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Secrets & Scandals #1
Her Wicked Ways
SHE WAS HIS SAVIOR
Banished from London for her reckless behavior, Lady Miranda Sinclair is robbed by a dashing highwayman en route to the country. By offering him a kiss in lieu of the jewels she had to leave behind, she commits the very type of act that caused her exile. When her dour guardians extend her punishment to performing charitable work at the local orphanage, she's further tempted by the home's owner, a provincial gentleman who stirs her passion in a most wicked way.
HE WAS HER DOWNFALL
Desperate to save his orphanage from financial catastrophe, Montgomery "Fox" Foxcroft leads a double life as a highwayman. The arrival of wealthy, well-connected Miranda, whose kiss he can't forget, presents a lawful opportunity to increase his coffers. His problems seem solved-until she rejects his suit. Out of options and falling for the heiress, Fox must risk what principles he has left and take advantage of her wicked ways-even if it ruins them both.
Banished from London for her reckless behavior, Lady Miranda Sinclair is robbed by a dashing highwayman en route to the country. By offering him a kiss in lieu of the jewels she had to leave behind, she commits the very type of act that caused her exile. When her dour guardians extend her punishment to performing charitable work at the local orphanage, she's further tempted by the home's owner, a provincial gentleman who stirs her passion in a most wicked way.
HE WAS HER DOWNFALL
Desperate to save his orphanage from financial catastrophe, Montgomery "Fox" Foxcroft leads a double life as a highwayman. The arrival of wealthy, well-connected Miranda, whose kiss he can't forget, presents a lawful opportunity to increase his coffers. His problems seem solved-until she rejects his suit. Out of options and falling for the heiress, Fox must risk what principles he has left and take advantage of her wicked ways-even if it ruins them both.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2012
1236 people are currently reading
2916 people want to read
About the author
Darcy Burke
206 books2,278 followersDarcy Burke is the USA Today Bestselling Author of sexy, emotional historical and contemporary romance. Darcy wrote her first book at age 11, a happily ever after about a swan addicted to magic and the female swan who loved him, with exceedingly poor illustrations. Join her Reader Club at http://www.darcyburke.com/readerclub.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
A native Oregonian, Darcy lives on the edge of wine country with her guitar-strumming husband, their two hilarious kids who seem to have inherited the writing gene, two Bengal cats and a third cat named after a fruit. In her “spare” time Darcy is a serial volunteer enrolled in a 12-step program where one learns to say “no,” but she keeps having to start over. Her happy places are Disneyland and Labor Day weekend at the Gorge.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 291 reviews
August 23, 2012
A historical romance, brought to my attention by Courtney Milan, with some really hot scenes. So why the low rating?
Both H/H were unlikable, selfish brats. Lady Miranda, a spoiled socialite exiled to the country for taking a dark walk with an unmarried man, was really unrealistic in her mood swings, going from strong temptress to pouting child in a breath. To prove she really is bad to the bone, she makes out with a sexy highwayman in front of her puritanical cousins. The highway man is altruistic Fox, disguised to steal the cousins' money because they're annoying. Oh yes, in a novel about overcoming class differences, Fox robs not one, not two, but THREE people in his Robin Hood-lite quest to keep his orphanage going. Because they have so much and they're not donating in a way he deems suitable. Bra. Vo. (Even though one of the men he robs is basically innocent and caught in an extortion web. And Fox faces no repercussions. And when Miranda finds out, she's just like, "eh. So you lied and stole my money. I still want your body.")
Speaking of Fox, his entire character is that he loves his orphans. So when Miranda suggests holding a fundraiser to fix the roof, he throws a complete fit and storms out. Why? Because his precious Miranda, (they're not together yet,) will be hosting with Fox's MORTAL ENEMY! (The guy caught in the extortion scheme.) Oh yes, there's the magnanimous and loving father figure we've come to know and hate. Much better to try to force yourself on a wealthy heiress. And yes, that's precisely what Fox tries to do. As much as he likes Miranda, he spends 3/4 of the book thinking of "compromising" her to force her into marriage, and after he does, spends the rest of the book pouting that he doesn't want her to marry him just because he did. Shut the fuck up you rapey asshole.
The whole second half of the book was overlong and unnecessary. After the ball and consummation of their love, I was more interested in the questions raised by Miranda's father than whether or not the brats would be able to get married. Why doesn't Fox have any money? His father gambled, OK. This year's crop was bad. Got it. What about last year's crop? The money from the sheep? Where are the taxes from the tenants? Miranda has a smaller estate that brings in $5,000 a year. It does sound like Fox CAN'T properly run a household, but we're supposed to think the Duke is a big meany head for pointing that out.
Speaking of, Miranda's parents are mustache-twirling villains. Flat, cardboard, and serving no purpose but to drive H/H apart. Oh wait, that also describes the cousins and the actual villain, who might as well be the Sheriff of Nottingham. He steals tapestries from orphans. Gleefully.
At the end, Miranda rebuffs Fox because he didn't ask for her hand nicely enough and her parents hate him. They have sex anyway, and Fox rebuffs her right back. She goes back to the cousins' house and realizes her family hates her too. She tries to tell them she's changed her mind, but they just evilly twirl their mustaches. Some cackling may have been involved. Miranda runs back into Fox's arms, and he forgives her, and they get their HEA. And so do I, because the book is over.
Both H/H were unlikable, selfish brats. Lady Miranda, a spoiled socialite exiled to the country for taking a dark walk with an unmarried man, was really unrealistic in her mood swings, going from strong temptress to pouting child in a breath. To prove she really is bad to the bone, she makes out with a sexy highwayman in front of her puritanical cousins. The highway man is altruistic Fox, disguised to steal the cousins' money because they're annoying. Oh yes, in a novel about overcoming class differences, Fox robs not one, not two, but THREE people in his Robin Hood-lite quest to keep his orphanage going. Because they have so much and they're not donating in a way he deems suitable. Bra. Vo. (Even though one of the men he robs is basically innocent and caught in an extortion web. And Fox faces no repercussions. And when Miranda finds out, she's just like, "eh. So you lied and stole my money. I still want your body.")
Speaking of Fox, his entire character is that he loves his orphans. So when Miranda suggests holding a fundraiser to fix the roof, he throws a complete fit and storms out. Why? Because his precious Miranda, (they're not together yet,) will be hosting with Fox's MORTAL ENEMY! (The guy caught in the extortion scheme.) Oh yes, there's the magnanimous and loving father figure we've come to know and hate. Much better to try to force yourself on a wealthy heiress. And yes, that's precisely what Fox tries to do. As much as he likes Miranda, he spends 3/4 of the book thinking of "compromising" her to force her into marriage, and after he does, spends the rest of the book pouting that he doesn't want her to marry him just because he did. Shut the fuck up you rapey asshole.
The whole second half of the book was overlong and unnecessary. After the ball and consummation of their love, I was more interested in the questions raised by Miranda's father than whether or not the brats would be able to get married. Why doesn't Fox have any money? His father gambled, OK. This year's crop was bad. Got it. What about last year's crop? The money from the sheep? Where are the taxes from the tenants? Miranda has a smaller estate that brings in $5,000 a year. It does sound like Fox CAN'T properly run a household, but we're supposed to think the Duke is a big meany head for pointing that out.
Speaking of, Miranda's parents are mustache-twirling villains. Flat, cardboard, and serving no purpose but to drive H/H apart. Oh wait, that also describes the cousins and the actual villain, who might as well be the Sheriff of Nottingham. He steals tapestries from orphans. Gleefully.
At the end, Miranda rebuffs Fox because he didn't ask for her hand nicely enough and her parents hate him. They have sex anyway, and Fox rebuffs her right back. She goes back to the cousins' house and realizes her family hates her too. She tries to tell them she's changed her mind, but they just evilly twirl their mustaches. Some cackling may have been involved. Miranda runs back into Fox's arms, and he forgives her, and they get their HEA. And so do I, because the book is over.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2016
2,5 I Could Have Strangled You Stars
I think it's a good thing I couldn't write the review for ths straight away once I finished it, or it would have been a very long, pissed-off rant. There was nothing wicked in this story, unless I count the unfulfilled promises of the blurb. I don't think this book deserve such a lengthy review anyway.
Miranda Sinclair is a spoiled, empty, ignorant, selfish, mostly shallow, privileged lady from London's ton sent to the countryside as punishment by her frigid, rigid parents. Montgomery Foxcroft is a (hunk) broke countryman in charge of an estate he can't take care of and an orphanage in even worse state, so much so he decides to try his hand at robbery. They meet during the robbery. Beauty worship like you wouldn't believe. A kiss in the middle of the robbery that makes absolutely no sense but boom, they're both shaken. Of course, they meet again in normal circumstances and they can't stand each others until the big reveal, still the beauty worship knows no end.
Miranda wouldn't know the meaning of the word introspection if it hit her in the face. She doesn't understand why she's been punished nor what it means to learn, grow and try to be better, regardless of her parents' motives. Her parents are awful of course, but she has no backbone at all, and no real rebellious streak rather than liking sex. She looked down on people, she judged by the clothes they wear and the decor of their houses and really doesn't grow up that much throughout the book, despite some moments that gave me briefly hope. She improves, marginally. Not enough to make her a worthy person or a likeable heroine in my eyes. I'm no even going into the way she reacted and acted towards the poor children at first.
Fox, on the other hand, is presented as such a committed, generous, selfless hard worker that, with his jaded love past and his tragic financial needs, should get a much better pairing. Too bad he's completely blindsided by this constant beauty worship gushing whenever Miranda is near. Some of the flowery phrasing depicting his desire for her had me roll my eyes until they almost fell off.
They run hot and cold, they quarrel at the wrong moments, they have sex in even more improbable ones, they are both not completely sincere with their motives until the very end and I don't get the idea they truly know and appreciate each other, it's more lust if anything at all. If I were Fox, I would be deeply hurt by Miranda's obvious shame about him and his estate in front of her parents, that alone would be reason enough to question my idea of her.
The ending felt rushed after several sections that dragged on. The bad guys are punished, the half bad guys have a chance at redemption, Miranda ends up choosing Fox after all. A lot of the side characters were just as unlikeable, for instance Beatrice's big display of jealousy and greed. Mah. I just hope the kids at the orphanage will finally get a chance to learn some trade useful to find decent jobs other than serving or prostituting after all. I did like the importance given to kissing though, I love kissing. For the rest, a big fat MEH from me. I can't stand beauty worship with nothing else real going on for the heroine.
I think it's a good thing I couldn't write the review for ths straight away once I finished it, or it would have been a very long, pissed-off rant. There was nothing wicked in this story, unless I count the unfulfilled promises of the blurb. I don't think this book deserve such a lengthy review anyway.
Miranda Sinclair is a spoiled, empty, ignorant, selfish, mostly shallow, privileged lady from London's ton sent to the countryside as punishment by her frigid, rigid parents. Montgomery Foxcroft is a (hunk) broke countryman in charge of an estate he can't take care of and an orphanage in even worse state, so much so he decides to try his hand at robbery. They meet during the robbery. Beauty worship like you wouldn't believe. A kiss in the middle of the robbery that makes absolutely no sense but boom, they're both shaken. Of course, they meet again in normal circumstances and they can't stand each others until the big reveal, still the beauty worship knows no end.
Miranda wouldn't know the meaning of the word introspection if it hit her in the face. She doesn't understand why she's been punished nor what it means to learn, grow and try to be better, regardless of her parents' motives. Her parents are awful of course, but she has no backbone at all, and no real rebellious streak rather than liking sex. She looked down on people, she judged by the clothes they wear and the decor of their houses and really doesn't grow up that much throughout the book, despite some moments that gave me briefly hope. She improves, marginally. Not enough to make her a worthy person or a likeable heroine in my eyes. I'm no even going into the way she reacted and acted towards the poor children at first.
Fox, on the other hand, is presented as such a committed, generous, selfless hard worker that, with his jaded love past and his tragic financial needs, should get a much better pairing. Too bad he's completely blindsided by this constant beauty worship gushing whenever Miranda is near. Some of the flowery phrasing depicting his desire for her had me roll my eyes until they almost fell off.
They run hot and cold, they quarrel at the wrong moments, they have sex in even more improbable ones, they are both not completely sincere with their motives until the very end and I don't get the idea they truly know and appreciate each other, it's more lust if anything at all. If I were Fox, I would be deeply hurt by Miranda's obvious shame about him and his estate in front of her parents, that alone would be reason enough to question my idea of her.
The ending felt rushed after several sections that dragged on. The bad guys are punished, the half bad guys have a chance at redemption, Miranda ends up choosing Fox after all. A lot of the side characters were just as unlikeable, for instance Beatrice's big display of jealousy and greed. Mah. I just hope the kids at the orphanage will finally get a chance to learn some trade useful to find decent jobs other than serving or prostituting after all. I did like the importance given to kissing though, I love kissing. For the rest, a big fat MEH from me. I can't stand beauty worship with nothing else real going on for the heroine.
June 8, 2020
'SHE WAS HIS SAVIOR
Banished from London for her reckless behavior, Lady Miranda Sinclair is robbed by a dashing highwayman en route to the country. By offering him a kiss in lieu of the jewels she had to leave behind, she commits the very type of act that caused her exile. When her dour guardians extend her punishment to performing charitable work at the local orphanage, she's further tempted by the home's owner, a provincial gentleman who stirs her passion in a most wicked way.
HE WAS HER DOWNFALL
Desperate to save his orphanage from financial catastrophe, Montgomery "Fox" Foxcroft leads a double life as a highwayman. The arrival of wealthy, well-connected Miranda, whose kiss he can't forget, presents a lawful opportunity to increase his coffers. His problems seem solved-until she rejects his suit. Out of options and falling for the heiress, Fox must risk what principles he has left and take advantage of her wicked ways-even if it ruins them both.'
_________________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
Her Wicked Ways is the first book in Darcy Burke's Secrets and Scandals series.
I have been reading some of Darcy Burke's more recent books and have really enjoyed them. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors and so I've decided to go back and read some of her earlier works, starting with Her Wicked Ways.
I liked both main characters, but I found Fox to be significantly more likable than Miranda. He is incredibly selfless and caring. He wears himself and his coiffers thin in order to do his utmost to protect those that rely on him for their survival. He is even willing to face the risk of the hangman's noose if it means doing everything he can to keep the orphange going.
Miranda is labeled as rebellious, but I'd really just say that she is more fliratatious and less reserved that one would expect for the time, she really doesn't exhibit any other signs of rebelliousness in my opinion. That is until she undergoes some growth, which she inarguably does, but it's a near thing for her. The develpment her character makes happens in fits and bursts and she has a few steps backward along the way and she often disappointed me. For me, her character only came fully around within the last dozen pages or so and she was making me anxious that she wasn't going to pull it together.
Fox and Miranda are an interesting pairing, in that their attraction is largely only physical for much of the book and the emotional/romantic attraction is more inconstant, but strangely is worked for them. More than anything though, I wish that they had been honest which each other much earlier, but I was still happy with how the story ended and the plot was unique. I love that Burke writes about women that don't quite follow the rules of the day.
I'm curious to learn just what Jasper meant in his cryptic response to Miranda at the end of the book and so I'm looking forward to starting the next book in the series, His Wicked Heart, and to learn more about his character.
It is important to note that this is one of Burke's earliest books and I did not find it to be as strong as her more recent books. I still enjoyed it though and would recommend this book if you enjoy historical romance or any of Darcy Burke's other books. This is not a clean romance.
Banished from London for her reckless behavior, Lady Miranda Sinclair is robbed by a dashing highwayman en route to the country. By offering him a kiss in lieu of the jewels she had to leave behind, she commits the very type of act that caused her exile. When her dour guardians extend her punishment to performing charitable work at the local orphanage, she's further tempted by the home's owner, a provincial gentleman who stirs her passion in a most wicked way.
HE WAS HER DOWNFALL
Desperate to save his orphanage from financial catastrophe, Montgomery "Fox" Foxcroft leads a double life as a highwayman. The arrival of wealthy, well-connected Miranda, whose kiss he can't forget, presents a lawful opportunity to increase his coffers. His problems seem solved-until she rejects his suit. Out of options and falling for the heiress, Fox must risk what principles he has left and take advantage of her wicked ways-even if it ruins them both.'
_________________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
Her Wicked Ways is the first book in Darcy Burke's Secrets and Scandals series.
I have been reading some of Darcy Burke's more recent books and have really enjoyed them. She has quickly become one of my favorite authors and so I've decided to go back and read some of her earlier works, starting with Her Wicked Ways.
I liked both main characters, but I found Fox to be significantly more likable than Miranda. He is incredibly selfless and caring. He wears himself and his coiffers thin in order to do his utmost to protect those that rely on him for their survival. He is even willing to face the risk of the hangman's noose if it means doing everything he can to keep the orphange going.
Miranda is labeled as rebellious, but I'd really just say that she is more fliratatious and less reserved that one would expect for the time, she really doesn't exhibit any other signs of rebelliousness in my opinion. That is until she undergoes some growth, which she inarguably does, but it's a near thing for her. The develpment her character makes happens in fits and bursts and she has a few steps backward along the way and she often disappointed me. For me, her character only came fully around within the last dozen pages or so and she was making me anxious that she wasn't going to pull it together.
Fox and Miranda are an interesting pairing, in that their attraction is largely only physical for much of the book and the emotional/romantic attraction is more inconstant, but strangely is worked for them. More than anything though, I wish that they had been honest which each other much earlier, but I was still happy with how the story ended and the plot was unique. I love that Burke writes about women that don't quite follow the rules of the day.
I'm curious to learn just what Jasper meant in his cryptic response to Miranda at the end of the book and so I'm looking forward to starting the next book in the series, His Wicked Heart, and to learn more about his character.
It is important to note that this is one of Burke's earliest books and I did not find it to be as strong as her more recent books. I still enjoyed it though and would recommend this book if you enjoy historical romance or any of Darcy Burke's other books. This is not a clean romance.
nevermind
April 10, 2017The book opens with a highwayman robbing a coach. Yay, highwaymen! Except there are two coaches, unexpectedly, and he sees a "female head" poke out of the second one. From page 2:
Page freakin' 2. And then a lengthy description of her looks follows, including mention of "eyes of an indiscernible color." Which, duh. It's NIGHT.
I stopped reading right there and started another romance novel, and the H's POV in that managed to describe the h without a puddle of drool forming. So I know it can be done.
No, no, no. Just nope.
She raised her face, and Fox's jaw loosened. He just managed to keep it from unhinging entirely. She was beautiful. No, that word didn't do her justice. She was incomparable.
Page freakin' 2. And then a lengthy description of her looks follows, including mention of "eyes of an indiscernible color." Which, duh. It's NIGHT.
I stopped reading right there and started another romance novel, and the H's POV in that managed to describe the h without a puddle of drool forming. So I know it can be done.
No, no, no. Just nope.
May 26, 2012
Lady Miranda Sinclair is on her way to the most dreadful place for her...the country. Her parents, the Duke and Duchess of Holborn, are tired of her reckless behavior and after almost compromising herself on the Dark Walk at Vauxhall, its the last straw for them. So Miranda is sent to the country to stay with her cousin with no money or frills from London. While on they way there, they are held up by a highwayman and Miranda, in her brazen way, attempts to trade a kiss for the money (that they don't have). She boldly kisses the highwayman and is left reeling from the steaminess of it but it is also one more mark against her character and her parents forbid her from even socializing or going into town while in the country. Miranda's only time out of the dreary house is when she may go to the even drearier orphanage to help out. Miranda just doesn't quite understand how the orphanage is in such disrepair. Surely if one needs to fix the roof, they do it! And the lice! Shudder. What is a gently bred young woman like herself supposed to do?
Montgomery Foxcroft, or Fox, is desperate to repair the damage his father did to his childhood home and his childhood legacy, the orphanage. He knows he can not turn out the children but he is in desperate need of funds and leads a double life as a highwayman occasionally. When the beautiful, but extremely out of place, wealthy Miranda arrives he starts to think maybe his prayers have been answered. All he simply most do is get caught compromising the young beauty and he will have plenty of wealth to save his orphanage. But as Miranda does not know that Fox is the highwayman, she finds herself attracted to Fox but all her thoughts are for the highwayman. When her parents arrive to whisk her back to London for a 'proper' marriage, neither Fox nor Miranda know what to do. How this couple finally arrive at their happily ever after is a treat to read!
This is Darcy Burke's debut novel and I really enjoyed it!! I liked watching Miranda struggle to find herself and become a better person because she starts off very self-centered (due in large part to her overbearing, rude father who seems to want nothing at all do to with her), confident, arrogant and unaware of how truly difficult life can be without the comfort of money. She learns, slowly, that money isn't always necessary to bring true happiness and that something as simple as a hug can go a long way to improving ones day. I enjoyed watching her develop strong connections with the children from the orphanage and getting a bit closer with her cousin and seeing the sparks fly between her and Fox. Fox was a wonderful balance to Miranda with his pride and generous heart. There is an interesting development in the storyline when Miranda holds a benefit for the orphanage that adds a bit of suspense that I also enjoyed. As I am an epilogue kind of girl, I really missed not having one with this story as I felt like there were a few loose ends left open and I am hoping they are addressed in the next book which features Miranda's brother, Jasper. Overall, this was a delightful romance mixed with humor, tenderness and love (you might need a cool glass of water!) that left a happy smile on my face. I can't wait for more books from Ms Burke! 4 solid stars
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this ebook!
ETA: She added an epilogue and it is just what it needed at the end! :)
Montgomery Foxcroft, or Fox, is desperate to repair the damage his father did to his childhood home and his childhood legacy, the orphanage. He knows he can not turn out the children but he is in desperate need of funds and leads a double life as a highwayman occasionally. When the beautiful, but extremely out of place, wealthy Miranda arrives he starts to think maybe his prayers have been answered. All he simply most do is get caught compromising the young beauty and he will have plenty of wealth to save his orphanage. But as Miranda does not know that Fox is the highwayman, she finds herself attracted to Fox but all her thoughts are for the highwayman. When her parents arrive to whisk her back to London for a 'proper' marriage, neither Fox nor Miranda know what to do. How this couple finally arrive at their happily ever after is a treat to read!
This is Darcy Burke's debut novel and I really enjoyed it!! I liked watching Miranda struggle to find herself and become a better person because she starts off very self-centered (due in large part to her overbearing, rude father who seems to want nothing at all do to with her), confident, arrogant and unaware of how truly difficult life can be without the comfort of money. She learns, slowly, that money isn't always necessary to bring true happiness and that something as simple as a hug can go a long way to improving ones day. I enjoyed watching her develop strong connections with the children from the orphanage and getting a bit closer with her cousin and seeing the sparks fly between her and Fox. Fox was a wonderful balance to Miranda with his pride and generous heart. There is an interesting development in the storyline when Miranda holds a benefit for the orphanage that adds a bit of suspense that I also enjoyed. As I am an epilogue kind of girl, I really missed not having one with this story as I felt like there were a few loose ends left open and I am hoping they are addressed in the next book which features Miranda's brother, Jasper. Overall, this was a delightful romance mixed with humor, tenderness and love (you might need a cool glass of water!) that left a happy smile on my face. I can't wait for more books from Ms Burke! 4 solid stars
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this ebook!
ETA: She added an epilogue and it is just what it needed at the end! :)
April 12, 2025
Kobo+ Mad About Series Challenge 2025 HRBC. Tropes: Crime/Romance, Forbidden Love, Love at First Sight, Regency Romance, Disguise.
MC's h. L. Miranda Sinclair, daughter of Duke and Duchess of Holborn, sent to her cousins' in the country for being to brazen. H. Montgomery Foxtrot (Fox), secret hiwayman, rundown double estate with an orphanage, reduced to robbery to feed and keep the orphans.
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MC's h. L. Miranda Sinclair, daughter of Duke and Duchess of Holborn, sent to her cousins' in the country for being to brazen. H. Montgomery Foxtrot (Fox), secret hiwayman, rundown double estate with an orphanage, reduced to robbery to feed and keep the orphans.
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This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2013
This is a free book I downloaded from Kobo and liked it far more than I expected. Miranda is banished to the country after engaging in scandalous behavior. While there she is pressed into volunteering at the local orphanage, the master of which, Fox, is the highway man who robbed her on the road days before though she doesn’t know this.
Miranda and Fox’s relationship runs hot and cold the whole book. But for reasons that felt real. She expects to return to London and he wavers between wanting to marry her for her money and guilt about the same. Miranda grew as a person and instead of the work crushing her spirit, it allows her true gifts to shine through as she improves the orphanage.
There are side stories with the family she lives with, a potential suitor from the town, her own family but they add to the story not detract. Her brother Justin was very fascinating character and I look forward to reading his story.
The ending did come across a little choppy but I liked how it there were aspects of it that were not what I expected. Overall an enjoyable read.
Miranda and Fox’s relationship runs hot and cold the whole book. But for reasons that felt real. She expects to return to London and he wavers between wanting to marry her for her money and guilt about the same. Miranda grew as a person and instead of the work crushing her spirit, it allows her true gifts to shine through as she improves the orphanage.
There are side stories with the family she lives with, a potential suitor from the town, her own family but they add to the story not detract. Her brother Justin was very fascinating character and I look forward to reading his story.
The ending did come across a little choppy but I liked how it there were aspects of it that were not what I expected. Overall an enjoyable read.
Want to read
February 5, 2015 This is free right now on Amazon!
http://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Ways-Sec...
Read the 6th in the series and really liked it :)
http://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Ways-Sec...
Read the 6th in the series and really liked it :)
August 29, 2012
I wasn't really expecting this to be as good as it was. Granted, it's just a simple historical romance - nothing too unique about it. However, Burke did a great job of making me care about the characters and brought the little town to life. I didn't want to put the book down and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
October 5, 2018
First time reader of this author and now i am hooked. This was such a great, easy and creative series. i was hooked after the first page.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this series.
The characters were easy to fall in love with and follow, along with the story. the author made the mental visions so easy and vivid of the surroundings and the characters actions felt so real.
i would highly recommend this author and this series.
May 23, 2012
I saw Tessa Dare tweet about this book and since I have no discipline when it comes to buying books, I immediately downloaded it onto my Kindle. I read the first chapter and knew I would be finishing this one quickly. I really enjoyed the first 85% of this book. After that, I had some problems, but let’s talk about the good stuff first.
Lady Miranda Sinclair has been banished from London by her parents (her father is a Duke) for her illicit behavior. Caught in an intimate embrace one night at Vauxhall, her parents are tired of her antics and send her to live with a cousin in the small town of Wootton Bassett. She is banned from any social engagements and finds herself at the mercy of her cousins and their daughter Beatrice, who isn’t quite sure about her. Her life has gone from flitting around with the ton of London, to a very country atmosphere.
But that doesn’t mean Miranda is going to stay away from trouble, because trouble finds her. Riding in a carriage one night, they get stopped by a highway man there to steal all their money. But it turns into a little more of an amusing affair:
“I don’t have time to discuss the finer points of your doddering or lack thereof. Return to the carriage and retrieve whatever it is you have of value. I’d hate to have to use my pistol.”
Her gaze flicked downward. “Your pistol?”
Hell’s teeth, had she just looked at his crotch?
This highwayman is actually our hero, Montgomery Foxcroft or just Fox. (Oh I love that name). Fox owns and runs an orphanage in this small town. His late father gambled all their money away and he needs money to make major repairs, so he has taken to stealing it. Usually from those he knows are known criminals, but at this time he is desperate to make repairs on the orphanage roof.
Beatrice, Miranda’s cousin happens to volunteer at this orphanage, and Miranda is forced to go along (to her horror, pick lice out of the kids hair). This is where Miranda and Fox meet, while Fox isn’t wearing a disguise (obviously Fox recognizes Miranda but she doesn’t recognize him). They immediately size each other up. Miranda looking down her nose at this poorly dressed, (yet still sexy!) man and Fox thinking Miranda is hoity-toity and snobbish. But Miranda soon proves herself capable of learning new things, and a warmness inside her catches Fox off-guard. Fox needs money, and Miranda, daughter of a duke has a lot of it. His plan turns to seducing her, but when his arch-enemy Stratham comes sniffing by with eyes for Miranda, he knows he will have to work extra hard to get her attention.
This book has two great protagonists in Fox and Miranda. Fox is hard working, could care less about society, and has a really sharp tongue to him. It doesn’t take long for Miranda to get down and dirty with the orphanage and to realize there is more to life than balls and fine gowns. Yet her transformation is very believable. For awhile all she can think about is getting back to London and away from this country life. But Fox is a force she can’t ignore. He is very masculine and pushes her to be a better person.
I also like that Stratham, a wealthier country gentleman also makes a play for Miranda and has a nasty history with Fox. But I could also see a glimmer of hope of redemption in him. He is the villain you love to hate and yet hope to one day love to love. I will say I was disappointed in who he ends up with at the end of the book but I won’t go farther so I don’t spoil.
As I said above, the first 85% of this book is fast paced, very sexy, with engaging characters. I was very invested but disappointed in the ending. Around the 85% mark the conflict escalates with a conclusion of sorts to some trouble Fox had gotten into. At this point, it felt to me that Miranda was in love with Fox. Hanging over them though are her extremely strict parents. Now she is the daughter of a duke so obviously I knew there would be conflict with her marrying a poor, untitled gentleman. But I just didn’t like how it was all resolved. Miranda truly felt like she loved Fox, but then the next chapter she is accusing him of sleeping with her, just to get to her money. It didn’t make sense to me. It felt like a new Miranda than the one that had appeared in earlier pages. And when the final resolution came down to allow her to marry with her parent’s wishes (of sorts) it felt too easy.
I still recommend this book and I look forward to the next book which features Miranda’s brother. I wish I would have liked the end better but still glad I read this one. I really enjoy the author’s voice. A nice debut.
Rating: B-
Lady Miranda Sinclair has been banished from London by her parents (her father is a Duke) for her illicit behavior. Caught in an intimate embrace one night at Vauxhall, her parents are tired of her antics and send her to live with a cousin in the small town of Wootton Bassett. She is banned from any social engagements and finds herself at the mercy of her cousins and their daughter Beatrice, who isn’t quite sure about her. Her life has gone from flitting around with the ton of London, to a very country atmosphere.
But that doesn’t mean Miranda is going to stay away from trouble, because trouble finds her. Riding in a carriage one night, they get stopped by a highway man there to steal all their money. But it turns into a little more of an amusing affair:
“I don’t have time to discuss the finer points of your doddering or lack thereof. Return to the carriage and retrieve whatever it is you have of value. I’d hate to have to use my pistol.”
Her gaze flicked downward. “Your pistol?”
Hell’s teeth, had she just looked at his crotch?
This highwayman is actually our hero, Montgomery Foxcroft or just Fox. (Oh I love that name). Fox owns and runs an orphanage in this small town. His late father gambled all their money away and he needs money to make major repairs, so he has taken to stealing it. Usually from those he knows are known criminals, but at this time he is desperate to make repairs on the orphanage roof.
Beatrice, Miranda’s cousin happens to volunteer at this orphanage, and Miranda is forced to go along (to her horror, pick lice out of the kids hair). This is where Miranda and Fox meet, while Fox isn’t wearing a disguise (obviously Fox recognizes Miranda but she doesn’t recognize him). They immediately size each other up. Miranda looking down her nose at this poorly dressed, (yet still sexy!) man and Fox thinking Miranda is hoity-toity and snobbish. But Miranda soon proves herself capable of learning new things, and a warmness inside her catches Fox off-guard. Fox needs money, and Miranda, daughter of a duke has a lot of it. His plan turns to seducing her, but when his arch-enemy Stratham comes sniffing by with eyes for Miranda, he knows he will have to work extra hard to get her attention.
This book has two great protagonists in Fox and Miranda. Fox is hard working, could care less about society, and has a really sharp tongue to him. It doesn’t take long for Miranda to get down and dirty with the orphanage and to realize there is more to life than balls and fine gowns. Yet her transformation is very believable. For awhile all she can think about is getting back to London and away from this country life. But Fox is a force she can’t ignore. He is very masculine and pushes her to be a better person.
I also like that Stratham, a wealthier country gentleman also makes a play for Miranda and has a nasty history with Fox. But I could also see a glimmer of hope of redemption in him. He is the villain you love to hate and yet hope to one day love to love. I will say I was disappointed in who he ends up with at the end of the book but I won’t go farther so I don’t spoil.
As I said above, the first 85% of this book is fast paced, very sexy, with engaging characters. I was very invested but disappointed in the ending. Around the 85% mark the conflict escalates with a conclusion of sorts to some trouble Fox had gotten into. At this point, it felt to me that Miranda was in love with Fox. Hanging over them though are her extremely strict parents. Now she is the daughter of a duke so obviously I knew there would be conflict with her marrying a poor, untitled gentleman. But I just didn’t like how it was all resolved. Miranda truly felt like she loved Fox, but then the next chapter she is accusing him of sleeping with her, just to get to her money. It didn’t make sense to me. It felt like a new Miranda than the one that had appeared in earlier pages. And when the final resolution came down to allow her to marry with her parent’s wishes (of sorts) it felt too easy.
I still recommend this book and I look forward to the next book which features Miranda’s brother. I wish I would have liked the end better but still glad I read this one. I really enjoy the author’s voice. A nice debut.
Rating: B-
April 8, 2024
It was so so but good book to read…
Not much to say though…
Looking forward to read more book series soon….
Not much to say though…
Looking forward to read more book series soon….
June 20, 2012
2.5 Stars
Lady Miranda Sinclair has been sent away from London to the country with strict distant relations for her scandalous behaviour, in the hopes it will tame her. However, her first act in Wooden Bassett is to kiss a highwayman as he robs their carriage...not the best of starts. Mr Montgomery Foxcroft, Fox to all those who know him, has had to resort to desparate measures to keep his orphange safe, and has become a highwayman. But it doesn't seem all the bad when he steals a kiss from a beautiful young lady.
There were a lot of things I did like about this book, the writing was good, the story was interesting and there were cute orphans, but for me it was ruined as I couldn't stand the heroin, Miranda, which in turn made me question the hero's, Fox's, taste (and yes intelligence).
I could see what Ms Burke was doing with her, when she first arrives in Wooden Bassett she is a spoiled and arrogant Duke's daughter who judges everyone on appearance and what they have, and I grant by the end of the book she has vastly changed for the better. But despite her growth as a character and despite understanding some of ther decisions she makes....I still couldn't stand her.
But, despite not liking the main character I did enjoy the book and the hero, despite his questionable taste in women, was adorable and sexy. How can you resist a man who works night and day to keep cute orphans safe?
Miranda's brother Lord Saxton was also an interesting character and I know the next book is about him and I am looking forward to reading it!
Lady Miranda Sinclair has been sent away from London to the country with strict distant relations for her scandalous behaviour, in the hopes it will tame her. However, her first act in Wooden Bassett is to kiss a highwayman as he robs their carriage...not the best of starts. Mr Montgomery Foxcroft, Fox to all those who know him, has had to resort to desparate measures to keep his orphange safe, and has become a highwayman. But it doesn't seem all the bad when he steals a kiss from a beautiful young lady.
There were a lot of things I did like about this book, the writing was good, the story was interesting and there were cute orphans, but for me it was ruined as I couldn't stand the heroin, Miranda, which in turn made me question the hero's, Fox's, taste (and yes intelligence).
I could see what Ms Burke was doing with her, when she first arrives in Wooden Bassett she is a spoiled and arrogant Duke's daughter who judges everyone on appearance and what they have, and I grant by the end of the book she has vastly changed for the better. But despite her growth as a character and despite understanding some of ther decisions she makes....I still couldn't stand her.
But, despite not liking the main character I did enjoy the book and the hero, despite his questionable taste in women, was adorable and sexy. How can you resist a man who works night and day to keep cute orphans safe?
Miranda's brother Lord Saxton was also an interesting character and I know the next book is about him and I am looking forward to reading it!
March 7, 2015
I quite enjoyed this book. It had a plot of the two characters gently coming together and ended well.
There were a few scenes that could have been a little less graphic & the story still would have worked just as well, but considering the romance genre has more of these scenes written in, I was expecting as such.
I felt that the end was rushed compared to the rest of the book, so the pacing at the beginning could have used some extra speed to match the end of the book.
Other than these few little things, it was a decent book.
There were a few scenes that could have been a little less graphic & the story still would have worked just as well, but considering the romance genre has more of these scenes written in, I was expecting as such.
I felt that the end was rushed compared to the rest of the book, so the pacing at the beginning could have used some extra speed to match the end of the book.
Other than these few little things, it was a decent book.
February 23, 2020
I can't believe this book has so high of a rating. Miranda is rude a judgemental. Fox is a self sacrificing criminal. These two just did not mesh for me.
May 7, 2020
Her Wicked Ways (Secrets & Scandals Book 1)
The love story of Lady Miranda and Fixcroft. Fix run an orphanage and short of funds. He play "Robin Hood" to get the money. Miranda is band from London by her father, the Duke. She goes to the country and is force to work at the orphanage and is band from all social events. She mets Fox and he plans to marry her. Can he find love? Great story.
The love story of Lady Miranda and Fixcroft. Fix run an orphanage and short of funds. He play "Robin Hood" to get the money. Miranda is band from London by her father, the Duke. She goes to the country and is force to work at the orphanage and is band from all social events. She mets Fox and he plans to marry her. Can he find love? Great story.
June 12, 2023
Romance tropes: orphan, class warfare, secret identity
This was convoluted, and I felt like h didn’t really want to be with H. The constant reminders of poverty were a real bummer.
This was convoluted, and I felt like h didn’t really want to be with H. The constant reminders of poverty were a real bummer.
January 7, 2019
Loved the first half. The second half meandered a little, but I have to say I never wanted to stop reading, and this book was anything but predictable!
September 8, 2023
2.5 ⭐ This dragged, and the characters were terrible people. Ultimately did not enjoy.
January 9, 2019
https://celebrityreaders.com/2019/01/...
It was very well written, I liked the back and forth even if it got a bit tired. It reminded me of a modern day relationship but set in not so modern time.
Miranda started out headstrong, stubborn and self-centered. I enjoyed the way she was written so entitled and how she slowly evolved into a deeper character. Her willingness to try new things was interesting in one so selfish. But it was necessary for her character to grow and not at all contradictory to the story. One thing that bothered me was her wishy washy-ness when it came to matters of the heart. It was clear as day how she felt for Fox, and he for her. But she fought it so hard throughout the last half of the book that I almost wanted her to not end up with him in the end if for no other reason than she wasn’t good enough for him. I know she wanted to please her parents but that part of the story wasn’t important enough for her to act the way she did, IMO.
Fox was like a modern day Robin Hood. I loved him immediately. He was smitten from day one with Miranda so most of the time he is either wooing her or robbing others to save his orphanage. Other than that, we don’t really know what else makes him tick. And while that is enough, we get a much bigger picture with Miranda than we do with Fox, I don’t know I just wanted a bit more of him. I loved how he persevered in the face of so much adversity. He never gave up and was willing to go without himself in order for the children to have what they needed. He was a proud man if a poor one, and I enjoyed how he went after Miranda so subtlety. Their flirtation seemed effortless yet intense from the very beginning.
I’d read more from this author.
It was very well written, I liked the back and forth even if it got a bit tired. It reminded me of a modern day relationship but set in not so modern time.
Miranda started out headstrong, stubborn and self-centered. I enjoyed the way she was written so entitled and how she slowly evolved into a deeper character. Her willingness to try new things was interesting in one so selfish. But it was necessary for her character to grow and not at all contradictory to the story. One thing that bothered me was her wishy washy-ness when it came to matters of the heart. It was clear as day how she felt for Fox, and he for her. But she fought it so hard throughout the last half of the book that I almost wanted her to not end up with him in the end if for no other reason than she wasn’t good enough for him. I know she wanted to please her parents but that part of the story wasn’t important enough for her to act the way she did, IMO.
Fox was like a modern day Robin Hood. I loved him immediately. He was smitten from day one with Miranda so most of the time he is either wooing her or robbing others to save his orphanage. Other than that, we don’t really know what else makes him tick. And while that is enough, we get a much bigger picture with Miranda than we do with Fox, I don’t know I just wanted a bit more of him. I loved how he persevered in the face of so much adversity. He never gave up and was willing to go without himself in order for the children to have what they needed. He was a proud man if a poor one, and I enjoyed how he went after Miranda so subtlety. Their flirtation seemed effortless yet intense from the very beginning.
I’d read more from this author.
July 21, 2012
Reviewed for Booked Up
To See Review at Booked Up
The first time Montgomery Foxcroft and Lady Miranda Sinclair meet, he is robbing the coach she is in. Although he is doing it because he needs money for his orphanage, he cannot refuse the kiss she wants to trade in exchange for her valuable things. However, she has nothing of value, her parents have exiled her to Wiltshire and left her penniless as punishment. He is charmed by the beautiful siren in front of him.
“Are you here to steal our money or gape?”
Fox wanted to knock his head against a tree. This wasn’t like him. Mentally undressing hapless females whilst he stole their valuables. He had to keep his wits about him.
Their first meeting finishes with:
“Until next time, then?”
Fox chuckled. Incomparable. “Pray, my lady, there isn’t a next time.”
In the end, Fox gets from her just hairpins and a couple of biscuits.
When Fox has to decide between robbing another mark or marring Miranda, she appears to him to be a rich and spoiled heiress. He decides to go with the second option, although he doesn't have a wife, especially after Jane— a past lover, is forced by her father to marry another man, Mr. Stratham. He reckons if he falls in love with Miranda and she doesn’t choose him, he will be heartbroken.
Miranda—just thinking her name filled his brain with the memory of spicy orange scent, soft curves, and delicious lips.
For Miranda, living with the Carmodys, cousins to Miranda's mother, has become a nightmare; no reading, no riding, no fruits in the morning, she has to work at the local orphanage and she has to wake up at eight in the morning. But Miranda was sent there by her parents to better herself. She’s a spoiled brat and the hope is to break her of her impetuous, scandalous behavior and then return to London a regretful and rehabilitated young woman. And help Beatrice, their daughter, find a husband.
When Fox loses hope of marrying Miranda he risks being the highwayman again. However, what he gets is not nearly enough of what he needs, so Fox decides to compromise Miranda.
The wild lady from London starts to change. She loves spending her time with the children and she learns from them as much they learn from her. And when Miranda's parents come to visit her, declaring she will be married soon with somebody they have chosen, she wants to defend Wootton Bassett and its inhabitants.
“Do remember what your father said. Don’t encourage Mr. Stratham or any other socially inferior gentlemen you may encounter.”
Miranda has decided to find a way for raising the money to fix the roof. She organizes a benefit and sells some of Fox's tapestries. Still, when a lord doesn't pay, he decides to take what was his; and he gets caught. Now he has to unmask the greedy lord for having collected tributes for him. And not just that, he has to convince Miranda's parents to let her marry him.
I loved the book: interesting storyline, wonderful characters and a touch of humor, it kept my attention from the start.
“My father is the Duke of Holborn. I wouldn’t recognize a louse if it appeared at my mother’s bi-weekly tea and engaged my father in a political debate.”
We have Miranda, who changes from a superficial young lady to a wonderful and kind woman. And Fox who tries to marry Miranda at first because of her money and later because he loves her. I can't wait to read more of Ms. Darcy Burke's books, especially Jasper's, Miranda's brother. 5 stars
To See Review at Booked Up
The first time Montgomery Foxcroft and Lady Miranda Sinclair meet, he is robbing the coach she is in. Although he is doing it because he needs money for his orphanage, he cannot refuse the kiss she wants to trade in exchange for her valuable things. However, she has nothing of value, her parents have exiled her to Wiltshire and left her penniless as punishment. He is charmed by the beautiful siren in front of him.
“Are you here to steal our money or gape?”
Fox wanted to knock his head against a tree. This wasn’t like him. Mentally undressing hapless females whilst he stole their valuables. He had to keep his wits about him.
Their first meeting finishes with:
“Until next time, then?”
Fox chuckled. Incomparable. “Pray, my lady, there isn’t a next time.”
In the end, Fox gets from her just hairpins and a couple of biscuits.
When Fox has to decide between robbing another mark or marring Miranda, she appears to him to be a rich and spoiled heiress. He decides to go with the second option, although he doesn't have a wife, especially after Jane— a past lover, is forced by her father to marry another man, Mr. Stratham. He reckons if he falls in love with Miranda and she doesn’t choose him, he will be heartbroken.
Miranda—just thinking her name filled his brain with the memory of spicy orange scent, soft curves, and delicious lips.
For Miranda, living with the Carmodys, cousins to Miranda's mother, has become a nightmare; no reading, no riding, no fruits in the morning, she has to work at the local orphanage and she has to wake up at eight in the morning. But Miranda was sent there by her parents to better herself. She’s a spoiled brat and the hope is to break her of her impetuous, scandalous behavior and then return to London a regretful and rehabilitated young woman. And help Beatrice, their daughter, find a husband.
When Fox loses hope of marrying Miranda he risks being the highwayman again. However, what he gets is not nearly enough of what he needs, so Fox decides to compromise Miranda.
The wild lady from London starts to change. She loves spending her time with the children and she learns from them as much they learn from her. And when Miranda's parents come to visit her, declaring she will be married soon with somebody they have chosen, she wants to defend Wootton Bassett and its inhabitants.
“Do remember what your father said. Don’t encourage Mr. Stratham or any other socially inferior gentlemen you may encounter.”
Miranda has decided to find a way for raising the money to fix the roof. She organizes a benefit and sells some of Fox's tapestries. Still, when a lord doesn't pay, he decides to take what was his; and he gets caught. Now he has to unmask the greedy lord for having collected tributes for him. And not just that, he has to convince Miranda's parents to let her marry him.
I loved the book: interesting storyline, wonderful characters and a touch of humor, it kept my attention from the start.
“My father is the Duke of Holborn. I wouldn’t recognize a louse if it appeared at my mother’s bi-weekly tea and engaged my father in a political debate.”
We have Miranda, who changes from a superficial young lady to a wonderful and kind woman. And Fox who tries to marry Miranda at first because of her money and later because he loves her. I can't wait to read more of Ms. Darcy Burke's books, especially Jasper's, Miranda's brother. 5 stars
June 27, 2025
Not my favourite, but a nice reading.
April 24, 2017
More reviews available at my blog, Beauty and the Bookworm.
Romance novels that aren't very romantic are so frustrating, and this was, unfortunately, one of them. It starts when Montgomery Foxcroft, aka Fox, the hero, pretends to be a highwayman to waylay a coach and rob it for money to help with the upkeep of an orphanage his family has maintained for generations. He doesn't end up with much money, but he does end up with an armful of Lady Miranda Sinclair. Miranda was on her way into exile with some variety of family friends who live in the country when Fox stopped them, and she's more than happy to kiss him. In fact, kissing someone in the dark is the very reason she got sent into exile to begin with. Soon enough, Miranda finds herself forced to go work at the orphanage as a sort of punishment that's supposed to better her, and she rubs up wrong against Fox right away--having no idea that he's the highwayman with the magic lips, of course.
There were abundant problems with this book that placed it squarely outside of my interest, though I forced myself through to the end. (It takes a lot for me to actually give up on a book.) First, I didn't feel that there was any real chemistry between Miranda and Fox, despite how they kept insisting (internally) that they couldn't resist each other. The words were there, but the emotion wasn't. Second, Miranda herself was absolutely insufferable. She's the very definition of a spoiled rich girl. She parades around the orphanage in the finest gowns money can buy and, while Burke tries to show her growing and coming to accept that her way of life isn't the only one or even the best, she constantly relapses to her spoiled state. Even up to the very end, where she's supposed to be gaga over Fox and willing to do anything to be with him, she can't stand up to her parents and instead just silently agrees with them about how shabby Fox's entire lifestyle is. And then she abruptly grows a backbone and everyone lives happily ever after. What?
And finally, the writing isn't really engaging at all. There's so much nothing going on here. And honestly, while a hero who takes care of orphans can be a really sweet idea, reading about someone combing lice out of those orphans' hair isn't romantic at all. I picked this book up because it was a group read for Unapologetic Romance Readers on Goodreads, as a "free" selection for everyone, and found that I'd already purchased it more than a year before--and I'd actually started to read it! But I hadn't continued much past the first chapter before abandoning it. After finishing it this time, I can see why I ditched out the first time. I don't think Burke is an author I'll be picking up again.
1.5 stars out of 5.
Romance novels that aren't very romantic are so frustrating, and this was, unfortunately, one of them. It starts when Montgomery Foxcroft, aka Fox, the hero, pretends to be a highwayman to waylay a coach and rob it for money to help with the upkeep of an orphanage his family has maintained for generations. He doesn't end up with much money, but he does end up with an armful of Lady Miranda Sinclair. Miranda was on her way into exile with some variety of family friends who live in the country when Fox stopped them, and she's more than happy to kiss him. In fact, kissing someone in the dark is the very reason she got sent into exile to begin with. Soon enough, Miranda finds herself forced to go work at the orphanage as a sort of punishment that's supposed to better her, and she rubs up wrong against Fox right away--having no idea that he's the highwayman with the magic lips, of course.
There were abundant problems with this book that placed it squarely outside of my interest, though I forced myself through to the end. (It takes a lot for me to actually give up on a book.) First, I didn't feel that there was any real chemistry between Miranda and Fox, despite how they kept insisting (internally) that they couldn't resist each other. The words were there, but the emotion wasn't. Second, Miranda herself was absolutely insufferable. She's the very definition of a spoiled rich girl. She parades around the orphanage in the finest gowns money can buy and, while Burke tries to show her growing and coming to accept that her way of life isn't the only one or even the best, she constantly relapses to her spoiled state. Even up to the very end, where she's supposed to be gaga over Fox and willing to do anything to be with him, she can't stand up to her parents and instead just silently agrees with them about how shabby Fox's entire lifestyle is. And then she abruptly grows a backbone and everyone lives happily ever after. What?
And finally, the writing isn't really engaging at all. There's so much nothing going on here. And honestly, while a hero who takes care of orphans can be a really sweet idea, reading about someone combing lice out of those orphans' hair isn't romantic at all. I picked this book up because it was a group read for Unapologetic Romance Readers on Goodreads, as a "free" selection for everyone, and found that I'd already purchased it more than a year before--and I'd actually started to read it! But I hadn't continued much past the first chapter before abandoning it. After finishing it this time, I can see why I ditched out the first time. I don't think Burke is an author I'll be picking up again.
1.5 stars out of 5.
June 18, 2012
You can find the entire review at Forever Book Lover
What a wonderful debut! Darcy Burke has written a highly entertaining book. I honestly read this in less than 12 hours. The story grabs you right from the start and it doesn't let you go.
My first impression of Miranda~ what a spoiled brat. I wasn't sure if I would warm up to her. I did feel sorry for her as she was ignored and punished from equally self centered parents. I got the impression she acted out in her rebellious ways to gain their attention and their love, but in the end her parents exiled her to Wiltshire. She was also given strict instructions that she would not participate in any social gatherings as punishment. Her parents sent her there in order to better herself and return to London a regretful and rehabilitated young woman. On her way to the country, her entourage is stopped by a highwayman, bold as she is, when asked for her valuables she said she "had nothing, save a kiss.” To pass the time, she helped her cousin, Beatrice, at Stipple's End, an orphanage.
Montgomery Foxcroft "Fox" is running low of money, he inherited a mortgaged estate and a nearly destitute orphanage, from a father who gambled it away. It was not easy for him, but he resorts to being a highwayman to raise the money for the orphanage which is desperately in needs of repairs.
The match between Fox and Miranda couldn't have been more perfect. Him with his big heart and her with her rich society ways. It was enjoyable watching how Miranda grew to love the children in the orphanage. At first she was skittish of combing a young boys hair with lice, and soon she involved herself in chores and tasks without a second thought. She did what needed to be done, she rolled up her sleeves and pitched in.
The pages sizzle with sexual tension, and the love scenes burn up the pages. How can you not swoon when you read this....
I am so thankful that I found this author, what a talented writer, if you haven't read Darcy's historical novels you are missing out. I can't wait to read Jasper's story, his selfless act that eventually leads to the happiness of Miranda and Fox. I think I am already a bit in love with Jasper..
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this ebook!
What a wonderful debut! Darcy Burke has written a highly entertaining book. I honestly read this in less than 12 hours. The story grabs you right from the start and it doesn't let you go.
My first impression of Miranda~ what a spoiled brat. I wasn't sure if I would warm up to her. I did feel sorry for her as she was ignored and punished from equally self centered parents. I got the impression she acted out in her rebellious ways to gain their attention and their love, but in the end her parents exiled her to Wiltshire. She was also given strict instructions that she would not participate in any social gatherings as punishment. Her parents sent her there in order to better herself and return to London a regretful and rehabilitated young woman. On her way to the country, her entourage is stopped by a highwayman, bold as she is, when asked for her valuables she said she "had nothing, save a kiss.” To pass the time, she helped her cousin, Beatrice, at Stipple's End, an orphanage.
Montgomery Foxcroft "Fox" is running low of money, he inherited a mortgaged estate and a nearly destitute orphanage, from a father who gambled it away. It was not easy for him, but he resorts to being a highwayman to raise the money for the orphanage which is desperately in needs of repairs.
The match between Fox and Miranda couldn't have been more perfect. Him with his big heart and her with her rich society ways. It was enjoyable watching how Miranda grew to love the children in the orphanage. At first she was skittish of combing a young boys hair with lice, and soon she involved herself in chores and tasks without a second thought. She did what needed to be done, she rolled up her sleeves and pitched in.
The pages sizzle with sexual tension, and the love scenes burn up the pages. How can you not swoon when you read this....
“Miranda. I have loved you for so long. I can barely remember a time when I didn’t. Not for your money. Or your beauty. For you.”
I am so thankful that I found this author, what a talented writer, if you haven't read Darcy's historical novels you are missing out. I can't wait to read Jasper's story, his selfless act that eventually leads to the happiness of Miranda and Fox. I think I am already a bit in love with Jasper..
Thanks to the author for providing me with a copy of this ebook!
August 12, 2012
Wow. This book pulled me in from the start. The writing, the plot, characters, wording everything was perfect. I have been looking for a new historical romance author and I have found her. Darcy I am very surprise you are not with a large publishing house. However, I am so glad I was offered the chance to read your wonderful books.
Meet Lady Miranda. She looks like a goddess and has the body and smile to seduce anyone into what she wants. Well, almost anyone that is not her parents. Now meet the highway man aka Fox or Foxcraft. He is loyal, loving and trying to save his orphanage. This orphanage has been in his family for several hundred generations’. Sadly he is on the brink of financial ruin. He has stooped to being a highway man to try and get money to help feed, clothe, and provide essentials for the children. He knows something will have to change but sadly he prospects of finding a future wife with money is very slim.
Miranda is one of those females that get’s everything she wants or at least tries to get everything. However she is being sent to live with some very strict distant cousins because of her behavior. She meets the highway man and realizes that she could have some fun.
Fox is not interested in fun. He wants money first and maybe a wife with buckets of money to help save the orphanage.
This book has lots of romance with some mystery thrown in. I truly enjoyed reading this book.
Thanks for a great read Darcy.
Meet Lady Miranda. She looks like a goddess and has the body and smile to seduce anyone into what she wants. Well, almost anyone that is not her parents. Now meet the highway man aka Fox or Foxcraft. He is loyal, loving and trying to save his orphanage. This orphanage has been in his family for several hundred generations’. Sadly he is on the brink of financial ruin. He has stooped to being a highway man to try and get money to help feed, clothe, and provide essentials for the children. He knows something will have to change but sadly he prospects of finding a future wife with money is very slim.
Miranda is one of those females that get’s everything she wants or at least tries to get everything. However she is being sent to live with some very strict distant cousins because of her behavior. She meets the highway man and realizes that she could have some fun.
Fox is not interested in fun. He wants money first and maybe a wife with buckets of money to help save the orphanage.
This book has lots of romance with some mystery thrown in. I truly enjoyed reading this book.
Thanks for a great read Darcy.
August 27, 2012
Mongomery Foxcroft, or Fox as he’s known to the locals, is responsible for his large estate and an orphanage founded centuries ago by his ancestors. Unfortunately, after his father gambled away all his money, he doesn’t have the funds to keep either of them going and in desperation, he’s resorted to highway robbery. During such an event, he meets Lady Miranda Sinclair, who boldly entices him to kiss her. He’s instantly smitten and comes up with a plan to marry the Duke’s daughter, hoping her large dowry will take care of all his troubles. Since Lady Miranda has been sent to the country as punishment for being a bit too bold and reckless with her kisses in London, she is tasked with working with the children at the orphanage. As the story progresses, she is drawn to Fox, although she feels he’s not husband material for a Duke’s daughter. The story has lots of ups and downs, as Fox despairs of ever being able to repair the dilapidated orphanage or convincing Miranda to marry him. I enjoyed the story of Miranda and Fox and although I questioned some of their actions, which didn’t quite make sense to me at times, everything came to a satisfactory conclusion and wrapped up nicely. Her Wicked Ways was a great debut by a new author and I’m interested to read the next book, which features Miranda’s brother Jasper.
dnf-set-aside-for-later
December 21, 2016DNF 51%
This sounded so promising to me when I got it. I was eager to read about a gentleman posing as a highwayman to help out his orphanage- Robin Hood, for the win. But alas, his lady was no Maid Marian.
I should have realized in the first chapter when Miranda's behavior was off to me. Through the book, she bemoans her reputation and her situation, but she sorta earned it. She was a lusty woman who acted impulsively without a thought for reputation right there in the beginning. In a modern character, I wouldn't have thought much about it, but this is historical times with different societal norms. She was also a snob and never really grew out of it which is what has me finally quitting. I waited for growth in her character to happen, but she's still a tad mean and snobbish even that far along. Now, not that she's a villainess, but just not a heroine I could get behind and like.
I really didn't get into the romance as a result and was tired of reading and waiting for it to get better for me. Maybe she does change in the end, but I just couldn't stay interested enough to wait for it.
This sounded so promising to me when I got it. I was eager to read about a gentleman posing as a highwayman to help out his orphanage- Robin Hood, for the win. But alas, his lady was no Maid Marian.
I should have realized in the first chapter when Miranda's behavior was off to me. Through the book, she bemoans her reputation and her situation, but she sorta earned it. She was a lusty woman who acted impulsively without a thought for reputation right there in the beginning. In a modern character, I wouldn't have thought much about it, but this is historical times with different societal norms. She was also a snob and never really grew out of it which is what has me finally quitting. I waited for growth in her character to happen, but she's still a tad mean and snobbish even that far along. Now, not that she's a villainess, but just not a heroine I could get behind and like.
I really didn't get into the romance as a result and was tired of reading and waiting for it to get better for me. Maybe she does change in the end, but I just couldn't stay interested enough to wait for it.
January 5, 2016
You know, when the title says 'wicked' you think crazy, illicit, and audacious, right? But the MC is a spoiled brat who cares more about her dress than a child's health! Where's the uncaring, rule-breaking young woman the description and title promised me? I'll tell you where. Nowhere to be seen! I kept expecting the heroine to uncover her deep and intelligent real personality and that "Her Spoiled-Highness" was just a facade. My mistake. She actually IS a spoiled princess raised with a golden spoon shoved halfway down her throat. She should do me, no, the world, a favor, and choke on it.
The hero, our gallant prince, of this story is stealing on the highway for the first time in the first paragraph. He steals a kiss from our beautiful heroine. How romantic! Not really. Why, you ask, does he want to marry our dashing heroine? Because she has money.
They have sex, they argue, the do the horizontal tango again, he proposes, she says no, her parents hate her, she runs back to Prince Charming, and they make up. The End.
Happy Ever Shitting After.
The hero, our gallant prince, of this story is stealing on the highway for the first time in the first paragraph. He steals a kiss from our beautiful heroine. How romantic! Not really. Why, you ask, does he want to marry our dashing heroine? Because she has money.
They have sex, they argue, the do the horizontal tango again, he proposes, she says no, her parents hate her, she runs back to Prince Charming, and they make up. The End.
Happy Ever Shitting After.
August 13, 2012
Fantastic historical where stereotypes are shattered and people are not what they seem! Humor, romance, and characters I cared about and wanted to see happy, are at the heart of this novel. Miranda is very cool. I loved seeing her growth and maturity. Fox hard working and self-sacrificing. I like how their relationship builds slowly and they both learn a lot about each other before getting their HEA.
There was a very strange section towards the end, about 80-90% of the way through (according to my kindle), that really dragged for me and brought down my level of excitement for the book. The characters really did go back and forth with their emotions one too many times for my liking.
Really enjoyed it, overall, and look forward to reading more by this author!! Next up is Miranda's brother's book. I've already ordered it on kindle!
There was a very strange section towards the end, about 80-90% of the way through (according to my kindle), that really dragged for me and brought down my level of excitement for the book. The characters really did go back and forth with their emotions one too many times for my liking.
Really enjoyed it, overall, and look forward to reading more by this author!! Next up is Miranda's brother's book. I've already ordered it on kindle!
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