Simply Wicked [Paperback]

Simply Wicked by Kate Pearce
Historical Romance- Sept. 29th, 2009
4 stars

Simply Wicked is no typical or tame Regency romance. Kate Pearce has really pushed the envelope in this highly erotic story filled with passion and pain. She continues her Wicked series in this 4th installment that brings back many of her beloved characters. However, I do feel that it can easily be read by itself. This story delves deeply in to the psyche of 2 beautiful but deeply troubled and vulnerable main characters.

In this long anticipated novel, Kate Pearce finally writes Anthony's story. (Anthony is the younger half-brother to Valentin, the hero from her 1st book in the series, Simply Sexual.) Anthony has always felt pressured by his father and when his long lost half-brother, Valentin returns from a life of slavery, Anthony's entire world is further disrupted. He is no longer the heir and when his half-brother's arch nemesis kidnaps and tortures Anthony. Anthony is forever changed. He becomes a man bent on self-destruction and sexual excess. Only now Anthony wonders if his lifestyle may kill him. When Anthony's father and Valentin try to manipulate him Anthony finds hope when he is asked to escort a young widow, Marguerite. But Marguerite proves to be more than a diversion as he finds himself suddenly and unexpectedly attracted to her.

Marguerite loved her first husband Justin and blames herself for the duel that caused his death. She has kept herself hidden away from society and prefers the quiet if lonely existence of her simple house. However her sibling are troubled by her reclusive nature and she finds they have asked Anthony Sokorvsky a young man of town to befriend her and get her to enjoy life with the rest of the ton. At first Marguerite wants nothing to do with young Anthony but she finds behind his bright social face a soul just as lonely and struggling to find himself as she is.

What can I say about this book except WOW! This book is inventive and sexually adventurous. (The hero has several partners and m/m scenes.) The characters are fresh and their journeys of self-exploration are an enthralling read. Marguerite's guilt over her husband's death has kept her frozen in time. She has stopped living. She needs Anthony's fire and passion to awaken her true self. In contrast, Anthony's desires to punish himself for circumstances that he could not control are calmed by Marguerite gentle presence. She makes him wonder if love is something that he could be worthy of. I enjoyed these 2 characters and Kate Pearce has written a novel that is complex and shocking. If you are looking for an original and surprising novel with steaming sensuality then look no further!

Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

I have never read a book that had so many drama kings, I felt kinda sorry for Anthony and Valentin's father. It is a wonder he can get up in the morning. Anthony had a lot of stuff to work through and for the most part his story did not disappoint me and that is because of Lord Minshom. I cannot wait to read his book. He is such an evil person and makes no excuses for his behavior. I did not care for Marguerite in the previous book and was jut getting to like her in this one until I discovered her terrible secret regarding her marriage should have been a non issue considering her family background and mothers occupation. The best part of the book is when Minshom has Anthony and Marguerite at his mercy and in the mddle of tormenting them he realizes they are not worth is time and effort. A LOL moment for me is when he said "I'm leaving. I've never heard such pathetic drivel in my entire life. I fear the pair of you are beyond my help". This book was a nice addition to the series, the first book is still the best.

In 1819 London anything sexual is Anthony Sokorvsky's reputation; which he affirms overnight at Madam Helene Delornay's pleasure house making him late for his meeting with his brother Val (see SIMPLY SEXUAL) at Sokorvsky and Howard shipping. He vows to his sibling to change his ways as he loathes that Lord Minshom owns his body and soul as his personal sex slave.

The Delornay twins ask Anthony to do them a favor; escort their widowed older sister Marguerite Lockwood around town. He agrees as he sees her as a first step back into society after his recent homosexual relationship; she also accepts his invitation as she must overcome the scandal caused by her late husband's death in a duel; her in-laws blame her. As their attraction turns physical, Anthony's former partner has plans for his former submissive and the submissive woman he has ties to.

The key to this Simply Wicked Regency erotic romance is Anthony as he does not suddenly find the holy grail of heterosexual activity with Marguerite, but instead learns he is a bisexual submissive. Marguerite is also a submissive so with no dominant can they find happiness just like they have found love. Fans of the House of Pleasure will enjoy the latest heated historical as this is simply one of the bets sub-genre series leaving fans SIMPLY INSATIABLE for more.

Harriet Klausner

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 10 reviews  4.2 out of 5 stars