TEST
There are a number of books that I would recommend to romance readers that I would not give to newbies to the genre. Whenever I introduce a friend to romance, my selection of their first book is done specifically with that person in mind, with that first book tailored to their interests and personality. However, when some friends wanted to borrow a book recently, I didn’t hesitate to give them Wicked All Day, even though I had yet to read it myself. It is a true testament to Liz Carlyle’s talent that I trust her to write a book that would stand up for the genre – and she doesn’t disappoint.
Zoë Armstrong is illegitimate, beautiful, more than a little bit spoiled by her doting father, and a flirt. However, when a flirtation with a childhood friend goes too far and they’re caught in a compromising position, Zoë is faced with marriage. Neither she nor Robin want to get married, but Zoë is determined to make him happy, considering she feels that she has ruined his life by preventing him from being with the one he loves. To avoid scandal, she and her family go to the country with Robin’s family before announcing the engagement.
In the background, though, is Robin’s older brother, Stuart, Marquess of Mercer. For Zoë’s whole life, it was Mercer rescuing her and Robin from their escapades, Mercer protecting her from scandal, Mercer watching over her. However, what Zoë always interpreted as disapproval and frustration was, in fact, Mercer’s repressed desire for her. Now they are under one roof, getting to know each other, and coming to grips with the impending marriage of two unwilling partners. When tragedy strikes, though, duty, promises, guilt, and devotion put Zoë and Mercer’s growing romance to the test.
Liz Carlyle is a wonderful storyteller. She does a fabulous job of sculpting and developing characters slowly, so that working out who, exactly, Mercer and Zoë are is a long and fascinating process. Both of them, and a number of the side characters, are all complex and interesting people, and it was a delight getting to know them through this book.
The story felt real and emotional, with just enough subtle humor to poke fun at the characters’ flaws. Mercer and Zoë were a perfect example of the reserved man coupled with the charming woman. They had great chemistry, and watching Zoë break through his icy façade was great. Mercer and Zoë both change so much during the course of the book – it’s interesting to see how two people who at first you can’t imagine together, are brought together slowly and inexorably by the changing situation around them.
In case you haven’t figured it out yet, I really, really liked Wicked All Day, and this one is, in my opinion, one of her very best.
Grade: A-
Book Type: European Historical Romance
Sensuality: Hot
Review Date: 30/11/09
Publication Date: 2009
Recent Comments …
Yep
This sounds delightful! I’m grabbing it, thanks
excellent book: interesting, funny dialogs, deep understanding of each character, interesting secondary characters, and also sexy.
I don’t think anyone expects you to post UK prices – it’s just a shame that such a great sale…
I’m sorry about that. We don’t have any way to post British prices as an American based site.
I have several of her books on my TBR and after reading this am moving them up the pile.