Evelyn Hadley-Attwater has it all — a genteel Victorian life replete with loving husband, ball gowns and elegant parties. No one, including the man she married, suspects that she was once “Eve,” a spy for England’s most enigmatic intelligence agency. Summoned for one final assignment, the excitement of her former life and memories of her mysterious, flirtatious boss “Sir” prove too tempting... Adrian Hadley-Attwater is a respectable, dignified gentleman. But even the most proper gentlemen have secrets of their own. Secrets from the rest of the world, from their families, from their wives. Secrets that have a price. Now, as a veil of secrecy frays, a tantalizing game of cat and mouse will test the bounds of unfailing love...
My Wicked Little Lies
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About the Author
New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award-winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. She turned to writing full time and has never looked back. Victoria grew up traveling the country as an Air Force brat and is now settled in a very old house in Omaha, Nebraska, with her husband, two allegedly grown children and two bearded collies. She firmly believes housework is a four-letter word, there are no calories in anything eaten standing up, procrastination is an art form, and it’s never too soon to panic.
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Most helpful customer reviews
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Detra Fitch
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Set in London, 1886. Evelyn Turner Hadley-Attwater, the Countess of Waterson, has an interesting past. Until two years ago, Evelyn had been an agent of a secret government department. But after five years of service Evelyn had wanted to settle down with a husband and have a family. The first time she had danced with Adrian Hadley-Attwater, the Earl of Waterson, Evelyn felt as if they had known each other forever. Once she had retired from service, Evelyn wasted no time in marrying the man she had fallen in love with. She has not told Adrian about her time with the department because they had both agreed that nothing in their lives mattered before the time they had met. Evelyn has not heard from the department since she had sent in her resignation to her contact, a mysterious man known only to her as Sir. Therefore Evelyn is not at all happy to get a visit from Sir Maxwell "Max" Osgood, the current head of the department. An important file has recently been stolen and she is the only person he can trust at the moment. Evelyn would have declined to help, but when Max informs her that Sir's name is in the file, Evelyn feels she must agree. Sir had saved her life more than once in the past. Recovering the file is the least she could do. It is to be one last duty for the Crown.
For Adrian, the last two years with Evelyn has been bliss. He well understands just how lucky he is to have, somehow, earned the love of Evelyn. Yet recently his wife has been distracted and Adrian begins to worry that she is growing bored of him. Fearing that Evelyn may be seeking a lover, Adrian begins keeping a close eye on her. When he comes to an erroneous conclusion of who Evelyn is seeing and which hotel room they were at, Adrian ends up bursting in on Lady Dunwell and her paramour. With luck, Evelyn would never learn of the event.
Lady Beryl Dunwell has few scruples, her morals are questionable, and she is quite selfish. She has little sense of propriety and her reputation is extremely wicked. But she is unfailingly loyal to the few people she considers to be her friends. Evelyn is one of the few and Beryl tells Evelyn about the dreadful scene. Of course, Evelyn is furious to learn that her husband believes she would cheat on him. Hurt and humiliated, Evelyn confronts Adrian and they have their first major argument. Until Adrian can convince her that he loves and completely trusts her, Evelyn would reside at the house left to her by her deceased parents.
Adrian knows he deserves Evelyn's anger. Adrian has known Max a long time and figures that the man is somehow involved in his wife's recent strange behavior. Then Adrian begins to wonder how much she loves him and whether she regrets getting married. To find out, Adrian begins a deception that, should she ever learn of it, Evelyn would be hurt again and far worse. This would be the most dangerous game Adrian has ever played.
**** FOUR STARS! This is a hard story to explain without using spoilers. Everything in my synopsis is from the first half of the novel and everything I revealed is easily deduced by the reader early in the story. Most of the tale focuses on Adrian's mistakes, although Evelyn has her moments too. The author has also given Max a lover with another secondary character. It will be interesting to see how Max manages to snag her (in a later story.) If that is not enough, Adrian's mother is meddling ... uh, helping her other six children with their marital problems or lack of having a spouse. Readers see a bit of foreshadowing for future adventures.
The author has given all the main and secondary characters the ability to prevaricate; however, each character has his or her own personality and set of quirks. Filled with a few unpredictable twists, this story kept me guessing and the story ended before I was ready to let these fascinating people out of my life. I console myself by knowing that I have not heard the last of them. I can hardly wait to learn what the next "Sinful Family Secret" is. Spectacular! ****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
For Adrian, the last two years with Evelyn has been bliss. He well understands just how lucky he is to have, somehow, earned the love of Evelyn. Yet recently his wife has been distracted and Adrian begins to worry that she is growing bored of him. Fearing that Evelyn may be seeking a lover, Adrian begins keeping a close eye on her. When he comes to an erroneous conclusion of who Evelyn is seeing and which hotel room they were at, Adrian ends up bursting in on Lady Dunwell and her paramour. With luck, Evelyn would never learn of the event.
Lady Beryl Dunwell has few scruples, her morals are questionable, and she is quite selfish. She has little sense of propriety and her reputation is extremely wicked. But she is unfailingly loyal to the few people she considers to be her friends. Evelyn is one of the few and Beryl tells Evelyn about the dreadful scene. Of course, Evelyn is furious to learn that her husband believes she would cheat on him. Hurt and humiliated, Evelyn confronts Adrian and they have their first major argument. Until Adrian can convince her that he loves and completely trusts her, Evelyn would reside at the house left to her by her deceased parents.
Adrian knows he deserves Evelyn's anger. Adrian has known Max a long time and figures that the man is somehow involved in his wife's recent strange behavior. Then Adrian begins to wonder how much she loves him and whether she regrets getting married. To find out, Adrian begins a deception that, should she ever learn of it, Evelyn would be hurt again and far worse. This would be the most dangerous game Adrian has ever played.
**** FOUR STARS! This is a hard story to explain without using spoilers. Everything in my synopsis is from the first half of the novel and everything I revealed is easily deduced by the reader early in the story. Most of the tale focuses on Adrian's mistakes, although Evelyn has her moments too. The author has also given Max a lover with another secondary character. It will be interesting to see how Max manages to snag her (in a later story.) If that is not enough, Adrian's mother is meddling ... uh, helping her other six children with their marital problems or lack of having a spouse. Readers see a bit of foreshadowing for future adventures.
The author has given all the main and secondary characters the ability to prevaricate; however, each character has his or her own personality and set of quirks. Filled with a few unpredictable twists, this story kept me guessing and the story ended before I was ready to let these fascinating people out of my life. I console myself by knowing that I have not heard the last of them. I can hardly wait to learn what the next "Sinful Family Secret" is. Spectacular! ****
Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
3.7 out of 5 stars
38 reviews
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Delicious Mix of Passion, Excitement, Espionage and Humor!
Feb 2 2012
By Irene M.
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Mass Market Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
"When I am honest, I am unfailingly so." - Helena Hadley-Attwater, Dowager Countess of Waterston
Victoria Alexander's latest book, MY WICKED LITTLE LIES, is a delightfully charming addition her `Sinful Family Secrets' series and the wonderful Victorian era world of the--not quite as proper as they think--Hadley-Attwater family. And anyone who likes their historical romance smartly blended with a delicious mix of passion, excitement, thrills, espionage, and mystery, topped with scintillating dialogue and a healthy dose of humor will be highly entertained by this book.
The story introduces us to Adrian and Evelyn Hadley-Attwater, the Earl and Countess of Waterston, a couple who have been very happily married for two years. The author then shows us, through the eyes of this very loving hero and heroine, how even the most blissful and content of married couples can still have their fair share of little secrets--whether about past jobs, relationships or minor indiscretions, or simply, private thoughts and pleasant fantasies--that they keep from each other for any number of reasons. And Ms. Alexander's approach to making this revelation is not only creative, exceptionally clever, and vastly amusing, but also quite perceptive and insightful. I can tell you her choice of a married couple as the main characters makes for a very interesting premise and a thoroughly romantic and engaging storyline. And speaking from the perspective of someone who's been married for some length of time, much of it is remarkably realistic and easily conceivable. :)
The chemistry between Adrian and Evelyn as a married couple is wonderfully harmonious, and gratifying to read. They're warmly affectionate, caring, passionate and devoted, and it's patently clear that their love for each other is deep and true and they are meant to be together. This makes it completely understandable as to why they'll go to such--madcap--lengths to save their marriage, all while trying to keep from revealing their little secrets, or admitting each are responsible for imparting `lies of omission' as whole truths. Though they should have known, as Shakespeare said, "in the end truth will out". As the reader witnessing HOW it all plays out, you just can't help but love and cheer for this couple, even as you shake your head while grinning at their somewhat wacky and misguided antics.
I think it's normal within the happiest of marriages for things to pop up occasionally that can cause little, tiny trickles of doubt or uncertainty about a partner's feelings to surface, or allow a bit of angst to creep into our consciousness. Especially when--knowing them so well--your significant other suddenly seems unduly distracted or exhibits strange or unusual behaviors. But it's really the fear of actually losing the person you truly love that can, at times, drive even the most practical or reasonable of us into doing some foolish things or making poor, even irrational choices while trying to prove whether or not their suspicions are unfounded.
Adrian, our thoroughly charismatic and hunky hero, is crazy in love with his wife (deservedly so) and we love him for that. He's ordinarily such a poised, confident, dignified and honorable man, however, when he doubts Evelyn's affections, it's then that we see his insecurities and vulnerabilities exposed; and that, I think, made him even more sweetly appealing. Evelyn is a great heroine as well; she's a strong, intelligent woman with an amiable personality, and a sharp sense of humor. Her love for her husband is steadfast, so her anger and determination to teach him a little lesson for mistrusting her is completely justified, and yet most amusing.
The ex-spies and mystery plotline with the hero and heroine were very well rendered and fit in seamlessly with the overall romance and the lighter comedic elements that Ms. Alexander so adeptly delivers in all of her books. I think Adrian and Evelyn would make perfect lead characters in their own Victorian era secret-agent series or even a `whodunit' type private-investigator series; and I'd love to read about their further adventures as a husband and wife team. And I think Adrian's mother, Lady Helena, the dowager Countess of Waterston would make a nifty addition to their team because she has some wonderful sleuthing skills--at least when it comes to finding out what her children are up to, or tracking down possible mates for them. :)
I also loved all the secondary characters in the story. Not so much the villain, of course, but the rest were all superbly detailed, three-dimensional, and incredibly likable; adding much richness and fun to the story. But I have to admit I loved Lady Beryl Dunwell the most. Beryl is as equally sharp and witty as she is boldly flirtatious and promiscuous. She's a bit of a good-natured floozy who unapologetically flouts propriety and refuses to be bound by "pesky" morals, and who, as it turns out, can also be quite a good and loyal friend. Beryl's such a fresh, colorful and unpredictable character that I'd really like to know even more about her and what happens between her and her husband.
In My Wicked Little Lies, Victoria Alexander expertly brings her characters to life for the total enjoyment of her readers... with intrigue, secrets revealed, confession's made, clandestine affairs exposed, dangers faced, and many sly surprises... This captivating story will play out in your head like a first-rate movie. Highly recommended!
Also recommended: The Perfect Mistress and His Mistress by Christmas by Victoria Alexander
Victoria Alexander's latest book, MY WICKED LITTLE LIES, is a delightfully charming addition her `Sinful Family Secrets' series and the wonderful Victorian era world of the--not quite as proper as they think--Hadley-Attwater family. And anyone who likes their historical romance smartly blended with a delicious mix of passion, excitement, thrills, espionage, and mystery, topped with scintillating dialogue and a healthy dose of humor will be highly entertained by this book.
The story introduces us to Adrian and Evelyn Hadley-Attwater, the Earl and Countess of Waterston, a couple who have been very happily married for two years. The author then shows us, through the eyes of this very loving hero and heroine, how even the most blissful and content of married couples can still have their fair share of little secrets--whether about past jobs, relationships or minor indiscretions, or simply, private thoughts and pleasant fantasies--that they keep from each other for any number of reasons. And Ms. Alexander's approach to making this revelation is not only creative, exceptionally clever, and vastly amusing, but also quite perceptive and insightful. I can tell you her choice of a married couple as the main characters makes for a very interesting premise and a thoroughly romantic and engaging storyline. And speaking from the perspective of someone who's been married for some length of time, much of it is remarkably realistic and easily conceivable. :)
The chemistry between Adrian and Evelyn as a married couple is wonderfully harmonious, and gratifying to read. They're warmly affectionate, caring, passionate and devoted, and it's patently clear that their love for each other is deep and true and they are meant to be together. This makes it completely understandable as to why they'll go to such--madcap--lengths to save their marriage, all while trying to keep from revealing their little secrets, or admitting each are responsible for imparting `lies of omission' as whole truths. Though they should have known, as Shakespeare said, "in the end truth will out". As the reader witnessing HOW it all plays out, you just can't help but love and cheer for this couple, even as you shake your head while grinning at their somewhat wacky and misguided antics.
I think it's normal within the happiest of marriages for things to pop up occasionally that can cause little, tiny trickles of doubt or uncertainty about a partner's feelings to surface, or allow a bit of angst to creep into our consciousness. Especially when--knowing them so well--your significant other suddenly seems unduly distracted or exhibits strange or unusual behaviors. But it's really the fear of actually losing the person you truly love that can, at times, drive even the most practical or reasonable of us into doing some foolish things or making poor, even irrational choices while trying to prove whether or not their suspicions are unfounded.
Adrian, our thoroughly charismatic and hunky hero, is crazy in love with his wife (deservedly so) and we love him for that. He's ordinarily such a poised, confident, dignified and honorable man, however, when he doubts Evelyn's affections, it's then that we see his insecurities and vulnerabilities exposed; and that, I think, made him even more sweetly appealing. Evelyn is a great heroine as well; she's a strong, intelligent woman with an amiable personality, and a sharp sense of humor. Her love for her husband is steadfast, so her anger and determination to teach him a little lesson for mistrusting her is completely justified, and yet most amusing.
The ex-spies and mystery plotline with the hero and heroine were very well rendered and fit in seamlessly with the overall romance and the lighter comedic elements that Ms. Alexander so adeptly delivers in all of her books. I think Adrian and Evelyn would make perfect lead characters in their own Victorian era secret-agent series or even a `whodunit' type private-investigator series; and I'd love to read about their further adventures as a husband and wife team. And I think Adrian's mother, Lady Helena, the dowager Countess of Waterston would make a nifty addition to their team because she has some wonderful sleuthing skills--at least when it comes to finding out what her children are up to, or tracking down possible mates for them. :)
I also loved all the secondary characters in the story. Not so much the villain, of course, but the rest were all superbly detailed, three-dimensional, and incredibly likable; adding much richness and fun to the story. But I have to admit I loved Lady Beryl Dunwell the most. Beryl is as equally sharp and witty as she is boldly flirtatious and promiscuous. She's a bit of a good-natured floozy who unapologetically flouts propriety and refuses to be bound by "pesky" morals, and who, as it turns out, can also be quite a good and loyal friend. Beryl's such a fresh, colorful and unpredictable character that I'd really like to know even more about her and what happens between her and her husband.
In My Wicked Little Lies, Victoria Alexander expertly brings her characters to life for the total enjoyment of her readers... with intrigue, secrets revealed, confession's made, clandestine affairs exposed, dangers faced, and many sly surprises... This captivating story will play out in your head like a first-rate movie. Highly recommended!
Also recommended: The Perfect Mistress and His Mistress by Christmas by Victoria Alexander
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Entertaining!
Mar 20 2012
By A Voracious Reader
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Mass Market Paperback
Evelyn Hadley-Attwater, the Countess of Waterston has been very happily married to her husband, Adrian, for two years. When they met and fell in love they both agreed the past was the past and their future started the day they met. But is it? And did it?
Excellent plot, smooth-flowing, well-rounded familiar characters and lively dialogue. Evelyn is a gutsy woman, Adrian is a hunky Earl and both are quick-witted and intelligent. This is a book filled with mysteries, disguises, subterfuge, adventures and interesting characters. I don't want to give anything away in my review, so I'll just say I enjoyed it very much and am looking forward to the next book.
Side note: I'm not sure why this book is listed as Book 2 in the Sinful Family Secrets series when I consider 'The Perfect Mistress' to be Book 1 and 'His Mistress by Christmas' to be Book 2. That would make this Book #3. All three books are in the same setting with the same cast of characters, so the numbering should be logical. *scratches head and shrugs* Ah, well.
*The publisher provided a copy of this book to me for review. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
Excellent plot, smooth-flowing, well-rounded familiar characters and lively dialogue. Evelyn is a gutsy woman, Adrian is a hunky Earl and both are quick-witted and intelligent. This is a book filled with mysteries, disguises, subterfuge, adventures and interesting characters. I don't want to give anything away in my review, so I'll just say I enjoyed it very much and am looking forward to the next book.
Side note: I'm not sure why this book is listed as Book 2 in the Sinful Family Secrets series when I consider 'The Perfect Mistress' to be Book 1 and 'His Mistress by Christmas' to be Book 2. That would make this Book #3. All three books are in the same setting with the same cast of characters, so the numbering should be logical. *scratches head and shrugs* Ah, well.
*The publisher provided a copy of this book to me for review. Please see disclaimer page on my blog.
12 of 15 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Nice story. Would have liked more spy action.
Feb 5 2012
By BookLover
- Published on Amazon.com
Format:Kindle Edition
Trouble begins for Lady Evelyn Hadley-Attwater when she receives a note from the Sir Maxwell Osgood requesting her help. When she left The Department two years ago to marry Lord Hadley-Attwater, she thought her life as a spy was in the past. Now they need her help to locate a missing file containing the names of their agents.
Lord Adrien Hadley-Attwater knows that his wife is up to something. She has been distracted and not herself of late. He fears that she has become bored with her life as a Lady of Society, and fears most that his beautiful wife is turning her attention elsewhere for excitement...like another man.
Which is more dangerous to Evelyn, returning to a life as an agent, or a jealous husband bent on discovering her secrets?
This is another well written novel by Ms. Alexander which brings back many of the great characters we met in His Mistress by Christmas and drops many hints of other happenings in the family and setting us up for future novels.
Lord Adrien Hadley-Attwater knows that his wife is up to something. She has been distracted and not herself of late. He fears that she has become bored with her life as a Lady of Society, and fears most that his beautiful wife is turning her attention elsewhere for excitement...like another man.
Which is more dangerous to Evelyn, returning to a life as an agent, or a jealous husband bent on discovering her secrets?
This is another well written novel by Ms. Alexander which brings back many of the great characters we met in His Mistress by Christmas and drops many hints of other happenings in the family and setting us up for future novels.
›
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3.7 out of 5 stars
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