TOO WICKED TO WED

Author: Cheryl Holt ISBN: 0312937997 9/2006 HISTORICAL Publisher: ST. MARTIN'S PRESS
Time Period: 1814 London

CAN THE ROGUE WHO WON HER VIRTUE… Helen Mansfield’s reckless brother has done the unthinkable, gambling away his sister’s chastity to save his family’s estate. When Helen visits the lodgings of the gentleman who has won her, hoping to make him see reason, she interrupts a carnal scene as outrageous as it is erotic. Luke Westmoreland, the illegitimate son of a duke, is clearly a rogue…and he’s also the most wildly attractive man she has ever met. He offers Helen a new bargain that will give her one more year in her home. But their daily meetings quickly become sizzling lessons in wanton desire… TEACH HER THE MEANING OF DESIRE? Once branded a smuggler and thief, Luke Westmoreland is now hailed a hero, thanks to an act of bravery at sea. Although he has taken full advantage of the women his fame has enticed, none of the strumpets lining up to share his bed has intrigued Luke as much as beautiful, spirited Helen. Their trysts are abandoned, sensual adventures that deepen into a love neither dares to admit—until another man’s twisted obsession places Helen in danger…

RRAH's THOUGHTS AND PONDERINGS:

Packed with emotion, sensuality, and surprising twists and turns, TOO WICKED TO WED is too delicious to pass up! This is the first novel of Cheryl Holt's I've read, but it definitely will not be the last. In this novel, she has come up with the perfect combination of intrigue, sensual love scenes, and tender emotion, which I haven't read in a historical romance in a very long time.

Lucas William Westmorland was born on the wrong side of the blanket. He is the bastard son of a Duke and an innocent young maiden. Since his mother's death when he was only five years old, he has survived by sheer instinct and determination. Since an act of heroism turned the pirate smuggler into a hero, everyone, from the lowest strumpet to the Prince of Wales, has taken a burning interest in Luke. In an act of revenge, he takes possession of a small country estate from a spoiled pompous young man named Archibald Mansfield. What Luke hasn't counted on, is for the hideous Archie to have a beautiful spinster sister, Helen, who has more spirit and honor than anyone he has encountered before. No matter how badly he tries, Luke cannot ignore the tender emotions or the raging lust she inspires in him.

Helen Mansfield has spent her entire adult life rescuing her brother from one jam after another. And although he has continued wreaking havoc for the last few years, she cannot believe what he has done in his latest exploit. He has lost their family home in a wager, and left Helen homeless and at the mercy of a lecherous pirate!

Though there is no sane explanation, neither Luke nor Helen can stop the tempest of emotions that consumes them when in each other's presence. In his entire life, Luke has never tried to control his urges, sexual or otherwise, and he sees no reason to begin now. And although Helen is a 25 year old virgin, she realizes these emotions Luke stirs in her are a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence. With unknown evils stirring in their lives, Helen makes a pact with the devil and a bargain with Luke, that neither may walk away from unscathed. The sensual scenes are hot and sultry, and the sweet emotions evoked, intensely deep.

I was happily surprised by the cast of secondary characters. They are so lovable that I found myself rooting for them as much as I was for Luke and Helen. Not to sound conceited, but I am usually astute to upcoming surprises or twists in a storyline. But in the first few chapters of this story, I was completely bowled over by a revelation. It is so entertaining and thrilling to find a author who could surprise me so thoroughly!

For fans of Cheryl Holt, I am sure no recommendation from me is needed. But if, like me, any of you have not had the pleasure of escaping into a world created by Ms. Holt, don't waste another moment to do so. As I said in my opening statement, TOO WICKED TO WED is just too delicious to pass up. Happy reading!

Deana Monteleone