Wicked Designs

Wicked Designs by Lauren Smith

Miss Emily Parr has one chance at happiness: find a sensible husband who will take her away from her uncaring uncle and allow her the freedom to control her own inheritance.  Unfortunately all of those dreams are dashed when she is designated a pawn in a deadly game played by her uncle with two very dangerous men.  Can she keep her wits about her long enough to escape with her body - and heart - still in tact?

For Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex, kidnapping Miss Parr was a matter of revenge more than anything else.  From the moment he gets her on his estate, however, her innocence and determination charm him and his friends more than he ever imagined was possible.  But the longer he keeps her, the more Godric is convinced that giving her back might just be the death of both of them.

I almost balked at the length of this one.  Four hundred pages seemed pretty daunting for a romance novel by a new author.  I am so glad I took a chance on it, though.  This one kept me riveted the whole time.  The action started right away and the author used foreshadowing like a grand master.

The character development was extraordinary.  I particularly loved that Godric realizes that Emily has not yet mourned her parents.  Later on, when the events of the year finally hit Emily, he is there to comfort her.  It is a touching scene made more intimate because it is raw emotion not cheapened by lust.

Most people know I am a huge fan of supporting characters, and it comes as no surprise that the way supporting characters are handled is the difference between a four- and five-star review.  Well, wait not a moment longer...the supporting characters blew me away.  To create a group of men and develop them to the point that the collective group is a character in and of itself is masterful.  Ms. Smith did this with such flair that I am left in awe.

Overall...how to make this not sound like a fan girl (which I most certainly am turning into), this story is a re-read.  I keep a selection of books set aside for re-reading once every year or two.  This book just joined that list.

Ratings:

(1=unacceptable, 2=poor, 3=acceptable, 4=good, 5=excellent)

Continuity/Flow – 5

Sex – 5 

Language – 4

Storyline – 5

Overall – 5