Wicked Angel

Disappointing book. Slogged my way through repetitive narrative, implausible plot, dull improbable leading characters and flat irrelevant secondary characters. I gather this is Ms Londons first published work, but I shall not be attempting more. Straight to the donation bin.

When I finished reading Wicked Angel, I had to just stop everything and let my mind rest. I was overwhelmed and exhausted emotionally! From almost the beginning of this book, I knew that it was a five star rated book. It was immediately engrossing.Alex Christian, the Duke of Sutherland, carries a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. He is, of course, known in all of England because he is a duke, terribly handsome, very rich, single, young, and extremely influential politically. As he believes it is time for him to marry and produce an heir, he has requested the hand of an important political ally's daughter in marriage two years previously. They will be married within six months. He doesn't love the girl but is fond of her and knows she will make a great duchess. He is yet another one of those heroes that think love for a spouse is neither realistic nor desirable. Then his well-ordered life takes a sudden shift. He is hunting at his country lodge when he stumbles upon a country lady having a disagreement with a belligerent hog. He is so taken with her that he extends his hunting trip just to be around her. He knows it is all nonsense because of all his duke duties but cannot resist her for a little while. During this two-week period, their relationship is innocent and sweet. But his responsibilities require him to return to London and Alex never expects to see the lovely country lady again although it makes him very sad.Lauren Hill is that lovely country lady. Although her speech, education, and mannerisms proclaim her a lady, she first encounters Alex as she is singing to a hog in a cornfield right before the animal charges her and she leaps across the fence into Alex's arms. For the next two weeks, he observes her perform all sorts of manual chores and even sees her wearing her brother's old pants and shirt. He is shocked but pleasantly surprised to find that she has five wards, orphans, who she cares for and loves deeply. Lauren is totally taken with Alex and finds herself in love with him. She has no idea that he is a duke. Lauren lives on a run down country estate with her uncle, brother, housekeeper, a mentally challenged boarder, and the five orphans. She is desperately attempting to make a living from the old estate. Her uncle wants to her to marry and better their situation but Lauren has no desire to marry again.Lauren's uncle, some years previous, had bartered her in marriage to a very old Count from Germany. She was married to the old Count for two years prior to his death. Since she had not provided him with an heir - a portion of the marriage agreement - she returned her inheritance, as his Countess, to the next Count and returns home to England penniless, much to her uncle's chagrin.Now fast-forward four months to London. Lauren's uncle has forced her back into society so that she may marry well once again. She is introduced everywhere in London by her married title of Countess. Imagine both Alex and L

Julia writes deep, moving stories that will win awards, if they haven't already. This is not a light, refreshing read. Be prepared to go through some heart-wrenching, gut-wrenching sadness. It is too much sadness and angst for me -- I wish she did not heap that much conflict upon the character relationships, but she does write a good long happy ending with an epilogue. I will go back and read more from her after I recover by reading a few lighter novels.

I found Wicked Angel to be everything I wanted it to be and MORE! I laughed, I cried, I LOVED every page of it. Julia London is now and will forever be one of my favorite authors. In my book she rates right up there with Johanna Lindsey and Julia Quinn. I ran to the bookstore and bought her other two novels, The Dangerous Gentleman and Devil's Love and am anxiously awating The Ruthless Charmer! I look forward to a refreshing new series!

My GOD how can anybody say this was book was not good? I literally did not want it to end so.... I just started reading from the beginning again. I read Julia London's newest novel "The Dangerous Gentleman" and liked it so much that I decided to read all of her books. I read "Devil's Love" but out of all her books, "Wicked Angel" is my favorite. Never have I read a book twice. Lauren and Alex were so real. I really cannot fathom why ANYONE could possibly say this book was not good. I wish there was a higher rating than 5 stars, this book deserves it. She is definitely on my list of favorite authors. I can't wait until her next book. Julia, if you read the reviews, how about writing Arthur's story (Alex's brother). I sure would love to see him smitten by love. Keep it up Julia, you do know how to capture a reader's attention!

Julia London is quickly nipping at the heels of Judith McNaught. This book was a refreshing change from the overused plots of most other novels. The character's had a real depth to them and while reading my heart REALLY hurt during the most touching moments of the book. And just when you think she's gonna wrap things up because there is only a few pages left, Julia throws another curve ball in there! With out a doubt one of the best books I have ever read!