Too Wicked to Wed by Cara Elliott

Too Wicked to Wed (Lords by Midnight #1)

by Cara Elliott

Publisher: Grand Central by Forever

Published November 1st 2011 

ISBN 0446584576 (ISBN13: 9780446584579)

Review courtesy of netGalley

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.

My thoughts:

What a thrilling start to a new series (Lord of Midnight) from Cara Elliott. Too Wicked To Wed is the first book in the series. We are introduced to three men who have become friends while fighting in Portugal. They have made a name for themselves, they are known simply as the Hellhounds. Connor is the Irish Wolfhound, Gryff is known as Deerhound, and Cam is Bloodhound.

Connor, the Earl of Killingworth, owns the Wolf's Lair, a gaming hell and brothel. Someone is out to financially ruin Wolf's Lair. And, talk about having things go from bad to worse, now someone is out to kill him. He has never been known to put faith in other people, even his fellow Hellhounds. Now suddenly, he is surrounded by people willing to come to his aid to track down the person who wants to harm him.

From the beginning you knew Lady Alexa Hendrie was not your typical young lady of the ton awaiting yet another season. Not her, fashion and flirting seemed so utterly...boring. As did all the gentlemen she knew. We first meet our daring heroine as she is contemplating masquerading as a man to play cards at the Wolf's Lair. She knows her cards and lady luck is on her side that night, as she ends up walking away with more than just money.

The banter between the two main characters is great, hilarious at times. Alexa isn't afraid to tell it like it is and can hold her own against Connor. Although, Connor has had many torrid affairs, he has always been detached from them. Until Alexa, she had from their first meeting exasperated and enthralled him.

After escaping flying bullets, slashing knifes, Alexa and Connor escape to his family home to try to figure out who is out to kill him. Being hidden away, Alexa starts getting not only under Connor's skin but also in his heart, a place he had always thought impenetrable. It frightened him to his very core. When they finally succumb to the attraction simmering between them- it is explosive, it is so intense you feel it down to your toes!! Yes, it is that HOT!!!! The scenes were erotic without being too lewd.

After the threat on Alexa's life, Connor finally admitted to himself that Alexa was his ray of light and the prospect of his life coming full circle.

"I have taken a great many gambles in my life, but I would never risk losing you."

"A house needs more than polishing and dusting to make it a home, she whispered. "Yes, I know. It needs love."

The story picks up the pace as they are tracking down the person who is trying to kill Connor. I like the added mystery and the who-done-it aspect the author introduced, it kept the pages turning.

There were some parts of the story which I felt need closure or more depth. For instance, Alexa's family was never concerned or noticed that she disappeared? Or what about her brother, he was mentioned quite often in the book, but he never appeared.

Now I am curious to read Gryff and Cam's stories. I have never read Cara Elliott work before, but I was pleasantly surprised. I love books which have more than just romance, throw in a little intrigue and you have a great combination for any reader's interest.

I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.


My Rating:

              

Author:

Cara Elliott began her writing career at age five with a number of lavishly illustrated Westerns, which were lovingly preserved for posterity by her first fan. Learn more about Cara Elliott by visiting her website.