives other brother, Lance, the newest Duke. I loved the frank and humorous speech between them all. The brothers truly care for one another and their dialogue more than proves this. All three are an adventurous lot and I look forward to Lance’s story next.
The main conflict resolves itself in a climactic fashion as the pieces all come together in a tidy and interesting conclusion and the story ends in a delightful manner, assuring us Ives and Padua will be just fine together. Ms. Hunter continues to delight and intrigue fans with her latest historical offering and I look forward to reading about the last wicked brother.
RATING: B
April 18, 2017
I loved this story just as much as I loved the first book in the Wicked series. Madeline Hunter's plots are so intriguing with twists and turns that just keep the pages flying into the early hours of the morning.
With her father charged with fraud against the Crown and imprisoned in Newgate, Padua seeks out the best barrister she can find, only to discover that he is not the old and gray-haired man she expected, but rather a very attractive rogue with a wicked gleam to his eyes - the sort of man who sends her pulse racing at a most inappropriate pace. Unfortunately, it turns out that he is also the man the Crown has asked to serve as prosecutor in the case.
Ives is a man of principle. He never strays from duty or honor. Why then, is he suddenly acting out of character, engaging in spontaneous rendezvous with the daughter of a criminal and, worse yet, helping her save the man he is meant to condemn? Perhaps because there's just something about Padua Belvoire...something he has't been able to resist since she set foot in his study, tempting them both to embark on a passionate affair that could cost them everything they both hold dear: her father's freedom and his honor.
As clues begin to emerge, the unlikely pair embarks on a mission to find the truth behind Padua's father's conviction, but the more time they spend together, the more difficult parting will be once the trial begins.
This is a beautifully written love story full of passion and a touch of adventure. Madeline Hunter is an exceptional author and since I cant wait to read more of her stories, I'm off to grab the third book in this delicious series: The Wicked Duke.
With her father charged with fraud against the Crown and imprisoned in Newgate, Padua seeks out the best barrister she can find, only to discover that he is not the old and gray-haired man she expected, but rather a very attractive rogue with a wicked gleam to his eyes - the sort of man who sends her pulse racing at a most inappropriate pace. Unfortunately, it turns out that he is also the man the Crown has asked to serve as prosecutor in the case.
Ives is a man of principle. He never strays from duty or honor. Why then, is he suddenly acting out of character, engaging in spontaneous rendezvous with the daughter of a criminal and, worse yet, helping her save the man he is meant to condemn? Perhaps because there's just something about Padua Belvoire...something he has't been able to resist since she set foot in his study, tempting them both to embark on a passionate affair that could cost them everything they both hold dear: her father's freedom and his honor.
As clues begin to emerge, the unlikely pair embarks on a mission to find the truth behind Padua's father's conviction, but the more time they spend together, the more difficult parting will be once the trial begins.
This is a beautifully written love story full of passion and a touch of adventure. Madeline Hunter is an exceptional author and since I cant wait to read more of her stories, I'm off to grab the third book in this delicious series: The Wicked Duke.
November 6, 2016
So sorry but this author is not for me. I didn't feel any connection between H/h and the story was boring.
August 17, 2025
Padua Belvoir, a spinster schoolteacher, has a strained relationship with her father, but when her father ends up in jail for counterfeiting - a crime she's sure he couldn't have committed - she seeks help from Ives, barrister and younger son of a duke. Ives isn't sure he can assist, since he's been asked by Prinny himself to prosecute the case, but he can't resist Padua's bright intelligence and fierce loyalty.
When setting up the trope of opposites attract, a book is most successful when the opposites are extremely specific, like prosecuting the case of the heroine's father. I loved Ives's character: he's staunchly proper when it comes to law, but known for his string of mistresses and opera singers, so he's not quite the starchy barrister we often run across. Padua, too, is an intriguing heroine. She's a schoolteacher, but only truly concerned with propriety as far as it impacts her employer. (The exception, though, is that the discovery she makes towards the end of the book, which is a shade too far scandalous for her.) Their dynamic is fun to read even in the midst of the tension of the trial.
So far in this series, I have loved how the books start in one place and end up with plots I would never have expected, yet they are still grounded and make sense.
When setting up the trope of opposites attract, a book is most successful when the opposites are extremely specific, like prosecuting the case of the heroine's father. I loved Ives's character: he's staunchly proper when it comes to law, but known for his string of mistresses and opera singers, so he's not quite the starchy barrister we often run across. Padua, too, is an intriguing heroine. She's a schoolteacher, but only truly concerned with propriety as far as it impacts her employer. (The exception, though, is that the discovery she makes towards the end of the book, which is a shade too far scandalous for her.) Their dynamic is fun to read even in the midst of the tension of the trial.
So far in this series, I have loved how the books start in one place and end up with plots I would never have expected, yet they are still grounded and make sense.
Read
May 1, 2023Read on Emma's recommendation for a future Reformed Rakes episode!
Extremely readable (it took me about a day and a half! This was my 2020 speed but in 2023 it typically takes me at least several days to finish a book), great characters with great names. (Padua and Ives!)
The justice, the politics, and the character arcs were all quite messy. I don't see Padua as going from point A (extremely judgy about sex work!) to point B (an advocate) in a way that I think would maybe be cathartic to the readers, but what's really interesting is that it happens in a way where I believe that growth will continue off-page. Similarly, Ives has very strict ideas about crime and punishment, about who deserves what, but when those ideas interfere with people he loves he has to engage in some messy moral calculus.
The messiness (intentional! It would be so much easier, and much more boring, to have your characters have a linear arc of morality) and a slowed-down middle portion of the book that largely consisted of Padua and Ives hanging out at his brother's estate, made their relationship, which was quite sweet, the central focus.
This isn't going to go on a favorites shelf, but I'm at the point where I've gotten extremely bored with Regencies -- and Hunter is doing something interesting here.
Extremely readable (it took me about a day and a half! This was my 2020 speed but in 2023 it typically takes me at least several days to finish a book), great characters with great names. (Padua and Ives!)
The justice, the politics, and the character arcs were all quite messy. I don't see Padua as going from point A (extremely judgy about sex work!) to point B (an advocate) in a way that I think would maybe be cathartic to the readers, but what's really interesting is that it happens in a way where I believe that growth will continue off-page. Similarly, Ives has very strict ideas about crime and punishment, about who deserves what, but when those ideas interfere with people he loves he has to engage in some messy moral calculus.
The messiness (intentional! It would be so much easier, and much more boring, to have your characters have a linear arc of morality) and a slowed-down middle portion of the book that largely consisted of Padua and Ives hanging out at his brother's estate, made their relationship, which was quite sweet, the central focus.
This isn't going to go on a favorites shelf, but I'm at the point where I've gotten extremely bored with Regencies -- and Hunter is doing something interesting here.
March 1, 2018
I liked this book well enough! Just honestly the middle was so repetitive or seemingly lot of fluff sadly! Not until literally the last chapter is everything wrapped up found out the real killer & our hero & heroine finally come together in his house he never had a lady at so that was special just wish more of that! This easily could of been 100 pages or less in my opinion, but quick fun read nonetheless!
October 6, 2015
I am so glad I won an advance copy of this book as it is wonderful! It is sexy, well written and has a good plot.
This is the second book in Madeline Hunter's the Wicked Trilogy featuring 3 brothers. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but reading them in order gives you some background. The first book, "His Wicked Reputation", was Gareth (the bastard youngest brother) and Eva's story.
This is Ives and Padua's story. Lord Ives is a famous barrister. Padua is a well educated woman with progressive ideas who comes to him for help with her estranged, imprisoned father's case. Ives can not help her as he is to be the prosecutor on the case.
Ives is willing to find out the charges for her and they are serious. He is also very attracted to her. As he looks into her father's case the information he finds disturbs him and he uses it as an excuse to be with her. Padua insists her scholarly father would not be involved with anything like this. Spending time with each other increases their attraction and affair.
Padua has been teaching at a girl's school but loses her position when the news about her father reaches the owner. Since she has nowhere to go, Ives puts her up at his brother Lance's (the Duke) townhouse. He insists, for her safety, that she leave London with him for a visit to Lance's country estate. Gareth and Eva, who are back from their honeymoon, are also there and willing to help with finding the truth about her father. Eva, also a commoner, helps Padua feel more comfortable with her elevated living conditions.
Upon returning to London, they learn new information about the case and her father, which I will not share and spoil the plot. Ives and Padua, with help from his brothers, work to discover the the truth and free her father. A Duke on your side seems to help. As with all good romances, there is a HEA but the case has to be solved first.
I highly recommend Madeline Hunter's books and can't wait for "The Wicked Duke", Lance's story coming spring 2016!
This is the second book in Madeline Hunter's the Wicked Trilogy featuring 3 brothers. Each book can be read as a stand alone, but reading them in order gives you some background. The first book, "His Wicked Reputation", was Gareth (the bastard youngest brother) and Eva's story.
This is Ives and Padua's story. Lord Ives is a famous barrister. Padua is a well educated woman with progressive ideas who comes to him for help with her estranged, imprisoned father's case. Ives can not help her as he is to be the prosecutor on the case.
Ives is willing to find out the charges for her and they are serious. He is also very attracted to her. As he looks into her father's case the information he finds disturbs him and he uses it as an excuse to be with her. Padua insists her scholarly father would not be involved with anything like this. Spending time with each other increases their attraction and affair.
Padua has been teaching at a girl's school but loses her position when the news about her father reaches the owner. Since she has nowhere to go, Ives puts her up at his brother Lance's (the Duke) townhouse. He insists, for her safety, that she leave London with him for a visit to Lance's country estate. Gareth and Eva, who are back from their honeymoon, are also there and willing to help with finding the truth about her father. Eva, also a commoner, helps Padua feel more comfortable with her elevated living conditions.
Upon returning to London, they learn new information about the case and her father, which I will not share and spoil the plot. Ives and Padua, with help from his brothers, work to discover the the truth and free her father. A Duke on your side seems to help. As with all good romances, there is a HEA but the case has to be solved first.
I highly recommend Madeline Hunter's books and can't wait for "The Wicked Duke", Lance's story coming spring 2016!
December 5, 2017
Similar gripe with this book as the first one in the series. For a clever woman who plans carefully for a future as an academic, the heroine jumps enthusiastically, shamelessly and insensibly into an overt affair with the hero, without any thought for not-insignificant consequences like her reputation or conception of a little illegitimate child. I do enjoy the affectionate, humorous banter between the brothers. Way too many sex scenes like fillers in the story. I get the sexual attraction but I am less convinced of their emotional connections. I don't get how he can ethically accept the role as the prosecutor in her father's trial towards the end, when he initially rightfully rejected the position because of their compromising relationship. MH writes well and I do enjoy her prose, but I have read much better from her.
October 12, 2015
This was a good read for me. MH lately has been hit or miss, but I liked this one as tall, willowy Ms. Padua searches out barrister Ives to help try and save her dad from a serious charge. But fighting their attraction for on another becomes much harder as their hearts become engaged. My only niggle is that I wish that we would have got to have seen a reunion between Padua and her dad. His reasons for not wanting to have anything to do with her in the last ten years was weak and cowardly. I would have liked to have seen Padua hit him in the gut and then give him a big hug. Ok, I may have unresolved dad issues of my own and this brought it out.;-)
October 28, 2015
Very forgettable book. I liked the idea of a mathematical teacher heroine. Sadly that was not much of the plot. It was mostly the hero whisking her away to his various houses to keep her safe and them resisting their feelings.
Then they finally give in to their feelings and it becomes "I won't be your mistress." And he's like, "Let me take care of you"
I felt like this book had so much potential but it didn't keep my attention.
And the hero kept alluding to his "wicked" tastes in the bedroom and it wasn't anything crazy. He wanted the heroine to call him My Lord and he tied her up once. That's it.
Then they finally give in to their feelings and it becomes "I won't be your mistress." And he's like, "Let me take care of you"
I felt like this book had so much potential but it didn't keep my attention.
And the hero kept alluding to his "wicked" tastes in the bedroom and it wasn't anything crazy. He wanted the heroine to call him My Lord and he tied her up once. That's it.
April 25, 2016
I really enjoyed TALL, DARK, AND WICKED, the second book in Madeline Hunter’s Wicked Trilogy. A mix of mystery and romance, it features a deliciously sexy hero and an unconventional heroine, who is no shrinking violet.
Although the younger brother of the Duke of Aylesbury, Ives is unusual in that, against his late father’s wishes, he became a barrister. As one of the most well-respected barristers in England, he frequently prosecutes on behalf of the Crown. Unlike others in his profession, whose sole interest is in winning a case, Ives is an honourable man and genuinely dedicated to the pursuit of justice. I like that Ives works for a living and Ms Hunter provides an interesting insight into the workings of the judicial system of the time.
Ives is wealthy, handsome and charming but, according to gossip, he has one flaw…his rather wicked proclivities in the bedroom. For this reason, Ives’ chooses mistresses who are worldly and not easily shocked by his unusual preferences.
Padua is just the sort of unconventional heroine I like. Unusually tall and described as handsome rather than beautiful, she is intelligent, bold, outspoken, a proponent of women’s rights and a forward thinking teacher of higher mathematics at Mrs. Ludlow’s School for Girls. Her ambition is study in Padua (her namesake city where her mother studied and met her father) at one of the universities that accepted women, with the ultimate aim of opening her own school.
She has been estranged from her father for the past 10 years since her mother died when Padua was fifteen. At a time when she needed him most, her father had been cold and unfeeling, sending her away to school. Although Padua moved to London to be near her father, he has no wish to see her. Even though I felt her father didn’t deserve it, I admired Padua’s loyalty to him and her determination to help him when she believes he has been wrongly accused of a crime.
When Padua first visits Ives to ask him to help her father and, in all their subsequent interactions, there is a definite frisson of sexual awareness between them, but matters are complicated by the fact that Ives is the prosecutor in her father’s case. Despite the conflict of interests, Ives reveals his protective side when he shows concern for Padua’s safety, fearing there is more to the case against her father than meets the eye. He also makes himself responsible for her after she loses her job at the school. I really felt him struggle between his sense of duty and his feelings for Padua.
The Crown’s friendship, or that of the daughter of a criminal. Only a fool would think there really was a choice.
I love how Padua, knowing that their affair would brief, throws caution to the wind and fully embraces the passion between them and enthusiastically succumbs to Ives’ wicked games.
“If I am going to be scandalous and irresponsible, I would prefer passion to politeness. I would prefer the wicked Ives to the upstanding Lord Ywain.”
Yes, there is plenty of heat in the love scenes but nothing overly kinky.
I love all the bickering and teasing between Ives and his two brothers, Lance and Gareth, and this is one of my favourite exchanges …
“I do not have a tendre for her.”
“He does not have a tendre for her,” Lance echoed.
“It is not like that.”
“It is not like that,” Lance repeated. “Miss Belvoir is just an acquaintance. A friend. A woman in need of sanctuary. Isn’t that right, Ives?”
“I think I will thrash both of you right now.”
“Quick-tempered, isn’t he?” Gareth asked. “Miss Belvoir is a ticklish subject.” “I suppose that means she won’t have him.”
“That is my conclusion. At least she won’t so far. Nor will he have her, while they are here. I have forbidden all such activity under my roof.”
At the same time, I knew they share a caring relationship and would always be there for each other in times of trouble.
The element of mystery and suspense surrounding the counterfeiting was intriguing enough to maintain my interest and I enjoyed seeing the brothers working together to flush out the villain. There is also a charming and most satisfying ending.
The fact that I hadn’t read the first book in the series definitely didn’t affect my enjoyment of this book. I feel it can easily be read as a standalone.
MY VERDICT: A thoroughly enjoyable story and I definitely want to read the other two books in the series.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5 STARS
Wicked Trilogy (click on the book covers for more details):
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
Although the younger brother of the Duke of Aylesbury, Ives is unusual in that, against his late father’s wishes, he became a barrister. As one of the most well-respected barristers in England, he frequently prosecutes on behalf of the Crown. Unlike others in his profession, whose sole interest is in winning a case, Ives is an honourable man and genuinely dedicated to the pursuit of justice. I like that Ives works for a living and Ms Hunter provides an interesting insight into the workings of the judicial system of the time.
Ives is wealthy, handsome and charming but, according to gossip, he has one flaw…his rather wicked proclivities in the bedroom. For this reason, Ives’ chooses mistresses who are worldly and not easily shocked by his unusual preferences.
Padua is just the sort of unconventional heroine I like. Unusually tall and described as handsome rather than beautiful, she is intelligent, bold, outspoken, a proponent of women’s rights and a forward thinking teacher of higher mathematics at Mrs. Ludlow’s School for Girls. Her ambition is study in Padua (her namesake city where her mother studied and met her father) at one of the universities that accepted women, with the ultimate aim of opening her own school.
She has been estranged from her father for the past 10 years since her mother died when Padua was fifteen. At a time when she needed him most, her father had been cold and unfeeling, sending her away to school. Although Padua moved to London to be near her father, he has no wish to see her. Even though I felt her father didn’t deserve it, I admired Padua’s loyalty to him and her determination to help him when she believes he has been wrongly accused of a crime.
When Padua first visits Ives to ask him to help her father and, in all their subsequent interactions, there is a definite frisson of sexual awareness between them, but matters are complicated by the fact that Ives is the prosecutor in her father’s case. Despite the conflict of interests, Ives reveals his protective side when he shows concern for Padua’s safety, fearing there is more to the case against her father than meets the eye. He also makes himself responsible for her after she loses her job at the school. I really felt him struggle between his sense of duty and his feelings for Padua.
The Crown’s friendship, or that of the daughter of a criminal. Only a fool would think there really was a choice.
I love how Padua, knowing that their affair would brief, throws caution to the wind and fully embraces the passion between them and enthusiastically succumbs to Ives’ wicked games.
“If I am going to be scandalous and irresponsible, I would prefer passion to politeness. I would prefer the wicked Ives to the upstanding Lord Ywain.”
Yes, there is plenty of heat in the love scenes but nothing overly kinky.
I love all the bickering and teasing between Ives and his two brothers, Lance and Gareth, and this is one of my favourite exchanges …
“I do not have a tendre for her.”
“He does not have a tendre for her,” Lance echoed.
“It is not like that.”
“It is not like that,” Lance repeated. “Miss Belvoir is just an acquaintance. A friend. A woman in need of sanctuary. Isn’t that right, Ives?”
“I think I will thrash both of you right now.”
“Quick-tempered, isn’t he?” Gareth asked. “Miss Belvoir is a ticklish subject.” “I suppose that means she won’t have him.”
“That is my conclusion. At least she won’t so far. Nor will he have her, while they are here. I have forbidden all such activity under my roof.”
At the same time, I knew they share a caring relationship and would always be there for each other in times of trouble.
The element of mystery and suspense surrounding the counterfeiting was intriguing enough to maintain my interest and I enjoyed seeing the brothers working together to flush out the villain. There is also a charming and most satisfying ending.
The fact that I hadn’t read the first book in the series definitely didn’t affect my enjoyment of this book. I feel it can easily be read as a standalone.
MY VERDICT: A thoroughly enjoyable story and I definitely want to read the other two books in the series.
REVIEW RATING: 4/5 STARS
Wicked Trilogy (click on the book covers for more details):
This review is also posted on my Rakes and Rascals Blog:
https://rakesandrascals.wordpress.com...
October 16, 2016
2.5 stars
I just couldn't connect with these characters and no matter how much sex there was between the H /h, I just didn't feel any chemistry between them. I'm sure it's me and not the story. Wrong book, wrong time perhaps. I enjoyed the first Wicked book much more and have high hopes for the third one.
I just couldn't connect with these characters and no matter how much sex there was between the H /h, I just didn't feel any chemistry between them. I'm sure it's me and not the story. Wrong book, wrong time perhaps. I enjoyed the first Wicked book much more and have high hopes for the third one.
Read
January 23, 2023This whole series is definitely going to be a buttress of my 21st century mentions of Newgate section of the big project I am working on right now.
As an endorsement, without giving too much of my thesis away, Madeline Hunter feels in part like an answer to my Elizabeth Hoyt craving that I always indulge and always leaves me wanting something else. Her books are immensely readable, much like Hoyt's. I have finished two in one day each now. Also the sex is great, which I think is also a strength of Hoyt.
Where I am seeing a difference between Hunter and Hoyt is that it feels like bigger gaps between Hunter's characters' opinions and the narrative's opinions, particularly around sticky social/political stuff. In both this and His Wicked Reputation characters, who were are supposed to be on the side of, say things that are iffy, particularly in connection to crime and class consciousness.
But what Hunter does, especially in this book with the FMC's main character's opinion of and relationship to sex workers, is let that be a point of character development--growing to have more nuanced opinions. It isn't the whole book by any means, as in, I would not even really call this a "political" book, which can sometimes become sanctimonious when the personal politics of romance are extrapolated into the political sphere of the Regency/Victorian periods. (Suffragette novels!)
I wrote in an update while reading this I wasn't sure what to do with the kind of off-hand, bigoted comments that kept coming up from both main characters about sex work in this book. I almost put it down over that, despite enjoying the romance and the characters otherwise. But while Hunter's 3rd act is not perfect in regards to this, both characters have to move past some biases, incidentally, to get to the mechanics of their happily ever after.
This is really interesting to me because complaints I have read about Hunter's books include the "lack of historical accuracy" when it comes to premarital sex. But I think other things in this book, like the lack of class consciousness among the brothers, even the illegitimate Gareth, or their casual sexism when alone that now makes the MMC, Ives, a little uncomfortable, now that he is attached to woman, along with things like Padua's nascent feminism that is scattered and underdeveloped (but the narrative seems to know this! she's a proto-feminist of the 1810s who is trying on new ideas, unsure of how they apply to women from any class position other than her own), all make for a book that feels really historically placed in a specific time.
Much like its predecessor, I'm not sure how good this book actually is, (a qualified 3 stars?) but it is interesting! I am definitely going to finish the series soon and then go back and see if I can find some of Hunter's older books.
As an endorsement, without giving too much of my thesis away, Madeline Hunter feels in part like an answer to my Elizabeth Hoyt craving that I always indulge and always leaves me wanting something else. Her books are immensely readable, much like Hoyt's. I have finished two in one day each now. Also the sex is great, which I think is also a strength of Hoyt.
Where I am seeing a difference between Hunter and Hoyt is that it feels like bigger gaps between Hunter's characters' opinions and the narrative's opinions, particularly around sticky social/political stuff. In both this and His Wicked Reputation characters, who were are supposed to be on the side of, say things that are iffy, particularly in connection to crime and class consciousness.
But what Hunter does, especially in this book with the FMC's main character's opinion of and relationship to sex workers, is let that be a point of character development--growing to have more nuanced opinions. It isn't the whole book by any means, as in, I would not even really call this a "political" book, which can sometimes become sanctimonious when the personal politics of romance are extrapolated into the political sphere of the Regency/Victorian periods. (Suffragette novels!)
I wrote in an update while reading this I wasn't sure what to do with the kind of off-hand, bigoted comments that kept coming up from both main characters about sex work in this book. I almost put it down over that, despite enjoying the romance and the characters otherwise. But while Hunter's 3rd act is not perfect in regards to this, both characters have to move past some biases, incidentally, to get to the mechanics of their happily ever after.
This is really interesting to me because complaints I have read about Hunter's books include the "lack of historical accuracy" when it comes to premarital sex. But I think other things in this book, like the lack of class consciousness among the brothers, even the illegitimate Gareth, or their casual sexism when alone that now makes the MMC, Ives, a little uncomfortable, now that he is attached to woman, along with things like Padua's nascent feminism that is scattered and underdeveloped (but the narrative seems to know this! she's a proto-feminist of the 1810s who is trying on new ideas, unsure of how they apply to women from any class position other than her own), all make for a book that feels really historically placed in a specific time.
Much like its predecessor, I'm not sure how good this book actually is, (a qualified 3 stars?) but it is interesting! I am definitely going to finish the series soon and then go back and see if I can find some of Hunter's older books.
March 24, 2019
Começo por comentar que adorei o nome do nosso Herói: Ywain Hemingford, mais conhecido como Ives (e para facilitar todos aqueles que não sabem dizer o seu nome - palavras do próprio Lord). E além de ter um nome interessante, é igualmente uma pessoa interessante. Um advogado bem reputado e com amizades e laços com a Coroa. Tão poderoso quanto poderia imaginar? Alem de que, na minha opinião, o que tem mais bom senso dos irmãos (o que não implica que esteja certo maior parte do tempo).
Quanto à nossa Heroína, Pádua, também ela me agradou imenso. Uma mulher madura, inteligente e com a cabeça quase sempre no lugar (excepto quando está a pensar demais em Ives). Excelente professora de matemática e uma filha exemplar no que toca ao amor incondicional pelo Pai, que não é tão merecedor desse amor.
O encontro dos dois é bem no inicio da história, e irá definir toda a sua extensão a partir desse momento. Ives é advogado de acusação do Pai de Pádua e sem saber ela tenta contrata-lo como advogado de defesa. Que mais podemos esperar desta situação? Aventura, segredos, intrigas e com certeza, paixão.
Adorei, tanto quanto o primeiro livro, e agora estou ansiosa pelo último, que promete com certeza, deixar-me ainda mais apaixonada pela autora.
Quanto à nossa Heroína, Pádua, também ela me agradou imenso. Uma mulher madura, inteligente e com a cabeça quase sempre no lugar (excepto quando está a pensar demais em Ives). Excelente professora de matemática e uma filha exemplar no que toca ao amor incondicional pelo Pai, que não é tão merecedor desse amor.
O encontro dos dois é bem no inicio da história, e irá definir toda a sua extensão a partir desse momento. Ives é advogado de acusação do Pai de Pádua e sem saber ela tenta contrata-lo como advogado de defesa. Que mais podemos esperar desta situação? Aventura, segredos, intrigas e com certeza, paixão.
Adorei, tanto quanto o primeiro livro, e agora estou ansiosa pelo último, que promete com certeza, deixar-me ainda mais apaixonada pela autora.
October 9, 2015
Misleading title: the hero is not the wicked one, the criminals are
Having said this, Madeline Hunter does write somewhat explicit (although not vulgar or degrading) scenes of intimacy.
The mystery is how heroine's father, a scholarly, somewhat bumbling fellow could have had counterfeit currency in his possession; he's in Newgate prison, a very unsavory place. His daughter is a teacher of higher mathematics at a school for girls.
Padua (named after the Italian city where her mother studied) learns that her father is imprisoned, and she turns to Ives (Lord Ywain Hemingford), a duke's brother who practices law in Regency England, hoping he will take on the defense of her father. Unfortunately, Ives has already been told by the Regent to prosecute the case. An unwise romance ensues, and the bulk of the book takes on Ives' ethical challenges and the mutual loyalty he and Padua find themselves embroiled in.
The other brothers in the Duke's household were introduced in the first book in this series. This was a pleasant change of reading material after my previous readings of two books that were much more gruesome in mystery/suspense genre.
Having said this, Madeline Hunter does write somewhat explicit (although not vulgar or degrading) scenes of intimacy.
The mystery is how heroine's father, a scholarly, somewhat bumbling fellow could have had counterfeit currency in his possession; he's in Newgate prison, a very unsavory place. His daughter is a teacher of higher mathematics at a school for girls.
Padua (named after the Italian city where her mother studied) learns that her father is imprisoned, and she turns to Ives (Lord Ywain Hemingford), a duke's brother who practices law in Regency England, hoping he will take on the defense of her father. Unfortunately, Ives has already been told by the Regent to prosecute the case. An unwise romance ensues, and the bulk of the book takes on Ives' ethical challenges and the mutual loyalty he and Padua find themselves embroiled in.
The other brothers in the Duke's household were introduced in the first book in this series. This was a pleasant change of reading material after my previous readings of two books that were much more gruesome in mystery/suspense genre.
October 24, 2015
#2 in the "Wicked Trilogy", but can be read as a stand alone. I would also recommend reading Book 1, "His Wicked Reputation". Once again, Ms. Hunter has written a seductive, intriguing tale with passion, romance,a bit of danger, some mystery, a bit of suspense and lots of love. Well written tale with engaging, passionate, and lovable characters. I enjoyed the interaction between the H/H, how the family sticks together no matter the circumstances or the conquestances.
Fast paced tale with plenty of action, adventure, romance and passion. Wickedly seductive! Once again, Ms. Hunter will mesmerize her fans with "Tall, Dark and Wicked". Highly recommended. Fans of Regency Historical Romance, suspense, mystery and finding a HEA will enjoy this tale. I certainly did and I look forward to the next installment. Another awesome read!
*Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Gallery*
*Cross-posted on My Book Addiction Reviews dot com*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
Fast paced tale with plenty of action, adventure, romance and passion. Wickedly seductive! Once again, Ms. Hunter will mesmerize her fans with "Tall, Dark and Wicked". Highly recommended. Fans of Regency Historical Romance, suspense, mystery and finding a HEA will enjoy this tale. I certainly did and I look forward to the next installment. Another awesome read!
*Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Gallery*
*Cross-posted on My Book Addiction Reviews dot com*
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
August 8, 2015
I just finished Tall, Dark and Wicked and it was a good read for me. It's been a long while since I have read a historical book, makes me miss them. This is about Ives and Padua. Padua is trying to hire Ives to save her father from the gallows. He is wanted for counterfeiting. There is no way her scholar of a father would do that. What she doesn't expect is Ives to have already been approached to prosecute her dad. He is a good and fair lawyer that Padua wishes to have in their corner but in their best interest she looks for someone else with the help of Ives. What they both don't expect is the instant attraction that they have for one another. It's a good story with good characters. I just wish I had more depth from them. At times I felt like I was just reading the words and not their voices. It's a good start for me and would still recommend it to my girls.
Story 4
Sex 3
Overall 4
Reviewed by Shay from Mommys a Book Whore
Story 4
Sex 3
Overall 4
Reviewed by Shay from Mommys a Book Whore
January 30, 2016
3.5 Stars
I have always liked Madeline Hunter and was really happy to see she has a new series out. I feel that it has been forever since I read one of her books. I really enjoyed the first book and this book but I honestly can't wait for the third. There is a difference in the way the story is told in each book that makes the characters more distinct to me. Not bad for what I call my Twinkie reads.
I have always liked Madeline Hunter and was really happy to see she has a new series out. I feel that it has been forever since I read one of her books. I really enjoyed the first book and this book but I honestly can't wait for the third. There is a difference in the way the story is told in each book that makes the characters more distinct to me. Not bad for what I call my Twinkie reads.
March 15, 2023
I liked this book - a decent regency romance. A bit too much sex for my taste, but I skipped those scenes. Otherwise, the plot was sufficiently engaging and the tension just high enough to keep me reading to the end.
October 13, 2015
Conflicted loyalties, a pretty good mystery, and an attraction that is almost certain to end badly. Quite the recipe for an excellent read. 4.5 stars.
February 23, 2020
Can you rate something at quarter stars? Then this would be a 3.75. I like this much better than the previous book, "His Wicked Reputation."
The plot is interesting: schoolteacher Padua Belvoir comes to barrister Lord Ywain (Ives) Hemingford asking him for help to get her scholar father out of Newgate, where he is imprisoned, accused of counterfeiting. The barrister in question, unfortunately turns out to be prosecutor. The prosecutor, who falls in lust with the schoolteacher. The plot follows their attempt to unravel the mystery of her father's guilt or innocence, as well as their ongoing love affair.
Like the last book, I like that this book featured evenly matched, intelligent and capable leads. I liked the little asides about how women feel about their appearance, comments on the class system and how it imbues those at the top of the food chain with the unerring sense that they can get away with or will anything, because of their position.
There are two issues I had with this book that prevented me from fully buying into it.
One, he has lots of little doubts about Padua and whether she's being honest with him or using him. He does a lot of things that are out of character to help her. I realize in the real world people do things otu of character when they're in love, but at the same time, I normally consider that a red flag or a sign of a destructive relationship. Obviously in this case it all pans out.
Two, Hunter does a good job with lots of love scenes that show us their chemistry and sexual connection, but shows them working together to solve the mystery, and having long conversations about what their relationship is, or could be, but... the book could have used a little more "show" versus "tell." I see the intellectual and sexual connection, I like how they partner together to problem solve, but I still felt it could have used more humor, more connection. Maybe because the plot was serious, there was no real room for that.
The connection between the Hemingford brothers was excellent, I liked the return of Eva from the previous book, I liked the interplay between characters. Overall I like Hunter's style: she balances historic accuracy (or at least the facade of it) with more open-minded, independent characters, so I don't feel completely gloomy about how crappy it was to be a woman in that era. Also, I've read four of her books now, and this is definitely the steamiest.
The plot is interesting: schoolteacher Padua Belvoir comes to barrister Lord Ywain (Ives) Hemingford asking him for help to get her scholar father out of Newgate, where he is imprisoned, accused of counterfeiting. The barrister in question, unfortunately turns out to be prosecutor. The prosecutor, who falls in lust with the schoolteacher. The plot follows their attempt to unravel the mystery of her father's guilt or innocence, as well as their ongoing love affair.
Like the last book, I like that this book featured evenly matched, intelligent and capable leads. I liked the little asides about how women feel about their appearance, comments on the class system and how it imbues those at the top of the food chain with the unerring sense that they can get away with or will anything, because of their position.
There are two issues I had with this book that prevented me from fully buying into it.
One, he has lots of little doubts about Padua and whether she's being honest with him or using him. He does a lot of things that are out of character to help her. I realize in the real world people do things otu of character when they're in love, but at the same time, I normally consider that a red flag or a sign of a destructive relationship. Obviously in this case it all pans out.
Two, Hunter does a good job with lots of love scenes that show us their chemistry and sexual connection, but shows them working together to solve the mystery, and having long conversations about what their relationship is, or could be, but... the book could have used a little more "show" versus "tell." I see the intellectual and sexual connection, I like how they partner together to problem solve, but I still felt it could have used more humor, more connection. Maybe because the plot was serious, there was no real room for that.
The connection between the Hemingford brothers was excellent, I liked the return of Eva from the previous book, I liked the interplay between characters. Overall I like Hunter's style: she balances historic accuracy (or at least the facade of it) with more open-minded, independent characters, so I don't feel completely gloomy about how crappy it was to be a woman in that era. Also, I've read four of her books now, and this is definitely the steamiest.
March 16, 2017
http://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/20...
16/20 - Une romance historique très agréable et des personnages attachants et qui nous réservent des surprises !!
16/20 - Une romance historique très agréable et des personnages attachants et qui nous réservent des surprises !!
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