What do you think?
Rate this book
The Sinful Scoundrels #1
Dorinţele unui conte
Londra, 1819 – După ce s-a separat de amanta sa, Andrew Carrington, conte de Bellingham, şi-a îndreptat toată atenţia către frumoasa văduvă Laura Davenport, lady Chesfield şi Justin, fiul vitreg al acesteia. După cum îi spusese şi sfătuise cel mai bun prieten al său, poate era momentul să îşi găsească o nouă amantă sau… cel mai bine o văduvă.
Laura Davenport, proaspăt venită în oraş, părea să fie cea mai potrivită alegere pentru el. Era o văduvă care avea grijă de fiul ei vitreg şi deloc dornică să se recăsătorească, iar cel din urmă amănunt îi conferea un mare plus în faţa lui Andrew.
Însă una este să-ţi doreşti ceva şi alta să şi pui în aplicare. Când Montclif, cumnatul ei şi unchiul copilului, decide să o separe de Justin, să-l transforme cu timpul într-un adevărat bărbat, Laura este în stare să facă orice pentru a nu permite acest lucru. Chiar dacă este fiul ei vitreg, îl iubea ca pe propriul copil şi avea de gând să lupte cu toate armele contra deciziei aparent de neclintit a lui Montclif. Motiv pentru care, Laura îi spune răspicat lui Montclif că tocmai a acceptat cererea în căsătorie a lui Andrew, contele de Bellingham.
Andrew este prezent la discuţia lor şi în loc să lămurească lucrurile, el contribuie aducând şi alte minciuni pe lângă ale Laurei. După ce rămân singuri, ea doreşte să-l răsplătească oferindu-i o sumă de bani, dar preţul lui Andrew este chiar ea.
Cum s-au întâlnit Laura şi Andrew şi care au fost părerile unuia despre celălalt? Oare îşi atinge el scopul şi o transformă în amanta lui? Acceptă acest mariaj de dragul lui Justin, din dragoste pentru Laura sau în speranţa că o s-o facă a lui înainte de nuntă? O să fie luat Justin de către Montclif sau Andrew o să-l reeduce? Ce o să se întâmple cu Laura şi Andrew când dragostea apare între ei?
Laura Davenport, proaspăt venită în oraş, părea să fie cea mai potrivită alegere pentru el. Era o văduvă care avea grijă de fiul ei vitreg şi deloc dornică să se recăsătorească, iar cel din urmă amănunt îi conferea un mare plus în faţa lui Andrew.
Însă una este să-ţi doreşti ceva şi alta să şi pui în aplicare. Când Montclif, cumnatul ei şi unchiul copilului, decide să o separe de Justin, să-l transforme cu timpul într-un adevărat bărbat, Laura este în stare să facă orice pentru a nu permite acest lucru. Chiar dacă este fiul ei vitreg, îl iubea ca pe propriul copil şi avea de gând să lupte cu toate armele contra deciziei aparent de neclintit a lui Montclif. Motiv pentru care, Laura îi spune răspicat lui Montclif că tocmai a acceptat cererea în căsătorie a lui Andrew, contele de Bellingham.
Andrew este prezent la discuţia lor şi în loc să lămurească lucrurile, el contribuie aducând şi alte minciuni pe lângă ale Laurei. După ce rămân singuri, ea doreşte să-l răsplătească oferindu-i o sumă de bani, dar preţul lui Andrew este chiar ea.
Cum s-au întâlnit Laura şi Andrew şi care au fost părerile unuia despre celălalt? Oare îşi atinge el scopul şi o transformă în amanta lui? Acceptă acest mariaj de dragul lui Justin, din dragoste pentru Laura sau în speranţa că o s-o facă a lui înainte de nuntă? O să fie luat Justin de către Montclif sau Andrew o să-l reeduce? Ce o să se întâmple cu Laura şi Andrew când dragostea apare între ei?
336 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2013
46 people are currently reading
1311 people want to read
About the author
Vicky Dreiling
11 books562 followersVicky Dreiling is a confirmed historical romance junkie and Anglophile. Frequent business trips to the UK allowed her to indulge her passion for all things Regency England. Bath, Stonehenge, and Spencer House are among her favorite places. She is, however, truly sorry for accidentally setting off a security alarm in Windsor Castle. That unfortunate incident led her British colleagues to nickname her “Trouble.”
When she’s not writing, Vicky enjoys reading, films, concerts, and most of all, long lunches with friends. She holds degrees in English literature and marketing. A native Texan, she shares her home with her daughter and a spoiled mini-lop rabbit that lives in a slightly gnawed cardboard cottage.
When she’s not writing, Vicky enjoys reading, films, concerts, and most of all, long lunches with friends. She holds degrees in English literature and marketing. A native Texan, she shares her home with her daughter and a spoiled mini-lop rabbit that lives in a slightly gnawed cardboard cottage.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
June 14, 2013
This review also appears (in more tangential form) at Reading with Analysis.
Contrary to everyone in the world who seems honestly to love this book, I didn’t love it, and I’ve waffled around for a long time trying to figure out what it was about the book that I didn’t like. In reality, it was a combination of factors and largely the result of my own reading peccadilloes.
1. I couldn’t connect to Bell as a character, and he didn’t resonate with me as a hero. There are a lot of reasons for this, including:
- Bell's pursuit of Laura for a bit of no-strings-attached (except there's always strings attached for the ladies) sex just didn’t work for me, especially since Laura didn't initially want to go there and Bell's response to rejection was complete and utter surprise. Seriously? She's the first woman who ever said no to him? Really?! Anyway, it made me kind of hate him, right from the get go.
- The narration told in Bell’s POV repeatedly refers to Bell’s inability to love and his deep-seated emotional issues, but these issues don’t show up consistently in his behavior. As a result, he just seems a bit confused. I enjoyed Bell’s two hapless friends, Harry and Colin, but I didn’t enjoy his scenes with them being derailed by exposition about his emotional state.
- Bell’s weird takeover of Laura's parenting really bugged me. A lot. And maybe it isn’t right to hold that against Bell as a character, but I did.
2. I couldn’t connect to Laura as a character, for a variety of reasons, including:
- I did not understand what Laura saw in Bell. While he’s charming and fun to his male friends (whom I loved, by the way), he’s overbearing, disrespectful, and vaguely creepy to Laura. All he really has going for him is that he’s hot. Even when he takes Justin under his wing -– and HONESTLY, what mother is really going to be like, “I just met you, and I’ve heard that you have a terrible reputation, and you’ve just propositioned me for meaningless sex, but, sure, go ahead and take my son out and teach him how to fence. It’ll be awesome!” -– and Laura starts to have all the “ooh, he’s helping my son!” maternal feelings, it still didn’t make any sense to me.
- This objection isn’t precisely fair, but Laura was so ineffectual in dealing with Montclief (The Villain… more on him later), that I ended up judging her as being a bit weak-sauce.
3. Montclief is perhaps the least dastardly (and effective) villain since Dr. Evil. Montclief is constantly lurking in the background — and frequently brought up – as a danger to the characters. Will Montclief swoop in and take Justin? Will Montclief reveal that Laura and Bell are secretly (but not really) engaged (to what end??)? Will Montclief write a strongly-worded letter? After all the set up and hand-wringing, the eventual resolution fell flat.
4. Don’t even get me started about the mysterious plot device that drives the last third of the book… or about the totally abrupt ending...
I don’t know… a lot of folk really loved this book, and that’s great. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to reading, there’s only what one does and doesn’t like. This book, to me, fell in the latter category, but that by no means implies that it isn’t, to a lot of other people, a piece of awesome-sauce amazingness.
Contrary to everyone in the world who seems honestly to love this book, I didn’t love it, and I’ve waffled around for a long time trying to figure out what it was about the book that I didn’t like. In reality, it was a combination of factors and largely the result of my own reading peccadilloes.
1. I couldn’t connect to Bell as a character, and he didn’t resonate with me as a hero. There are a lot of reasons for this, including:
- Bell's pursuit of Laura for a bit of no-strings-attached (except there's always strings attached for the ladies) sex just didn’t work for me, especially since Laura didn't initially want to go there and Bell's response to rejection was complete and utter surprise. Seriously? She's the first woman who ever said no to him? Really?! Anyway, it made me kind of hate him, right from the get go.
- The narration told in Bell’s POV repeatedly refers to Bell’s inability to love and his deep-seated emotional issues, but these issues don’t show up consistently in his behavior. As a result, he just seems a bit confused. I enjoyed Bell’s two hapless friends, Harry and Colin, but I didn’t enjoy his scenes with them being derailed by exposition about his emotional state.
- Bell’s weird takeover of Laura's parenting really bugged me. A lot. And maybe it isn’t right to hold that against Bell as a character, but I did.
2. I couldn’t connect to Laura as a character, for a variety of reasons, including:
- I did not understand what Laura saw in Bell. While he’s charming and fun to his male friends (whom I loved, by the way), he’s overbearing, disrespectful, and vaguely creepy to Laura. All he really has going for him is that he’s hot. Even when he takes Justin under his wing -– and HONESTLY, what mother is really going to be like, “I just met you, and I’ve heard that you have a terrible reputation, and you’ve just propositioned me for meaningless sex, but, sure, go ahead and take my son out and teach him how to fence. It’ll be awesome!” -– and Laura starts to have all the “ooh, he’s helping my son!” maternal feelings, it still didn’t make any sense to me.
- This objection isn’t precisely fair, but Laura was so ineffectual in dealing with Montclief (The Villain… more on him later), that I ended up judging her as being a bit weak-sauce.
3. Montclief is perhaps the least dastardly (and effective) villain since Dr. Evil. Montclief is constantly lurking in the background — and frequently brought up – as a danger to the characters. Will Montclief swoop in and take Justin? Will Montclief reveal that Laura and Bell are secretly (but not really) engaged (to what end??)? Will Montclief write a strongly-worded letter? After all the set up and hand-wringing, the eventual resolution fell flat.
4. Don’t even get me started about the mysterious plot device that drives the last third of the book… or about the totally abrupt ending...
I don’t know… a lot of folk really loved this book, and that’s great. There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to reading, there’s only what one does and doesn’t like. This book, to me, fell in the latter category, but that by no means implies that it isn’t, to a lot of other people, a piece of awesome-sauce amazingness.
May 28, 2013
5/28/2013 This one is available now!
COOL! I just won this from Goodreads!
Will review after it arrives and I read it!
Thank you, Ms. Dreiling and Goodreads!
So odd, haven't read a PAPER book in ages~!
Review:
I was thrilled to win a copy of WHAT A WICKED EARL WANTS by Vicky Dreiling in a Goodreads Giveaway.
The title made me smile and when I had the book in hand, the cover is seriously amazing. I'd certainly pick this one up in a bookstore. The blurb on the back drew me in.
Andrew Carrington, theEarl of Bellingham, aka Bell, is intrigued by the beautiful widow that is new to the social whirl. He's quite fond of meeting, greeting, and kissing the most attractive of his social set. When he first sets eyes on Laura Davenport, the Lady Chesfield, he wants to make her close acquaintance, even though he is warned off by her friend and mentor. Later he sees Laura's stepson behaving badly and feels the need to warn her.
A situation arises and the two of them pretend to be secretly betrothed. Laura would do anything to keep her son safe, even if that means sticking close to Andrew. She's very much aware that he is dangerous.
I know that some find smoking to be a turn on, but I kept wanting to smack the cheroots out of Bell's hand. Not one of my "go" buttons, although others may find it to be theirs.
This is a light read, not very angsty, and we know how it will end. It's the getting there that's fun and you'll enjoy their journey.
Thank you, Ms. Dreiling and Goodreads, for the opportunity to win this book.
COOL! I just won this from Goodreads!
Will review after it arrives and I read it!
Thank you, Ms. Dreiling and Goodreads!
So odd, haven't read a PAPER book in ages~!
Review:
I was thrilled to win a copy of WHAT A WICKED EARL WANTS by Vicky Dreiling in a Goodreads Giveaway.
The title made me smile and when I had the book in hand, the cover is seriously amazing. I'd certainly pick this one up in a bookstore. The blurb on the back drew me in.
Andrew Carrington, theEarl of Bellingham, aka Bell, is intrigued by the beautiful widow that is new to the social whirl. He's quite fond of meeting, greeting, and kissing the most attractive of his social set. When he first sets eyes on Laura Davenport, the Lady Chesfield, he wants to make her close acquaintance, even though he is warned off by her friend and mentor. Later he sees Laura's stepson behaving badly and feels the need to warn her.
A situation arises and the two of them pretend to be secretly betrothed. Laura would do anything to keep her son safe, even if that means sticking close to Andrew. She's very much aware that he is dangerous.
I know that some find smoking to be a turn on, but I kept wanting to smack the cheroots out of Bell's hand. Not one of my "go" buttons, although others may find it to be theirs.
This is a light read, not very angsty, and we know how it will end. It's the getting there that's fun and you'll enjoy their journey.
Thank you, Ms. Dreiling and Goodreads, for the opportunity to win this book.
May 9, 2013
The start of Vicky Dreiling's new series is fun, sexy and romantic! Laura Davenport is worried when she receives a letter from her stepson's guardian, a man who has taken no interest in her stepson in years. When he suddenly shows up to take him away, she panics and informs him she in engaged and the man has taken a personal interest in her stepson's upbringing. Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham, never imagined that his good deed of returning a flask being used by a wayward lad would get him engaged. Yet seeing the desperation of Laura, and the way the guardian treats her, his protective nature kicks in and he plays along with the charade. What he doesn't count on his Laura and her stepson becoming like a family to him, the one thing he will not have in his life again after the sudden death of his own family. When circumstances change, his gentlemanly nature comes back into force but Laura is not sure she wants what he offers...she wants more. Will Bell be able to find the words to express his true feelings before Laura is gone for good?
Laura and Bell's romance was a fun journey to read. I really adored Andrew. He was haughty and blunt but that was all due to the fact he was afraid to let himself fall in love again because he didn't want to lose those he loved again, like his mother, father and brother. When he realized he had recreated a family with Laura, he, of course, reacts badly. He knows Laura needs to be needed and he is not sure he can do that for her. The romance grows from a friendship into something more and is very sigh-worthy. I liked how Laura's stepson is very much part of the story and hopefully we will see his own story someday, after he grows up a bit more. Bell's two friends add a bit more humor to the story and I also look forward to their stories and them growing up a bit as they seemed just a dash immature yet for me. Overall, a delicious start to a sexy, witty new series! 4 stars
eARC provided by Forever via netgalley
Laura and Bell's romance was a fun journey to read. I really adored Andrew. He was haughty and blunt but that was all due to the fact he was afraid to let himself fall in love again because he didn't want to lose those he loved again, like his mother, father and brother. When he realized he had recreated a family with Laura, he, of course, reacts badly. He knows Laura needs to be needed and he is not sure he can do that for her. The romance grows from a friendship into something more and is very sigh-worthy. I liked how Laura's stepson is very much part of the story and hopefully we will see his own story someday, after he grows up a bit more. Bell's two friends add a bit more humor to the story and I also look forward to their stories and them growing up a bit as they seemed just a dash immature yet for me. Overall, a delicious start to a sexy, witty new series! 4 stars
eARC provided by Forever via netgalley
September 19, 2013
Why I abandoned the book after 10%[even if I feel very guilty for it]:
-the language is too melodramatic
-calling the character, the male one, Bell is... never mind. Every time I read it I rolled my eyes(I don't care that it's a short form of his title)
-nothing that I read that far made me want to continue
It might have been my short-tempered mood, but I don't have the patience for this book.
-the language is too melodramatic
-calling the character, the male one, Bell is... never mind. Every time I read it I rolled my eyes(I don't care that it's a short form of his title)
-nothing that I read that far made me want to continue
It might have been my short-tempered mood, but I don't have the patience for this book.
May 19, 2020
This almost got a higher rating when the leads suddenly started showing chemistry half way through and the sex scenes were surprisingly hot, sweet and playful. But the last 100 pages draaaaaaaaaged to get to the finish line and it was quite obvious the author was stalling to hold off on the resolution for the very end. Because of this she had all her characters shuffling their feet, doing mundane things and talking in circles, putting important things off and repeating themselves ad nauseam that it just lost whatever interest I finally had. And I'm still unsure whether Bell (terrible nickname for a hero by the way) was away at school or at a house party when his parents died. This backstory randomly changed at one point just like the length of Laura's marriage to her elderly husband who died from illness shortly after marriage. 4 months was what I kept getting but at some point in the story she randomly says she had a "few years" with him. So which is it? This needed a good editor. Also, having your couple for the next book bickering, shin kicking, pinching, and tripping each other and going "eeew" like toddlers.....are you serious? Not cute. Both of Bell's friends Harry and Colin sounded 15 at the very most so I'm confused how these guys are considered hero material? You are forced to marry cause Daddy is threatening to take your inheritance away if you stop wilding out...gosh I'm swooning. Pass on the rest of this series for me.
May 29, 2013
Author Vicky Dreiling writes an emotional story about 2 people who are afraid to love again. the Earl of Bellingham is a rake who is determined never to marry or have children. He has closed off his heart ever since losing his entire family. He has spent the time since going from mistress to mistress. When he sees the lovely widow Laura hs is determined to make her his newest conquest.
Laura, Lady Chesfield, is a widow of 4 years. She has come to London to allow her son to be with his friends for the season, unfortunately her son has went wild. He stays out to wee hours of the morning, drinking and getting into trouble. She is at her wits end, when an unlikely friendship is struck up between her and Bellingham. She knows he just wants her to become his next conquest and makes it clear that they will never be more then friends.
As their friendship grows so does their feelings and attraction for one another. Against all caution...Laura falls in love with Bell, but fears that if he doesn't face his family's deaths they will never be able to love one another.
Great supporting characters that I am looking forward to reading their story as well.
Laura, Lady Chesfield, is a widow of 4 years. She has come to London to allow her son to be with his friends for the season, unfortunately her son has went wild. He stays out to wee hours of the morning, drinking and getting into trouble. She is at her wits end, when an unlikely friendship is struck up between her and Bellingham. She knows he just wants her to become his next conquest and makes it clear that they will never be more then friends.
As their friendship grows so does their feelings and attraction for one another. Against all caution...Laura falls in love with Bell, but fears that if he doesn't face his family's deaths they will never be able to love one another.
Great supporting characters that I am looking forward to reading their story as well.
June 28, 2013
3.5 Stars
The aspect that I love most about this author's books are the adorable supporting characters! My favorite scenes always involve the interactions and relationships between the leads and their best friends/families. This one is no different, because I just loved the scenes with Bell and his friends, Colin and Harry. They were so fun and also realistic. It seemed like real conversations between friends. These interactions also gave a feel for the time and place of the novel, what a group of spoiled gentlemen of the ton!
I found myself looking forward to the scenes with Colin and Harry, and the rest of the book was only okay for me. There really wasn't anything that I disliked, I just wasn't drawn in to Laura and Bell's story for some reason. Bell wasn't especially likable to me, and Laura wasn't feisty enough.
Even though the romance was a bit underwhelming for me, the author does a great job of setting up and writing a 'classic' regency romance. I think fans of that style, with the witty banter and 'ton' gossip will be swept away by the story. The writing is so witty and you really get a sense of the world the characters live in.
Regency romance fans will love the world built by the author. The supporting characters really made the story come alive.
book sent by author in exchange for an honest review
reviewed for http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com
September 1, 2013
I really like Vicky Dreiing's debut
so I'm so excited when she start new book, however,
What a Wicked Earl Wants
came as a bit dissapointment.
The story was actually promising at the beggining and both Laura and Bellingham were pretty likeable, but I feel that there were way too many unnesarry filler scenes. And character developments here were a bit weak. Its a shame because I think Bellingham's childhood trauma, or Laura's loyalty to her first husband should play more role in this book. And also the uncle who tried to take Laura's son just lame. Seriously, he's like the weakest villain I've ever read in romance.
The book was okay enough, but I hope Vicky Dreiling would be bcak to her best form in her next release.
so I'm so excited when she start new book, however,
What a Wicked Earl Wants
came as a bit dissapointment. The story was actually promising at the beggining and both Laura and Bellingham were pretty likeable, but I feel that there were way too many unnesarry filler scenes. And character developments here were a bit weak. Its a shame because I think Bellingham's childhood trauma, or Laura's loyalty to her first husband should play more role in this book. And also the uncle who tried to take Laura's son just lame. Seriously, he's like the weakest villain I've ever read in romance.
The book was okay enough, but I hope Vicky Dreiling would be bcak to her best form in her next release.
July 1, 2013
Loved Andrew and Laura as well as the minor characters.
June 27, 2013
I am a hard sell when it comes to historical romance. My first taste of this genre was Julie Garwood " The Bride". I ate up the rest of her books after that and then needed to find another author who could give me that same lovely feeling when i finished reading. It proved to be a hard to do. I need that perfect mix of historical setting with humor and love and heart. I started What a Wicked Earl Wants thinking i would like it i read the novella " A Season for Sin" that's like a prequel to this series. I loved that so i was hopeful but i did not expect to love the book as much as i did. Bell and his two pals Harry and Colin are just hilarious together. They are definitely typical men with their dirty mind and crude behavior when they are together but perfect gentlemen when the occasion calls for it. I thoroughly enjoyed their conversations together. Bell experience the loss of his entire family when he was away at college. Never got to say goodbye and he had a wonderful family and has been carrying around guilt over their deaths ever since. He feels like he doesn't deserve love or a life of good things. Along come the pretty widow Laura and her stepson Justin. Justin is 17 and trying to show his independence but falls into the wrong crowd. Bellingham or Bell as he is called by his friends steps in to help Laura straighten him out and soon he finds himself in deeper with her than he wanted. He can't help it though he's drawn to her. Of course there is a bad guy that's going to cause problems and in this case Justin's uncle is his guardian and threatens to take him away from Laura. You don't see a lot of him but he has spies around London watching Laura and Justin. When he makes the threat though Bell happens to be there and Laura announces they are engaged. Which Bell goes along with to help her. What starts out as a friendship turn into so much more and Bell finds himself in deeper and deeper with Laura. Question is can she break though the shield around his heart? Dreiling writes lush characters that you can easily envision in your mind as you read. Even the secondary characters will win a place in your heart. The dialogue is fun and witty and sexy when it needs to be. You find yourself rooting for Bellingham to get with the program and figure out that Laura is everything he needs. Totally enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I think i have found another historical romance author to follow with Vicky Dreiling.
May 4, 2013
A wonderful historical romance! What a Wicked Earl Wants was a great read, thoroughly enjoyable.
First off, let me say how gorgeous that cover is. It is SO pretty. I just love it.
Now to the actual book.
Laura was a wonderful heroine. She cares deeply for her stepson, who is going through some teenage rebellion, and would do anything to keep him from having to live with his odious uncle. She was strong in her determination to keep her stepson, but she also knew when to ask for help. I liked that she wasn't the kind to hold a petty grudge and forgave. Honestly, I had nothing but good to say about her.
Andrew was just as awesome. I adored him. He was so sweet and gentlemanly and everything a hero should be. I loved that he not only wanted to help Laura, but he also genuinely cared for her son and wanted to help him. I wanted to shake him a few times because of his stubborn stance to not get pulled into a relationship and certainly not get married. It made him refuse to see what was right in front of him. But, I still loved him. Regardless of any stubbornness, he was just perfect.
The romance in this book was brilliantly done. There were sparks flying between them immediately. Their relationship was a perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Stubbornness on both sides (though mostly Andrew's) kept them apart for a while, but they found a way together anyway. It was so adorable.
I loved how Laura's stepson wasn't just a side note. He played a bigger role in the book than just a convenient excuse to get the couple together. Despite his rebelliousness, he was a sweet guy. He just let himself get pulled into bad situations. It was so sweet how he really cared for his stepmother. He was the one who gave the "if you hurt her, you're dead" speech to Andrew. He was a great character.
The plot was well paced. A few times, it hit a snag, but it picked up again quickly. I was hooked the entire way through and the ending was perfect. I can' wait to read the next book for Colin's story.
What a Wicked Earls Wants was a brilliant historical romance. Lovers of the genre, you should definitely read it.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Forever Books for a copy!
First off, let me say how gorgeous that cover is. It is SO pretty. I just love it.
Now to the actual book.
Laura was a wonderful heroine. She cares deeply for her stepson, who is going through some teenage rebellion, and would do anything to keep him from having to live with his odious uncle. She was strong in her determination to keep her stepson, but she also knew when to ask for help. I liked that she wasn't the kind to hold a petty grudge and forgave. Honestly, I had nothing but good to say about her.
Andrew was just as awesome. I adored him. He was so sweet and gentlemanly and everything a hero should be. I loved that he not only wanted to help Laura, but he also genuinely cared for her son and wanted to help him. I wanted to shake him a few times because of his stubborn stance to not get pulled into a relationship and certainly not get married. It made him refuse to see what was right in front of him. But, I still loved him. Regardless of any stubbornness, he was just perfect.
The romance in this book was brilliantly done. There were sparks flying between them immediately. Their relationship was a perfect blend of sweet and spicy. Stubbornness on both sides (though mostly Andrew's) kept them apart for a while, but they found a way together anyway. It was so adorable.
I loved how Laura's stepson wasn't just a side note. He played a bigger role in the book than just a convenient excuse to get the couple together. Despite his rebelliousness, he was a sweet guy. He just let himself get pulled into bad situations. It was so sweet how he really cared for his stepmother. He was the one who gave the "if you hurt her, you're dead" speech to Andrew. He was a great character.
The plot was well paced. A few times, it hit a snag, but it picked up again quickly. I was hooked the entire way through and the ending was perfect. I can' wait to read the next book for Colin's story.
What a Wicked Earls Wants was a brilliant historical romance. Lovers of the genre, you should definitely read it.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Forever Books for a copy!
August 12, 2017
Vicky Dreiling is back with the first book in her new Sinful Scoundrels series. I have been a huge fan of Dreiling since her debut novel. Her books stand out for clever, funny dialogue and characters you love. There were more than enough delightful characters to go around in What a Wicked Earl Wants. The full cast of lovable characters gives the story richness and dimension.
Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham has resolved never to marry. Ever since his family died he has been overcome with guilt and has made an art of avoiding relationships, living a debauched life but enjoying it less and less. Lady Laura Davenport is a widow struggling to raise an adolescent stepson. Never mind that Justin is only eleven years younger than her – Laura is a very determined mother. Bell finds himself drawn into Laura’s struggle with Justin and takes the role of male figure in the boy’s life. With the help Bell’s two friends and Laura’s older lady advisor Bell, Laura and Justin become a family.
I loved every minute of this book. The story just rather bounced along on its way to the Happily Ever After. You have to love Bell’s friends, Colin and Harry. Their upcoming stories are sure to be worth the wait. This was the first Regency I recall that dealt with teenage male rebellion. It was refreshing and unusual. I had a few minor complaints with What a Wicked Earl Wants. The story slowed a bit in the middle. Conflicts were resolved a little too quickly. Ending was a little abrupt. But the most significant fact is that I did not want it to end. What a wonderful thing to say about any book. I will be the first in line for the other Sinful Scoundrels.
ARC provided by Edelweiss
Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham has resolved never to marry. Ever since his family died he has been overcome with guilt and has made an art of avoiding relationships, living a debauched life but enjoying it less and less. Lady Laura Davenport is a widow struggling to raise an adolescent stepson. Never mind that Justin is only eleven years younger than her – Laura is a very determined mother. Bell finds himself drawn into Laura’s struggle with Justin and takes the role of male figure in the boy’s life. With the help Bell’s two friends and Laura’s older lady advisor Bell, Laura and Justin become a family.
I loved every minute of this book. The story just rather bounced along on its way to the Happily Ever After. You have to love Bell’s friends, Colin and Harry. Their upcoming stories are sure to be worth the wait. This was the first Regency I recall that dealt with teenage male rebellion. It was refreshing and unusual. I had a few minor complaints with What a Wicked Earl Wants. The story slowed a bit in the middle. Conflicts were resolved a little too quickly. Ending was a little abrupt. But the most significant fact is that I did not want it to end. What a wonderful thing to say about any book. I will be the first in line for the other Sinful Scoundrels.
ARC provided by Edelweiss
June 5, 2013
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: May 28, 2013
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Imprint: Grand Central Publishing: Forever
Author’s Website: http://www.vickydreiling.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Book 1, The Sinful Scoundrels Series (Spinoff of How To Series)
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
Pet Peeves: Choppy Writing, “Big Twist” Not Very Twisty
Favorite Tropes: Pretend Engagement, Courting Scandal
One thing that really stood out about this book was that the writing felt very awkward and choppy — not what I’m used to from this author at all. I’m not certain if it’s simply a matter of the review copy I received being unedited to the point that the writing style felt a bit differently than I was used to, or if it’s actually a shift in the author’s writing style, but either way, it was a big disappointment.
I liked the basic story, but the Big Twist was overly obvious in the setup, and, as harsh as this sounds, I think I’m more excited about the sequel than I was about this one.
I don’t want to leave you thinking that it was all bad, though, because that certainly wasn’t the case. The chemistry between Bell and Laura was wonderful, and I loved the interactions that involved Laura’s stepson as well.
Recommended for fans of reluctantly reformed rakes, virtuous widows, and deliciously scandalous pretend engagements.
3.5/5 Stars, but I will be reading the next book when it comes available.
Expected Release Date: May 28, 2013
Publisher: Hachette Book Group
Imprint: Grand Central Publishing: Forever
Author’s Website: http://www.vickydreiling.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Book 1, The Sinful Scoundrels Series (Spinoff of How To Series)
Series Best Read In Order: N/A
Steam Level: Steamy
Pet Peeves: Choppy Writing, “Big Twist” Not Very Twisty
Favorite Tropes: Pretend Engagement, Courting Scandal
One thing that really stood out about this book was that the writing felt very awkward and choppy — not what I’m used to from this author at all. I’m not certain if it’s simply a matter of the review copy I received being unedited to the point that the writing style felt a bit differently than I was used to, or if it’s actually a shift in the author’s writing style, but either way, it was a big disappointment.
I liked the basic story, but the Big Twist was overly obvious in the setup, and, as harsh as this sounds, I think I’m more excited about the sequel than I was about this one.
I don’t want to leave you thinking that it was all bad, though, because that certainly wasn’t the case. The chemistry between Bell and Laura was wonderful, and I loved the interactions that involved Laura’s stepson as well.
Recommended for fans of reluctantly reformed rakes, virtuous widows, and deliciously scandalous pretend engagements.
3.5/5 Stars, but I will be reading the next book when it comes available.
July 6, 2013
Another great book by Vicky Dreiling, and this one is shot right out of the park! Seriously it's beyond a homerun. I started reading it late last night and I just couldn't put it down, even when my eyes started hurting me and asking me politely to close them and go to sleep, I just couldn't. I had to figure out what happened to Laura and Andrew.
The story starts off quite different than any of the recent books I have read, a chance encounter between Laura, Lady Chesfield and Andrew, Lord Bellingham when he stumbled on her wayward stepson Justin misbehaving and that began their journey into healing them from their past lives.
My ultimate favorite part was the one with the "rules" that were meant to be followed, I can't indulge in anymore because you have to pick this book up and read it immediately! But seriously Vicky I am so glad to have stumbled upon you those many years ago accidentally in a Barnes & Noble store and bought your debut novel "How to Marry a Duke" because with that book I started this beautiful relationship into falling in love with anything you write, you can literally write an instruction manual and I will love it :P
I just want to add, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! READ IT NOW!
P.P.S. The greatness of this book made me purchase the Kindle version when it first came out and the paperback edition when I was last in the US a few weeks back.
The story starts off quite different than any of the recent books I have read, a chance encounter between Laura, Lady Chesfield and Andrew, Lord Bellingham when he stumbled on her wayward stepson Justin misbehaving and that began their journey into healing them from their past lives.
My ultimate favorite part was the one with the "rules" that were meant to be followed, I can't indulge in anymore because you have to pick this book up and read it immediately! But seriously Vicky I am so glad to have stumbled upon you those many years ago accidentally in a Barnes & Noble store and bought your debut novel "How to Marry a Duke" because with that book I started this beautiful relationship into falling in love with anything you write, you can literally write an instruction manual and I will love it :P
I just want to add, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! READ IT NOW!
P.P.S. The greatness of this book made me purchase the Kindle version when it first came out and the paperback edition when I was last in the US a few weeks back.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2013
Every book starts out as 3 stars when I first pick it up, and gets adjusted from there.
This one started as a 3, went to a 1 within the first chapter. The only reason I rated it a 2 was because the story line had potential.
I thought this was horribly written. There was one page at the beginning that cheroot 8 times. Maybe...just maybe ok if a cheroot was essential to the story, but as a something the characters had to be doing...annoying. Then...funny, at the end of the book, it happened again with cheroot appearing like 5 times on the page.
That may be nitpicking. But the characters were flat...and also annoying The main female character was weak acting, and equally as weakly written. Supporting characters were not any better.
There were choppy sentences in the book that seemed to be in there just to make word count.
As mentioned above, the story line had potential if the writing could be cleaned up, and the characters tweaked a bit.
Couldn't wait to put it down...
This one started as a 3, went to a 1 within the first chapter. The only reason I rated it a 2 was because the story line had potential.
I thought this was horribly written. There was one page at the beginning that cheroot 8 times. Maybe...just maybe ok if a cheroot was essential to the story, but as a something the characters had to be doing...annoying. Then...funny, at the end of the book, it happened again with cheroot appearing like 5 times on the page.
That may be nitpicking. But the characters were flat...and also annoying The main female character was weak acting, and equally as weakly written. Supporting characters were not any better.
There were choppy sentences in the book that seemed to be in there just to make word count.
As mentioned above, the story line had potential if the writing could be cleaned up, and the characters tweaked a bit.
Couldn't wait to put it down...
March 12, 2014
I absolutely loved this book! It kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. This is a book I would definitely read over and over. Vicky is a wonderful author and knows how to put just enough humor into the story line to keep you laughing and just enough drama/action to keep you guessing what is going to happen next! I can't wait to read the next book in line with this one thanks to the very big tease they give!Vicky Dreiling
April 27, 2013
I loved, loved, loved this book!! It was the very best of what you read a romance for. The book makes you feel the whole range of emotions. I was worried, afraid, crying, laughing, and living with the characters. Vicky Dreiling is a wonderful author who pulls you in to the worlds that she creates. I love this world and can't wait for the next book to put me back in it!!
March 20, 2013
I won this book in the giveaways. I liked the story and the way the book is formatted. The characters are well developed and the story, to me, is written well too. I look forward to the other books that are to come in the series. (States that this is book 1 in the series)
February 10, 2014
2.5 just barely ok. My first book by this author but I probably won't be reading any others. It just didn't flow well for me. Disappointing.
June 7, 2023
I found this book to be tedious. I thought the heroine was dumb, the way she handled her stepson. I thought her stepson was a rude little bastard. I thought her brother in-law was a pompous ass. And the hero had his own internal issues going on. I almost made it halfway through the book.
December 29, 2013
Laura Davenport, a widow, has been raising her step son on her own for the last four years. Now he is seventeen and wanting to live a life in London. So she reluctantly agrees, and they head to London. Only her son, is starting to act rebelliously, and deceiving her left and right. Then Andrew Carrington, the Earl of Bellingham, steps in to help her out. Andrew, is looking for a mistress, when he sees a beautiful and enticing woman at a ball, he knows he has to have her. Laura is everything he desires and more, even though he has never sought after her type. Sweet, caring, and full of passion that is hidden, and even though she is a Vicar's daughter, he is drawn to her. When Laura's son is threatened to be taken away, he agrees to a fake engagement, in order to protect her and her son. Soon he is taking measures that he would never do, but the ice around his heart starts to melt. Even though he knows he can never marry her, he craves what could be, but is the love they share be enough to weather the storm ahead?
What A Wicked Earl Wants is the first in the Sinful Scoundrel Series. This is also the first time I have had a chance to read from this author. And all I can say is WOWZERS!!! I am beyond impressed with this author already and this is the first chance I have had to read from her. When I started reading this, I wasn't sure what to expect from this author. I tend to get a bit nervous when trying a new author, even with stellar reviews and ratings, I don't know what to expect. But after a few chapters I was enthralled by this authors storytelling that captivated my attention from the beginning, and I was hard pressed to put this book down. The story begins with Laura and Andrew meeting at a ball, where they have a instant eye connection, and from then on they are connected physically at first. As the story progresses further, you see that intimate connection they have, goes further to the emotional bond that connects them without either character fully realizing it.
The characters are endearing and magical and charming. Andrew, is a fine hero, I loved him from the beginning. He is a scoundrel and a rake, and loves all sorts of pleasure. But you also see signs that he has a past and not a good one. He protects his heart and emotions with a iron hand, and refuses to let anyone slip through let alone a small slip of a woman whose smile melts him and all of his reason. Laura is quite a fun heroine. I liked her immediately, even though she seemed a bit naive about her stepson behavior, but she is very passionate and strong willed, and I loved how she faces every situation with confidence and doesn't shy away from the truth. She deal with Andrew quite admirably, doesn't just jump into his bed because he kisses her senseless (which he does) but she doesn't give in at the moment. She makes him work for it, and I enjoyed seeing this flirty dance these two were engaged in. Quite amusing at times.
The story was enchanting and full of fun characters, engaging plot, and twists and turns to keep you drawn into the story. A delightful romp that sizzles! A WINNER
What A Wicked Earl Wants is the first in the Sinful Scoundrel Series. This is also the first time I have had a chance to read from this author. And all I can say is WOWZERS!!! I am beyond impressed with this author already and this is the first chance I have had to read from her. When I started reading this, I wasn't sure what to expect from this author. I tend to get a bit nervous when trying a new author, even with stellar reviews and ratings, I don't know what to expect. But after a few chapters I was enthralled by this authors storytelling that captivated my attention from the beginning, and I was hard pressed to put this book down. The story begins with Laura and Andrew meeting at a ball, where they have a instant eye connection, and from then on they are connected physically at first. As the story progresses further, you see that intimate connection they have, goes further to the emotional bond that connects them without either character fully realizing it.
The characters are endearing and magical and charming. Andrew, is a fine hero, I loved him from the beginning. He is a scoundrel and a rake, and loves all sorts of pleasure. But you also see signs that he has a past and not a good one. He protects his heart and emotions with a iron hand, and refuses to let anyone slip through let alone a small slip of a woman whose smile melts him and all of his reason. Laura is quite a fun heroine. I liked her immediately, even though she seemed a bit naive about her stepson behavior, but she is very passionate and strong willed, and I loved how she faces every situation with confidence and doesn't shy away from the truth. She deal with Andrew quite admirably, doesn't just jump into his bed because he kisses her senseless (which he does) but she doesn't give in at the moment. She makes him work for it, and I enjoyed seeing this flirty dance these two were engaged in. Quite amusing at times.
The story was enchanting and full of fun characters, engaging plot, and twists and turns to keep you drawn into the story. A delightful romp that sizzles! A WINNER
May 28, 2013
This one is available today!
WILL A RAKE'S WICKED WAYS
Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham, believes in being a gentleman, whether it's fishing a soggy stranger out of the Thames or assisting a fetching lady into his bed. If the stranger becomes a friend and the lady a mistress, all the better. He certainly welcomes the opportunity to help Laura Davenport, a dazzling young widow with a rebellious stepson. Her gratitude, he hopes, will take an amorous form. But from the moment he sets foot in her drawing room, he gets far more than he bargained for ...
LEAD THE LADY ASTRAY?
It was a moment of desperation. On the brink of losing her stepson, Laura turned to the notorious Lord Bellingham for help. Suddenly she, a vicar's daughter, is in the precarious position of resisting his tantalizing advances. How Bell earned his wicked reputation is clear; the surprise is how much more there is to him than the gossip sheets could possibly reveal. Now every moment with this dangerously desirable man puts Laura's good name at risk-and promises pleasure unlike any she has ever known ...
This title made me smile and when I had the book in hand (having won it here at Goodreads), the cover is seriously amazing. I'd certainly pick this one up in a bookstore. The blurb on the back drew me in.
Andrew Carrington, the Earl of Bellingham, aka Bell, is intrigued by the beautiful widow that is new to the social whirl. He's quite fond of meeting, greeting, and kissing the most attractive of his social set. When he first sets eyes on Laura Davenport, the Lady Chesfield, he wants to make her close acquaintance, even though he is warned off by her friend and mentor. Later he sees Laura's stepson behaving badly and feels the need to warn her.
A situation arises and the two of them pretend to be secretly betrothed. Laura would do anything to keep her son safe, even if that means sticking close to Andrew. She's very much aware that he is dangerous.
I know that some find smoking to be a turn on, but I kept wanting to smack the cheroots out of Bell's hand. Not one of my "go" buttons, although others may find it to be theirs. Also, the blurb states, ...whether it's fishing a soggy stranger out of the Thames...and I kept waiting to see who the Earl would fish out of the Thames. That scene is from the prequel, titled A Season for Sin (The Sinful Scoundrels 0.5).
This is a light read, not very angsty, and we know how it will end. It's the getting there that's fun and you'll enjoy their journey.
*Thank you, Ms. Dreiling and Goodreads, for the opportunity to win this book.
WILL A RAKE'S WICKED WAYS
Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham, believes in being a gentleman, whether it's fishing a soggy stranger out of the Thames or assisting a fetching lady into his bed. If the stranger becomes a friend and the lady a mistress, all the better. He certainly welcomes the opportunity to help Laura Davenport, a dazzling young widow with a rebellious stepson. Her gratitude, he hopes, will take an amorous form. But from the moment he sets foot in her drawing room, he gets far more than he bargained for ...
LEAD THE LADY ASTRAY?
It was a moment of desperation. On the brink of losing her stepson, Laura turned to the notorious Lord Bellingham for help. Suddenly she, a vicar's daughter, is in the precarious position of resisting his tantalizing advances. How Bell earned his wicked reputation is clear; the surprise is how much more there is to him than the gossip sheets could possibly reveal. Now every moment with this dangerously desirable man puts Laura's good name at risk-and promises pleasure unlike any she has ever known ...
This title made me smile and when I had the book in hand (having won it here at Goodreads), the cover is seriously amazing. I'd certainly pick this one up in a bookstore. The blurb on the back drew me in.
Andrew Carrington, the Earl of Bellingham, aka Bell, is intrigued by the beautiful widow that is new to the social whirl. He's quite fond of meeting, greeting, and kissing the most attractive of his social set. When he first sets eyes on Laura Davenport, the Lady Chesfield, he wants to make her close acquaintance, even though he is warned off by her friend and mentor. Later he sees Laura's stepson behaving badly and feels the need to warn her.
A situation arises and the two of them pretend to be secretly betrothed. Laura would do anything to keep her son safe, even if that means sticking close to Andrew. She's very much aware that he is dangerous.
I know that some find smoking to be a turn on, but I kept wanting to smack the cheroots out of Bell's hand. Not one of my "go" buttons, although others may find it to be theirs. Also, the blurb states, ...whether it's fishing a soggy stranger out of the Thames...and I kept waiting to see who the Earl would fish out of the Thames. That scene is from the prequel, titled A Season for Sin (The Sinful Scoundrels 0.5).
This is a light read, not very angsty, and we know how it will end. It's the getting there that's fun and you'll enjoy their journey.
*Thank you, Ms. Dreiling and Goodreads, for the opportunity to win this book.
May 14, 2013
Ever start reading a book and just know you have read this premise before? Ready to actually put the book aside because well, you've read it before? Yeah this happened to me with What a Wicked Earl Wants.. I had read the teaser in the back of another book and was sure I had read it before.. I had to actually research Vicky Dreiling's books before I figured it out.. Saying that I am thrilled that I did not put this book aside!!
Vicky Dreiling brings us back to those sinful rogues.. If you have read prequel e-novella A SEASON FOR SIN, you will recognize Bel and Laura. A man who refuses to ever marry and a woman who really just wants to raise her son.
Lady Laura Davenport is a young widow with a teenage stepson she adores.. only problem is the boy is going through some serious growing pains. He wants to spread his wings but is doing so in only the most self destructive ways. Added to that his negligent guardian is suddenly demanding that his behavior change or he will remove him from his mother's home. Laura is lost.. not sure who to trust or where to turn she leaps at the chance to toss a "secret" engagement in her former brother in law's face.
Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham has lost it all.. Literally. At a young age his entire family died and he is determined to never again put himself in a situation where he can feel that way. Don't love, won't hurt.. Consequently he is shopping for a new mistress.. When a lovely new widow shows up in the ton the sharks are circling and Bel decides he might take a look for himself. While definitely desirable he finds a woman who needs a friend.
Together these two embark on the impossible.. a true friendship.. ok with smoldering kisses and secret desires.. Bel finds himself carrying more than he thought for this likable duo. Seeing that Justin (Bel's son) just needs a positive male role model he steps in and totally tumbles for the both of them.
What I liked about this book was it wasn't really him saving her or her saving him.. it was about working together. Learning each other and slowly cautiously being willing to take the next step. Sure there were mitigating circumstances that forced them into their decisions but Ms Dreiling managed to avoid making it look contrived.. Rather just another one of life's happenstances.
The secondary characters in this book are fun and honestly Harry is just a big dork. Honestly, if her were a dog he would be just a big old goofy lab.. ready for whatever fun he can get himself into but a loyal and trusted friend.
Overall, a pleasant book with likable characters..
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of What a Wicked Earl Wants provided by netgalley and schedled for release on May 28, 2013
Vicky Dreiling brings us back to those sinful rogues.. If you have read prequel e-novella A SEASON FOR SIN, you will recognize Bel and Laura. A man who refuses to ever marry and a woman who really just wants to raise her son.
Lady Laura Davenport is a young widow with a teenage stepson she adores.. only problem is the boy is going through some serious growing pains. He wants to spread his wings but is doing so in only the most self destructive ways. Added to that his negligent guardian is suddenly demanding that his behavior change or he will remove him from his mother's home. Laura is lost.. not sure who to trust or where to turn she leaps at the chance to toss a "secret" engagement in her former brother in law's face.
Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham has lost it all.. Literally. At a young age his entire family died and he is determined to never again put himself in a situation where he can feel that way. Don't love, won't hurt.. Consequently he is shopping for a new mistress.. When a lovely new widow shows up in the ton the sharks are circling and Bel decides he might take a look for himself. While definitely desirable he finds a woman who needs a friend.
Together these two embark on the impossible.. a true friendship.. ok with smoldering kisses and secret desires.. Bel finds himself carrying more than he thought for this likable duo. Seeing that Justin (Bel's son) just needs a positive male role model he steps in and totally tumbles for the both of them.
What I liked about this book was it wasn't really him saving her or her saving him.. it was about working together. Learning each other and slowly cautiously being willing to take the next step. Sure there were mitigating circumstances that forced them into their decisions but Ms Dreiling managed to avoid making it look contrived.. Rather just another one of life's happenstances.
The secondary characters in this book are fun and honestly Harry is just a big dork. Honestly, if her were a dog he would be just a big old goofy lab.. ready for whatever fun he can get himself into but a loyal and trusted friend.
Overall, a pleasant book with likable characters..
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of What a Wicked Earl Wants provided by netgalley and schedled for release on May 28, 2013
October 27, 2014
Fair warning: I read maybe 25% of this book before putting it down.
The reason I didn't go 1-star is because it wasn't plain awful and there was no hard put-down moment. (By which I mean an absolute dealbreaker, such as a rape.) Instead, I gradually came to realize that the premise was absurd, the characters unlikable, and that there was nor could there ever be (thanks to the setup) any chemistry between these two character.
The book opens with the hero going to a ball with the express purpose of finding a new mistress. Fine. But he does nothing towards that end. Instead, he chats with a couple of buddies, spots the heroine for a moment, goes outside to smoke, sees some boys up to no good, and leaves. He proceeds to take it upon himself to inform the heroine that her teenaged stepson is misbehaving and gets caught up in a whopper of a lie when the villain coincidentally walks in at just that moment -- the villain being the boy's legal guardian who has come to take him away from his loving stepmother. She panics and says they're going to get married.
Hmmm.
I've read similar fake marriage scenarios before. Heck, it was in the blurb so I knew it was coming. So that's not the moment I set things down, although I did find this particular fake marriage more dubious than usual and since I'm willing to suspend a great deal of disbelief, that's saying something.
What follows are some stolen kisses and some strong-arming on the part of the hero to take the stepson in hand.
And here's where/why I put it down: I cannot figure out what the hero's stake is in all this. Why would he keep pursuing an uninterested woman? Why would he care about the actions of one teenager? Why would he think he could manage the boy? I understood her side of things a *little* better -- she loved her stepson and was desperate to keep him. But even so nothing but lust was driving the plot, and not even OVERWHELMING LUST. It was frankly UNDERWHELMING LUST, which is not something I've said about a book before. :)
Bottom line: NO chemistry at all, and because I didn't even buy the reason for these two to cross paths in the first place, I didn't see how the situation would improve and didn't care to find out. There are too many books in the world!
The reason I didn't go 1-star is because it wasn't plain awful and there was no hard put-down moment. (By which I mean an absolute dealbreaker, such as a rape.) Instead, I gradually came to realize that the premise was absurd, the characters unlikable, and that there was nor could there ever be (thanks to the setup) any chemistry between these two character.
The book opens with the hero going to a ball with the express purpose of finding a new mistress. Fine. But he does nothing towards that end. Instead, he chats with a couple of buddies, spots the heroine for a moment, goes outside to smoke, sees some boys up to no good, and leaves. He proceeds to take it upon himself to inform the heroine that her teenaged stepson is misbehaving and gets caught up in a whopper of a lie when the villain coincidentally walks in at just that moment -- the villain being the boy's legal guardian who has come to take him away from his loving stepmother. She panics and says they're going to get married.
Hmmm.
I've read similar fake marriage scenarios before. Heck, it was in the blurb so I knew it was coming. So that's not the moment I set things down, although I did find this particular fake marriage more dubious than usual and since I'm willing to suspend a great deal of disbelief, that's saying something.
What follows are some stolen kisses and some strong-arming on the part of the hero to take the stepson in hand.
And here's where/why I put it down: I cannot figure out what the hero's stake is in all this. Why would he keep pursuing an uninterested woman? Why would he care about the actions of one teenager? Why would he think he could manage the boy? I understood her side of things a *little* better -- she loved her stepson and was desperate to keep him. But even so nothing but lust was driving the plot, and not even OVERWHELMING LUST. It was frankly UNDERWHELMING LUST, which is not something I've said about a book before. :)
Bottom line: NO chemistry at all, and because I didn't even buy the reason for these two to cross paths in the first place, I didn't see how the situation would improve and didn't care to find out. There are too many books in the world!
June 18, 2013
The title is pretty misleading. After all, Bell isn't really wicked; in fact, he's rather noble and actually a really good guy. Yes, he likes the ladies, and yes he starts off the book looking for a mistress, but that seems pretty par for the course with men of the ton, no? While at first I didn't really like Laura, she grew on me and by the end of the book I was really looking forward to them getting together. I normally hate books where a pregnancy makes the hero come up to snuff, but in this case I think it worked given how he never wanted a family. I felt like the ending was rather abrupt, however, and would have liked more around the revelation and the ultimate conclusion. It all seemed a little quick after it took so long for them to get there.
Regarding the writing of the story ... at times (okay, a lot of times) I found the actual prose and descriptions rudimentary. He did this, then she did this, then he did this. There was a lot of telling us what the characters were doing, and it didn't seem like very nuanced writing. One scene in particular that drove me mad was toward the beginning when Bell smoked three cheroots in a row. I wish an editor had paid more attention to this type of writing throughout the book. On the flip side, one thing I did appreciate was how at the beginning of every chapter the author told us how much time had elapsed between scenes. It made the pacing feel like things were unfolding in real time, versus some romances where it seems like they meet, fall in love, have drama, and get married all within a week's time.
Regarding the writing of the story ... at times (okay, a lot of times) I found the actual prose and descriptions rudimentary. He did this, then she did this, then he did this. There was a lot of telling us what the characters were doing, and it didn't seem like very nuanced writing. One scene in particular that drove me mad was toward the beginning when Bell smoked three cheroots in a row. I wish an editor had paid more attention to this type of writing throughout the book. On the flip side, one thing I did appreciate was how at the beginning of every chapter the author told us how much time had elapsed between scenes. It made the pacing feel like things were unfolding in real time, versus some romances where it seems like they meet, fall in love, have drama, and get married all within a week's time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 24, 2018
This was the first book I've read of this author as I like trying out new authors. I only got through the first few chapters before I couldn't read anymore. This book spends more time on explaining a timeline of events than it does on actually moving the plot forward or having an interesting plot.
At one point the main male character had a smoke out on the balcony. It seems as though since the author wanted him to be out there for a long time that rather than just indicating that intention she detailed every smoke. Thinking about smoking, lighting the cheroot, smoking the cheroot, putting it out then repeat again....twice. Almost a full page was devoted to him having a smoke break with very little added content to the plot mixed in.
Then at another point a secondary character rehashed how she provided the main male character with information and why she felt compelled to do so. Even though the scene of her remembering was maybe three or four scenes after when he compelled her to give the information. I doubt the reader really needs another play-by-play of the fact that she gave him information and why.
It almost feels as though the majority of this book has just filler items to make the book longer. I'll still give her other books a shot but I hope that the others provide a bit more dialog and plot movement rather than just detailing every action a character takes.
At one point the main male character had a smoke out on the balcony. It seems as though since the author wanted him to be out there for a long time that rather than just indicating that intention she detailed every smoke. Thinking about smoking, lighting the cheroot, smoking the cheroot, putting it out then repeat again....twice. Almost a full page was devoted to him having a smoke break with very little added content to the plot mixed in.
Then at another point a secondary character rehashed how she provided the main male character with information and why she felt compelled to do so. Even though the scene of her remembering was maybe three or four scenes after when he compelled her to give the information. I doubt the reader really needs another play-by-play of the fact that she gave him information and why.
It almost feels as though the majority of this book has just filler items to make the book longer. I'll still give her other books a shot but I hope that the others provide a bit more dialog and plot movement rather than just detailing every action a character takes.
May 4, 2013
When I reviewed Vicky Dreiling’s” A Season for Sin” for NetGalley, I said that it was a cliffhanger. “What a Wicked Earl Wants” is the full story and I was not disappointed. She is fast becoming one of my favorites. In “What Wicked Earl Wants,” the widowed Laura Davenport, charged with raising her very rebellious 17-year old son Justin, is about at her wits end with him. Enter Andrew Carrington, Earl of Bellingham, an emotionally scarred man who can’t help but be drawn to the beautiful widow. Ok, so the plot sounds fairly pat, but it really has more depth and complexity than it sounds on the surface. Bellingham agrees to help with Justin and that sets off a series of events which tax the patience of any adult trying to curtail a rebellious teenager. The love story is good, the characters grow and begin to heal from old emotional wounds, and, of course, the boy gets the girl. The plot is very believable and the characters well drawn. Aside from a bit of choppiness of style near the end, the novel bodes well for more great romances from Dreiling. I’ll keep an eye open for her in the future.
May 25, 2013
I did enjoy reading this book. It is the first from Vicky Dreiling that I have read.
The play between the 2 main characters was full of sexual tension and kept you wondering what would be next. The charm of his friends, Colin and Harry, who show up and keep the othe "gents" from his lady is a great touch of humor. They play well in that you can tell they have been friends for a good long time.
When Bellingham come on Laura's son out with the wrong sort of friends he goes to return an item that the son hid. When he gets there and sees she is being browbeaten by Montclief her "guardian" he agrees to something that will put him in constant connection with this beauty. He agrees to help her with her son. Make him see the error of his ways and she accepts. Their passions flair again and again as he tries to keep his distance. She knows he is leaving and tries not to fall for him.
The story is a page turner and you wont be sorry you picked it up. My only regret is that I had to stop reading it a couple times to do things like work and sleep.
I cant wait for the next in this series!
The play between the 2 main characters was full of sexual tension and kept you wondering what would be next. The charm of his friends, Colin and Harry, who show up and keep the othe "gents" from his lady is a great touch of humor. They play well in that you can tell they have been friends for a good long time.
When Bellingham come on Laura's son out with the wrong sort of friends he goes to return an item that the son hid. When he gets there and sees she is being browbeaten by Montclief her "guardian" he agrees to something that will put him in constant connection with this beauty. He agrees to help her with her son. Make him see the error of his ways and she accepts. Their passions flair again and again as he tries to keep his distance. She knows he is leaving and tries not to fall for him.
The story is a page turner and you wont be sorry you picked it up. My only regret is that I had to stop reading it a couple times to do things like work and sleep.
I cant wait for the next in this series!
May 25, 2013
I may have broken the cardinal rule of reviewers when I started reading What a Wicked Earl Wants. Due to my feelings about the prequel novella released last year I probably began the book with a large chip on my shoulder about the characters, the set-up of the story, and perhaps even a sense of “Go ahead, impress me” for author Vicki Dreiling. Setting aside my own pettiness, there were enough good things within the pages of the book to redeem it from its lackluster introduction and I found it to be a good read.
With the season in full swing, Lord Bellingham is on the hunt for a new mistress. Having heard the rumors of a new widow in town, Bell is certain he can charm his way into her bed if he can only snag an introduction to this mystery woman. He thinks he sees her across a ballroom and their eyes meet, with both fully appreciating the other for their looks. But once Bell manufactures a reason to meet the young woman he quickly learns she is far from a wanton woman and he may need another approach to get to her.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
With the season in full swing, Lord Bellingham is on the hunt for a new mistress. Having heard the rumors of a new widow in town, Bell is certain he can charm his way into her bed if he can only snag an introduction to this mystery woman. He thinks he sees her across a ballroom and their eyes meet, with both fully appreciating the other for their looks. But once Bell manufactures a reason to meet the young woman he quickly learns she is far from a wanton woman and he may need another approach to get to her.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
July 2, 2013
What a fun read! Andrew (Bell) and Laura will keep you laughing and even had me tear up toward the end. Vicky has a way of writing that brings the characters into your heart from the get-go. Laura's stepson captured my heart too along with Bell's two friends Harry and Colin. Lady Atherton is a spitfire who will keep you giggling also.
It's a story of two people who have no plans to ever marry and find once they start spending time with each other that what they thought was fact, turns upside down in a hurry. Vicky gives us Laura, a nurturer, and Bell who is hiding from his pain and takes us down a road of healing that will leave you with a smile on your face and waiting for the next in the series.
It's a story of two people who have no plans to ever marry and find once they start spending time with each other that what they thought was fact, turns upside down in a hurry. Vicky gives us Laura, a nurturer, and Bell who is hiding from his pain and takes us down a road of healing that will leave you with a smile on your face and waiting for the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews