Wicked Wyckerly
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4.3 • 90 Ratings
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- £4.99
Publisher Description
John Fitzhugh Wyckerly has been the spare heir all his life, supporting himself with gambling and charm. The news that he’s inherited the bankrupt title of Earl of Danecroft shatters his indolent world. Even penniless, he’s always paid his debts, but now the estate’s creditors are closing in. He can fake his death and run for cover...or accept overwhelming responsibility and find a rich wife—one who will also accept his illegitimate terror of a daughter.
On his way to find an heiress, he meets Abigail Merriweather, who is neither rich nor aristocratic, but she can tame The Terror and stomp cockroaches. Unfortunately, she needs a wealthy, powerful man who will fight her father’s executor and retrieve her four half-siblings. When an unexpected inheritance falls into Abby’s lap, she sets out for London to seek a lawyer.
Can Fitz charm his practical Abby into trusting him to save her siblings when it’s doubtful that he can even save himself? And can Abby surrender reason and logic for the folly of love offered by a man who can have any woman he wants but insists he wants only her?
“Patricia Rice’s historicals are deliciously fresh, sexy, and fun.”—Mary Jo Putney, author of Not Quite A Wife
“Rice is a master storyteller …A wonderful blend of humor, pathos, adventure, and charm, this page-turner is book one in Rice’s promising Rebellious Sons series.” Shelley Mosley, Booklist —a top ten romance for 2010
“I loved it. It's a heartwarming tale that kept me smiling all the way through. Every character entertains and satisfies, from the engaging scapegrace hero who I loved more and more through the book, his wild and insecure love-child and the loving, down-to-earth heroine, right down to the devious old butler and the dyslexic assassin. It's a sweet, sexy, fun romp with so much heart. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.” Anne Gracie, author of The Winter Bride
Customer Reviews
Delightful and Charming
Ms Rice's books are always a 'satisfying' read and this story is no exception. Although from the very beginning our hero is an Earl, he was never expected to be and this is about the plight of second/younger sons (the spares) and the difficulties of making a living. Whilst the eldest son would inherit the estate and enter politics, professions open to younger sons were limited; the second son would often join the army, the third son go into law, and the fourth son join the church. Anything considered to be "trade" was heavily frowned upon and would see you ostracised from society. Our hero, having had little education (owing to his grandfather, father and older brother suffering from dyslexia and, a lack of funds) earns his living by gambling. This, is not quite so precarious as one might think, as he is a mathematical genius and counting the cards puts the odds of winning in his favour. However when he inherits an estate heavily in debt, which cannot be sold due to being entailed, gambling is not going to solve his problems. Add in a 6 year old illegitimate daughter who has been brought up in "low" company; is strong willed and obstinate, and you will see that the last thing he needs is to fall for a young woman trying to obtain custody of her four young, rambunctious half-siblings. There are rumours of his death, attacks that narrowly miss killing him, meddling friends and acquaintances, love, lust and a light touch of humour. A highly recommended book.
Note: it is his ancestors who are wicked not our hero, so some may find the title of this book a misnomer.
Wicked Wyckerly
This story was quite different from any other book I have read. For a start the thoughts and opinions of both the main characters were revealed and the couple were open with each other. Instead of the usual ' meet love/hate many misunderstandings then finally fall deeply in love and live happily ever after' type of story this book built up gradually to a very strong love story with characters who actually talked to each other about what was going on.
I loved the way it was written and now look forward to reading the stories about the hero's friends.
If you are looking for a different style of story this might just be it and be warned it is unputdownable.