Some Like It Wicked

I don't agree with some of the reviews posted here and some were a little harsh. I think that as a debut novel it was well written and the carachters quite engaging. I will admit that the diary entries were a little trite and I skipped over those to get to the main storyline. The story as a whole was charming and appealing. I am not going to delve into the plot - but I will say that I really enjoyed this romance. Jane was a modern minded and independent individual - a bit too modern for her times maybe - but that is what gives her carachter grit, determination and temperament - that is how she gained my admiration. A true business person, tutored under her father. Anne can't believe that Hellion finds her beautiful, desirable and attractive as she is all about business, though she has fallen in love with Hellion, her practical business mind can't process that! Hellion was a sexy and desirable rake, as most rakes are, almost an Adonis in his golden beauty. He's plagued by boredom and with the ability to exist doing nothing but just enjoying the passions of each day. He's also hounded by creditors - so when Jane, a true wallflower, puts forth the brazen proposal that she will give him 5000 pounds to be seen in her company and conduct a flirtation so she can get a husband, he agrees. Soon, he finds Jane's forthright outspoken manner a respite from his boredom and ennui - besides he really needs the money and she is a challenge, as she is not falling for him as most women do. The plot is tried and true, yes, and there are a lot of misunderstandings that ensue between Jane and Hellion - which ultimately Ms. Raleigh smooths-over nicely - but overall, as previously mentioned, it was an engaging story. I also loved the secondary characters - Biddles and Anna - which are quite cute and funny! All in all - it was a fun a worthwhile read. Even though it didn't have as much in depth and character development and intensive as other novels I have recently read, this was worth reading after all.

I liked this book. The plot was familiar but the characters managed to make it unique. Hellion was a rake but he possessed a genuine understanding of his failings and a ability to laugh at himself. Jane is capable of forging her own path, without the assitance of others, but she still has a hint of vulnerbility. The chemistry seemed to work well and the romance was sweet without being cloying. All in all a good read.