Wild and Wicked in Scotland

Cassandra is the only heir to a shipping empire in the US. Her family has traveled to England for her engagement then marriage to the Earl of Hampstead, which was arranged years ago by the fathers. But when Cassie is stood up and laughed at by the ton during her engagement ball she decides to take off on an adventure. She is off to see her best friend who is with her ambassador father in Scotland. Cassie knows she will never be allowed this trip so she sneaks away with her maid, her cello and another servant. All seems like it will go well until the rain hits and then suddenly travel becomes a nightmare. The only non-nightmare part of the trip seems to be the mysterious man she meets along the way. When she figures out the dashing stranger is none other than her betrothed she is not sure if she needs to kill him or kiss him. Devin, the Earl of Hampstead, is a dedicated spy on the tale end of a three year mission that seems to be unraveling before his eyes. But while he knows that he missed his betrothal ball he has other things of more important on his mind than a silly dance, he is on a mission for the Queen after all. Though he knows he will have to wed in the fall. Then along comes this sensuous beauty who while is not the epitome of conventional beauty makes his blood sing. What will happen when he not only has to protect her from harm but from his attentions also? Especially when he figures out she is the woman he is set to marry, and can be used as a pawn against him. Yeah! A non-perfect heroine; one who is headstrong, smart and finally pushed as far as she will go. I was drawn in to Wild And Wicked In Scotland at the very beginning and found it hard to put down while on vacation (much to my husband's chagrin). If there were two people who between them had any worse luck I am not sure it has ever been written but Ms. Thomas makes it work for these two. In spite of all that is happening, and when you think each is going to give up, another twist is thrown in. I love how Ms. Thomas doesn't let Cassie give in. I hope to read more historicals from Ms. Thomas in the future. If you enjoy a good historical romance then you need to pick up Wild and Wicked In Scotland. Indy reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

American Cassie Sheridan is mortified that her betrothed the Earl of Hampstead, has not bothered to attend his own betrothal ball. Feeling dejected, she decides to leave London and travel north to Scotland to visit her old friend the ambassador's daughter. Well, you know what they say about he best laid plans. On her way there she runs into all kinds of natural and unnatural disasters beginning with her first meeting with her fiancé,Devlyn. He is unaware of Cassie's identity when they first meet. Both are vying for the last coach to Scotland. She finds him rude and he finds the tall American imperious. Devlyn is actually a British spy on a mission and on the run from some angry Cossacks. Cassie stumbles across his path while the Russians are hot on his trail. Together they must find their way North through torrential rains and flood. The Russians, horse thieves and illness all plague them on their journey. When they discover each other's true identities, the sparks really fly. Devlyn finds his fiancé kind, but determined. Cassie thinks Devlyn is smart but self centered. They both are right. Cassie falls in love with her fiancé but is not sure if she wants to marry a man she believes is in love with someone else. There is a strong element of mistrust between the two. Devlyn has many secrets he is unwilling to divulge. Cassie is very American. I loved this about her. She was an independent thinker and very loyal to the United States. Too often American Heiresses are portrayed as shallow title hunters with little regard for their homeland. Not Cassie. Devlyn is a master of disguise. So much so, he has a hard time figuring out exactly who he is and what he wants. He has lived a shadow life far too long. His feelings for Cassie are sweetly tender. This is a wonderful novel filled with adventure, intrigue, a dashing hero and a spirited heroine.

I have read almost all her books and the is absolutley great. The book is so good that I read it on 1 day. Cassie the american heiress and Devlyn the pompous womanizer really keep the book interesting. The book is great.

Ms. Thomas once again leads the reader on a rollicking adventure full of complex and heartfelt characters. The pages practically turn themselves as passion, intrigue and perhaps her most romantic location yet play to dramatic conclusion. This fast-paced story set against a well-researched backdrop blends history and fiction beautifully. The characters are fresh and unforgettable. The story stays with you long after the last page is read, consistent with Ms. Thomas' other books.

In 1874 American heiress Cassandra Sheridan attends her betrothal ball in Hamstead, England, but instead of a joyous festive affair, the colonist is upset as her fiancé, whom she has never met, fails to arrive. Though she knows this is an arranged match between her family money and his title as an Earl, she thinks Devlyn St. Clair is a pompous selfish cad probably womanizing. Rather than sit around wondering about the rogue she is engaged to marry, the steel spine Yank decides to journey to Scotland. During her quest she meets a dashing scoundrel, who vows to keep her safe even before he realizes that she is his American fiancée Cassie. Though she knows she should detest him, Cassie falls in love with her companion who reciprocates her feelings. However, he must complete his mission as a British spy in a cat and mouse game with the notorious Russians, Nicholas Ivanov and his consortium cohorts as the Cossack thirsts for an eye for an eye with Cassie being the perfect revenge for Devlyn killing his son though that was in the line of duty. WILD AND WICKED IN SCOTLAND is an exhilarating Victorian romantic espionage thriller starring a delightful intrepid heroine and the spy who came out of the cold due to her love for him. The story line is fast-paced as Devlyn knows he will do anything to keep Cassie safe as he fears that the duplicitous clever Russian knows his weakness and will exploit it; she is the cheese that his adversary will move and manipulate and murder if it would destroy him. Melody Thomas provides fabulous one sitting historical thriller. Harriet Klausner