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Wicked Secrets #4
The Duke's Wicked Wife
Sebastian Sinclair, the Duke of Wessex, is not in love with Eliza Benton—nor anyone else, for that matter. But he must marry and produce an heir, and love is not required for either. His future duchess must be of high birth and good nature, a lady unlikely to snipe at him over breakfast. In short, the complete opposite of Eliza. So who better to help him find a bride?
Eliza Benton is not in love with the Duke of Wessex. He’s infuriating, arrogant, and an ass of the first order. Not that she has any intention of marrying anyone now that her secret dream is on the cusp of becoming reality. A husband would ruin all her careful plans. But she’s all for finding her nemesis the perfect bride, anything to get him from underfoot so she can focus on her writing.
Thank goodness Sebastian and Eliza aren’t in love. That would be disastrous.
Eliza Benton is not in love with the Duke of Wessex. He’s infuriating, arrogant, and an ass of the first order. Not that she has any intention of marrying anyone now that her secret dream is on the cusp of becoming reality. A husband would ruin all her careful plans. But she’s all for finding her nemesis the perfect bride, anything to get him from underfoot so she can focus on her writing.
Thank goodness Sebastian and Eliza aren’t in love. That would be disastrous.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 16, 2020
220 people are currently reading
1133 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Bright
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Elizabeth Bright writes smart, passionate romance with heart, humor, and heat. "Sparkling prose...unrelentingly sharp...unabashedly nerdy." (Bookpage) When she's not writing stubborn heroines and the men who adore them, Elizabeth can be found hiking and rock climbing. She lives in Washington, D.C. with her two daughters, who are every bit as headstrong and wonderful as the characters she writes.
Elizabeth Bright writes smart, passionate romance with heart, humor, and heat. "Sparkling prose...unrelentingly sharp...unabashedly nerdy." (Bookpage) When she's not writing stubborn heroines and the men who adore them, Elizabeth can be found hiking and rock climbing. She lives in Washington, D.C. with her two daughters, who are every bit as headstrong and wonderful as the characters she writes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
March 20, 2021
4.5/5. This is a delightful quick read. Only 216 pages but it feels so much more complete than a novella in terms of the character and relationship development. In fact, it feels far more complete than most full-length novels. And there are emotions by the bucket loads, again something that often is poorly developed in books of this same length. The humour is charming and witty, like the hero himself, the eponymous Duke of Wessex who has spent his adult life carefully crafting an image of a carefree and shallow hedonist cutting a swath through the ladies of the ton. It's hard to dislike such an affable and good-looking man, his powerful title notwithstanding, but though he is surrounded by friends and admirers, very few can claim to really know the man behind the impeccable exterior and Sebastian prefers it that way. So why is it that he persists in cultivating a friendship, inappropriate as it is, with a young marriageable lady, the only one in fact who is not afraid to give him her honest truth? And when an unfortunate incident with a strawberry reminds him of the fragility of life, is Eliza Benton really the best person to help find a suitable high-born duchess for him to embark on creating an heir and a few spares? Both have plans for their futures, plans which have no room for the other person and yet they struggle to break the strange pull between them.
Sebastian was adorable, overt and unashamedly rakish even when his rakishness only targeted her. For all his ducal arrogance, when he fell, to his utter self-disgust, he fell as hard and as thorough as any plebeian might. If that's not swoon-worthy enough, there was also the sweetest and most heartfelt love letter... *sigh* The writing was top-notch and the author skilfully inserted as much heart as humour in such a short story. I believe she even managed to wring a tear or two from me, goddamn her! What a little gem this was. Half a point deducted for Eliza's lack of communication.
He needed to hear her say it, that it wasn’t only him in particular she did not wish to marry, but all men in general. It was inconceivable that the censure should be his alone.
Slowly, so slowly, she raised her eyes to his. Blue, blue, endlessly blue, like a twilight sky that swallowed the earth at dusk. How many men had claimed to lose their souls in those blue eyes? Not Sebastian. He knew one didn’t lose one’s soul in eyes like that; one found it.
He placed a hand to his heart and bowed with mock gallantry. “A no from you is worth a thousand yeses from any other lady.”
“How dare you,” he said softly. “How dare you stand there and tell me our friendship is worth so very little that you would toss me aside at a hint of gossip. How is it I am nothing to you when you are—” He stopped himself. “Well, no matter."
But her absence felt as tangible as her presence, and he found himself avoiding the spaces where she wasn’t.
All beds reminded him of Eliza now, if for no other reason than he simply wanted her in it. Chairs were likewise dangerous, as were carriages, libraries, and—it might as well be said—life in general.
“One cannot escape life unscathed.”
“Haven’t I been scathed enough?” he demanded.
Sebastian was adorable, overt and unashamedly rakish even when his rakishness only targeted her. For all his ducal arrogance, when he fell, to his utter self-disgust, he fell as hard and as thorough as any plebeian might. If that's not swoon-worthy enough, there was also the sweetest and most heartfelt love letter... *sigh* The writing was top-notch and the author skilfully inserted as much heart as humour in such a short story. I believe she even managed to wring a tear or two from me, goddamn her! What a little gem this was. Half a point deducted for Eliza's lack of communication.
He needed to hear her say it, that it wasn’t only him in particular she did not wish to marry, but all men in general. It was inconceivable that the censure should be his alone.
Slowly, so slowly, she raised her eyes to his. Blue, blue, endlessly blue, like a twilight sky that swallowed the earth at dusk. How many men had claimed to lose their souls in those blue eyes? Not Sebastian. He knew one didn’t lose one’s soul in eyes like that; one found it.
He placed a hand to his heart and bowed with mock gallantry. “A no from you is worth a thousand yeses from any other lady.”
“How dare you,” he said softly. “How dare you stand there and tell me our friendship is worth so very little that you would toss me aside at a hint of gossip. How is it I am nothing to you when you are—” He stopped himself. “Well, no matter."
But her absence felt as tangible as her presence, and he found himself avoiding the spaces where she wasn’t.
All beds reminded him of Eliza now, if for no other reason than he simply wanted her in it. Chairs were likewise dangerous, as were carriages, libraries, and—it might as well be said—life in general.
“One cannot escape life unscathed.”
“Haven’t I been scathed enough?” he demanded.
April 26, 2021
Tropes: Enemies/Friends to Lovers, Marriage of Convenience, Unrequited Love
I haven’t’ read this author before, and now I am definitely interested in picking up more of her work.
The arctic banter between the two leads shines in this book, almost so good you don’t want it to end. The fact that they are unable or unwilling to see how absolutely into each other they are makes this a swoon worthy book. Sebastian is so gaga I am surprised no one of his friends and family sees right through it. The depth of his seemingly shallow character slowly unwinding was done so cleverly I fell hard.
I would have loved to see a little more romance, there was sexual tension and there was sex, but apart from one hot kiss, we barely heard of that again. It’s a short book, so a few more pages with hot, steamy, tender romance would have elevated this book to 5 stars for me.
For now: 4 strong stars.
*****
- “He is all that you say—vain, conceited, shallow. Will it surprise you very much when I tell you that these are the very things that endear him to me? The world is, if not a better place, then a happier place because he is in it.”
*****
Short summary: Lord Sebastian asks his friend and “nemesis”, Eliza, to choose three women for him to marry, and join him at a house party while he gets to know them.
- Her angelic head tilted. “What are your preferences in a lady?”
He looked at her before turning again to his tea. “Such as?”
“Such as hair, for example.”
“She should certainly have hair.”
The corners of her mouth trembled, but she did not yield to a smile.
- Miss Benton was without question the most gorgeous woman in all England, but Sebastian was in no danger of forgetting life-sustaining functions such as breathing. In fact, he had quite a lot of air in his lungs, and it seemed impossibly urgent that he use every bit of that air to tell Miss Benton…something. He still couldn’t remember what. But no matter. That had never stopped him from talking before.
- Eliza watched him stretch his legs, catlike, and resisted the urge to stroke him as she would a beloved pet and listen to him purr. She enjoyed him more than she ought, truthfully—but then, so did everyone else. It was abominable how likeable the man was.
- There was no darkness he could not brighten with his presence, no weariness that was not eased through his nonsense. He was made for joy. The very thought of his being brought low by an unhappy marriage made her furious.
- She had always believed him to be a vain, frivolous man, and since he was in fact exactly so, he had done his utmost to assure her of her correctness in this.
- “I have a theory about you, Your Grace,” she said. “Do you wish to hear it?”
There was nothing he desired more. He wanted to know all her thoughts, particularly the ones about him. “Not especially,” he said with studied nonchalance.
She smiled.
- There was a strange hardness in his dark eyes, and her own gaze faltered. She looked down at the Turkish carpet. “Eliza.” He lifted her chin with a single fingertip. “Will you give me up?”
- “How dare you,” he said softly. “How dare you stand there and tell me our friendship is worth so very little that you would toss me aside at a hint of gossip. How is it I am nothing to you when you are—” He stopped himself.
- He meant a kiss on the cheek, she realized somewhat wildly, but it was too late to change course; her lips had touched his, a spark ignited, and she could not, would not, let go. He made a sound almost of pain, and she retreated slightly, uncertain.
“No,” he said fiercely, and then his mouth came down on hers, hot and demanding.
*****
- His voice changed to falsetto. “Dear Diary, you won’t believe it when I tell you, but the most incredible thing has happened! My own duchess admitted she liked me.” Eliza reached for her pillow, held it high above her head, and smacked him with it.
I haven’t’ read this author before, and now I am definitely interested in picking up more of her work.
The arctic banter between the two leads shines in this book, almost so good you don’t want it to end. The fact that they are unable or unwilling to see how absolutely into each other they are makes this a swoon worthy book. Sebastian is so gaga I am surprised no one of his friends and family sees right through it. The depth of his seemingly shallow character slowly unwinding was done so cleverly I fell hard.
I would have loved to see a little more romance, there was sexual tension and there was sex, but apart from one hot kiss, we barely heard of that again. It’s a short book, so a few more pages with hot, steamy, tender romance would have elevated this book to 5 stars for me.
For now: 4 strong stars.
*****
- “He is all that you say—vain, conceited, shallow. Will it surprise you very much when I tell you that these are the very things that endear him to me? The world is, if not a better place, then a happier place because he is in it.”
*****
Short summary: Lord Sebastian asks his friend and “nemesis”, Eliza, to choose three women for him to marry, and join him at a house party while he gets to know them.
- Her angelic head tilted. “What are your preferences in a lady?”
He looked at her before turning again to his tea. “Such as?”
“Such as hair, for example.”
“She should certainly have hair.”
The corners of her mouth trembled, but she did not yield to a smile.
- Miss Benton was without question the most gorgeous woman in all England, but Sebastian was in no danger of forgetting life-sustaining functions such as breathing. In fact, he had quite a lot of air in his lungs, and it seemed impossibly urgent that he use every bit of that air to tell Miss Benton…something. He still couldn’t remember what. But no matter. That had never stopped him from talking before.
- Eliza watched him stretch his legs, catlike, and resisted the urge to stroke him as she would a beloved pet and listen to him purr. She enjoyed him more than she ought, truthfully—but then, so did everyone else. It was abominable how likeable the man was.
- There was no darkness he could not brighten with his presence, no weariness that was not eased through his nonsense. He was made for joy. The very thought of his being brought low by an unhappy marriage made her furious.
- She had always believed him to be a vain, frivolous man, and since he was in fact exactly so, he had done his utmost to assure her of her correctness in this.
- “I have a theory about you, Your Grace,” she said. “Do you wish to hear it?”
There was nothing he desired more. He wanted to know all her thoughts, particularly the ones about him. “Not especially,” he said with studied nonchalance.
She smiled.
- There was a strange hardness in his dark eyes, and her own gaze faltered. She looked down at the Turkish carpet. “Eliza.” He lifted her chin with a single fingertip. “Will you give me up?”
- “How dare you,” he said softly. “How dare you stand there and tell me our friendship is worth so very little that you would toss me aside at a hint of gossip. How is it I am nothing to you when you are—” He stopped himself.
- He meant a kiss on the cheek, she realized somewhat wildly, but it was too late to change course; her lips had touched his, a spark ignited, and she could not, would not, let go. He made a sound almost of pain, and she retreated slightly, uncertain.
“No,” he said fiercely, and then his mouth came down on hers, hot and demanding.
*****
- His voice changed to falsetto. “Dear Diary, you won’t believe it when I tell you, but the most incredible thing has happened! My own duchess admitted she liked me.” Eliza reached for her pillow, held it high above her head, and smacked him with it.
July 17, 2025
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ New author for me... and I loved this story. The hero and heroine were written so superbly!!! Tons of witty banter without either coming across as arrogant, bitchy or corny. I could honestly imagine two friends bantering back and forth as these two did. They were very honest with each other in their opinions and feelings.
I did not read the first three books in this series, and I wish that I had. There were a lot of friend's names mentioned and I felt lost at the beginning, but it worked itself out. (update: this was the only book in the series that I enjoyed)
Lovely story watching these two fall from friends to in-love. It had a few sex scenes, but I would not classify it as an overly steamy book. If I had to pick anything this book was lacking, maybe more steam as the two started to fall in love. More surprise kisses or embraces to lead up to the realisation of their feelings for each other.
I did not read the first three books in this series, and I wish that I had. There were a lot of friend's names mentioned and I felt lost at the beginning, but it worked itself out. (update: this was the only book in the series that I enjoyed)
Lovely story watching these two fall from friends to in-love. It had a few sex scenes, but I would not classify it as an overly steamy book. If I had to pick anything this book was lacking, maybe more steam as the two started to fall in love. More surprise kisses or embraces to lead up to the realisation of their feelings for each other.
December 24, 2022
Wonderful balance of fun and angst. The H hides his deep grief behind humour and irreverence. The h hides her secrets too, one of which is how much she loves him. He wants a family, her greatest fear is dying in childbirth. Loved the writing, especially with much of the story is from the H's view.
December 21, 2021
Well, this was unexpected! LOL
In the first part I was tempted to DNF, but I changed my mind!
Why?
Because first I found them really emptyheaded and boring since they just wasted their time in frivolous activities and thought of nothing else but their enjoyment.
The hero seemed to be a conceited fool and the heroine a spoilt brat, but as the story progressed they came out totally different!
At the end I adored both of them! LOL
In the first part I was tempted to DNF, but I changed my mind!
Why?
Because first I found them really emptyheaded and boring since they just wasted their time in frivolous activities and thought of nothing else but their enjoyment.
The hero seemed to be a conceited fool and the heroine a spoilt brat, but as the story progressed they came out totally different!
At the end I adored both of them! LOL
December 10, 2025
Sweet and well written, but a bit too slow and a bit too heavy
I started with book 1 in this series, but I disliked the hero and was about to start book 2 when I realized that the whole premise of book 1 was rendered moot by book 2... So I skipped it also.
I finally settle on this one because of the higher rating.
✦ Charming beginning
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🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
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I started with book 1 in this series, but I disliked the hero and was about to start book 2 when I realized that the whole premise of book 1 was rendered moot by book 2... So I skipped it also.
I finally settle on this one because of the higher rating.
✦ Charming beginning
・
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・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
August 18, 2024
⭐⭐
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Somewhat interesting parts in the middle of the story.
Some funny moments.
Some of the banter.
The topic of a heroine being afraid of childbirth.
(A very real fear and reality for women in that era… and it is not a very common topic in historical romance books or in the romance genre in general… and it still is a reality for women in modern times all over the world … I do not think I have ever read another book with this topic from the heroines POV?)
➖ What I disliked:
Too much focus on side characters and not enough on the main characters.
Romance/romantic build-up and chemistry is unconvincing and kind of stilted.
Dragged.
Stilted.
In some parts a little bit cringey.
The main characters OTT willful obliviousness about their feelings for each other… and that it drags on for too long.
Too formulaic and predictable.
Rather uninteresting main characters… that also lacked any real depth.
Immature main characters.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of both main characters.
(Both main characters are very good looking and aware of this.... and think about themselves and their looks and each others looks rather often …. Yay for confidence!! …. but NO for being conceited/vain and/or overconfident…. But also there are Not really any other characteristics about the main characters than them being good looking and rich/titled… which is very boring.)
The heroine is only 21 years old…but very often acts much younger than that.
(The heroine is too naive and willfully ignorant about sex and pleasure and her own body… but also other things...Even for the era they are in)
Disjointed plot.
The side character Riya (friend/companion/maid?) and her little side story/romance in this plot did not add anything to the main story/plot or the main characters… so I did not really understand why it was added?
In some parts both characters seemed almost dense (mostly about their obliviousness about their feelings for each other)
The hero was a little too arrogant and self-absorbed even for a duke… but he was also a little too flippant and shallow… so even if the heroine had some immaturity moments/naivety moments and seemed and acted younger than she was …. when the hero was acting flippant and shallow it made him seem even more immature and younger than the heroine.
2 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Somewhat interesting parts in the middle of the story.
Some funny moments.
Some of the banter.
The topic of a heroine being afraid of childbirth.
(A very real fear and reality for women in that era… and it is not a very common topic in historical romance books or in the romance genre in general… and it still is a reality for women in modern times all over the world … I do not think I have ever read another book with this topic from the heroines POV?)
➖ What I disliked:
Too much focus on side characters and not enough on the main characters.
Romance/romantic build-up and chemistry is unconvincing and kind of stilted.
Dragged.
Stilted.
In some parts a little bit cringey.
The main characters OTT willful obliviousness about their feelings for each other… and that it drags on for too long.
Too formulaic and predictable.
Rather uninteresting main characters… that also lacked any real depth.
Immature main characters.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of both main characters.
(Both main characters are very good looking and aware of this.... and think about themselves and their looks and each others looks rather often …. Yay for confidence!! …. but NO for being conceited/vain and/or overconfident…. But also there are Not really any other characteristics about the main characters than them being good looking and rich/titled… which is very boring.)
The heroine is only 21 years old…but very often acts much younger than that.
(The heroine is too naive and willfully ignorant about sex and pleasure and her own body… but also other things...Even for the era they are in)
Disjointed plot.
The side character Riya (friend/companion/maid?) and her little side story/romance in this plot did not add anything to the main story/plot or the main characters… so I did not really understand why it was added?
In some parts both characters seemed almost dense (mostly about their obliviousness about their feelings for each other)
The hero was a little too arrogant and self-absorbed even for a duke… but he was also a little too flippant and shallow… so even if the heroine had some immaturity moments/naivety moments and seemed and acted younger than she was …. when the hero was acting flippant and shallow it made him seem even more immature and younger than the heroine.
January 28, 2025
So, so good!! I want a Sabestian of my own he's such a sweetheart! RTC. 5 stars.
September 17, 2021
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 stars
The Duke's Wicked Wife is one of my most anticipated reads of 2020. I have been waiting for Wessex and Eliza's book ever since their playful dynamic ensnared me in Twice as Wicked. The wait was well worth it! The Duke's Wicked Wife concludes the Wicked Secrets series. It can be read as a standalone, but just bear in mind that characters from the previous books in the series make several appearances.
Sebastian, the Duke of Wessex, is not in love with his friend Miss Eliza Benton. Miss Eliza Benton barely tolerates her friend Sebastian, the Duke of Wessex. They just happen to know each other inside out. Sebastian and Eliza have developed a weird sort of friendship, where Sebastian likes to annoy her and Eliza likes to admonish him, all while rolling her eyes at him. It's a fun and playful dynamic with witty banter that started back in Twice As Wicked, the first book of the series. In The Duke's Wicked Wife, we get to dig deeper into who Sebastian and Eliza really are as individual beings and as friends who are obviously not in love with each other.
What I enjoyed about Eliza and Sebastian's romance is that it is very character-driven. There are no big plot twists or big adventures. Of course, both Sebastian and Eliza have their secrets, but nothing big or life-changing like in the previous books in the series. And I really liked that! This book was different and low-key, but it still packed a lot of heart, steam, and hilarity. Given that this book is character-driven, the main characters are very introspective, which adds a lot of depth to the characterization of both the hero and heroine. The Duke's Wicked Wife is a delicious slow burn friends to lovers romance and the pay off is really worth the wait. I really enjoyed getting to know Eliza and Sebastian better and I love that they finally have their HEA.
P.S. There's also a delightful secondary romance in this book. It is well-written and doesn't take away from the primary romance.
Thoughts on the Wicked Secrets series overall:
As the series title suggests, there are many secrets! But this is primarily a series with friends and family at the centre of it all. It just so happens that these friends and family members are hiding big secrets lol! I think my favourite is a tie between Twice As Wicked and The Duke's Wicked Wife. My least favourite is Lady Gone Wicked because I'm not a fan of the trope in that book. The most unique character in this series is Lady Claire from Wicked With The Scoundrel; I think readers either love or hate her and I happen to ADORE her. The Duke's Wicked Wife does a good job concluding the series, but Claire and Colin don't make an appearance.
Overall, I really enjoyed this series and I look forward to finding out what else Elizabeth Bright has in store for us!
Here are my reviews for the previous books:
Book 1: Twice As Wicked
Book 2: Lady Gone Wicked
Book 3: Wicked With The Scoundrel
4.5 stars
The Duke's Wicked Wife is one of my most anticipated reads of 2020. I have been waiting for Wessex and Eliza's book ever since their playful dynamic ensnared me in Twice as Wicked. The wait was well worth it! The Duke's Wicked Wife concludes the Wicked Secrets series. It can be read as a standalone, but just bear in mind that characters from the previous books in the series make several appearances.
Sebastian, the Duke of Wessex, is not in love with his friend Miss Eliza Benton. Miss Eliza Benton barely tolerates her friend Sebastian, the Duke of Wessex. They just happen to know each other inside out. Sebastian and Eliza have developed a weird sort of friendship, where Sebastian likes to annoy her and Eliza likes to admonish him, all while rolling her eyes at him. It's a fun and playful dynamic with witty banter that started back in Twice As Wicked, the first book of the series. In The Duke's Wicked Wife, we get to dig deeper into who Sebastian and Eliza really are as individual beings and as friends who are obviously not in love with each other.
What I enjoyed about Eliza and Sebastian's romance is that it is very character-driven. There are no big plot twists or big adventures. Of course, both Sebastian and Eliza have their secrets, but nothing big or life-changing like in the previous books in the series. And I really liked that! This book was different and low-key, but it still packed a lot of heart, steam, and hilarity. Given that this book is character-driven, the main characters are very introspective, which adds a lot of depth to the characterization of both the hero and heroine. The Duke's Wicked Wife is a delicious slow burn friends to lovers romance and the pay off is really worth the wait. I really enjoyed getting to know Eliza and Sebastian better and I love that they finally have their HEA.
P.S. There's also a delightful secondary romance in this book. It is well-written and doesn't take away from the primary romance.
Thoughts on the Wicked Secrets series overall:
As the series title suggests, there are many secrets! But this is primarily a series with friends and family at the centre of it all. It just so happens that these friends and family members are hiding big secrets lol! I think my favourite is a tie between Twice As Wicked and The Duke's Wicked Wife. My least favourite is Lady Gone Wicked because I'm not a fan of the trope in that book. The most unique character in this series is Lady Claire from Wicked With The Scoundrel; I think readers either love or hate her and I happen to ADORE her. The Duke's Wicked Wife does a good job concluding the series, but Claire and Colin don't make an appearance.
Overall, I really enjoyed this series and I look forward to finding out what else Elizabeth Bright has in store for us!
Here are my reviews for the previous books:
Book 1: Twice As Wicked
Book 2: Lady Gone Wicked
Book 3: Wicked With The Scoundrel
September 28, 2021
Quite a sweet love story that started out a bit ho-hum, with the hero exhibiting very frivolous, shallow behaviour and the heroine coming across as more mature than he was. But the character depth developed really nicely and I was quite moved towards the end, the hero becoming a much more sympathetic and likeable person, even if I wondered whether he was actually capable of becoming more self-aware!
The writing was sound, despite a couple of odd /inelegant turns of phrase (one pokes fun AT one’s betters, not OF one’s betters, for example) and I enjoyed the insightful conversations between the H and h, where he clearly struggled with the knowledge that she could see through his façade and understood him, perhaps better than he understood himself.
While the plot might have been a bit far-fetched with regard to how well-bred ladies would behave in those times, I was happy to suspend my disbelief and allow the emotional elements to carry me away. And it was lovely to have a strong heroine with real backbone.
After a veritable drought in good HR recently, this was a pleasure to read, so thank you, Jultri, for the recommendation! I will definitely give the others in the series a shot.
The writing was sound, despite a couple of odd /inelegant turns of phrase (one pokes fun AT one’s betters, not OF one’s betters, for example) and I enjoyed the insightful conversations between the H and h, where he clearly struggled with the knowledge that she could see through his façade and understood him, perhaps better than he understood himself.
While the plot might have been a bit far-fetched with regard to how well-bred ladies would behave in those times, I was happy to suspend my disbelief and allow the emotional elements to carry me away. And it was lovely to have a strong heroine with real backbone.
After a veritable drought in good HR recently, this was a pleasure to read, so thank you, Jultri, for the recommendation! I will definitely give the others in the series a shot.
March 6, 2021
Sebastian Sinclair, the Duke of Wessex, is reevaluating his priorities. He needs to marry and produce an heir to secure his line. He asks his frenemy Miss Eliza Benton to help him with a list of candidates to invite to a house party. Too bad all he seems to be able to think about is Eliza.
This is the fourth book in the Wicked Secrets series. This author is new to me, so I have not read the previous stories. I do think it would have helped to have read books 1 and 2 because those couple appear here and their relationships with Wessex and Eliza are discussed.
This was a light, fun, and quirky story. The beginning was really amusing; I liked the teasing comments that Wessex and Eliza lobbed at each other. My interest sort of ebbed and flowed through the middle of the book. I would have like to see a little more development towards the conflict...it almost felt like a novella at the end, where the end is tied up neatly and quickly. All in all, a good palette cleansing book, and an author that I would definitely try again. 3.5 rounded to 4.
Tropes: Friends/Frenemies to Lovers, Compromised, Secret Job
Eggplant Rating: 3
* I received an eBook copy from the author in a giveaway and this is my honest review.
This is the fourth book in the Wicked Secrets series. This author is new to me, so I have not read the previous stories. I do think it would have helped to have read books 1 and 2 because those couple appear here and their relationships with Wessex and Eliza are discussed.
This was a light, fun, and quirky story. The beginning was really amusing; I liked the teasing comments that Wessex and Eliza lobbed at each other. My interest sort of ebbed and flowed through the middle of the book. I would have like to see a little more development towards the conflict...it almost felt like a novella at the end, where the end is tied up neatly and quickly. All in all, a good palette cleansing book, and an author that I would definitely try again. 3.5 rounded to 4.
Tropes: Friends/Frenemies to Lovers, Compromised, Secret Job
Eggplant Rating: 3
* I received an eBook copy from the author in a giveaway and this is my honest review.
February 25, 2020
The Duke's Wicked Wife
Wicked Secrets Series #4
Elizabeth Brght
https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethBri...
Release date 03/16/2020
Publisher Entangled Scandalous
Blurb :
Sebastian Sinclair, the Duke of Wessex, is not in love with Eliza Benton—nor anyone else, for that matter. But he must marry and produce an heir, and love is not required for either. His future duchess must be of high birth and good nature, a lady unlikely to snipe at him over breakfast. In short, the complete opposite of Eliza. So who better to help him find a bride?
Eliza Benton is not in love with the Duke of Wessex. He’s infuriating, arrogant, and an ass of the first order. Not that she has any intention of marrying anyone now that her secret dream is on the cusp of becoming reality. A husband would ruin all her careful plans. But she’s all for finding her nemesis the perfect bride, anything to get him from underfoot so she can focus on her writing.
Thank goodness Sebastian and Eliza aren’t in love. That would be disastrous.
My review :
When two persons set on a path find themselves “unexpectedly” entangled ...
This is my first read by Mrs Elizabeth Bright and it will not be my last. I am just in love, everything from her witty writing to the portrayal of her characters is a pleasure for the mind.
The author is perfectly named and bears proudly her pen name as I can say she does right to it with her bright writing skill and style.
The Duke’s epiphany was such a humorous opening scene like I haven’t read since long, from there I was sucked in the story.
As the fourth in a series, we see again the protagonists of the previous stories but it perfectly can be read as a standalone.
Yet I do suppose the first books gave some insight of Sebastian’s personality.
He is such a lovely being, and while he might appears fickle to anyone not very observant, he is a master at chess, playing like a skilled player, he plans in advance his every move and all with an intended purpose.
I loved every layer of him slowly revealed, from the merry fellow, the scheming peer, the generous landlord, the scarred lover to the grieving boy. He is not solely the renowned philanthropist and rake, he is so much more but he hides it behind his society’s mask.
From the very beginning Eliza was his destined soulmate, yet he is so set on never putting his heart in jeopardy again, he can’t accept what was gnawing his every thoughts since their first encounter.
As for Eliza, she has set a path for her because of her birth and childhood. To avoid meeting her mother and mother-in-law’s destiny, she has decided to the opposite road, spinsterhood.
To her, nothing, not even the strange feeling Wessex stirs in her will move her from her chosen future.
I does understand her fears as women had few choices and voices in this matter until very recently. And she did not contemplate her potential avenir with only the purpose to avoid pregnancy, she gives it a meaning with her own work. Still with the Duke, she has found a partner in their bickering and witty games.
But like him, she withholds her feelings, keeping them at bay in the hope she might ensure her decided journey.
Together, they are quips, cleverness and witticism, both with a course set to circumvent their deepest fears because of the traumatic events from their past. It is up to them to choose if they may live a short life but at its fullest or a full length one with only half measures.
Mrs Elizabeth Bright with this 5 stars read shows the scope of her talent, from moving characters to facetious and sharp talks and inner dialogues.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Entangled, and purchased my own. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Wicked Secrets Series #4
Elizabeth Brght
https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethBri...
Release date 03/16/2020
Publisher Entangled Scandalous
Blurb :
Sebastian Sinclair, the Duke of Wessex, is not in love with Eliza Benton—nor anyone else, for that matter. But he must marry and produce an heir, and love is not required for either. His future duchess must be of high birth and good nature, a lady unlikely to snipe at him over breakfast. In short, the complete opposite of Eliza. So who better to help him find a bride?
Eliza Benton is not in love with the Duke of Wessex. He’s infuriating, arrogant, and an ass of the first order. Not that she has any intention of marrying anyone now that her secret dream is on the cusp of becoming reality. A husband would ruin all her careful plans. But she’s all for finding her nemesis the perfect bride, anything to get him from underfoot so she can focus on her writing.
Thank goodness Sebastian and Eliza aren’t in love. That would be disastrous.
My review :
When two persons set on a path find themselves “unexpectedly” entangled ...
This is my first read by Mrs Elizabeth Bright and it will not be my last. I am just in love, everything from her witty writing to the portrayal of her characters is a pleasure for the mind.
The author is perfectly named and bears proudly her pen name as I can say she does right to it with her bright writing skill and style.
The Duke’s epiphany was such a humorous opening scene like I haven’t read since long, from there I was sucked in the story.
As the fourth in a series, we see again the protagonists of the previous stories but it perfectly can be read as a standalone.
Yet I do suppose the first books gave some insight of Sebastian’s personality.
He is such a lovely being, and while he might appears fickle to anyone not very observant, he is a master at chess, playing like a skilled player, he plans in advance his every move and all with an intended purpose.
I loved every layer of him slowly revealed, from the merry fellow, the scheming peer, the generous landlord, the scarred lover to the grieving boy. He is not solely the renowned philanthropist and rake, he is so much more but he hides it behind his society’s mask.
From the very beginning Eliza was his destined soulmate, yet he is so set on never putting his heart in jeopardy again, he can’t accept what was gnawing his every thoughts since their first encounter.
As for Eliza, she has set a path for her because of her birth and childhood. To avoid meeting her mother and mother-in-law’s destiny, she has decided to the opposite road, spinsterhood.
To her, nothing, not even the strange feeling Wessex stirs in her will move her from her chosen future.
I does understand her fears as women had few choices and voices in this matter until very recently. And she did not contemplate her potential avenir with only the purpose to avoid pregnancy, she gives it a meaning with her own work. Still with the Duke, she has found a partner in their bickering and witty games.
But like him, she withholds her feelings, keeping them at bay in the hope she might ensure her decided journey.
Together, they are quips, cleverness and witticism, both with a course set to circumvent their deepest fears because of the traumatic events from their past. It is up to them to choose if they may live a short life but at its fullest or a full length one with only half measures.
Mrs Elizabeth Bright with this 5 stars read shows the scope of her talent, from moving characters to facetious and sharp talks and inner dialogues.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Entangled, and purchased my own. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
March 16, 2020
Sebastian has decided that it is time to take a bride. Being friends with Eliza and trusting her judgement, he asks her to give him a list of names to choose from. He will have a house party and invite his potential brides.
Eliza is happy to help Sebastian with his choice of brides as she is certainly not going to be the one to marry him. She never wants to marry knowing the her mother and step mother both died in childbirth.
But as the house party progresses, Eliza and Sebastian seem to spend more and more time together. While he always seems to be needling her and she is always ready with a snappy comeback, there seems to be much more going on than mere friendship. Is there a possibility that Eliza will change her mind about marriage? Will Sebastian see the Eliza as more than just a friend?
I absolutely adored Sebastian and Eliza's story!! The bantering between the two of them had me laughing out loud throughout the story! I loved that these two started out as friends and we saw their love growing slowly as the story progressed. I have to say that this is one of top 5 books I've read so far this year. I've loved this whole series, so if yo've not read it, go out and get it now!!
Eliza is happy to help Sebastian with his choice of brides as she is certainly not going to be the one to marry him. She never wants to marry knowing the her mother and step mother both died in childbirth.
But as the house party progresses, Eliza and Sebastian seem to spend more and more time together. While he always seems to be needling her and she is always ready with a snappy comeback, there seems to be much more going on than mere friendship. Is there a possibility that Eliza will change her mind about marriage? Will Sebastian see the Eliza as more than just a friend?
I absolutely adored Sebastian and Eliza's story!! The bantering between the two of them had me laughing out loud throughout the story! I loved that these two started out as friends and we saw their love growing slowly as the story progressed. I have to say that this is one of top 5 books I've read so far this year. I've loved this whole series, so if yo've not read it, go out and get it now!!
October 4, 2021
3 stars. This would have been better if the hero had been less of a manwhore. This is yet another manwhore and virgin match, and all the mentions of his past experiences made my skin itch. I just can’t overlook those details like I was once able to, which sucks, but it is what it is.
The best part of this book was the banter between the hero and heroine. They had some really great back and forth teasing conversations. I absolutely adored them together… except for the likeliness that he gave her pox.
There’s also a very short and very sweet secondary romance. I wish we had gotten more time with that couple.
SWE; there’s nothing on page in detail with him and OW, but it is mentioned A LOT at the start and throughout a good portion of the story. Hero has known the heroine for years and has been with countless others during that time. It helped that she wasn’t pinning for him at all, or interested in him as a partner. Still, he really doesn’t plan to remain faithful when they marry, until she asks him to, and he agrees. It just felt a little unlikely - given his past. And as I said, she’s a virgin.
The best part of this book was the banter between the hero and heroine. They had some really great back and forth teasing conversations. I absolutely adored them together… except for the likeliness that he gave her pox.
There’s also a very short and very sweet secondary romance. I wish we had gotten more time with that couple.
SWE; there’s nothing on page in detail with him and OW, but it is mentioned A LOT at the start and throughout a good portion of the story. Hero has known the heroine for years and has been with countless others during that time. It helped that she wasn’t pinning for him at all, or interested in him as a partner. Still, he really doesn’t plan to remain faithful when they marry, until she asks him to, and he agrees. It just felt a little unlikely - given his past. And as I said, she’s a virgin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2024
2,5 stars!
April 17, 2021
4 Stars. Full disclosure; this book had a clunker of a B story (pacing issues if you must know) but the main love story between Sebastian and Eliza was SO charming. The banter was great, the characters complex, and the writing was generally delightful.
March 1, 2020
I am not okay.
Elizabeth Bright just killed me with the exact romance my heart has been craving for good long while.
I’m going to gush so get ready for it. If you haven’t been reading Elizabeth Bright already then you need to rectify that situation immediately. I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again, Elizabeth Bright’s writing reminds me so much of Eloisa James’s earlier books. Think the Essex Sisters or Desperate Duchesses. It’s DELIGHTFUL. She’s tongue-in-cheek and deliciously droll and then, without you even seeing it coming, she squeezes your heart through an old timey washing machine.
I absolutely loved, LOVED, The Duke’s Wicked Wife and I’ve loved the entire Wicked Secrets series. One more time, just so I’m clear, don’t miss Elizabeth Bright!!!. Pre-order this one. It’s out on March 16th.
Thank you Netgalley and Entangled for the chance to read an advanced copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Elizabeth Bright just killed me with the exact romance my heart has been craving for good long while.
I’m going to gush so get ready for it. If you haven’t been reading Elizabeth Bright already then you need to rectify that situation immediately. I’ve said this before but I’ll say it again, Elizabeth Bright’s writing reminds me so much of Eloisa James’s earlier books. Think the Essex Sisters or Desperate Duchesses. It’s DELIGHTFUL. She’s tongue-in-cheek and deliciously droll and then, without you even seeing it coming, she squeezes your heart through an old timey washing machine.
I absolutely loved, LOVED, The Duke’s Wicked Wife and I’ve loved the entire Wicked Secrets series. One more time, just so I’m clear, don’t miss Elizabeth Bright!!!. Pre-order this one. It’s out on March 16th.
Thank you Netgalley and Entangled for the chance to read an advanced copy. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 15, 2020
Sebastian, Duke of Wessex is a complex character, he does love to cause mischief but he also plans for an outcome that will benefit others. Sebastian and Eliza have known each other for some time and are friends. Sebastian is looking for a perfect lady to become his duchess. Unfortunately, Eliza will not fit the bill and she has a secret. Eliza has her own plans for her future and that doesn’t include marriage. Due to her family’s experience, she feared childbirth. Sebastian also had issues due to his past, he feared loving anyone in case of loss. This was an enjoyable read, I hadn’t read any of the previous stories in this series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Merged review:
Review to follow
Merged review:
Review to follow
February 20, 2021
A great deal from this new-to-me author. Enjoyed it and will definitely read more by Elizabeth Bright. 📚💖📚
Being a new-to-me author, I was pleasantly surprised with this very enjoyable read. The Duke of Wessex and Eliza Benton definitely got my attention and had me glued to their story. Loved the humorous banter between them, the friendship and romance, and the interesting characters that made up their world.
Being a new-to-me author, I was pleasantly surprised with this very enjoyable read. The Duke of Wessex and Eliza Benton definitely got my attention and had me glued to their story. Loved the humorous banter between them, the friendship and romance, and the interesting characters that made up their world.
April 21, 2023
This was absolutely delightful in every way. I’ll be reading more from this author.
April 14, 2020
"Sometimes an epiphany came like a crack of lightning, sharp and brilliant, and sometimes it came like a bit of hothouse strawberry lodged in one's throat. Unfortunately for Sebastian Sinclair, Duke of Wessix, Earl of Badington, and Knight of the Garter, it was the latter."
From the first line I knew this was going to be fun and delightful and without hesitation I was correct in that I was laughing out loud on the first page!!
The epiphany was that he needed to marry and begat a heir or all his holdings might go a bloody American relative! Plus he might die at any moment! He sent a not to Miss Eliza Benton to help him in his quest.
Eliza had to smile as she received the almost indecipherable note from Wessix. He was going to visit tomorrow. She tossed it in the drawer with all the others he had sent, not sure why she saved them. In six months she would inherit funds from her mother and a cottage and truly be independent.
They had met three years ago at a ball and he had been taken with her beauty and wit and she had been indifferent to his. It was the start of an enduring friendship.
When he announced to her he was going to marry, he wanted her to draw up a list for him.
Can I just say I adored this story? The relationship between these two and the banter had me laughing and smiling as Elizabeth Bright managed to wrap her characters around my heart! I could not wait to see what happened between these two to make them realize they were meant for each other and oh yes, they were!! Perfect!
From the first line I knew this was going to be fun and delightful and without hesitation I was correct in that I was laughing out loud on the first page!!
The epiphany was that he needed to marry and begat a heir or all his holdings might go a bloody American relative! Plus he might die at any moment! He sent a not to Miss Eliza Benton to help him in his quest.
Eliza had to smile as she received the almost indecipherable note from Wessix. He was going to visit tomorrow. She tossed it in the drawer with all the others he had sent, not sure why she saved them. In six months she would inherit funds from her mother and a cottage and truly be independent.
They had met three years ago at a ball and he had been taken with her beauty and wit and she had been indifferent to his. It was the start of an enduring friendship.
When he announced to her he was going to marry, he wanted her to draw up a list for him.
Can I just say I adored this story? The relationship between these two and the banter had me laughing and smiling as Elizabeth Bright managed to wrap her characters around my heart! I could not wait to see what happened between these two to make them realize they were meant for each other and oh yes, they were!! Perfect!
February 20, 2021
I loved the banter between Eliza and Sebastian here. It was sharp and teasing but never malicious. I love this type of dynamic in main characters. These two were friends who neither wanted to fall in love with anyone at all. But the thought of either of them with anyone else gave them confusing *feelings* 😆 so they marry each other, and have to come to terms with the fact that they are in love. This ticked so many of my swoony boxes. The writing was superb. My only slight regret was jumping into the series with this book. The first half had a lot of characters from past books and I was a little lost regarding back story and friendship dynamics.
Merged review:
I loved the banter between Eliza and Sebastian here. It was sharp and teasing but never malicious. I love this type of dynamic in main characters. These two were friends who neither wanted to fall in love with anyone at all. But the thought of either of them with anyone else gave them confusing *feelings* 😆 so they marry each other, and have to come to terms with the fact that they are in love. This ticked so many of my swoony boxes. The writing was superb
Merged review:
I loved the banter between Eliza and Sebastian here. It was sharp and teasing but never malicious. I love this type of dynamic in main characters. These two were friends who neither wanted to fall in love with anyone at all. But the thought of either of them with anyone else gave them confusing *feelings* 😆 so they marry each other, and have to come to terms with the fact that they are in love. This ticked so many of my swoony boxes. The writing was superb
March 11, 2020
"And still, I choose you."
The Duke's Wicked Wife had an almost Emma like feel to me. Friends that don't realize they are in love. Yet, their perfectness together is quite plain to everyone else around them to see. I really enjoyed the little hints of Austen throughout the book. I don't want to give any spoilers away, but I will say I was happy with the twist and the historical accuracy of it.
I enjoyed the storyline. Although it didn't feel entirely new, it had elements that breathed some freshness into it. I also found it refreshing to address women's fear of childbirth. I'm sure this had a be present in women's minds during these periods in history. So often we see romance novels with lovers throwing each other at themselves with reckless abandon. I really enjoyed the perspective of sexual enjoyment, but also fear of procreation.
I give The Duke's Wicked Wife a 4/5. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the advance copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
The Duke's Wicked Wife had an almost Emma like feel to me. Friends that don't realize they are in love. Yet, their perfectness together is quite plain to everyone else around them to see. I really enjoyed the little hints of Austen throughout the book. I don't want to give any spoilers away, but I will say I was happy with the twist and the historical accuracy of it.
I enjoyed the storyline. Although it didn't feel entirely new, it had elements that breathed some freshness into it. I also found it refreshing to address women's fear of childbirth. I'm sure this had a be present in women's minds during these periods in history. So often we see romance novels with lovers throwing each other at themselves with reckless abandon. I really enjoyed the perspective of sexual enjoyment, but also fear of procreation.
I give The Duke's Wicked Wife a 4/5. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the advance copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
March 22, 2020
This book was so much fun to read. I don’t think I’ve enjoyed the witty banter so much. Sebastian and Eliza has a very relaxed friendship. When he needs to find a wife, who would be better to help him find one, Eliza. But...be sure you read this one. It was so much fun. It is a lol Regency rom to romance. Something uplifting to read during these troubling times.. Ms. Bright has hit with this 4th book in the Wicked Secrets series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I would read the prior books for back stories. Very well written with wonderful characters. I highly recommend this friends to lovers story. I was gifted this book by NetGalley and the publisher. I give it five stars.
March 16, 2020
This was a delight!
The growth of the friendship between the main characters was well written. A house party leads to a marriage that leads to building a new life together. The details matter so much and made this story.
The supporting character has her own point of view and her side story made me smile.
I will enjoy reading this again.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC from Netgalley.
There are open bedroom scenes after marriage. There is biblical profanity.
The growth of the friendship between the main characters was well written. A house party leads to a marriage that leads to building a new life together. The details matter so much and made this story.
The supporting character has her own point of view and her side story made me smile.
I will enjoy reading this again.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC from Netgalley.
There are open bedroom scenes after marriage. There is biblical profanity.
September 14, 2023
i did NOT expect to have my life changed by a book today and yet here we are. i started it this afternoon and could not put it down because the writing was so witty and full of heart i fell in love with the story in just a few chapters, there was not one single page that had me less than fully engaged and eager to see what more was in store. i am absolutely obsessed.
it has been longer than i previously realized since i last came across leads as compelling as sebastian and eliza; i found them both truly, immensely interesting. i liked them and rooted for them and sympathized with their struggles because they felt so very human. the fear of death and loss is something we all deal with, an universal aspect of life, and it being a central theme here was a choice than intrigued me at first, then moved me as seldom a romance does. i do not mean it at all disparagingly - romance is my favorite genre, but i gravitate towards the light-hearted, and while this book was hardly grim it did have far more more depth than i thought i would encounter. a delightful, bittersweet surprise.
the other day i was wondering when i would next find another book to join my list of top favorites, and here, completely by chance, through the happy accident of scrolling online, i have found it. what a lucky thing that is.
it has been longer than i previously realized since i last came across leads as compelling as sebastian and eliza; i found them both truly, immensely interesting. i liked them and rooted for them and sympathized with their struggles because they felt so very human. the fear of death and loss is something we all deal with, an universal aspect of life, and it being a central theme here was a choice than intrigued me at first, then moved me as seldom a romance does. i do not mean it at all disparagingly - romance is my favorite genre, but i gravitate towards the light-hearted, and while this book was hardly grim it did have far more more depth than i thought i would encounter. a delightful, bittersweet surprise.
the other day i was wondering when i would next find another book to join my list of top favorites, and here, completely by chance, through the happy accident of scrolling online, i have found it. what a lucky thing that is.
April 21, 2022
During my foray into this book, I had the impression that it is necessary to read the previous books because there are so many names thrown around it made my head spin. And since my religion requires me to read companion romances strictly not in order ever, I have a pretty high tolerance - here, it failed.
The Duke's Wicked Wife is decently written, the main characters banter from early on and I suppose it is one of the funny historical romances. But I just do not care about the main characters, the duke is constantly exclaiming that he does not care about politics which annoys me and the audiobook narrator's voice when she is impersonating the duke is atrociously bad. Since it is not a bad book per se, I believe it will find audiance who will like it a lot, but sadly, I am not one of those people.
The way the duke's handwriting is criticized made me laugh because my boss is the same way with unnecessary shorthand and unintelligible letters and I am passably interested in Ria's storyline, but the narrations paired with me not caring enough about the story to pick it up in book format to avoid the voices seals this deal.
Abandoned at 27% (which is coincidentally the VAT rate in Hungary - I'm sorry, I had to, it's a professional hazard).
The Duke's Wicked Wife is decently written, the main characters banter from early on and I suppose it is one of the funny historical romances. But I just do not care about the main characters, the duke is constantly exclaiming that he does not care about politics which annoys me and the audiobook narrator's voice when she is impersonating the duke is atrociously bad. Since it is not a bad book per se, I believe it will find audiance who will like it a lot, but sadly, I am not one of those people.
The way the duke's handwriting is criticized made me laugh because my boss is the same way with unnecessary shorthand and unintelligible letters and I am passably interested in Ria's storyline, but the narrations paired with me not caring enough about the story to pick it up in book format to avoid the voices seals this deal.
Abandoned at 27% (which is coincidentally the VAT rate in Hungary - I'm sorry, I had to, it's a professional hazard).
February 22, 2021
The Duke’s Wicked Wife by Elizabeth Bright is the fourth book in the series called Wicked Secrets. I have not read any of the prior books in this series nor any other books from this author. It was a nice surprise as the book was interesting and kept my attention.
Sebastian Sinclair, the Duke of Wessex needs a wife. He knows that Eliza Benton is the person to help him narrow down the choices and help him find the perfect wife. He is not looking for love, but a woman to meet his needs and carry his offspring. Eliza is able to narrow down the list, for Sebastian’s house party. With each day, Sebastian realizes that he has good choices by Eliza is looking more and more interesting.
The story is fun. Sebastian and Eliza made me laugh more than once. Sebastian is full of himself and often a jerk. I love how he gets his comeuppance in this novel. I truly enjoyed the novel and am going to have to go back and find the prior novels. The Duke’s Wicked Wife by Elizabeth Bright is a good read.
Sebastian Sinclair, the Duke of Wessex needs a wife. He knows that Eliza Benton is the person to help him narrow down the choices and help him find the perfect wife. He is not looking for love, but a woman to meet his needs and carry his offspring. Eliza is able to narrow down the list, for Sebastian’s house party. With each day, Sebastian realizes that he has good choices by Eliza is looking more and more interesting.
The story is fun. Sebastian and Eliza made me laugh more than once. Sebastian is full of himself and often a jerk. I love how he gets his comeuppance in this novel. I truly enjoyed the novel and am going to have to go back and find the prior novels. The Duke’s Wicked Wife by Elizabeth Bright is a good read.
June 7, 2024
dnf at 41% 🙃
It's been almost a hundred pages and nothing is happening, definjtely nothing that the synopsis of the book promised to happen... It's basically a non-stop parade of various side characters, some of which have full chapters from their pov (sorry riya, idc about you at all), that the reader is obviously supposed to know from the previous books but since I haven't read them... oops for me I guess? Anyway, the premise seemed up my alley but I'm too lost and too bored to try and continue 🤷🏻♀️
It's been almost a hundred pages and nothing is happening, definjtely nothing that the synopsis of the book promised to happen... It's basically a non-stop parade of various side characters, some of which have full chapters from their pov (sorry riya, idc about you at all), that the reader is obviously supposed to know from the previous books but since I haven't read them... oops for me I guess? Anyway, the premise seemed up my alley but I'm too lost and too bored to try and continue 🤷🏻♀️
March 7, 2021
Amazing, wonderful story of friends to lovers, and so much more. Sebastian Sinclair, the Duke of Wessex, is determined to never love or even care for anyone. Eliza Benton is determined to remain a spinster and live quietly on her own. Sebastian is a character that will stay with you forever. He has put up so many walls, but luckily Eliza is a good friend and is slowly breaking through his barriers. Couldn't put it down - had to make sure these two got their HEA.
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