Liz Carlyle has written some fine - dark and rich, original and intriguing - romances. "Wicked All Day" isn't one of them. And that's too bad, because if, like me, you've read her oeuvre, you were probably waiting for Zoë’s story too.

Poor Zoë deserved better. After all, as the illegitimate daughter of the infamous Rannoch, she lived a lonely life till his marriage to an unconventional artist and the introduction of her large and friendly family changed Zoë’s life. But now poor Zoë is lonely again. Her ‘cousins’ have moved on with their lives, but despite her fortune, Zoë’s illegitimacy limits her marriage choices. So to prove that she doesn’t give a flip, Zoë….ten to one you can finish this plot outline without me.

Carlyle’s novels are seldom plot driven, her characterization and originality are her strong points. But there’s almost nothing here to work with. We know that Zoë’s hastily acquired fiancée doesn’t love her, and we know who does. We also know whom Zoë loves. And nothing much really stands in the way of their happiness.

I’m not saying this is a Bad Book. I’m saying that reading Carlyle can sometimes be Godiva chocolate and this is closer to a Snickers bar. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. But it’s not to die for. ( )

Zoe is somewhat spoiled and an inveterate flirt. When she finds herself engaged to her good friend and distant cousin, Robin, neither of them is happy. He has discovered that he is in love with his mistress, and Zoe has long been in love with Robin's older brother, Mercer. A house party gives them a chance to make the best of things, or make themselves miserable.

Another sexy romance from Carlyle, somewhat below par. ( )