On a Wicked Dawn

2.5 rounded up. I really liked the premise of this book, each wanting to marry for different reasons but feeling like they should hide their own motives so as to not scare off the other. And there wasn't anything horrid in this... but it didn't live up to my hopes. Not a whole lot really even happened, and it dragged terribly. I feel like a decent editor could remove a quarter of the text without changing the overall story very much at all, and a talented editor could probably remove an entire third! Nearly every chapter includes some scene of seduction. And it could be if I found them more engaging I wouldn't even have minded, but they mostly just felt like filler. Or maybe they were the main point of the story and everything else was show more the filler loosely stringing things along between their makeout sessions. lol. Either way, it was largely a miss for me, but I'm choosing to round up to three stars. show less

On a Wicked Dawn
2 Stars

Determined to marry the only man she has ever loved, Amelia Cynster finally works up the courage to propose to Luc Ashford under the pretense of a marriage of convenience. Astonished when he agrees, Amelia's preference is for an immediate wedding, but Luc has other ideas and insists on wooing his betrothed in public and in private.

Similar to the previous book about Amelia's twin, On a Wicked Dawn begins well, but ultimately falls apart mainly due to the fact that there is no actual plot.

The majority of the storyline focuses on Luc's repetitious, ridiculous and tedious internal angst. What is it with Laurens' heroes and their reluctance to admit loving their wives because they fear being manipulated? They really show more need to get over themselves!

In addition, the keeping secret trope is one of the more absurd in the genre. Luc refuses to tell Amelia the truth about his financial circumstances and leaves her to believe he is a pauper. He fears telling her he's as rich as Croesus and didn't marry her for her money. Seriously?!

The minor mystery is woefully underdeveloped and the culprit is obvious from the first moment. Moreover, the sex scenes are repetitive and mechanical and lose their charm very quickly. In fact, this is one big purple prose sex fest :(

All in all, a very disappointing installment and I can only hope that the next one is better. show less

Amelia Cynster offers to marry Lucien Ashford 6th Viscount Calverton when he returns to home drunk. He accepts but she assumes it's only to fix his fortunes. Meanwhile there's precious items going missing among the Ton (and that felt a little like a little too much on top of the main story). The two find that they are a good couple but secrets are a problem.

It's fun, readable and interesting.

First things first, Ms. Laurens, please never use the word "ruthless" ever again. This request also includes the words "ruthlessly" and "ruthlessness." Really, never again. You probably want to lay off "rampant" as well. You're welcome.

There were elements of this book that were fun. Amelia Cynster is a great character and Luc has his moments. Sadly,the structure and pacing is just off. The "mystery" is completely tacked on. It comes out of nowhere and then is not mentioned for close to 100 pages. Also, the relationship hurdles are repeated without progress or regress over and over. The book would have been better if it had been 100 pages shorter. Not an unpleasant book, and the sex scenes are fun, but if you skip it you won't miss it.

This is Amelia and Lucien's story. I had to laugh at how Amelia decided to handle the whole marriage thing. While her idea was unique it did get the job done. The scene where she proposes to Lucien is also very funny. There is a mystery in this story but not like the earlier ones. While Amelia does get in a fix Luc is there soon enough to keep anything bad from happening. This story is mostly about Luc and Amelia reconciling themselves to their new life. Both these characters are stubborn and more than a little uncertain about the other but they do come around in the end.

It was nice to see that Devil finally told Honoria that he loved her. It has been six years after all. I was glad to see the wedding take place at the Place and to get show more a look at all the Bar Cynster and their wives. Mostly we get to see Dowager Duchess and Lucifer and Phyllida. As always this book will steam up your day, week and probably month. Ms. Laurens writes some of the hottest love scenes on the market even after all these years. This story is a good addition to the overall series. show less

It was ok, I’d give it a C. Started out with promise, and SL writes a first kiss like no one I know, just perfect. But after a while I wanted the story to move on already, and started skimming to get to the end. It just fizzled for me..

I adore this series!! Stephanie Laurens is a master at the Alpha Rake!! I love the men pursuing their ladies!!