Known throughout the city for his prowess in the bedroom, Morgan Lyons, Eighth Earl of Westcliffe, cannot forgive an unpardonable affront to his honor. Discovering his young bride in the arms of his brother was a staggering blow — so he banished the beautiful deceiver to the country and devoted himself entirely to the pursuit of carnal pleasure.
Claire Lyons was an innocent, frightened girl of 17 on her wedding day, seeking chaste comfort from a childhood friend. Now three years later, she has blossomed magnificently. Still innocent, she has returned to London with one goal in mind: the seduction of her notorious husband. Unskilled in the sensual arts, she burns nonetheless for the kisses too long denied her. And now she has but one Season to win back the heart of the rogue she betrayed.
So Claire was promised from birth to an earl, Westcliffe, but she was frightened of her wedding night. Not only because of the things her aunt had told her but also because the Earl really scared her. I mean she’s just 17 years old – kissed once when she was 10 – and the Earl had hardly talked to her over the years. I’d have been scared as well.
Clair tells her best friend, Westcliffe’s brother Stephen, about her fears and he says to leave it all up to him he’ll take care of it. His plan is to climb into bed with Claire so that Westcliffe will find them, be angry and postpone the wedding night. Yeah, not that great of a plan. But Stephen and Claire are both young and add in champagne and you have the makings of stupid plans 101. What ends up happening is that Westcliffe’s beats his brother and removes Claire to his country estate. He moves to Town and they don’t speak for 3 years, much less consummate the marriage.
Now Claire has arrived at Westcliffe’s house in Town (London) and wants his assistance in giving her sister through her Season. Westcliffe eventually agrees but he’s certainly not happy about it and he’s doubly pissed that he starts to find Claire different from what he remembers and he’s finding himself attracted to her – something that’s not in his plans.
The story basically revolves around Claire and Westcliffe coming to understand who they really are. Neither one truly knew at the time of their marriage and they both see that they misjudged the other by leaps and bounds. Some of the shared moments between Claire and Westcliffe were amazingly touching and I found myself rooting for them to come to an understanding and find the love that they both desperately needed.
This is my first read by Heath and I don’t think it will be my last. Actually I know it won’t as I’ll be reading the next book in this series – which is about Westcliffe’s brother, Stephen. I think what I liked about the book the most the air of calm that the book seemed to exude. Even though there was a villain in the book I wasn’t anxious about it (which I tend to feel at times) and it was a good feeling. It’s definitely not a fast paced read but more of a “slow and steady wins the race.”
Rating: 4 out of 5
Oh! You brought up a good point, Tracy. I was so focused on the relationship in my review that I forgot to bring up the feel 🙂
Woohoo, another good review for Passions of a Wicked Earl 🙂 I'm happy! 🙂
You are too funny… "Actually I know it won't as I'll be reading the next book in this series – which is about Westcliffe's brother, Stephen." You make me giggle!!!
Great review and great way to intrigue a person!!! Hugs to honey and I hope all has been going well for you and the family!!
The Big Misunderstanding? 🙂
Nath – I just had a great feel. It's hard to a review to portray how the book makes her feel -well, unless she hates it. lol
Cecile – Well, I needed to be honest! lol Thanks. Hope you're well as well.
Chris – Well, yes and no. It didn't feel as Big Mis-ish as some, I guess but yes it was still present. 🙂
Great review! I just loved reading this one, its one of my favorites for this author!!! I am also looking forward to the second in the series!
I agree with your review and yes, slow and steady wins the race. I liked this one but someone had to talk me into reading Stephen's book. He just didn't come across as a good character to me. We'll see.
LoR – As I said, this was my first from this author – hopefully I'll like her other ones as well. 🙂
Ames – I didn't LOVE Stephen by any means but I was intrigued by his situation. Him being the middle son between an Earl and a Duke? That just can't be easy. Also the fact that he was FINALLY getting out from under his mother's influence, I felt, would do him a world of good. I'm anxious to see what happens next.