In Love With a Wicked Man by Liz Carlyle

Historical Romance

What Goodreads Says:

What does it matter if Kate, Lady d'Allenay, has absolutely no marriage prospects? She has a castle to tend, an estate to run, and a sister to watch over, which means she is never, ever reckless. Until an accident brings a handsome, virile stranger to Bellecombe Castle, and Kate finds herself tempted to surrender to her houseguest's wicked kisses.

Disowned by his aristocratic family, Lord Edward Quartermaine has turned his gifted mind to ruthless survival. Feared and vilified as proprietor of London's most notorious gaming salon, he now struggles to regain his memory, certain of only one thing: he wants all Kate is offering—and more.

But when Edward's memory returns, he and Kate realize how much they have wagered on a scandalous passion that could be her ruin, but perhaps his salvation."

I like Liz Carlyle’s writing and story telling and she did not disappoint me with In Love With a Wicked Man.

The Trope:  Kate’s horse jumps a stone wall and causes Edward to fall and hit his head when he pulls up so they do not collide.  When Edward wakes up he does not know who he is.

The Characters: Kate is the titleholder at Bellecombe Castle.  She is strong, efficient, busy and never expects to marry.  Edward is a second son who was turned off at a very early age.  He is attracted to Kate but even though he has not memory of who he is he feels he is not worthy of her. Add to the mix the man Kate refused to marry returning, Kate’s sister, and Kate’s flighty Mother.  Both the main and side characters are very well developed.

The Plot:  As in most journeys to an HEA there has to be a problem.  Here it is Edward’s loss of memory, Kate’s old betrothed returning to pressure her to reconsider and marry him, and Edward regaining his memory.  Sub-plots include Kate’s sister’s desire to marry to local parson, and Kate’s mother’s secrets being revealed. 

All of this is mixed together to make a very enjoyable read. 

Avon published In Love With aWicked Man by Liz Carlyle in 2013.

The Bride Wore Pearls by Liz Carlyle

Historical Romance

Since Goodreads did not have much to say about The Bride Wore Pearls by Liz Carlyle  I had to pull from Amazon.  Here is what Amazon had to say about the book:

"Beneath the elegant facade of Victorian high society, the rules of danger and desire are the only rules that apply for the mysterious men of the St James Society. New York Times bestseller Liz Carlyle carries readers deep into this realm of intrigue and passion once more in her breathtaking historical romance sizzler, The Bride Wore Pearls. The third book in her sexy, compelling, action-packed series, The Bride Wore Pearls is a scorching story of a very proper lady who flees her home in a far corner of the British Empire, entrusting her safety and her heart to a dangerous outlaw in Victorian London"

This series features the men of the St. James Society.  Lady Anisha Stafford is the sister of one of the members of the St James Society.  She has mixed blood from her Indian mother and her English father.  She has come back to England with her two boys after the death of her English husband to make her home with her brother Lord Ruthveyn.  The first person she meets is Rance Welham another member of the St. James Society.

Characters:  This is very much a character driven story and both of the main characters are unique.  Anisha has to balance her Indian side with her English blood.  She wants her sons to be accepted so she tries to downplay her unique bloodline.  Rance Welham was falsely accused of two different crimes and is trying to clear his name.  He can accept Anisha as she is but does not want her to be tainted by his bad reputation. There is also one reoccurring character from book before this series.  It is always fun to see what he adds to the mix.

Plot:  The entire plot revolved around Rance’s quest to clear his name.  There are several red herrings before we find the true villain.  Anisha’s determination to help adds to the plot.

Worldbuilding:  There is a paranormal addition to the times in this series.  Each member of the St. James Society has some type of paranormal skill.  Each book adds layers to this world.

Tension:  There is plenty of tension in the story.  There are people stalking Rance.  There is the attraction between Anisha and Rance.  There is the quest to find the truth.  All combined to keep me reading.

The Bride Wore Pearls is a good addition to the St. James Society series.  Pick it up for an enjoyable read.

Avon published The Bride Wore Pearls by Liz Carlyle in 2012.

One Touch of Scandal by Liz Carlyle

Romance

Liz Carlyle is one of my favorite romance authors so as soon as I saw her new book One Touch of Scandal I picked it up. In this first book of a new trilogy Liz Carlyle adds a paranormal twist to her historical romance. Grace Gauthier finds her employer and soon to be husband murdered and herself as the prime suspect. Adrian Forsythe, Lord Ruthveyn, is called into the case and is surprised when he touches Grace and can read nothing. Both Adrian and Grace have unusual abilities that link them in ways they do not expect. Liz Carlyle has added a new touch to her romance novels skillfully blending a traditional romance with a touch of the paranormal. Look for the second book One Wicked Glance in May of 2011.

I think that people who like the Arcane Novels written by Amanda Quick (a pen name for Jayne Ann Krentz) should try this new trilogy by Liz Carlyle.

Avon published One Touch of Scandal by Liz Carlyle in 2010. At some time there must have been a cover change because the cover on Liz Carlyle's web site is different from the final cover.

I purchased One Touch of Scandal from Borders.