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Series #3
Wicked Little Game
For years, the Marquis of Vane has hungered for Lady Sarah from afar, watching the beauty brave a disastrous marriage. Then Sarah's wastrel husband makes Vane an indecent offer—one night with Sarah for ten thousand pounds—and the temptation is almost too great.
When Sarah comes to him, Vane can't resist making love to her—on his own terms. Nor can Sarah refuse a night of exquisite pleasure with the devastating man who haunts her dreams.
By morning, Sarah's desire turns to shame and a deep fear of Vane's power to bind her. Desperate, she does the one thing that will stop him from claiming her as his own—leaving him shattered by her betrayal. But neither she nor Vane dreamed their passionate encounter would set the stage for murder and that a deadly twist of fate could spell a lifetime of regret—or a love to last all time.
When Sarah comes to him, Vane can't resist making love to her—on his own terms. Nor can Sarah refuse a night of exquisite pleasure with the devastating man who haunts her dreams.
By morning, Sarah's desire turns to shame and a deep fear of Vane's power to bind her. Desperate, she does the one thing that will stop him from claiming her as his own—leaving him shattered by her betrayal. But neither she nor Vane dreamed their passionate encounter would set the stage for murder and that a deadly twist of fate could spell a lifetime of regret—or a love to last all time.
292 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 22, 2009
3 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Christine Wells
22 books32 followersPseudonym of Christina Brooke
I wrote my first book at the age of ten. It was a picture book about aliens, which were the only creatures I could draw.
Many years later, after completing school, a Bachelor of Laws and a few years in a legal firm, the writing bug bit again. Not a picture book this time, but a crime thriller set in a legal firm not unlike the one where I worked. With characters not unlike the people I encountered every day. Wisdom being the better part of valor, and multiple defamation suits a very real concern, I didn't pursue that work further than the first few chapters. Regrettably, the fictional murder of ... (well, I'd better not say) remains unsolved to this day.
I then turned my thoughts to stories that were less likely to result in a garnishee over my wages for many years to come. My first love, Regency historicals.
More time passed in fevered scribbling before my long-suffering husband suggested I might consider giving up work and writing full-time. Angels broke out in a chorus, manna dropped from Heaven and I remembered why I had married this absolute gem of a man in the first place. Still, it took many months before I gathered the courage to take the plunge. I free-fell into the vast void of structureless days, where tailored suits and stockings were no longer required dress and the only rule of thumb was to be out of my pyjamas by 10am.
Seven years and two children later, I still live by that rule.
I wrote my first book at the age of ten. It was a picture book about aliens, which were the only creatures I could draw.
Many years later, after completing school, a Bachelor of Laws and a few years in a legal firm, the writing bug bit again. Not a picture book this time, but a crime thriller set in a legal firm not unlike the one where I worked. With characters not unlike the people I encountered every day. Wisdom being the better part of valor, and multiple defamation suits a very real concern, I didn't pursue that work further than the first few chapters. Regrettably, the fictional murder of ... (well, I'd better not say) remains unsolved to this day.
I then turned my thoughts to stories that were less likely to result in a garnishee over my wages for many years to come. My first love, Regency historicals.
More time passed in fevered scribbling before my long-suffering husband suggested I might consider giving up work and writing full-time. Angels broke out in a chorus, manna dropped from Heaven and I remembered why I had married this absolute gem of a man in the first place. Still, it took many months before I gathered the courage to take the plunge. I free-fell into the vast void of structureless days, where tailored suits and stockings were no longer required dress and the only rule of thumb was to be out of my pyjamas by 10am.
Seven years and two children later, I still live by that rule.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 12, 2009
Angsty regency historical romance inspired by Indecent Proposal (the Robert Redford movie.)
The Marquis of Vane has wanted Lady Sarah, a married woman, for many years. She knows it and her wastrel husband knows it. Her husband offers one night with Lady Sarah to Vane for 10,000 pounds. Readers who dont care for technical adultery under any circumstances should stay away from this book.
This novel is just under 300 pages (there is a preview of her next book in the back, hence why its listed at 320 pages) and to stretch the conflict out til the HEA, Wells has Sarah be a bit of a pill. Unfortunately, Vane is really kind, patient, and quite besotted (not to mention well-hung) so Lady Sarah might come across as too unsympathetic in comparison to some readers.
I have no idea if this book is part of a series (and Wells's website is decidedly unhelpful) but I assume so since there is sequel-baiting with some of Vane's friends. It worked on me since I will probably read Wells's next book. This was my first book by this author and overall, it was pretty good, not great.
Sensuality: R
Grade: B-
The Marquis of Vane has wanted Lady Sarah, a married woman, for many years. She knows it and her wastrel husband knows it. Her husband offers one night with Lady Sarah to Vane for 10,000 pounds. Readers who dont care for technical adultery under any circumstances should stay away from this book.
This novel is just under 300 pages (there is a preview of her next book in the back, hence why its listed at 320 pages) and to stretch the conflict out til the HEA, Wells has Sarah be a bit of a pill. Unfortunately, Vane is really kind, patient, and quite besotted (not to mention well-hung) so Lady Sarah might come across as too unsympathetic in comparison to some readers.
I have no idea if this book is part of a series (and Wells's website is decidedly unhelpful) but I assume so since there is sequel-baiting with some of Vane's friends. It worked on me since I will probably read Wells's next book. This was my first book by this author and overall, it was pretty good, not great.
Sensuality: R
Grade: B-
July 4, 2009
The premise is promising, but somehow the overall execution is somewhat lacking. Strangely, for 2 people who've longed for each other for 7 yrs, they don't seem to like each other v. much. I didn't feel that angsty vibe. The hero is luvly, but the cold, guilt-ridden heroine isn't worth the pain, physical & mental anguish she put him thru'. Hard for me to comprehend what attracted hero to heroine in the 1st place.
I also found it unbelievable, what happened after he gave her a surprise sweet gift, her own perfume-making stillroom. Somehow the rose essence reminded her of the nite' her scumbag hubby # 1 expired & she ran outta the room, retching. After comforting her, hero confronted heroine (her hang ups) yadda yadda... "His gaze lowered to her mouth & his lips parted. Her face tilted toward his, her lips tingling w/ anticipation. When He said roughly, "I'm not going to kiss you, etc etc..." Here I thought, darn right U're not, she just puked her guts out ! Bile-scented breath is not really conducive to a hawt kissing session. Methinks sucking on a mint candy 1st before smooching would be imperative in this case =^2 Another problem I have is the heroine's obsessive mission to find the expired hubby's bastard child, @ the cost of the hero's luv. Her presumed-barren state has blinded her to that extent that is not an endearing quality. She comes across as a self-serving heroine, who couldn't see the real luv right in front of her.
The ending. I didn't give a hoot who actually killed heroine's hubby & why, also who are the real parents of the li'l boy that she's been hunting for throughout the book. The culprit is revealed w/out any clues, it gets bizarre, plus the killer doesn't get their comeuppance. Tons of secrets w/ heroine's parents & former hubby's family. All the bombshells just kinda get dropped in 1 big fat package. Even the epilogue didn't really make me root for HEA. Hope the next 1 will get more polished.
I also found it unbelievable, what happened after he gave her a surprise sweet gift, her own perfume-making stillroom. Somehow the rose essence reminded her of the nite' her scumbag hubby # 1 expired & she ran outta the room, retching. After comforting her, hero confronted heroine (her hang ups) yadda yadda... "His gaze lowered to her mouth & his lips parted. Her face tilted toward his, her lips tingling w/ anticipation. When He said roughly, "I'm not going to kiss you, etc etc..." Here I thought, darn right U're not, she just puked her guts out ! Bile-scented breath is not really conducive to a hawt kissing session. Methinks sucking on a mint candy 1st before smooching would be imperative in this case =^2 Another problem I have is the heroine's obsessive mission to find the expired hubby's bastard child, @ the cost of the hero's luv. Her presumed-barren state has blinded her to that extent that is not an endearing quality. She comes across as a self-serving heroine, who couldn't see the real luv right in front of her.
The ending. I didn't give a hoot who actually killed heroine's hubby & why, also who are the real parents of the li'l boy that she's been hunting for throughout the book. The culprit is revealed w/out any clues, it gets bizarre, plus the killer doesn't get their comeuppance. Tons of secrets w/ heroine's parents & former hubby's family. All the bombshells just kinda get dropped in 1 big fat package. Even the epilogue didn't really make me root for HEA. Hope the next 1 will get more polished.
April 13, 2010
I just finished reading it. I had a hard time find sympathy for Sarah. While I'll concede part of her hesitation in contacting her family was guilt and shame, I still believe the majority of it was simple pride. She didn't want to admit her mistakes to them and apologize, which shows a lack of maturity and stubbornness that borders on stupidity.
I understand that basis of what the author was trying to achieve, but I feel she failed for the most part. While I give her credit for taking on such a hard character, I think what should have come across as fear and guilt just seemed cold and cruel instead. I'm afraid I saw her only as a prideful martyr, all the way through the end.
It was hard to sympathize with her as she was.
I can't say I was very impressed with the book as a whole, though it did have a few redeeming qualities.
I may be curious enough to read the second book, Sweetest Little Sin (which I have in my TBR pile), however. We shall see.
I understand that basis of what the author was trying to achieve, but I feel she failed for the most part. While I give her credit for taking on such a hard character, I think what should have come across as fear and guilt just seemed cold and cruel instead. I'm afraid I saw her only as a prideful martyr, all the way through the end.
It was hard to sympathize with her as she was.
I can't say I was very impressed with the book as a whole, though it did have a few redeeming qualities.
I may be curious enough to read the second book, Sweetest Little Sin (which I have in my TBR pile), however. We shall see.
December 3, 2009
Potential spoiler below the fold. I don't mention anyone by name, but it might help you guess as to who it is as you're reading.
This one fell flat for me. The romance takes place in a very short amount of time -- a month or so as far as I can tell -- and the characters have very swift, multiple changes of heart and realization in that brief period. There really wasn't enough conflict to support a novel of this length -- if the hero and heroine had just sat down and had a fifteen minute conversation somewhere in the first five chapters, it all would have been resolved very quickly.
The villain was also unexpected, and therefore difficult to believe. And! The villain was one of those "insane villains", which is such an annoying stereotype. The portrayal of people with mental illness as dangerous and murderous is so offensive and tired. I far rather would have preferred a villain who was a flaming asshole, rather than insane.
This one fell flat for me. The romance takes place in a very short amount of time -- a month or so as far as I can tell -- and the characters have very swift, multiple changes of heart and realization in that brief period. There really wasn't enough conflict to support a novel of this length -- if the hero and heroine had just sat down and had a fifteen minute conversation somewhere in the first five chapters, it all would have been resolved very quickly.
The villain was also unexpected, and therefore difficult to believe. And! The villain was one of those "insane villains", which is such an annoying stereotype. The portrayal of people with mental illness as dangerous and murderous is so offensive and tired. I far rather would have preferred a villain who was a flaming asshole, rather than insane.
February 12, 2010
Overwrought take on the "sell a night with the wife for a bazillion bucks" plot. Barely bearable for reading in the bathroom in short takes, at least for now--I may abandon it (I'm only on p. 57 as I type this).
Here's an example of the prose:
"Each new sense of her was like brandy on an open wound. . . . Last night he'd thrown off his armor, shed his skin, laid himself open, raw and vulnerable. Ad she'd ripped his vitals out, plunged a dagger in his heart."
Can you say Ack?
--
I finished it--lots of skimming involved, though, to manage it. Intricate plot, after all, but the writing was painful. Mary Balogh does the whole "too proud to embrace happiness" much better. I just wanted to smack the heroine upside the head.
Here's an example of the prose:
"Each new sense of her was like brandy on an open wound. . . . Last night he'd thrown off his armor, shed his skin, laid himself open, raw and vulnerable. Ad she'd ripped his vitals out, plunged a dagger in his heart."
Can you say Ack?
--
I finished it--lots of skimming involved, though, to manage it. Intricate plot, after all, but the writing was painful. Mary Balogh does the whole "too proud to embrace happiness" much better. I just wanted to smack the heroine upside the head.
October 9, 2009
When a young, reckless and strong-willed seventeen year old Lady Sarah married Brinsley Cole, she though it was a great and passionate love they shared. Fighting nearly tooth and nail to get what she wanted, Sarah burned bridges with her family to achieve her goal of marriage. Unfortunately her thoughts of love were nothing but a smokescreen hiding her husband's true and cruel intentions. Now, ten years later, Sarah has constructed formidable and icy walls to shield her heart and exudes the prickly and prideful nature of a woman scorned but also one bound and determined to hold her head high. There's only one soul on earth that probes beneath her hateful layers to the passionate woman below and that's the utterly masculine Marquis of Vane. The man is danger in the flesh and Sarah has always felt his penetrating gaze to the very heart of her soul but she's also prided herself on her everlasting refusal to partake of the sinful pleasure that he's always offered her; always wanted from her.
Vane can't actually put into words the why or how of his infatuation with Lady Sarah Cole. Once, already years ago, he asked to form an arrangement with her but she shot him down with such cold precision that he couldn't stand to see for her many, many months. Even with the beating to his pride, Vane still could never turn his mind loose from Sarah. Despite her icy demeanor, Vane was sure that it shielded passion for her soul was nearly tangible to his roaming awareness. She plagued his thoughts and his body and her confounded husband only served to spark his intense anger over the fact that he wasn't the first to claim her heart.
When the very man that holds Vane's every desire approaches him with the horrid proposition of one night with his wife for ten thousand pounds, Vane is more then tempted but honor prevents him from accepting the offer. Yet surprisingly, Sarah arrives on his doorstep demanding an audience. Vane, thinking that she has finally come to him, surrenders his famous control and the two make love until morning. With fleeting thoughts of making Sarah his forever, he begs her to stay only to have the woman of his dreams demand her ten thousand pounds from him. Feeling the cold claws of betrayal, Vane lets her go with every intention of never laying eyes on the woman that broke his heart but murder would throw them together once again.
Desperate to prevent the truth of her whereabouts on the night of her husband's death, Sarah's only recourse is to swear vehemently that she's innocent when suspicious eyes turn her way. Despite the cruel fact that her marriage to Brinsley sunk her far below the high position within society that she once took for granted, Sarah will not allow her husband's death and the subsequent unveiling of her affair to tear her already delicate reputation to shreds. But when it's brought to her attention that Vane is being looked upon as a potential suspect, Sarah reveals her secret.
Meanwhile, Vane is trying desperately to provide an alibi for Sarah and has petitioned her parents. Vane knows that Sarah doesn't want her parents involved for not only could she not bare to sully their name, but her pride prevents her from allowing her parent's charity. Besides, after the bridges she's burned, why would they even want to lift a finger to help their child? But what Vane finds is a father's reluctance and a mother's stubborn drive to help Sarah. Alibi secured, Vane is then outraged when Sarah tells him that her secret is known and she is free of all suspicion.
In the face of Vane's anger, Sarah's icy demeanor falls into place and she decides to never allow him to know that she did it all to save him. But when Vane offers marriage as a solution to save her reputation, it's Sarah's turn to be outraged. But when his argument proves to be the only option left to her, Sarah unwillingly agrees. In truth, she tried her best to protect Vane from herself. She feels that he deserves an innocent beauty with every capability to love for in her mind, the woman of many years ago is gone and can never be again. She's lived so long with the determination to hate and she's clung so desperately to her pride that Vane would be getting an empty shell of a heart for a bride. But even beyond this, Sarah's greatness fear is that Vane has the ability to break through her barriers, strip her soul to its very essence and demand her love then with that manly accomplishment, he'll ultimately betray her for that's what men do.
Vane, in a way, can't help but rub his hands together in glee at the thought of finally possessing Sarah and despite her cool request that she have her own bedchamber and that she wishes to not be touched, Vane is confident in his skills of seduction. He's also confident that he can crack through Sarah's formidable walls but as time goes by he recognizes that he has ten years of pent up anger and distrust to deal with. He tries to see the woman within, walks down all avenues but is continually bombarded by the same result. Yet despite his frustration, he falls in love Sarah but when he's given proof that the only person Sarah can love is an innocent child that is not related nor in anyway in her control, Vane lets go.
I'll just come right out and say that I loved 'Wicked Little Game'. Not sure of the title...but the contents within were astounding. Wells wove a complex and intriguing story that I lapped up with urgent haste. Rarely do you find a historical that provides as many twists and turns as WLG with the added bonus of incredible emotional depth.
Vane....wow. He is an amazing hero, one that I never get tired of reading. I think he loved Sarah from the very first moment he laid eyes on her for it was telling with each and every action he made towards her. He stands up for her when he has no reason. He comforted her when he recognized despair. He let her rip into his soul time and again and continually came back for more even when all Sarah caused was pain. A lesser man than Vane would have given up on Sarah. She was so hard, so callous and so adept at keeping her icy cold mask in place. But Vane understood her core. He knew what she was protecting and he was determined to break through all her walls.
What is most unlike me is my love for Sarah. Typically I would dislike her character immensely. She's unbearably stubborn and ruthless in her pride. She would be a woman that I would have no desire to tangle with but the difference is that I understood her pain. Ten years of betrayal after betrayal from the man you fell in love with and married undoubtedly corrupts your soul and your ability to trust. She has no options, no outs. Instead Sarah finds solace in petty punishments she was able to dealt Brinsley. She gave him the illusion that anything he tried to throw at her wouldn't shake her impeccably cold heart when inside she's crying and railing at his callousness. Sarah knows immediately upon meeting Vane that he is the man that can reveal the woman within and I think Sarah was afraid of what even she might find when all her barriers were gone by his sheer force of will. Perhaps she really did have an empty shell of a heart. Knowing that, I think Sarah was more afraid of herself than Vane although she did her best to make him believe that it was him she feared.
I do wonder though if my opinion of Sarah would have been different if she hadn't forsaken her reputation to save Vane from being charged with murder. Her split second reaction showed then and there that she was able to make huge sacrifices for him without even having yet developed the incredible love that she does eventually hold for him. Luckily for her she did it and in that action she revealed that she still had the capacity to love and that she truly did deserve everlasting happiness.
Vane can't actually put into words the why or how of his infatuation with Lady Sarah Cole. Once, already years ago, he asked to form an arrangement with her but she shot him down with such cold precision that he couldn't stand to see for her many, many months. Even with the beating to his pride, Vane still could never turn his mind loose from Sarah. Despite her icy demeanor, Vane was sure that it shielded passion for her soul was nearly tangible to his roaming awareness. She plagued his thoughts and his body and her confounded husband only served to spark his intense anger over the fact that he wasn't the first to claim her heart.
When the very man that holds Vane's every desire approaches him with the horrid proposition of one night with his wife for ten thousand pounds, Vane is more then tempted but honor prevents him from accepting the offer. Yet surprisingly, Sarah arrives on his doorstep demanding an audience. Vane, thinking that she has finally come to him, surrenders his famous control and the two make love until morning. With fleeting thoughts of making Sarah his forever, he begs her to stay only to have the woman of his dreams demand her ten thousand pounds from him. Feeling the cold claws of betrayal, Vane lets her go with every intention of never laying eyes on the woman that broke his heart but murder would throw them together once again.
Desperate to prevent the truth of her whereabouts on the night of her husband's death, Sarah's only recourse is to swear vehemently that she's innocent when suspicious eyes turn her way. Despite the cruel fact that her marriage to Brinsley sunk her far below the high position within society that she once took for granted, Sarah will not allow her husband's death and the subsequent unveiling of her affair to tear her already delicate reputation to shreds. But when it's brought to her attention that Vane is being looked upon as a potential suspect, Sarah reveals her secret.
Meanwhile, Vane is trying desperately to provide an alibi for Sarah and has petitioned her parents. Vane knows that Sarah doesn't want her parents involved for not only could she not bare to sully their name, but her pride prevents her from allowing her parent's charity. Besides, after the bridges she's burned, why would they even want to lift a finger to help their child? But what Vane finds is a father's reluctance and a mother's stubborn drive to help Sarah. Alibi secured, Vane is then outraged when Sarah tells him that her secret is known and she is free of all suspicion.
In the face of Vane's anger, Sarah's icy demeanor falls into place and she decides to never allow him to know that she did it all to save him. But when Vane offers marriage as a solution to save her reputation, it's Sarah's turn to be outraged. But when his argument proves to be the only option left to her, Sarah unwillingly agrees. In truth, she tried her best to protect Vane from herself. She feels that he deserves an innocent beauty with every capability to love for in her mind, the woman of many years ago is gone and can never be again. She's lived so long with the determination to hate and she's clung so desperately to her pride that Vane would be getting an empty shell of a heart for a bride. But even beyond this, Sarah's greatness fear is that Vane has the ability to break through her barriers, strip her soul to its very essence and demand her love then with that manly accomplishment, he'll ultimately betray her for that's what men do.
Vane, in a way, can't help but rub his hands together in glee at the thought of finally possessing Sarah and despite her cool request that she have her own bedchamber and that she wishes to not be touched, Vane is confident in his skills of seduction. He's also confident that he can crack through Sarah's formidable walls but as time goes by he recognizes that he has ten years of pent up anger and distrust to deal with. He tries to see the woman within, walks down all avenues but is continually bombarded by the same result. Yet despite his frustration, he falls in love Sarah but when he's given proof that the only person Sarah can love is an innocent child that is not related nor in anyway in her control, Vane lets go.
I'll just come right out and say that I loved 'Wicked Little Game'. Not sure of the title...but the contents within were astounding. Wells wove a complex and intriguing story that I lapped up with urgent haste. Rarely do you find a historical that provides as many twists and turns as WLG with the added bonus of incredible emotional depth.
Vane....wow. He is an amazing hero, one that I never get tired of reading. I think he loved Sarah from the very first moment he laid eyes on her for it was telling with each and every action he made towards her. He stands up for her when he has no reason. He comforted her when he recognized despair. He let her rip into his soul time and again and continually came back for more even when all Sarah caused was pain. A lesser man than Vane would have given up on Sarah. She was so hard, so callous and so adept at keeping her icy cold mask in place. But Vane understood her core. He knew what she was protecting and he was determined to break through all her walls.
What is most unlike me is my love for Sarah. Typically I would dislike her character immensely. She's unbearably stubborn and ruthless in her pride. She would be a woman that I would have no desire to tangle with but the difference is that I understood her pain. Ten years of betrayal after betrayal from the man you fell in love with and married undoubtedly corrupts your soul and your ability to trust. She has no options, no outs. Instead Sarah finds solace in petty punishments she was able to dealt Brinsley. She gave him the illusion that anything he tried to throw at her wouldn't shake her impeccably cold heart when inside she's crying and railing at his callousness. Sarah knows immediately upon meeting Vane that he is the man that can reveal the woman within and I think Sarah was afraid of what even she might find when all her barriers were gone by his sheer force of will. Perhaps she really did have an empty shell of a heart. Knowing that, I think Sarah was more afraid of herself than Vane although she did her best to make him believe that it was him she feared.
I do wonder though if my opinion of Sarah would have been different if she hadn't forsaken her reputation to save Vane from being charged with murder. Her split second reaction showed then and there that she was able to make huge sacrifices for him without even having yet developed the incredible love that she does eventually hold for him. Luckily for her she did it and in that action she revealed that she still had the capacity to love and that she truly did deserve everlasting happiness.
January 12, 2021
Deliciously intense romance
5 stars
For years the Marquis of Vane has hungered for Lady Sarah and watched her endure her disastrous marriage. When her wastrel husband offers him one night with Sarah in exchange for £10,000 his honour compels him to refuse while his heart wishes he could say yes.
When Sarah comes to him their passion overwhelms them both but the next morning desire has turned to shame. And then to horror as their mutual passion has set the stage for murder, betrayal and blackmail. Can the pair unravel the mysteries in order to claim the love of a lifetime?
This is the first book I've read by Christine Wells and I was gripped from the first page by the intensity and richness of the characters and the storyline.
Despite her seemingly cold nature, Sarah is a character well worth rooting for and one that you can really understand and like. And what's not to like about Vane? A strong, sexy, brooding man who can't help but love the woman of his dreams. Together the pair worked well even though the depth of their emotions often had them at odds with one another.
I intensely dislike any infidelity in my romances but in this book it was handled in such away that not only was it not tawdry but you also cheered for Vane and Sarah. And the pair had such guilt over what had occurred that it didn't feel sordid at all.
Overall I really enjoyed this book. It's the kind of story that you can't bear to put down and find yourself promising just one more chapter before you go to bed and waking up early just to read before you start the day. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy a deep, interesting romance and personally I can't wait to read more books by Christine Wells, even hopefully some for Vane's brothers.
June 8, 2025
Ik heb de Nederlands talige uitgave "gelezen" : Eén nacht is niet genoeg - Candlelight Historische roman 950
Met gelezen bedoel ik zo hier en daar een stukje gelezen en veel wat niet interessant leek overgeslagen . Van de ongeveer 300 pagina's tekst misschien er maar 50 gelezen en toch niks gemist .
Met gelezen bedoel ik zo hier en daar een stukje gelezen en veel wat niet interessant leek overgeslagen . Van de ongeveer 300 pagina's tekst misschien er maar 50 gelezen en toch niks gemist .
September 21, 2009
This is an awesome book not put downable
February 1, 2010
Bit of a snooze, and I didn't understand the heroine's appeal.
October 11, 2010
Ugh! Melodramas piled on top of one another until the whole thing toppled over onto my DNF pile.
March 13, 2015
***** My Ratings *****
Hero rating: 4
Heroine rating: 4
Steam Factor: 3,5
Plot/Storyline: 4
***********************
Overall rating: 3
Hero rating: 4
Heroine rating: 4
Steam Factor: 3,5
Plot/Storyline: 4
***********************
Overall rating: 3
June 11, 2017
Lady Sarah has been rather unhappily married to Brinsley Cole for ten years now and she's been secretly lusting after the Marquis of Vane. For his part, Vane has not only lusted, but sort of loved Lady Sarah from afar. When her husband spies an interaction between them he views it as an opportunity for some cash and offers Vane a night with his wife for 10,000 pounds. He refuses the offer, but when Lady Sarah shows up that night indignant because her husband had told her it was the other way around, things get out of hand and they spend a passionate night together. But Sarah is prideful and to protect herself, then demands the 10,000 pounds. Vane is incensed at being used so callously and kicks her out. When she returns home, Sarah learns finds her husband murdered. The only alibi both she and Vane have are each other, which compromises Sarah and makes a marriage of convenience necessary. Vane still desires and loves Sarah, even while hating her, and is willing to go through with it. Sarah agrees, but swears she will never be vulnerable to a man again, she will never love him and will never share his bed. Vane makes it a point to change her mind.
As well written as this was and with a rather decent suspense plot, I couldn't like this mostly because I couldn't warm up to the heroine. Why Vane was in love with her, I have no idea. In fact, the heroine doubts that it's love just as I did. "His interest in her was so intense, so baseless, so unreasonable in light of all she’d done that it could only be infatuation." And this, well after they're married. What the heroine doesn't mention is the fact that she's a bitch and that's the greatest reason I couldn't fathom why Vane would love her. I think, honestly, in this whole book, she was miserable for about 85% of it. Her misery vacillated between stubborn pride which won't allow her to find happiness, guilt, and sheer anger.
She's also quite cruel. And she owns up to it too. She's so cruel that she allows a man to believe he had sex with her while she was unwilling after he has offered solutions to her problem, gone out of his way to help her and actually agreed to marry her. Even though she knows he's feeling shame at what he thinks he's done, her stupid pride lets him believe it. And she owns up to that too. She would "...use his shame as insurance. Yes, she could say. You frightened me. You hurt me. Don’t ever touch me again. A month ago, two weeks ago, she would have said that without mercy or hesitation, to protect herself. It was nothing less than she’d done before. Hadn’t she let him think she’d been coerced into his bed that first night?" And this is just touching on the surface - she spends most of her miserable time trying to make his life equally miserable in an effort to protect herself. How am I supposed to like a person like that? One of the things an author needs to do when it comes to prickly heroines is to give the reader some reason to feel sympathy for them or to glimpse some side of them that is worthy of routing for, but something fell short in this one and I never once found myself routing for the heroine. I wanted Vane to get over her and find soemone to make him happy. I will admit though that the ending was rather nice. There was appropriate grovel, the heroine had to set aside her pride and fight to get Vane back. But I still would have rather he found happiness with someone else.
As well written as this was and with a rather decent suspense plot, I couldn't like this mostly because I couldn't warm up to the heroine. Why Vane was in love with her, I have no idea. In fact, the heroine doubts that it's love just as I did. "His interest in her was so intense, so baseless, so unreasonable in light of all she’d done that it could only be infatuation." And this, well after they're married. What the heroine doesn't mention is the fact that she's a bitch and that's the greatest reason I couldn't fathom why Vane would love her. I think, honestly, in this whole book, she was miserable for about 85% of it. Her misery vacillated between stubborn pride which won't allow her to find happiness, guilt, and sheer anger.
She's also quite cruel. And she owns up to it too. She's so cruel that she allows a man to believe he had sex with her while she was unwilling after he has offered solutions to her problem, gone out of his way to help her and actually agreed to marry her. Even though she knows he's feeling shame at what he thinks he's done, her stupid pride lets him believe it. And she owns up to that too. She would "...use his shame as insurance. Yes, she could say. You frightened me. You hurt me. Don’t ever touch me again. A month ago, two weeks ago, she would have said that without mercy or hesitation, to protect herself. It was nothing less than she’d done before. Hadn’t she let him think she’d been coerced into his bed that first night?" And this is just touching on the surface - she spends most of her miserable time trying to make his life equally miserable in an effort to protect herself. How am I supposed to like a person like that? One of the things an author needs to do when it comes to prickly heroines is to give the reader some reason to feel sympathy for them or to glimpse some side of them that is worthy of routing for, but something fell short in this one and I never once found myself routing for the heroine. I wanted Vane to get over her and find soemone to make him happy. I will admit though that the ending was rather nice. There was appropriate grovel, the heroine had to set aside her pride and fight to get Vane back. But I still would have rather he found happiness with someone else.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2021
So I actually heard about this book from a romance group I'm in on facebook. Someone had read the book ages ago, described it, and was trying to find the title and author for a reread. The description was enticing though. I think there were several dozen commenters eagerly awaiting the news that someone knew the book so we could read it. Fortunately, someone did know it and my local library had a copy.
This whole Indecent Proposal meets murder mystery vibe is right up my alley. I was definitely curious to see where the story was going and what turns it would take. I feel like the ending was really rushed and the characters weren't as relatable as I prefer in a romance novel, but it was a solid read that delivered on the premise.
If the premise seems interesting, it's definitely worth a quick read, even if it's no instant favourite of mine.
This whole Indecent Proposal meets murder mystery vibe is right up my alley. I was definitely curious to see where the story was going and what turns it would take. I feel like the ending was really rushed and the characters weren't as relatable as I prefer in a romance novel, but it was a solid read that delivered on the premise.
If the premise seems interesting, it's definitely worth a quick read, even if it's no instant favourite of mine.
November 3, 2017
leído en Julio 2011
Muy entretenido e interesante!
Muy entretenido e interesante!
November 22, 2018
Fantastic!
August 17, 2021
The female lead, Sarah, surpasses all limits of self sabotage. Inexplicable how the author tried to pass stupidity as inner turmoil & confit.
If not for Sarah, this is easily a 3/5.
If not for Sarah, this is easily a 3/5.
July 17, 2016
The hero so made me want to like this book but the heroine just killed it. I just couldn't understand WHY Vane (the hero) loved Sarah (the heroine) after so many years. The author never really takes us back to put us into Vane's shoes to understand the obsession he has for her, because, for the life of me, I cannot see why he is even interested in her. She is incredibly proud and stupid. She sticks to her vows with a man (her husband) who has cheated on her time and time again and treated her badly for over 7 years, while there is another man (who she is also secretly attracted to) who yearns to be with her, take care of her, and is simply patiently waiting for the day he might have that chance. In the meantime, he stands by the sidelines and makes sure she is ok. And when the "evil" husband dies, what does the heroine do? She doesn't move on with her life and goes "good riddance" but instead causes all these stupid and unnecessary issues with Vane, who is forever patient and loving.
I absolutely LOVED the premise of a hot and sexy hero who could have anyone he wants pining over a heroine after so many years, but then I reached the point where I just couldn't understand WHY she was so deserving of his affection and love..and the book just completely fell apart for me. I wish she had something redeeming about her to be with the hero because I really, really loved the intro but I just couldn't bring myself to keep on reading the torture she brings to the hero.
I absolutely LOVED the premise of a hot and sexy hero who could have anyone he wants pining over a heroine after so many years, but then I reached the point where I just couldn't understand WHY she was so deserving of his affection and love..and the book just completely fell apart for me. I wish she had something redeeming about her to be with the hero because I really, really loved the intro but I just couldn't bring myself to keep on reading the torture she brings to the hero.
July 25, 2010
Another risky premise - a married woman accepts an indecent offer from a dashing marquis. I picked this one up based on the reviews. This book is now one my favorite historicals and Christine Wells is now on my auto-buy list. Wicked Little Game has everything - supsense, murder, intrigue, and sensuality. I can't wait to read it again!
May 19, 2012
I really liked this book. It was very angsty, and steamy. I have one complaint and it was a small one, I wish the heroine Sarah wasn't so hateful for MOST of the book. The thing that saved it was that I was able to see her inner thoughts and she really loved Vane. Vane was my favorute type of hero very alpha but he was desperatly in love with Sarah, he would do ANYTHING for her.
October 26, 2013
En realidad sería un 3 y medio, pero me ha sorprendido en algunos momentos, sobre todo porque pensaba que sería una lectura más ligera, y sin embargo la protagonista carga con tanta rabia reprimida y tiene tantas cosas que arreglar de su vida que al final ha resultado más interesante de lo esperado y el redondeo merece ir al alza.
May 3, 2015
When you read the back cover of this kind of books you already know the end. But you don’t know how the road to the end will be. There were a few surprises in this book for me. And it was sad to see Sarah’s fight against her own feelings, that she couldn’t trust them because of the past.
But luckily it becomes all okay in the end.
But luckily it becomes all okay in the end.
October 28, 2009
I'd have given it a Five star if Wells had added a small epilogue showing Sarah birthing Vane's child (if she wasn't pregnant, what was all the vomiting everywhere about?)... Or maybe I passed it (seeing as I read it in ebook form)...
August 18, 2009
I really liked this novel. It was more in depth with emotion that some and it has a darker edge to it. it was an easy read.
July 20, 2009
Soooo good. I am a Christine Wells fangirl. :)
August 24, 2009
Love the hero!
Recommended to me by Barbara and VampFanGirl! LOVE the premise of a guy longing from afar. Can't wait to dig into this one!
Recommended to me by Barbara and VampFanGirl! LOVE the premise of a guy longing from afar. Can't wait to dig into this one!
September 28, 2009
Never made it past the first few chapters...
October 5, 2009
It was ok. I liked the writing, but I thought it was a bit of one of those plots where if the protags just had ONE CONVERSATION, about half the plot would have become unnecessary.
July 17, 2010
2.5. A clear step forward from her previous DANGEROUS DUKE, but still a long way to go to make for an above average read.
May 30, 2011
Autora nueva en España y toda una sopresa.
En mi opinión se sale de lo típico en regencia, una maravilla :)
En mi opinión se sale de lo típico en regencia, una maravilla :)
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