Read but don't remember well. Liked the independent character of Lady Miranda Garret. Enjoyed the unusual setting of rebuilding a house as a focal point. ( )

I thought this book was delightful, and I really enjoyed the repartee between the Winfield and Miranda, especially because of the progressive take on Miranda's "occupation". I did, however, think the whole "how do I know what love is?" trope was a tad overused. Also, as a particular issue of mine, there were several typographical errors in my ebook copy, most notably the epilogue and its title card. ( )

I knew this story was going to be good because I had so much fun reading its prequel `intro' novella `Lord Stillwell's Excellent Engagements'. If you plan to read this book, I highly recommend you read the novella first because in it you'll get to know him and his life a bit better.

As for this story, it was again such a breath of fresh air to read a mature and slow developing friendship, courtship and love. The heroine is no simpering miss, but a grown woman, a widow that actually has is running a business, although naturally in the Victorian England, she's still hiding behind her husband's name and an alias male `employee' name. That part of the plot was almost as much fun to follow as the relationship between the two.

When it comes to painting a Victorian Era picture, Ms. Alexander excels in making sure I `see' the setting, the costumes, the language and I'm never disappointed as I `enter' the world she creates for my pleasure.

If you're like me, a long time fan of Victoria Alexander, then you'll get this one for sure. For all of you bookworms that have never had the pleasure, may as well start with this one. This is a slow, simmering and chemistry filled sensual romance filled with great verbal, witty sparring between the main characters and I do recommend you read it.

*Book provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

Melanie for b2b ( )

After reading Millworth Manor #1, What Happens at Christmas, I was excited to read The Importance of being Wicked. Well... You can't judge a book by its series.
The Importance of Being Wicked was a major disappointment. Not at all what I was hoping for. The first installment was incredibly unique, with unexpected turns and a story-line like no other.
The story-line was good, albeit predictable, but that is the nature of romances, they are mostly predictable. I accept that. Like I have said many a time, it is the journey that keeps me coming back. Give me a sub-plot, some believable tension, some characters that I am invested in, something.
I was happy to see the same characters once again, and I was looking forward to reading about familiar, but different leads. Unfortunately, the romance was entirely too repetitive. Add that with the already expected predictability, and there just wasn't much here.
( )

Enjoyed the premise; I like historical romances with women doing unconventional occupations for the time period. In this case our heroine, Lady Miranda Garrett, is an architect, though nobody outside the company knows she's doing this work.

The characters were pretty disappointing, though. Winfield Elliott is supposed to be very wicked and a ladies man. But his character plays more awkward than wicked. We really only get to hear about his wicked ways and not experience them. And the only thing I really found interesting about Miranda was her neat occupation.

I will say I did like Win's reaction to finding out Miranda is the architect. It was the complete opposite of what I was expecting. It was the only time I really liked this character.

ARC provided through NetGalley. ( )