The Devil to Pay

Wicked Sons #1

by Emma V. Leech

From the highly acclaimed , award winning author of the Girls Who Dare and the Daring Daughters, Emma V Leech, comes the exciting new series about the sons of the Girls Who Dare, Wicked Sons.

Their mothers dared all for love...
Their sisters did the same.
Something wicked this way comes...

A Wicked Son…

Tall, dark and handsome, ridiculously wealthy, and the heir to a title. With so many blessings in his life, for this Wicked Son there is very little point in being anything more than ornamental. Or at least… that is what everyone believes, but this man has a secret. For a man in his position, if anyone discovered he is the mysterious author of The Ghosts of Castle Madruzzo , it would make him a figure of ridicule.
His first novel was a tremendous success, and though his sales are excellent, he is aware he has never quite recaptured the dynamism of that first book. His readers don’t seem to care and clamour for more, yet a certain lady critic keeps plaguing him with bad reviews. Somehow, she has guessed he is a nobleman, and delights in finding fault with his less elevated characters.

A little time undercover should do the trick, to prove to himself, and the lady, that he is nothing if not committed to his art.

A lady to be reckoned with…

As the eldest–and only sensible sibling–in an overburdened family, Selina Davenport is holding onto sanity by a thread. The absolute last thing she needs is the presence in her life of an over privileged nob pretending to be something he’s not. Like she can’t tell at a glance that he is not the lowly gardener he is purporting to be. The nincompoop.

That’s not to say she isn’t prepared to have a little fun at his expense.

A game that gets out of hand…

But when an immovable object meets an irresistible challenge, sparks are bound to fly, but will they burn down everything around them?

This is the first book in the new series, Wicked Sons.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Victorian

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 29, 2023

About the author

Bestselling author hiding mostly in 19th-century England, venturing out only for chocolate and tea.

Emma V. Leech is the award-winning author of multiple bestselling series across Regency romance, Regency mystery and paranormal romance. Fall in love with swoon-worthy rogues, bold heroines, witty banter and deeply romantic happily-ever-afters. Follow Emma on BookBub for new releases and exclusive deals.

EMMA’S BOOKS

Rogues And Gentlemen
Regency romance – 17-book series (ongoing)
Sexy, tumultuous and irresistibly romantic. From pirates and smugglers to earls and dukes, these unforgettable rogues will sweep you away!

Winter Rogue
A Regency Christmas romance within the Rogues & Gentlemen world
A scandal-weary earl, a runaway heiress and a crumbling country estate snowed in for Christmas. A sensual, heart-tugging holiday novella about redemption, desire and a love neither of them expects.

A Rogues and Gentlemen Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
A collection of three romantic holiday stories featuring beloved Rogues & Gentlemen characters. Expect snowstorms, sizzling tension, unexpected proposals, mistletoe moments and heart-melting happily-ever-afters – a cosy festive escape for Regency romance lovers.

The Girl Is Not For Christmas
A standalone Regency Christmas romance
Miss Olivia Penrose is the only thing standing between her family and ruin when a brooding aristocrat crashes into her carefully laid plans. Sparks fly amid family secrets, snowy scandals and irresistible festive longing in this passionate, witty and deeply romantic winter read.

Girls Who Dare
Regency romance – 12-book series
Inside every wallflower is the heart of a lioness. When these overlooked young women make a pact to change their lives, rules are broken, reputations are risked and love becomes the most daring adventure of all.

Daring Daughters
Victorian romance – 19-book series and two compilations
The next generation of the Girls Who Dare. Their mothers risked everything for love – now their daughters are ready to be even bolder. An ongoing series of fiercely romantic stories set in a rapidly changing world.

Wicked Sons
Victorian romance – 12-book series
Their mothers dared all for love. Their sisters did the same. Now it’s the sons’ turn… dangerous, tempting and determined not to fall – until the right woman brings them to their knees.

The Venturesome Ladies Of Little Valentine
Regency romance – my current series
A quiet seaside village, a wave of scandalous newcomers and local ladies who refuse to be swept aside. A warm, witty Regency series full of secrets, second chances and delicious enemies-to-lovers romance.

The Regency Romance Mysteries
Regency romantic suspense – 3-book series
Dashing heroes, wicked villains, murder, mystery – and heroines who refuse to sit prettily and wait to be rescued. Perfect if you like your Regency romance served with danger and intrigue.

The French Vampire Legend
Paranormal romance – 4-book series
A dark, dramatic and heart-wrenching tale of courage, sacrifice and a love that not even time, war or monsters can destroy. Gothic atmosphere, high stakes and a romance that refuses to die.

The French Fae Legend
Fantasy romance – 4-book series
An award-winning saga with close to sixteen million online reads. Moving between modern-day France and the Fae Lands, these books weave powerful magic, danger and an all-consuming love that proves stronger than any enchantment.

The Book Lover
A standalone paranormal romance novella
A book-obsessed young woman, an infuriatingly charming stranger and the unnerving sense that stories might be bleeding into real life. A short, intensely romantic tale for anyone who has ever fallen in love with books… and perhaps with something not entirely of this world.

Reviews

[Rowena Knowles · Rating 3 out of 5]

What can I say??? I’ve been anticipating this book for months, stayed up until midnight to start reading it asap and was feeling fairly happy and positive when I went to sleep after reading the first couple of chapters. Then I wake up early the next morning to continue reading and the further I get into it, the more I realise it’s not what I have come to expect from Ms Leech.

Jules is not at all the person we have been introduced to in the Daring Daughters series. In that series he’s a young, handsome, titled “man about town” with a certain reputation for not being able to resist temptation when it comes to women. In this book he seems to have turned into a model of virtue when it comes to Miss Davenport, restricting himself to a couple of tame kisses.

Miss Selina Davenport is a potentially interesting character, with a strong personality (much like Jules’ mother, who I love) and the added responsibility of running her father’s estate, looking after her younger siblings and dealing with her dissolute elder brother. However, I didn’t really connect with her emotionally and I didn’t feel the connection between her and Jules either.

Add to this the fact that the ending seemed a little rushed and the issues with Selina’s disreputable father and elder brother were somewhat “brushed over”, and I was left with a vague feeling of disappointment.

This is one of Ms Leech’s lower steam books, with only two kisses and one “open door” love scene. I don’t have a problem with low steam, although it was unexpected bearing in mind the hero is Jules, but most disappointing was that the love scene gave off “must insert sex scene here” vibes - lacking in emotional connection and “feels” imo - very unusual for this author.

On the plus side, loved catching up with the various Wicked Sons, reading all the letter extracts and picking up potential clues about what’s in store in future books. I’m loving the relationship between Pip and his daughter Tillie ❤️

Keeping my fingers crossed that this book is just a blip and that Ms Leech’s writing returns to her usual outstanding level soon 🤞

[Luciie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lacking in Sizzle

Emma v Leech is honestly one of my all time favourite historical romance authors, and I've DEVOURED her girls who dare and daring daughters series's. I was really wanting to love this book and while I enjoyed the story, it was a little lacklustre when it came to the passion front.

Now, I'm not saying all books need spice, but it's something I've come to expect from Leech, and this felt a bit lacking in passion and the main 'love scene' was written in a way that felt a little disjointed (in separate parts) and took me out of the moment.

If we had ratings out of 10, I'd give it a 7.5 as I DID enjoy the story, though!

Side note - I wish there was some way for me to see all previous mentions of characters, too, as my memory is shockingly bad and I have a feeling I'm going to go into most of this series not remembering anything about the 'son' 🙈

[Susan Saltos · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book BUT there were many things that bothered me. The top thing was Jules calling Selina by her last name “Davenport” almost constantly. He even thought of her in his head as “Davenport”. Every other sentence seemed to have the word Davenport in it. It really drove me crazy especially because Selina never ever corrected him for it! Being that Jules was raised in the aristocracy, he would have been trained from birth to call a woman “Miss (insert last name here) if she were unmarried and Mrs (insert last name) or Lady (insert husband’s title name here) if married. Not once does Selina correct him by saying “Excuse me, but it is MISS Davenport!” She never batted an eye at him calling her Davenport as soon as he started speaking to her! We later have him calling her Boudicca (one of the ugliest names I’ve ever heard) because he compares her to some long ago warrior queen. Maybe that was endearing back then I don’t know. To me, it’s an ugly name and I would have said “that’s nice you think of me like that but that name is ugly, don’t call me that again, please.” He only ever calls her once by her name Selina and that was their wedding night. Selina never invites him to call her Selina after they become friends. Nor does she offer the name of Lina, which her siblings call her. The fact that she never mentions him calling her Davenport is totally unbelievable especially for the time period they are in.

I also didn’t like how little time Jules spent pretending to be her gardener. She figured it out way too quickly and without him talking to her. She just figures out he’s the writer she criticized… unbelievable. I would have enjoyed seeing Jules more as a gardener so he would learn to appreciate hard work and what all his servants have to do in his and his family’s service. It would make him appreciate them more. And it would help him with his writing about regular working people from their point of view instead of being restricted to his aristocratic point of view how working people think and behave.

Also, while he was supposed to be some big flirt and playboy, we do not see that kind of behavior with Selina. I would have expected more flirting at least from him. And I didn’t feel much chemistry between Jules and Selina. Possibly because of how he kept calling her “Davenport” like he would a rugby buddy rather than a girl he was interested in romancing.

I have to say I enjoyed the side characters (and the letters back and forth at the beginning of each chapter) more than the main characters. Selina’s siblings were great and I hope to see them all in future books.

I also liked seeing more about Pip and Tilly. I can’t wait to read Pip’s book!

[Roxanna Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly

I liked this book. It was good. I love the characters. The only problem was that it just didn't seem as deep or tense as I am used to from this author. Maybe that's down to my preferences as a reader. Still, I enjoyed reading it as it has a very strong heroine. The hero was funny and also very honest with himself and his faults. I recommend this book wholeheartedly. It lost a star because of the presentation of the book. The cover, compared to the two series before this one , was very disappointing to me. Now some might say I shouldn't include the cover in the review but to me the cover, and the time put into producing\creating it, tells me a lot about what's between the front and back cover.

[Winnifred D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steam level: 2.5 (open door sex, not super explicit)
Tropes: aristo in disguise, Big Secret, spinster/rake
Part of a series: Yes, book 1

This is a something of a return to form for this writer, IMO, as I wasn't as into her last series as a I wanted to be. I got rather hung up on the complicated family relationships and plots that would lose focus on the MC's. This storyline does start out a bit slow, with references to characters/events in the previous series, and the premise is a bit silly (reminiscent of Tessa Dare's and Vivienne Lorret's humor, which isn't necessarily a bad thing). But if you're new to Emma Leech, keep reading; don't overlook this gem.

Nothing really new with the tropes, but there's two biggest reasons why this book works: the Big Secret is well handled early on, without the usual angst, and the bulk of the plot focuses on the growing relationship between Jules, a who is both an author and heir to a dukedom, and bossy, blunt, intelligent Selina (or Davenport, as Jules calls her). The author's skill at creating believable love relationships shines more and more as the plot glides along, with sharp dialog and descriptions, and the secondary characters are also fun (Jules's valet is a scene-stealer).

This is lighter weight than most of the author's best books, such as Flaming June, but it's sweet and lovely. Once I got into it I didn't want to put it down.

[LainieLibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Finally, Jules' story. I liked it, but didn't love it ya know? It was sweet - I thought Selina was a fantastic FMC, it was well paced, and it felt a touch more humorous than some of the other books (I found myself laughing out loud a couple of times), but there was something missing. It almost felt like Jules picked Selina because she was the correct choice/would help him grow up vs. actually having chemistry? Selina is a formidable, no-nonsense woman who can command a room and would be a lovely duchess - just like his mother. That felt like the reason Jules found himself falling in "love" - out of duty almost? I did love Selina, and I love Jules, but I'm not convinced by the two of them being together...

[Janet Denise Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 STARS, MEN IN LOVE, REGENCY DRAMA

5 STARS for Emma V Leech's new Series: Wicked Sons Book 1. Of course this is the most famous read about sons from our couples from the: Ladies That Dare Series. Yes, we have been keeping up with some of their escapeds through the Daughter's that Dare, series and have been waiting for their own stories, & here they come.
There is a wonderful BLURB. Great characters, some of which have been in other books in other series, exciting, and it does let us know about several at one time.

In Book 1, we start out with Pip who has taken himself off to his broken down estate, without explaining why to his parents or anyone. It's a secret. Then Jules is running away from being sued and embarrassed socially, pops up to see him & finds out what it is.

In doing so, Jules ends up meeting his nemesis & falls for her. The son of a Duke pretends to be a gardener who can't speak, but his blisters on his hands gives him away. Selina is a wonderful tall full figured, red haired woman who had has to take charge in order to raise her siblings from 3 to 15, 3 boys & 2 girls & the estate along with the household on a tight strict budget. Her father, the General & her older brother, the heir lived in town spending money. It was left to her & thank goodness, when her mother died, 3 years before she took charge .

Jules fell hard for his Davenport, as he called her. I imagine that he could see a bit of his mother in her. Also, being he had been raised to be a Duke, I think he admired her take charge, no nonsense way.

Straighting out a library they learned about each other. The love story of Jules & his Davenport is a saucy & humorous story. It touches & warms the heart.

RECOMMEND. ATTENTION: EXPLICIT SEXUAL ACTIVITY

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jules is a son of a duke and the heir to the title. Although he is disreputable, this is done in a "light" way. Yes, he has had an affair with a married lady, but it is staged as she was in love with her husband who emotionally hurt her badly. It is portrayed more as he felt sympathy for her as well as lust - so immorality with some heart - just not love. Fleeing the situation (her husband has found out and is NOT happy) he happens upon another female who he wants to learn more about. This is our heroine, Salina. She is absolutely fantastic. A strong woman who also has the respect of many people, even though she does not realize it. They complement each other. This is a true romance with very little trope which was refreshing.

The byplay between these two characters is wonderful as well as they (somewhat) slowly grow from like to respect to love. It seems to develop naturally. So much so it took me a few minutes to realize a very short period of time had elapsed. Her siblings are great as well. This book made me laugh. It also brought tears to read the interactions between Jules and his parents.

It is really helpful to have read the books in this series as the "cast of characters" grows with each book. Many are mentioned here and I would imagine it would be a little annoying to read all the names referenced and some of the storylines from other stories referenced without having read them. I have read them all and this is now one of my favorites. Absolutely recommend it!

[Bücherspaß · Rating 2 out of 5]

This isn't the most horrible book I ever read, but it did get on my nerves. First of all, it appears to be set in a world that the author has written a huge number of books about. Lots and lots and LOTS of characters from previous books show up, and all of them are lovely, healthy, beautiful people who are friends and constantly write letters to each other. The hero claims to be afraid that his father will do something drastic to him for causing a huge scandal, but they very clearly have a loving relationship, so it was really obvious that the hero has nothing to fear from his father. (The father appears to be the hero of a previous book). So, no real conflict there. Then there's the hero's valet, who is also his friend and who can say anything to him without fearing to be fired. I hate that trope. Finally, there's an amazingly HUGE number of stout feminists among the British nobility in the 19th century. At least, according to this book. I mean, I know there were quite a few people advocating women's rights at the time, but everyone in this book's circle of friends is totally on board with this. All of these things together made The Devil to Pay a book that felt slightly off and not very entertaining for me.

[Carrie-anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. I read all of Emmas books (normally on the day they are released) and this was a strong start to a new series and I can't wait for the next one. I think i am most looking forward to Leo Hunt.

It was nice to see characters from previous novels, but it was good to get to know Jules better and I particularly enjoyed Briggs the valet.

Sometimes people are dismissive of historical romance, and some, particularly on kindle unlimited can be badly researched, shallow and not at all well written. Emma V Leech consistantly writes vivid characters with interesting plots that are always different. Sometimes we go an an adventure across different countries, sometimes they are laugh out loud hilarious, sometimes they are full of angst and theres some heartbreak and stories of redemption. I think any reader of this genre enjoys the escapism and Emma is an expert at taking the reader out of their everyday life and when we get to their happy ever after you can't help but feel happier yourself.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jules, a Marquess and a romance author, is stung by the sharp criticism of his latest book by Selina Davenport. He decides to go to her estate and work as a mute gardener. This was a bit over the top but Selina saw through his soft hands and intelligent eyes quickly.

Jules went to the Davenport estate so he could use her as a villain in his next book. However, he was soon smitten with her and changed his plans. This is my first book by this author and I was pleased with the quality of the dialogue and the plot. I had a problem with the quick way the Havershams' problem was resolved -- by Miss Davenport. 

Overall, I liked that Jules was a likeable ninny who needed a keeper (as in Selina Davenport). He was easy to step into trouble because he didn't think about the consequences. Miss Davenport was the Queen of Consequences (since she lived and resolved the consequences of her father and older brother's stupid choices). I really liked the ending.


**Wicked Sons Series
** 1) The Devil to Pay
2)  Wrecking Belle

[Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

There were some better books in the two preceding series, but almost anything Emma V Leechs deigns to write is 5*. First of all, I love that this series exists! I was NOT ready to say goodbye to all wicked mothers, and daughters, and their loved ones! So let's get better acquainted with the wicked sons! Selina reminded me of her mother-in-law (who began the whole adventure) - not classically beautiful, but majestic, responsible bossy, loyal - in a word not a perfection but a woman but a REAL woman.
As usual, I will hope for more, as soon as possible :) In the meantime perhaps I will get back to my favorites (Arabella and her Marquese of Bainbridge, Georgiana (or her parents and their collection of beribboned antlers!) and Alden, or Cara and Wolf.... or just the rest of them really)

[Diana Whiteman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Wicked Sons book 1

The continuation of the Dare to be Wicked series following the Daring Daughters. This is the chance for the sons of the parents to finally shine.
In the first book we meet Jules, the eldest son of the Duke and Duchess of Bedwin. Jules meets his match in the person of Selina Davenport who is unsurprisingly like his mother.... Not in looks, but in comportment.
Its a lovely start to a new series.

[Malaika Pepper-Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warrior queen Selina for the unsuspecting Jules

Loved this love story for the beginning. Jules didn't take himself too seriously and could admit his faults, while Selina saw the truth of what Jules told her of her attraction. No nonsense between the hero and heroine made for a straightforward romance without the typical angst and brooding expected in romance novels of this period. Great start for the Wicked Sons series!

[Melba Hard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jules meets his match.

Well at last we we know a little more about Pop's situation although we had a preview in Cats story I expect we will have to wait until the last book in the current series for the final outcome! But at least we have a happy ending for Miles and a very unexpected one at that .

[Lorna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun!

A bit predictable but delightful and spritely! A bit overwhelming with all the references to characters from previous series (I'm guessing that's where they're all from) but overall it doesn't weigh the story down and it's a very enjoyable read.

[Sherry Vorhaben · Rating 5 out of 5]

another great book

I wish I could give all of her books more than five stars. They’re all so adorable. Times when you cry and others when you laugh out loud. I can’t recommend them all more.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Made my Day

I enjoyed this story so much my cheeks ache with smiling.
Selina is very much a woman in charge, sorely put upon by her wastrel father and older brother who have badly damaged her confidence regarding her looks, character, & personality. Her father is neglectful, spending his time in town, running up bills. She runs the estate and is bringing up her young siblings.
Jules is a wholly likeable, kind, and compassionate character even though the reader will not start off thinking so. He is funny, lets his loyal valet get away with pert observations, and decides to get back at Selina for a tart review of his book. What is special about Jules is his slow transformation into the decent man he wants to be. He is honest about Selina’s looks; he thinks she is magnificent.
A highly recommended read ❤️

[BJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good plot with a few good twists. The likeable H's reputation is terrible, the h is bossy and brittle. She was not easy to like but the H can't help admire her. It's a lot of fun and it was wonderful to see the h find her place in the world. Loved it.

[AmazingJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Wonderful start to a new series.

This Story was Absolutely Wonderful.
Selina & Jules were wonderful characters.

I am looking forward to reading Lucy & Conor's story in the next book in this series.

[Aileen Tackett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liked

The only negative I have is the author Had excerpts Of letters at the beginning of each chapter. I found them to be unnecessary and confusing at times. I'm sure they were there to lead in to other books within the same series, but I found that an unwanted distraction

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I loved this book. A great start to a new series with fun characters and an engaging storyline. And I’ve got a new nickname for my brother Benjamin from it … I’m not sure how he will like being called Jammy from now on 🤣

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remarkable start to a hightly anticipated series.

[Lacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely start to a spin off series I have been anxiously waiting for ❤️

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to admit I was skeptical of the premise, but it was totally fine. Leech is such an exceptional writer. This book was SO good. Swoon worthy.

[Renee Ferritto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story, Emma never disappoints. The first Wicked Sons book has me looking for more. Strong characters, Jules meets his muse in Selina.

[Nicole LaBoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love

I love this new series! It was so hard to put down the book once I started reading. It was well written with all the feelings.

[Sokosita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Strong heroine, funny and spoilt brat who needed to be put in the place.
The story was fast paced & engaging. One of my favorites.

[Danette · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5.

[Kathy Garcia · Rating 3 out of 5]

reviewed on Amazon.
Jules Bedowin and Selina Davenport's story.