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Blackhaven Brides #8

The Wicked Gypsy

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An old Blackhaven tragedy merges with a new quarrel... When Gervaise, the Earl of Braithwaite, first sees beautiful gypsy Dawn, he is struck by her likeness to his political enemy, Julius Gardyn. In his cups, he grasps the opportunity for a little vengeance and sweeps her off to his ancestral castle. In the morning, he is frustrated in his attempts to make things right by Dawn herself, who refuses to return to her family. Dawn, dazzled by the handsome earl, has several reasons for staying with him. Pretending to be Eleanor Gardyn, lost heiress to Haven Hall, begins as a fun means to upset the earl’s enemy, but when memories begin to tug at her, everything becomes much more serious. As she falls heavily in love with Gervaise, she starts to believe that happiness might be possible. Until the earl’s prospective bride arrives at the castle. However, many people, including Julius, fail to see the steel beneath Gervaise’s good nature. Few have noticed that he always gets what he wants in the end. And he wants Dawn. The Blackhaven Brides books are a series, but can be read as stand The Wicked Baron The Wicked Lady The Wicked Rebel The Wicked Husband The Wicked Marquis The Wicked Governess The Wicked Spy The Wicked Gypsy

228 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 21, 2018

681 people are currently reading
136 people want to read

About the author

Mary Lancaster

141 books519 followers
Mary Lancaster is a USA Today bestselling author of historical fiction and historical romance. She lives in Scotland with her husband, one of three grown-up kids, and a small dog with a big personality.

Her first literary love was historical fiction, a genre which she relishes mixing up with romance and adventure in her own writing. Several of her novels feature actual historical characters as diverse as Hungarian revolutionaries, medieval English outlaws, and a family of eternally rebellious royal Scots. To say nothing of Vlad the Impaler.
Her most recent books are light fun Regency romances, with occasional forays into Victorian mystery.

Connect with Mary on-line:
Website: http://www.MaryLancaster.com
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5 stars
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268 (33%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for &#x1f41d; Shaz &#x1f41d;.
863 reviews26 followers
October 6, 2025
This is my first read by M L.
I found this to be an interesting story. Young girl kidnapped by a Gypsy. Sold to another gypsy family.

When Gervasi sees a young girl in a gypsy camp on his land. He sees the resemblance to a missing child from the village.
He then sets out to prove that a neighbour, had something to do with her kidnapping. He disliked the neighbour, who is cousin and heir to the young girl estate.
Nice characters, except for a few not so nice ones.
Profile Image for Mojca.
2,132 reviews168 followers
October 1, 2018
Gervaise Conway, frustrated with his inability to make things better with his politics and slightly in his cups, concocts a cunning plan to take some revenge on his political enemy. He decides to take a beautiful gypsy girl on loan from her family, since she bears the uncanny resemblance to his nemesis's family. He'll pass her for the long lost, and presumed dead, Eleanor Gardyn, in order to prevent her uncle Julius from inheriting Haven Hall and evicting the Benedicts.

Dawn has her own motives to stay at Braithwaite castle. First is rather petty; she wants to get back to her father for having sold her to the earl (and then presumed she'd steal from the man). Second is much more personal; there's something about Gervaise that draws her, and soon she finds herself falling in love with him.

But even if she is Eleanor Gardyn, the gap between them is still too big. And gets even bigger as the dowager countess returns from Scotland and brings a prospective young countess with her. But no one counts with Gervaise and what he wants.



This was a lovely story. Romantic, slightly suspenseful (it was more of a mystery that straight-up suspense), with a little bit of angst, drama and star-crossed love thrown into the mix.

I liked the heroine, and especially her predicament as she straddled both worlds while not really belonging in either. Her struggles, both with accepting the truth about herself, but mostly as she dealt with her feelings for Gervaise, were nicely portrayed.
On the other hand, I have nothing much to say about the hero. He was a rather formulaic romance hero, with a deceptively calm exterior that hid a will of iron and determination that only few knew about or recognized. But since this was mostly Dawn's story, it helped that her hero didn't really overshadow her. He had his moments, mostly at very opportune times, when either Dawn or his mother needed a push or a shove, and he accomplished his mission with aplomb. I have a problem with his name, though, but that's probably just me.

Since this was a story of love blossoming on two opposite sides of the society spectrum and a story of self-discovery, the supporting cast did an excellent job of supporting the two protagonists, and create a suitable backdrop of support, disdain or scorn (provided by the hero's own mother, who I never really liked, but luckily she came around, since she had no other option).
The suspense/mystery subplot seemed rather superfluous, not really pushing the plot forward; it served more as filler and the actual catalyst for the initial meeting and the overall plot. The real reason behind the disappearance of Eleanor Gardyn was never really explained and the villain and the motive came out of the left field and seemed to be written more as an afterthought to make it all come together nicely.

But, as I said, this was a love story and a story of self-discovery and it didn't need much else to keep it afloat, so the disappointment in the suspense/mystery department didn't really impact the overall reading experience.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,085 reviews132 followers
August 20, 2018
Another great addition to the Blackhaven Brides series. When I see Mary has a new book, I cannot wait to read it! A man who sees an opportunity to get back at a political enemy, Julius Gardyn. A girl who starts to find lost memories coming to the surface. What could it mean? Gervaise, the Earl of Braithwaite was travelling by a gypsy camp where he meets Dawn, a gypsy girl. Not really in the best frame of mind ( ok tipsy), he carries her home because she has a resemblance to Eleanor Gardyn, lost heiress and sister of Julius. Could things be that simple? As they spend time together and Dawn begins to have memories surface, she begins to believe she might be Eleanor. As the two get closer, things begin to happen that could change everything. Mystery, adventure and romance all come together to make this an intriguing story that I could not put down. Cannot wait for the next in the series although this book can be read as a standalone.
Profile Image for Susan in Perthshire.
2,234 reviews119 followers
June 3, 2024
I felt very uncomfortable with the attempts to depict Romani life and culture. It seemed to borrow heavily from the fictional versions so prevalent in the 19th and early twentieth centuries.



Profile Image for L J.
357 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2018
Wickedly good...

Terrific story , another standalone in a series, that takes place in the quirky English village of Blackhaven. In this tale, Lord Gervaise is feeling restless and ineffectual as a member of parliament and a man, despite his reputation as a respected and responsible member of the nobility. While out visiting gypsies in the area with his more free spirited brother in law, he sees a young gypsy girl, who bears an uncanny resemblance to someone from his past. Dawn, is less interested in the past than in Gervaise, and agrees to assist him with his query into this situation. His initial reasons for this involve a bit of revenge and a lot of liquor.
The plot thickens and becomes even more interesting as they along with a cast of colorful supporting characters attempt to determine the connection and protect Dawn at the same time. In the meantime, the H and h are drawn to each other as their connection becomes more heated as moments go by.
This is a thoroughly enjoyable story and I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy historical romance with some intrigue and heat with their hea.
Profile Image for Theresa.
1,578 reviews45 followers
April 17, 2023
I'm a little upset that this book uses the word gypsy like it is just a word, but I know that for the time period it was. In Emma by Jane Austen, she says that Emma and Harriet are attacked by gypsies. So I will allow that this was for historical accuracy.

Once again I am amazed at how well Mary Lancaster weaves intrigue into her romance. The story of Dawn and who she really is melts seemlessly into the lives of Gervaise and his family. Gervaise is 80% sure she is someone else the first time he meets her even if he was drunk.

And so he goes about trying to prove it, not just to anger Julius Gardyn, but also because he has come to really care for her.Dawn is easily falling head over heels for Gervaise and his family, but she doesn't truly believe she is Eleanor.

Until she starts to have flashes of memory.

Gervaise's mother showing up with a ton miss became a huge fly in the ointment. I do not like his mother one tiny bit. She was mean about Tamar and she was very cruel to Dawn.

I think I got a little caught up in the shuffle at the climax. I'm not sure how they were both going to jail. Oh well they both deserve it.
555 reviews4 followers
July 29, 2024
Still waters run deep!

I have to give it to Mary Lancaster. Most authors would begin this series with the castle family, particularly Lord Braithwaite. Instead, through all the previous stories, we get to see Gervaise as the calm, collected and honourable gentleman in other live stories. Right from his first introduction in Gillie's story, he is not even afraid to stand up to his friend Wickenden should the need arise.

Also, thankfully, his character in his own romance doesn't suddenly turn into that of an a*se.

What results is a beautiful yet passionate romance between him and Dawn. She is another very likeable and differently written FL. Her immediate reaction to what happens and later realisation that she may have cut off her nose to spite her face is funny, tragic and all sorts of relatable. She also has no qualms about having one night with the earl and then parting ways. I found that quite refreshing.

Thankfully, the misunderstanding/drama doesn't last too long. Both leads communicate well with each other.

The mystery is a) not a mystery and b) the whodunnit is very easily guessable. But no less tragic for it. I didn't get the "why" in the end, but that's okay.

I hate the dowager countess.
Profile Image for Sandra Standefer.
430 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2018

This is the 8th book in the Blackhaven Brides Series, although it is a stand alone book. Gervaise, the Earl of Braithwaite, first sees beautiful gypsy Dawn, he is struck by her likeness to his political enemy. In his inebriated state he comes up with what he thinks is a great idea. Dawn has the same color hair and likeness as Julius Gardyn and comes up with a plan to tell Julius that she is his missing cousin and heir to the inheritance. Dawn upset with her dad for off to the Earl refuses to go home after Gervaise wakes up and realizes what he has done. This was such a fun story to read. I loved Gervaise and Dawn. Dawn is such a feisty lady and just loved her character. I loved that all the characters from all the Blackhaven series are intertwined. So enjoyable to read, I definitely recommend this or any of the series.
27 reviews
August 22, 2018
Gervaise Conway, Earl of Braithwaite is looking for relief from his standard duties. He is drawn to a gypsy camp he has allowed to use a cottage. Dawn Boswell is a fortune teller in this band of gypsies. Because of her coloring, she has felt out of place her whole life. She has fair skin and strawberry blonde hair. Gervaise Looks at her and determine her will use her to shake up his competition in the House of Lords. As he gets to know Dawn he becomes convinced she is the long-lost cousin of his competition. Dawn is conflicted. She is learning how to be a lady and falling in love with Gervaise. How could she very go back to the gypsies? This is a lovely book with many twists and turns. It has a surprise ending you will NOT see coming!!!! I have really enjoyed all of this series from Ms. Lancaster.
Profile Image for Debbie Brown.
2,061 reviews17 followers
August 18, 2018
Gervaise, the Earl of Braithwaite sees an opportunity to get back at his political enemy, Julius Gardyn. He stops at a gypsy camp where he meets dawn Boswell and notices she looks similar to his enemy. He hires her to pretend to be Eleanor Gardyn, lost heiress to Haven Hall, begins as a fun means distract Julius. Dawn begins to have memory flashes as her memory tugs at her and Gervaise begins to believe she might actually be Eleanor Gardyn. She and Gervaise become closer and romance starts to bloom until his perspective bride arrives and everything changes when Dawn’s life is at risk. A story filled with mystery and adventure romance various twist and turns. This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
Profile Image for Maria .
2,497 reviews23 followers
August 21, 2018
What a fun read! This is the eighth book in the Blackhaven Brides Series and it did not disappoint. This series continues to get better and better. Gervaise, the Earl of Braithwaite, and the spirited gypsy Dawn are a hero and heroine that will delight you. He makes a poor judgement call and sweeps her off to his ancestral castle...to which by morning he tries to make amends and return the breathtakingly beautiful gypsy home. Dawn, is having none of it.

Dawn, is very interested and intrigued with the very handsome Earl. She believes it would be in her best interest to stay with him and not return home. But fate has a few twists and turns for these two.

In my opinion, this is as good as book one
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,721 reviews23 followers
September 16, 2018
Every book in this series has been great & I think this one is my favorite of all! Mary Lancaster has a knack of writing that submerges you in to her characters & their story! Our hero, Gervaise Conway, Earl of Braithwaite, visits a gypsy camp that he allowed on the estate & meets a lovely young woman, Dawn Boswell, who has the rare color of hair as his long time enemy, Julius Gardyn. He also remembers the incident of a 3 year old girl being taken from her home 16 yrs. ago & her name was Eleanor Gardyn.

What ever happened to that little girl? This story is full of endearing secondary characters, love, romance, humor & such food mystery, you won't know the answer until the very end. I highly recommend this book & any in the series to all historical romance readers!
577 reviews5 followers
August 21, 2018
Is She The One?

Another great book by Mary Lancaster in her Wicked Series.
This one is about Gervaise Conway, the Earl of Braithwaite,
and Dawn Boswell. Gervaise remarked that Dawn looked familiar. When he see’s that is owedDawn has reddish-blonde hair he realizes that she looks like his enemy Julius Gardyn.
Gervaise also remembers that a little girl about three years old vanished sixteen years ago and her name was Eleanor Gardyn.
Julius is envious of all that Gervaise has so he tries to cause trouble when he can.
So what happened to that little girl?
I would recommend this book to any one that likes Historical Romance with a little mystery!
400 reviews
June 14, 2025
When Gervaise, Earl of Braithwaite visits a gypsy camp with Tamar he sees Dawn and is struck by her resemblance to a political enemy.

At first this starts out as a plan to upset Julius Gardyn with presenting Dawn as Gardyn’s missing cousin who is the missing heiress of Haven Hall.

However, when Gervaise and Dawn visit Haven Hall Dawn starts getting flashes of memories, things become more serious.

Gradually the relationship between Dawn and all members of Gervaise’s family develop in varying ways, including the formidable figure of the mother.

This has been another enjoyable entry into the series.
Profile Image for Kat.
1,147 reviews20 followers
August 21, 2018
I have really enjoyed books 1-7 in this series by Mary Lancaster, but The Wicked Gypsy is probably my absolute favorite so far. You will laugh and some of the hilarious dialogue between characters and cry as well once you become emotionally invested in the characters and their situation. This one is full of mystery, intrigue, romance, and some very unexpected twists in the story. I can easily recommend this book and the entire series really, to all my friends who enjoy the historical romance genre. This is a delightful, suspenseful, page turner.
Profile Image for Denise.
251 reviews10 followers
August 21, 2018
This was such a fun addition to this series. Gervaise, having an issue with a very unreasonable neighbor, attends a fair. Being a bit tipsy, but very aware of the gypsy fortune teller, he hires her as the “missing heir” to the fortune and estate coveted by the neighbor. The beautiful, sweet gypsy named Dawn, agrees to play along. Somewhere along the way of making and carrying out the plans to disrupt his neighbor, they fall deeply in love. A few mysteries are solved, but they do find their way to each other in a most unusual historical romance.
509 reviews
March 26, 2019
I fell in love with Dawn and Gervaise. This is a great book. I've never read Mary Lancaster before, so this story works fine if you didn't read the earlier books. The characters are wonderfully developed, the secondary characters are charming and I'd love to read their stories. This is just as much about Dawn's return to life as Eleanor as it is about the budding romance. Just a charming story all around.
Profile Image for Melanie S.
1,841 reviews35 followers
April 28, 2019
Does she or doesn't she?

What do a rebellious young gypsy woman and a missing noble toddler have in common? Why does the straight-laced young earl who meets the former think she might actually be the latter? This delightfully complex tale of misguided loyalty, entangled inheritances, and captivated hearts has all the romance, the hidden motivations, and the nefarious plots to keep you turning those pages while rooting for the heroine to find her HEA.
Profile Image for Tina.
842 reviews8 followers
September 27, 2022
Very unique story...but Still a great, original read from this author!
114 reviews
August 27, 2018
Dawn Boswell is a gypsy who is traveling with her family when The Earl of Braitwaite and his brother-in-law comes upon their camp. Gervaise decides to have his fortune told by the beautiful gypsy and while she is reading his palm he realizes that she looks familiar and maybe he can use her to get revenge on an enemy. Being in his cups he takes her home and proceeds with his plans.
Profile Image for Cynthia Houser.
1,611 reviews9 followers
September 20, 2018
Gypsy

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series! The Wicked Gypsy is a very good book. The characters are well developed and engaging. Falling in love in love certainly gave the Earl a softer side. I have to agree with Tamar when he said that he liked the Earl better when Dawn was around. The plot was suspenseful, a gypsy paid to kill a toddler.
Profile Image for Alice.
1,190 reviews38 followers
November 25, 2018
The Earl and the Gypsy

A missing child heiress, dancing gypsies, a tough Dowager Countess with a potential daughter in law, and a local estate come together in a brouhaha that swirls around Gervaise our local Earl. Dawn or Eleanor is a very strong, insightful match for him as they both work through the difficulties of this romance.
Profile Image for Barbara Michael.
333 reviews1 follower
August 22, 2018
Wonderful gypsy romance

What an adventure. Earl Braithwaite finds a beautiful gypsy girl that reminds him of his political enemy. He buys her and brings her home to use as a instrument against his for. But will love win out.
1,296 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2018
Loved, loved, loved it💕

I have truly loved every unique book in this series. To find out Gervaise would fall for a gypsy with a mystery. I always wanted to see who Gervaise would fall in love with and it was a captivating adventure.
Profile Image for Marina Leonard.
244 reviews16 followers
January 20, 2019
Another exciting story from Blackhaven. You can just picture this town in England. Finally the Earl of Braithwaite meets his destiny. More excitement, mystery, romance and suspense. I Loved it and highly recommend this book and series.
589 reviews2 followers
June 6, 2021
Who does not like a gypsy in a romance novel ? This is the story of very proper Braithwaite, the earl, who falls in love with a gypsy who ends up being a long lost lady. It was nicely written and the H and h were both likeable and their attraction believable.
118 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2022
Excellent

Wonderful story. Full of mystery, humor, grandeur and love, love, love. Teaching a young girl to act like and be a lady the members of society would accept is a true adventure to be sure.
Profile Image for Susi Koornstra.
29 reviews
March 31, 2025
Another fabulous read!

Wow! I adored this story with the main character being a gypsy! I’ve always been interested in Gypsies after seeing them in Europe. Thank you, Mary Lancaster for a beautiful story!
275 reviews
August 12, 2018
I totally enjoyed this book. Dawn and Gervais made a great couple. They had to fight to be together and help Dawn regain her memory. Mystery and romance. Love it
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