A Little Bit Wicked

I finally read a historical romance...and surprisingly enough, saw a lot of similarities to my own plot! Now if only I could find the success that Victoria Alexander's achieved...I was hesitant to start this book - I'm not a big Shakespeare fan, mostly due to the language, and wasn't sure if I'd have the same problem with this genre. Luckily, the language wasn't that archaic, and was actually very easy to read.Strong characters (including a fairly feminist heroine), some aristocratic conniving, and enough physical description (but not too much) made for a very enjoyable read. The emphasis was on the emotional past and growth of the characters; there wasn't a murder to move the plot, but there was flashbacks to a less than gentle history show more of past marriages, so I guess there was a mild criminal element to the story.I would probably read another in this genre - at least in this setting of old England. I don't know it I'm ready for the plethora of Scottish historicals yet, but I enjoyed this book much more than I anticipated.As an aside: I heard Victoria Alexander speak at RWA last year; she was the keynote speaker. She is an funny, down to earth woman who had us all in stitches as she described her experience becoming a popular romance novelist. If you ever get the chance to hear her speak, take it! show less

A delicious Regency read!! Engaging characters and an entertaining plot line. Nice amount of steam to keep the story popping!

I love a lively historical with all the pomp and circumstance! Really enjoyable read!

A fun series.

The newest series by Alexander deals with the love stories of four confirmed bachelors who have no plans to get married anytime soon. The series starts off with this refreshing regency romance that tells the story of Judith and Gideon: they have both been in love and married before and, now in their early thirties, start what they both want to be a temporary affair, each intent on keeping their independence and avoiding marriage. However, they find that their attraction is stronger than anticipated and that they feel more for each other than just desire... as always, Alexander manages to infuse the story with a substantial dose of humor and with sympathetic characters who have a healthy dose of self-reflection.

I loved this book. Julia and Gideon are both both people you would want to know, honest, loyal, and in Julia's case, a bit damaged. Her past makes her sympathetic and the emotional nature of the story makes this one a real page turner.

Another good book by Victoria Alexander. Not quite as funny as some, a little more subdued. But good characters and an interesting plot. Made me cry at the end (always a good sign). Nice book.

Fantastic, fun read for those who enjoy historical romance during the Victorian era. First of four in Alexander's Last Man Standing series.

From BackCover:
Who will be the last unmarried man standing?

No man in his right mind would want to get married, but every duke, earl, and viscount knows that a fellow must do his duty in the end. So four of London's most desirable gentlemen make a wager—the prize going to the one who remains unwed the longest.

Gideon Pearsall, Viscount Warton, thinks he has a fair shot at winning. After all, he's managed to enjoy the favors of many a lady while resisting the parson's noose. Even when he's stopped dead in his tracks by the most scandalous woman in all of London—Judith, Lady Chester—he vows to have her bedded but never wedded.

Beautiful, and more than a little bit naughty, Judith has always kept herself within the bounds of show more respectability, even while playing by her own rules. And the experience has taught her to avoid marriage. She has no desire to resist Warton's hot kisses, and his tempting touch is impossible to ignore.

But soon both Judith and Gideon can't help but wonder . . . is it possible to be a little bit wicked and still follow your heart? show less