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Those Very Bad Fairbanks #3
Slightly Wicked
Miss Eleanor Fairbanks is the most sensible of all the sinful Fairbanks siblings until she has a chance meeting with the too handsome gambling den owner Lucien Glendevon. Ellie knows that her duty to her family should be more important than her own personal desires. The dowager countess has made it clear that she must help rebuild the family's reputation by making a respectable match.
Ellie knows she should accept the very suitable offer of marriage from a charming younger son, rather than dream of a man deemed unsuitable by society. Yet with every chance encounter with Lucien and their scandalous stolen kisses, she finds herself courting impropriety with every step and falling dangerously in love with a man she would never be allowed to marry.
Ellie knows she should accept the very suitable offer of marriage from a charming younger son, rather than dream of a man deemed unsuitable by society. Yet with every chance encounter with Lucien and their scandalous stolen kisses, she finds herself courting impropriety with every step and falling dangerously in love with a man she would never be allowed to marry.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2022
308 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Clarke
154 books319 followersAlyssa Clarke writes steamy Regency Historical Romances featuring swoon-worthy heroes and sassy, sometimes unconventional heroines! Her debut novel, Love Me, If You Dare, came to her in a dream as a hot, fun enemy to lover romance where she played the leading lady who fell in love with a duke who looked remarkably like Henry Cavill.
When not writing, Alyssa enjoys hiking, games/movie night, with her husband and two beautiful children, and her Siberian Husky, Cronus. She is a lover of wine, cheesecake, and more wine.
When not writing, Alyssa enjoys hiking, games/movie night, with her husband and two beautiful children, and her Siberian Husky, Cronus. She is a lover of wine, cheesecake, and more wine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
January 3, 2024
Good read. The quiet sister falls for a gambling den owner.
February 7, 2022
Alyssa Clarke is a fairly new author for me. This is only my 7th book by her.
The only weird thing is I noticed that her “new book release dates” keep getting pushed. This one was supposed to come out in October then pushed to Nov., then Dec., then completely disappeared from Amazon then finally released a week or so ago. I’ve noticed that on a few other books of hers.
With that being said, I still really enjoy her writing. I have enjoyed all her books so far. I really loved this story and this couple. So hot. They sizzled on the page. I wish it would have been longer but so glad she final was able to release it. I couldn't put it down. So good. I can’t wait for the next one.
Alyssa Clarke is a definite must read.
The only weird thing is I noticed that her “new book release dates” keep getting pushed. This one was supposed to come out in October then pushed to Nov., then Dec., then completely disappeared from Amazon then finally released a week or so ago. I’ve noticed that on a few other books of hers.
With that being said, I still really enjoy her writing. I have enjoyed all her books so far. I really loved this story and this couple. So hot. They sizzled on the page. I wish it would have been longer but so glad she final was able to release it. I couldn't put it down. So good. I can’t wait for the next one.
Alyssa Clarke is a definite must read.
March 5, 2022
Lucien is a gambling club owner, who falls in love with Eleanor Fairbanks. Letters go back and forth to each other. Eleanor has fallen for Lucien too.
I don't like to say anymore - read it, it's a lovely ending.
Oh, this was a wonderful story. I loved the two main characters. A fun read. I loved it! 5☆
I don't like to say anymore - read it, it's a lovely ending.
Oh, this was a wonderful story. I loved the two main characters. A fun read. I loved it! 5☆
January 15, 2023
I found the beginning a little slow, but I liked this story. I liked how the MC exchanged correspondence, creating their own reading club.
Due to the number of pages, there were events and characters that I wish I had known better, but okay...
Due to the number of pages, there were events and characters that I wish I had known better, but okay...
September 28, 2024
It was a little hard to get through this one. They didn’t spend that much time together in the first half. Fortunately, this is a short book and the romance blossomed in the second half. They wrote letters to each other so that was an unexpected surprise. She loses her virginity . I don’t like how abruptly the book ends. Maybe we’ll see their wedding in the next book.
Quotes that made me 🥹🥹🥹 in public while I waited for my car to get repairs done. I had to stop reading in case there were more angsty moments.
Ch. 11, p.104
“I suppose you are also mine?” she asked tremulously.
“I suspect I will always belong to you,” he murmured, leaning forward to brush his mouth against hers. “But that is my risk to take, hmm? I am not afraid to fall in love with you, Elle. I am not afraid even knowing I might long for you years after we have met and parted from each other. To experience you even for a day, it is worth it.”
Ch.13, p.121
It had been a mistake to touch her, to taste her skin, and to make love with her…and to fall in love with a woman he had known from the beginning would never be his. Yet the very notion of truly losing her settled against his heart like a boulder. How can I let you go? Lucien closed his eyes. You were never really mine, were you, Elle?
Ch.13, p.121
“I followed you to Lady Cantrell’s ball. I thought you were making a damn fool of yourself, and I left this club determined to talk sense into you,” Edmond said gruffly. “I followed you to the gardens and watched as you stood at the terrace door, bloody well alone staring inside at one of the most enchanting women I have ever seen. She was dancing with another and smiling up at him. And you…damn you, you stared at her with such naked longing I was embarrassed to bloody witness it. I decided then it was her I would warn away, for you were already a damn fool in love.” … “I watched her dance with several gentlemen. Then she discreetly made her way from that ballroom out into the gardens. I followed her. Then she saw you. She became incandescent, Lucien. The brilliance of her smile and the way she laughed and ran to you rooted me to the ground. She dashed herself into your arms. You lifted her and twirled her around. You both looked…her longing equaled yours, brother. I never thought I would see such honest emotions from a…” With a grimace, he looked away.
Quotes that made me 🥹🥹🥹 in public while I waited for my car to get repairs done. I had to stop reading in case there were more angsty moments.
Ch. 11, p.104
“I suppose you are also mine?” she asked tremulously.
“I suspect I will always belong to you,” he murmured, leaning forward to brush his mouth against hers. “But that is my risk to take, hmm? I am not afraid to fall in love with you, Elle. I am not afraid even knowing I might long for you years after we have met and parted from each other. To experience you even for a day, it is worth it.”
Ch.13, p.121
It had been a mistake to touch her, to taste her skin, and to make love with her…and to fall in love with a woman he had known from the beginning would never be his. Yet the very notion of truly losing her settled against his heart like a boulder. How can I let you go? Lucien closed his eyes. You were never really mine, were you, Elle?
Ch.13, p.121
“I followed you to Lady Cantrell’s ball. I thought you were making a damn fool of yourself, and I left this club determined to talk sense into you,” Edmond said gruffly. “I followed you to the gardens and watched as you stood at the terrace door, bloody well alone staring inside at one of the most enchanting women I have ever seen. She was dancing with another and smiling up at him. And you…damn you, you stared at her with such naked longing I was embarrassed to bloody witness it. I decided then it was her I would warn away, for you were already a damn fool in love.” … “I watched her dance with several gentlemen. Then she discreetly made her way from that ballroom out into the gardens. I followed her. Then she saw you. She became incandescent, Lucien. The brilliance of her smile and the way she laughed and ran to you rooted me to the ground. She dashed herself into your arms. You lifted her and twirled her around. You both looked…her longing equaled yours, brother. I never thought I would see such honest emotions from a…” With a grimace, he looked away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2022
Happy reading!
February 11, 2022
Quick and delightful read.
I enjoyed Elle and Lucien a lot. Smiled throughout. Their chemistry was palpable. And I want to read more about Lucien’s siblings now.
I enjoyed Elle and Lucien a lot. Smiled throughout. Their chemistry was palpable. And I want to read more about Lucien’s siblings now.
April 19, 2022
This story is so good and it shows that even a good girl and a gambling den owner can rub along together. The relationship between Ellie and Lucien is beautiful and I wished it had gone on longer. Fantastic.
August 30, 2022
Ellie & Lucien. They meet each other when, while walking, 2 men start following her planning on robbing her. He is getting out of his carriage and she runs up to him pretending they are a couple and hugs him. At first confused and then realizes he is able to get rid of the 2 men. He walks her home and she is plain truthful in their discussion and he's intrigued. Afterwards, he cannot stop thinking about her and vice versa. He sees her walking with her sisters and stops his carriage and opens the door to see if she enters (she does). They chat while he has them ride around and he returns her home. Finding out she's going to a ball, he procures an invitation (he is not a member of the ton but is part owner in a gambling hell) so he can see her again. At the ball, they have an assignation in the garden where the dance and he kisses her (hot stuff). They begin writing each other letters, back and forth. They are playful and flirtatious. At another ball, they meet up again and make out and he fingers her. He writes her and tells her that he wants her and asks her for a meet up at the next ball. She doesn't respond but shows up. They dance in the garden and she goes to leave but they end up having sex. They both want each other but both know that they come from different worlds and they aren't supposed to be together. Her great-aunt matches her up with a baron's son (he's nice but he's not Lucien). When the baron's son asks her to marry him she tells him that she will tell him at the next ball. She also tells Lucien that she can't see him anymore because they had agreed to stop when she got engaged. "Until you belong to another, you belong to me." At the final ball, she decides that she doesn't want to marry the baron's son (she was planning on sacrificing her future to aid in her family's increased status) and after seeing Lucien (who decided he wasn't going to give her up) mouths "your move". They had been hiding from people at the balls (to prevent gossip) but he walks up and asks her to dance (she had been declining partners all night). When she agreed, she sent a message of who she picked, not caring about anyone else. Her family is so awesome. Even though he isn't the man she should marry, they support her because they know they love each other and want her to be happy. The end of this is so good. You could feel the anticipation in the ballroom. Couldn't put it down.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2022
Quick and satisfying romance.
The heroine Ellie Fairbanks is the "good girl" of the Fairbanks clan. In the middle of 12 siblings whose scandalous behaviours have earned the family the moniker 'those very bad Fairbanks', Ellie has always been even-tempered, sweet, innocent and careful. Since her eldest brother ascended to the peerage Ellie has been trying her best to steer her siblings down the right path.
While attempting to avoid two footpads in Mayfair Ellie is helped by a handsome stranger who offers to walk her home.
Lucien is not a gentleman. He is a wealthy businessman, prosperous part-owner of a gaming den. He is immediately captivated by the beautiful woman who asked him for help on the street. She is honest, witty and he wants to know her better. They meet up again and Ellie and Luc embark on a friendship based on their mutual love of reading, sending books and notes to each other which become gradually more meaningful.
Once Ellie realises they are at opposite ends of society, their friendship seems doomed. Ellie has been told by her mother and great aunt that she will be betrothed to a gentleman of good standing (a future baron) and that she is to be attentive to him at the next few balls. Lucien trades markers owed by a prominent client of his gambling hall for invitations to balls where Ellie is likely to be a guest. Their relationship grows from stolen kisses and secluded garden dances to more.
Ellie is feeling the pressure to do what is expected; improve her family's reputation by marrying a nice gentleman who she doesn't care for, while falling further and further in love with Lucien.
Mildly angsty, but ultimately a feel-good tale of the friends to lovers romance between a good-girl who chooses love over perceived duty, and a man from the wrong-side-of-the-tracks who is perfect for her.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
The heroine Ellie Fairbanks is the "good girl" of the Fairbanks clan. In the middle of 12 siblings whose scandalous behaviours have earned the family the moniker 'those very bad Fairbanks', Ellie has always been even-tempered, sweet, innocent and careful. Since her eldest brother ascended to the peerage Ellie has been trying her best to steer her siblings down the right path.
While attempting to avoid two footpads in Mayfair Ellie is helped by a handsome stranger who offers to walk her home.
Lucien is not a gentleman. He is a wealthy businessman, prosperous part-owner of a gaming den. He is immediately captivated by the beautiful woman who asked him for help on the street. She is honest, witty and he wants to know her better. They meet up again and Ellie and Luc embark on a friendship based on their mutual love of reading, sending books and notes to each other which become gradually more meaningful.
Once Ellie realises they are at opposite ends of society, their friendship seems doomed. Ellie has been told by her mother and great aunt that she will be betrothed to a gentleman of good standing (a future baron) and that she is to be attentive to him at the next few balls. Lucien trades markers owed by a prominent client of his gambling hall for invitations to balls where Ellie is likely to be a guest. Their relationship grows from stolen kisses and secluded garden dances to more.
Ellie is feeling the pressure to do what is expected; improve her family's reputation by marrying a nice gentleman who she doesn't care for, while falling further and further in love with Lucien.
Mildly angsty, but ultimately a feel-good tale of the friends to lovers romance between a good-girl who chooses love over perceived duty, and a man from the wrong-side-of-the-tracks who is perfect for her.
This book contains descriptive love scenes.
June 30, 2022
Which future will she pick?
Is living up to the expectations of others more important than being true to love? This is the question that she will need to answer for herself, and for the man who holds her heart.
Eleanor Fairbanks is now the sister to an earl and Lucian Glendevon is co-owner of a successful gambling den. There is no future for them, but try telling that to their hearts.
I loved all of the characters in Slightly Wicked by Alyssa Clarke. Both the hero and heroine deserved a live together, but could they have it. I also loved this sweet and very steamy romance that asks and answers an age old societal question, and points out the hypocrisy of the period.
This book is well written by Ms. Clarke, with just the right balance of dialogue, thoughts and actions. That said, the ending, though happy, was a bit rushed and did not include a dialogue. Which is why I gave it four instead of five stars.
Content 411: This book contains vulgarities and sex, which my offend some readers.
Is living up to the expectations of others more important than being true to love? This is the question that she will need to answer for herself, and for the man who holds her heart.
Eleanor Fairbanks is now the sister to an earl and Lucian Glendevon is co-owner of a successful gambling den. There is no future for them, but try telling that to their hearts.
I loved all of the characters in Slightly Wicked by Alyssa Clarke. Both the hero and heroine deserved a live together, but could they have it. I also loved this sweet and very steamy romance that asks and answers an age old societal question, and points out the hypocrisy of the period.
This book is well written by Ms. Clarke, with just the right balance of dialogue, thoughts and actions. That said, the ending, though happy, was a bit rushed and did not include a dialogue. Which is why I gave it four instead of five stars.
Content 411: This book contains vulgarities and sex, which my offend some readers.
July 9, 2022
Amazingly, there are triplets in this story. Eleanor Fairbanks is the most sensible of the Fairbank siblings. Ellie's greataunt is trying to give the family some polish by having Eleanor marry a young man of wealth, who will be a baron. All that is fine until Ellie meets Lucien Glendevon.
Ellie assumes Lucien is a gentleman. However, he is part-owner of a gaming den in London. The aristocracy uses him but does not like him. This book is short but teems with panache and charm. I enjoyed that ALL siblings were kind and loving to each other.
Lucien knows that there is no future with Ellie, but he cannot help himself. However, my favorite passage occurred when Edmond (Lucien's older brother) admits that he went to Lady Cantrell's ball to talk Lucien or Ellie out of their relationship. However, he knew it was too late when he saw them together.
Ellie assumes Lucien is a gentleman. However, he is part-owner of a gaming den in London. The aristocracy uses him but does not like him. This book is short but teems with panache and charm. I enjoyed that ALL siblings were kind and loving to each other.
Lucien knows that there is no future with Ellie, but he cannot help himself. However, my favorite passage occurred when Edmond (Lucien's older brother) admits that he went to Lady Cantrell's ball to talk Lucien or Ellie out of their relationship. However, he knew it was too late when he saw them together.
February 27, 2022
Ellie is teased by her siblings for only being "slightly bad". She's the most responsible of all the Fairbanks siblings and feels a duty to go along with her grandaunt's plan to have her marry a respectable gentleman. Except, a chance meeting with Lucien Glendevon tempts her to not be so good after all. Lucien knows Ellie isn't for him. Part owner in a gambling den, Lucien is no gentleman, but he can't seem to stay away from her.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that Lucien wasn't part of society, and it was fun to watch Ellie discover a more rebellious nature. The book has plenty of drama and steam. Thoroughly enjoyable.
I really enjoyed this book. I loved that Lucien wasn't part of society, and it was fun to watch Ellie discover a more rebellious nature. The book has plenty of drama and steam. Thoroughly enjoyable.
March 29, 2022
Passionately Sweet
I am blown away by how deceivingly simple and common the plot looked like but how well- written it was. The characters, though many, did not overwhelm.
The way the hero and heroine met was so sigh worthy. I like that the hero’s description did not focus on how much of a rogue or wicked he is but he was presented as a normal man in love with a sweet and innocent woman who is embracing who she really is, a woman who can love without boundaries. It was just awesome reading their love story. It tickled my heart hahaha. I wish there was an epilogue though. I cannot wait for the next book.
I am blown away by how deceivingly simple and common the plot looked like but how well- written it was. The characters, though many, did not overwhelm.
The way the hero and heroine met was so sigh worthy. I like that the hero’s description did not focus on how much of a rogue or wicked he is but he was presented as a normal man in love with a sweet and innocent woman who is embracing who she really is, a woman who can love without boundaries. It was just awesome reading their love story. It tickled my heart hahaha. I wish there was an epilogue though. I cannot wait for the next book.
March 27, 2023
Abrupt for a novella
I am usually not a fan of novellas since I believe something written well should have substance and most novellas consistently lack substance.
However as I quite enjoy the writing of this author and I have already read her full length books I have nothing left to read except the short novellas. That being said I just wanted more from this story.
I find it saddening that in an effort to churn out stories quickly to keep readers happy that fast and quick novellas are the result. Especially since there is substantial enough material and good characters for the series to be many in quantity.
I am usually not a fan of novellas since I believe something written well should have substance and most novellas consistently lack substance.
However as I quite enjoy the writing of this author and I have already read her full length books I have nothing left to read except the short novellas. That being said I just wanted more from this story.
I find it saddening that in an effort to churn out stories quickly to keep readers happy that fast and quick novellas are the result. Especially since there is substantial enough material and good characters for the series to be many in quantity.
October 10, 2022
It was boring and the conflict was super forced. The heroine is one of those characters whose whole shtick is that she just wants to be normal. Well, normal is boring and it made this heroine boring.
The conflict did not really fit with the family either. I get that her grandaunt would push for the marriage of alliance, but it does not fit that any of her other family would care. And she would know that her family would support her unconditionally. The eldest brother acted completely out of character for one scene to add to the drama that just never would have been there.
The conflict did not really fit with the family either. I get that her grandaunt would push for the marriage of alliance, but it does not fit that any of her other family would care. And she would know that her family would support her unconditionally. The eldest brother acted completely out of character for one scene to add to the drama that just never would have been there.
January 3, 2023
I borrowed Slightly Wicked ~ Those Very Bad Fairbanks ~ Book 3 from the Kindle Unlimited Program.
Those Very Bad Fairbanks is a delightful series that takes place in England when society was controlled by the etiquette rules of the ton. The Fairbanks family was a large family (one strike against them in polite society) and the eldest son became an Earl and they moved to England.
Slightly Wicked is the third book in the series where Eleanor meets a very attractive gentleman, Lucien Glendevon, whose family owns a gambling den. It was delightful, full of humor. I loved the ending.
Those Very Bad Fairbanks is a delightful series that takes place in England when society was controlled by the etiquette rules of the ton. The Fairbanks family was a large family (one strike against them in polite society) and the eldest son became an Earl and they moved to England.
Slightly Wicked is the third book in the series where Eleanor meets a very attractive gentleman, Lucien Glendevon, whose family owns a gambling den. It was delightful, full of humor. I loved the ending.
May 4, 2023
Is happiness a consideration when choosing a husband?
The members of the Ton must not think so, only connections and wealth for your family should count when deciding who to marry.
Is Ellie brave enough to reach for her dream?
Or will she listen to her proper great aunt and marry a man for.his title?
This light hearted look inside the heart of the slightly wicked Fairbanks sister will entertain you for an afternoon.
The members of the Ton must not think so, only connections and wealth for your family should count when deciding who to marry.
Is Ellie brave enough to reach for her dream?
Or will she listen to her proper great aunt and marry a man for.his title?
This light hearted look inside the heart of the slightly wicked Fairbanks sister will entertain you for an afternoon.
March 19, 2022
Adorable and romantic
I read about love at first sight so often in these books, I'm hardly ever surprised, but let me just say that I was thoroughly bowled over by how beautifully it was written in this book. There was so much chemistry in their first meeting that I literally melted at how perfect it was. His reaction to her is literally the dream.
I read about love at first sight so often in these books, I'm hardly ever surprised, but let me just say that I was thoroughly bowled over by how beautifully it was written in this book. There was so much chemistry in their first meeting that I literally melted at how perfect it was. His reaction to her is literally the dream.
July 1, 2022
I enjoyed the story. I wish there had been more to the book and more time with the two main characters, spending time together and getting to know each other. Not much happened in the story. I liked her sisters and brothers as well as his sister and two brothers. Of course, each sibling will get their own book and Ellie is one of 12 children! Overall, an enjoyable, but quick, read.
July 3, 2022
Can't stop love
Great story wonderful story line,I enjoyed reading Ellie and Lucian,s story, how they accidentally met and all that followed. I was glad Ellie followed her heart, and stood up to her grandmother. To be with the owner of the gambling den,the man she loved, which made her slightly wicked.
Thank you ♥️
Great story wonderful story line,I enjoyed reading Ellie and Lucian,s story, how they accidentally met and all that followed. I was glad Ellie followed her heart, and stood up to her grandmother. To be with the owner of the gambling den,the man she loved, which made her slightly wicked.
Thank you ♥️
February 6, 2022
I loved this story and the way that Ellie came to her truth without all the usual predictable drama is what sets these books apart for me. I appreciate the love, humour, and mischief of this family and can’t wait to read more!
February 13, 2022
a sweet read
It was a sweet story I loved how open they were with their feelings no denying them or anything like that. Overall a good book wish it would’ve been longer because I love this series but I’ll take what I can get.
It was a sweet story I loved how open they were with their feelings no denying them or anything like that. Overall a good book wish it would’ve been longer because I love this series but I’ll take what I can get.
February 24, 2022
I really like this author and loved this book, I just wish it had been a little longer or even had an epilogue. I was invested in Lucian and elle but it's ended too quickly. Looking forward to the rest of the series 😊
May 10, 2022
Reaching across barriers for love
Despite disparities in lifestyle Elle and Lucien meet and take a sweet journey to HEA despite the grandaunt’s rules and preferences. Loaded with family characters, it is a cheerful read.
Despite disparities in lifestyle Elle and Lucien meet and take a sweet journey to HEA despite the grandaunt’s rules and preferences. Loaded with family characters, it is a cheerful read.
June 21, 2022
These books are slight and inconsequential but nice. Lucian was actually an interesting character and I’m intrigued by his family but we didn’t get enough of anything to flush any out.
I think these books are just too short for any real plot or interest to develop.
I think these books are just too short for any real plot or interest to develop.
June 30, 2022
Enjoyable...
Interesting family of five girls , all sisters of the earl. Emma is the one in the story who meets a man not of her class. This is well written and includes likeable characters. No phony drama.
Interesting family of five girls , all sisters of the earl. Emma is the one in the story who meets a man not of her class. This is well written and includes likeable characters. No phony drama.
July 2, 2022
A lovely love story
I really loved reading this delightful book. It may be considered rather short by some, but it did not disappoint on writing quality and content. Highly recommended.
I really loved reading this delightful book. It may be considered rather short by some, but it did not disappoint on writing quality and content. Highly recommended.
July 8, 2022
Lucien and Elle
Wonderful read and well written. The only thing it lacked was an extended epilogue to see where they were in a few years or year. They come from humble beginnings in to society which expects certain thins of men and women. Would recommend as a good read .🙂
Wonderful read and well written. The only thing it lacked was an extended epilogue to see where they were in a few years or year. They come from humble beginnings in to society which expects certain thins of men and women. Would recommend as a good read .🙂
July 23, 2022
WOW LUCIEN YES PLEASE
Living this series, totally confused read two books fallen in love with two main characters now LUCIEN what can do say they don't make men like that anymore.
GREAT READ
Living this series, totally confused read two books fallen in love with two main characters now LUCIEN what can do say they don't make men like that anymore.
GREAT READ
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews