Review: Wicked Designs – Lauren Smith

The League of Rogues takes what they want—but have they taken on too much?

For too long Miss Emily Parr has been subject to the whims of her indebted uncle and the lecherous advances of his repulsive business partner. Her plan to be done with dominating men forever is simple—find herself a kind husband who will leave her to her books.

It seems an easy enough plan, until she is unexpectedly abducted by an incorrigible duke who hides a wounded spirit behind flashing green eyes.

Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex, spends countless nights at the club with his four best friends, and relishes the rakish reputation society has branded him with. He has no plans to marry anytime soon—if ever. But when he kidnaps an embezzler’s niece, the difficult debutante’s blend of sweetness and sharp tongue make him desperate for the one thing he swears he never wanted: love.

Yet as they surrender to passion, danger lurks in Godric’s shadowed past, waiting for him to drop his guard—and rob him of the woman he can’t live without.

Product Warnings:
This novel includes a lady who refuses to stay kidnapped, a devilish duke with a dark past, and an assortment of charming rogues who have no idea what they’ve gotten themselves into.

Series: The League of Rogues #1
Release Date: January 7th 2014
Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
Source: Provided by Author/Publisher via Manic Readers
Reviewer: Michelle
Rating:

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Reviewer’s Thoughts

Wicked Designs is a historical romance with elements of suspense. Emily Parr has recently been orphaned. Her uncle, Albert Parr, has charge of her and access to the money left to her by her parents. Unfortunately, Uncle Albert does not make good investments and has found himself heavily in debt to several people. He bargains away one of his debtors, Thomas Blankenship, with the promise of Emily’s hand in marriage. Emily has been subjected to Blankenship’s pawing and is unaware of her uncle’s deal with the devil. She is determined to make a good match to get away from her uncle and live life on her own terms.

Emily’s plans to snag a generous husband are thwarted when she is abducted by the League of Rogues. Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex is also owed money by Albert Parr. He has decided to ruin Emily as a way to retaliate against her uncle. However, Emily is not your average wilting flower. She is courageous, smart, and resourceful. I fell in love with her character. The author writes so eloquently about her from her grief over the loss of her parents to her hopes to win Godric’s heart. I immediately empathized with her and admired her determination to be the captain of her own destiny. Her escape attempts were hilarious.

I rode the fence on Godric’s character. There were times where I liked him, but I couldn’t understand how he could ruin Emily’s life for his own sense of satisfaction. I did grow to really like him and by the end of the book I was firmly in his corner. I think I turned the corner when he chased her down and brought her back to his home. The author revealed his story layer by layer and included dialogue that revealed his self-talk. I absolutely love it when authors let you peep in and see what the male characters are thinking. I wish I could do that in real life.

The secondary cast of characters added depth to the story. I loved all the rogues, and I am hopeful that this is the first book in a series. There were various hints at the stories of the other rogues and possible romances, but I would like to see each one find love. You could feel their camaraderie and genuine affection for each other.

This story was the best of romance, friendship, and love. It was a quick, easy read that put a smile on my face.