Review: Engrossing Story that you'll be Glad you Picked Up!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 05 5, 2014
Find this review and more at Lusty Penguin Reviews!Wicked Designs, A League of Rogues Novel by Lauren Smith, is an entertaining Regency romance with a touch of mystery and suspense thrown in. Colorful descriptions of the time period draw the reader into Smith’s enchanting story.Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex, discovers Albert Parr has embezzled his investment monies. In order to seek repayment, Godric and his friends in the League of Rogues kidnap Emily, Parr’s niece. Emily might be young, but she is feisty and intelligent—which I just loved about her—and she manages to trick Godric twice before finally being captured. Furthermore, Emily is rightly concerned about her future marriage prospects. Godric, on the other hand, is not because he is focused only on revenge. Even while Emily gets to know her captors, she is always plotting an escape because she values her freedom the most. Emily can’t help but be intrigued with Godric because he is handsome, strong, domineering, and at times, he shows hints of gentleness. Emily wonders if she could fall in love with such a man. Godric is ensnared by Emily’s beauty, her sprit, her smarts, and her cleverness and falls hard for her. Having never felt this way for a woman before, Godric is completely thrown by the emotions Emily stirs up. These newfound feelings leave Godric confused and vulnerable, which, at times, cause him to lash out and say nasty and cruel things to Emily. Godric struggles with his desire for Emily and the need to do right by her, which made me love him. I thoroughly enjoyed watching these two figure out their love for each other. Their sexual chemistry sizzles, and their bedroom play is sensual and passionate. Emily’s sassy nature is a perfect match for Godric’s stubbornness, making them a couple to cheer for.Another aspect of this story that I truly loved is Smith’s development of secondary characters, Ashton, Charles, Cedric and Lucien, the other members of the League of Rogues. These men had no idea when they helped Godric that Emily would cast a spell on them all because she has a pure soul, loves the outdoors, and is playful as well as brainy. I really enjoyed the interaction between the other rogues and Emily. I’m also looking forward to future stories to see the ladies who will bring the other rogues to their knees.With a spunky and independent heroine and a memorable hero, Wicked Designs is an engrossing story that readers will be glad they picked up.I received an eBook copy of the book for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review, and all conclusions are my own responsibility.