Not Wicked Enough
Carolyn Jewel


ISBN-10:
0425246604
ISBN-13: 978-0425246603
Publisher: Penguin Group
Line: Berkley
Release Date: February 7, 2012
Pages: 320
Retail Price: 7.99




Genre: Historical
Heat Level: Sensual
Rating:

When Lily Wellston heads to the Bitterward Estate to comfort her widowed friend Eugenia she certainly does not have romance in mind. In fact the playful but level-headed Lily is amused to no end when, en route, a gypsy gifts her with a beautiful medallion, claiming it will ensnare the romantic desires of a stranger.

But Fate has other plans in the form of Eugenia's ruggedly handsome brother, the Duke of Mountjoy. One day at Bitterward and Lily can't deny the sizzling attraction between her and the roguish duke. Nothing can come of it, of course. She's not looking for entanglements and he's practically engaged. But whether it's her outgoing nature and the duke's outlandish ways sparking off one another; or the mysterious gypsy medallion working "magic"--hearts are stirring in the most unexpected and wicked ways...

Review

With a title like Not Wicked Enough, who can resist the read? In addition to my attraction to the title and synopsis, I found myself intrigued with the potential cover, which had not yet been released as my copy is an ARC with title and author only. After finishing this romance, I hit up Amazon to find the cover art and found myself a little disappointed. I’m not sure it does the title justice. If the cover doesn’t catch your eye I hope you’ll still give this one a try.

The chemistry between Lily and Mount Joy in this romance is evident from the beginning. Lily, who arrives at her best friend Ginny’s home in an effort to improve Ginny’s depression after losing her husband, does not expect to fall for Ginny’s older brother, the Duke of Mountjoy. In public, Lily brings life to Bitterward with social engagements, entertainment and joy. In private, Lily indulges her appetite for Mountjoy, all the while believing she has loved and lost and will not love again. Mountjoy, who is betrothed to another, finds himself falling for his sister’s best friend, yet unable to secure her. Set on an estate far from London’s society, Not Wicked Enough supplies a refreshing and unique setting that grabs the reader and entices them to stay.

The characters are quite witty and a pleasure to read about. I enjoyed their banter from the get go. The chemistry and passion between the two pragmatists is evident as the two find themselves falling in love. The author does not write this devoid of humor. Lily is quite the character and the name Mountjoy, Bitterward and others like them bring a little smile to the face of understanding readers. She even includes a gypsy, who gives Lily a medallion, promising to bring romance to Lily’s life. This simple yet foreboding tidbit later comes into play when Lily and Mountjoy are falling in love. Lily’s belief that love only comes once is affirmed by the medallion, which she believes is affecting their attractions. I kept my nose in the book with this one as I read the pages of fiery passion and sincere doubt. I found myself wondering when Lily would give herself a chance to love again.

My only confusion with this title comes to play with the series theme. The series is designated as the Reforming the Scoundrels, which in my opinion Mountjoy doesn’t apply to. Mountjoy is a Duke who fell into dukedom through a series of deaths in the family. His family has a background in the farming industry and though he’s had his rogue like encounters, he didn’t strike me as a scoundrel. Though very minor, I thought it was worth the mention. I would recommend this book. It was a positively charming read. I loved Lily and her perky, upbeat personality. Likewise, Mountjoy is an intriguing and sexy character that is sure to spike the interest of romance readers everywhere.

Reviewed by Tiffany


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