Too Wicked to Kiss

I've read literally thousands of historical romances, and they can get repetitive. However, even though this was basically Jane Eyre crossed with Agatha Christie, it was still a winner. There is great chemistry between the leads, and their exchanges are witty and amusing. I adored the hero, Gavin. Even though his life has had its tragedies, he's still a decent person inside, and he's really funny. I found him quite endearing, very charming. He's irresistible. I also liked the way the heroine was really intelligent and logical. No silly, dumb behaviors. They were a good match and the book is a wonderful debut.

Too Wicked to Kiss by Erica Ridley To Wicked to Kiss is Ms Ridley's debut novel and what a debut it is! If you are looking for the perfect Gothic Regency romance novel that has all the best elements of the genre, then this is one that will be a keeper. This is a book that has it all - a dark, brooding, secretive, dangerous and handsome male, a female with backbone, looks and brains, a bit of the paranormal aspect, secondary characters that you want to stab....repeatedly, a dark dreary, hidden passageway riddled manor house, heat enough between Gavin Lioncroft and Evangeline Pemberton our protagonists to steam the wallpaper off of your walls and a murder mystery! This will not be a book for you to read once and toss...oh no, this is one you may want to read over and over! This book is filled with action, chills, and even has a bit of comedy relief with Susan one of the secondary characters and who will be starring in Ms Ridley's second novel due out in 2011 (Can't you write a little bit faster? Please!!!). I wholeheartedly applaud this debut and can not wait until the next one comes out.

TOO WICKED TOO KISS is a satisfying and sexy gothic murder mystery featuring a tall, dark and brooding hero you'll want to fall in love with and a feisty heroine with a unique paranormal gift. It's 1813 and Evangeline Pemberton is on the run from an abusive step-father. Traveling with a family friend, she finds herself at the haunting Blackberry Manor, under the hypnotic if also frightening stare of its owner Gavin Lioncroft. While everyone cowers in his presence, Evangeline instantly feels a connection with the handsome recluse. She too is alone. When a guest turns up dead, all fingers point to the tortured hero, accused of killing his own parents years ago. Evangeline knows each of the quirky characters staying at the manor had his own motive to kill. Her unusual gift allows her to touch each character and see into their past or future. What happens next, as she tries to unravel the mystery, will keep you turning pages. I loved the sexual tension that built throughout this book. TOO WICKED TOO KISS is the type of read you pack in your purse so you can read another chapter whenever you have a moment, on the treadmill at the gym or even at a few traffic lights. Few books ensnare me to the point I find it difficult to put down. I'm a working mother of four and I read this book in two days. I highly recommend this read! It's sexy, wicked fun!

Erica Ridley's debut novel, TOO WICKED TO KISS is a wonderful addition to the gothic romance scene. And the title couldn't be more perfect. Just who is too wicked to kiss? Is it the hero, the darkly mysterious rumored murderer, Gavin Lioncroft? Or the heroine, Evangeline Pemberton, a strong, feisty runaway with a paranormal gift? Actually, it could also be anyone of the well drawn secondary characters because this book is just plain wicked. Wicked fun that is. TO WICKED TO KISS has it all. A gothic romance filled with sexual tension, a touch of the paranormal, plenty of humor and a murder so tightly plotted you'll never be able to guess "whodunit". It's a true winner and I can't wait for the next in the series. Ridley is a new author not to miss.

TOO WICKED TO KISS is a sexy, gothic historical that is sure to please. Ridley's characters are unique and intriguing--so intriguing, one is able to kill a member of the ton without anyone knowing. Evangeline Pemberton's mother dies forcing Evangeline to seek shelter elsewhere. If she stays with her step-father, he'll lock her in the pantry because of her "gift" and use her like a wife. She has no choice but to escape with her friend's family to London. Too bad this family doesn't tell her they agreed to let her tag along because they have plans for her to help snare the bachelor recluse for her friend. They also fail to tell her that this recluse, whose house they plan to visit for a fortnight, killed his parents and somehow was never convicted. While everyone at the annual party fear Gavin Lioncroft, Evangeline sees through the recluse's gruff exterior, and is willing to risk it all to help prove he's innocent of the murders. This fast pace novel is rife with gothic setting, chock full of mystery, and laced with enough sexual tension to please everyone. (Did I mention Gavin Lioncroft is a tortured, sexy man to die for?) Read this now!!