Book Review: Too Wicked to Wed by Cara Elliott

This is a great pick for those of you who, like me, love a warm historical romance!

Too Wicked to Wed 

by Cara Elliott

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Forever; Original edition (November 1, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0446584576
• ISBN-13: 978-0446584579

     Genre: Historical Romance
     My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Series: Lords of Midnight | Publication Date: November 1, 2011
Outspoken and independent, Lady Alexa Bingham enjoys the heady freedom of making all her own decisions, even though the challenges of overseeing her family's country estate are daunting. But when a chance encounter with London's most notorious rake awakens a secret longing for adventure, she accepts her aunt's invitation for a Season in Town . . . only to find that breaking the rules of the ton has serious consequences.

The Earl of Killingworth uses his rakehell reputation to hide the fact that poverty has forced him to work for a living. As the owner of a gambling den and brothel, Connor has no time for glittering ballrooms or innocent young ladies. But after a reckless wager leaves him with a new business partner, he is forced to take a risky gamble . . . Will the cards fall in their favor? Alexa and Connor begin to play a dangerous game of intrigue and deception as they seek to outwit a cunning adversary who wants to put them permanently out of business. But if they are not careful, it is the flames of their own fiery attraction that may destroy them.

Review: I really enjoyed this lively, fast paced read.

Lady Alexa is independent and efficient.  She has had to restore and manage the family estate which her brother was away at war.  She is headstrong, assertive and willing to push the boundaries of propriety.  She meets the handsome rakehell, Connor, by barging into his brothel, The Wolf’s Lair, in search of her brother.  The Earl of Killingworth, also known as the Irish Wolfhound, admires Alexa’s bravado  and steals a kiss.  He is excited by her innocence and what he perceives as her vital individuality that makes her stand out from the “bland beauties.”

Connor has suffered financial loses at the hands of a devious stranger. During the same evening someone breaks into his office safe. There are other acts of sabotage at the business but he doesn’t know who is trying to ruin him.

Alexa poses as a young man of the ton and wins a marker for half of the Earl’s business.  He discovers that she is unwilling to sell out. Attackers try to kill Connor and learn of his connection with Lady Alexa. Now they must both go into hiding to stay alive while their friends help hunt down the enemy.

Alexa believes she is not elegant enough to attract Connor but she is drawn to him like a moth to the flame. Connor thinks he is too much of a rakehell for her. But their proximity reveals their mutual vulnerabilities. Alexa begins to realize that Connor hides his past and his feelings behind a roguish mask.  Is he willing to remain “alone and aloof” or will he give in to her passionate and provocative allure? 
The romance is full of fun innuendo and some steamy moments... nothing unpleasant.

Here are three phrases that are quite fitting to show the underlying vulnerability and charm of Connor, who is a yummy hero:
“You are not alone in sometimes feeling unsure of which way to turn.”
Love inspired doubt and hope, not to speak of confusion.
Like dice tumbling across a table, Connor’s insides began to bounce and roll against his ribs.

The writing flowed quickly for me.  There were some items of the plot that might be considered contrived... but still I liked it.  Connor is part of a trio of friends who are known as the Hellhounds. Cameron and Gryff are likeable mates and will make good heros to find love in their own novels. I look forward to their stories!

I received this book to review and giveaway from Forever Romance, Hachette Book Group.
This is part of a two book giveaway which follows the next review.