Review: 5 blue ribbons from Romance Junies
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 10 1, 2012
London, 1840`Wicked' Wade Warrick doesn't deserve the rake reputation he has - he's simply being judged by his brothers' unruly behavior.  All he has to do is dance with a woman once and rumors begin flying fast and furious all over the ton.  No father would allow him within touching distance of a virginal daughter which is why it's stunning when he leaves a crowded ballroom only to find the engaged reigning beauty of the haute ton awaiting him in his carriage.Lady Helen Richmond, daughter of the Earl of Charbeau, is on a mission.  Her father has betrothed her to a man not of her choosing and refuses to listen to her objections to the match.  She's taking matters into her own hands and has decided to proposition `Wicked Warrick.'  She has no doubt that the arrogant Duke of Resdale will no longer want her if she's ruined and she's sincerely counting on Wade to come to the rescue in her time of need.Wade isn't one for indiscriminate sex and he certainly isn't comfortable deflowering a virgin.  He believes that one should feel something for a woman besides lust before taking her to his bed.  Helen's proposition is shocking - and oddly enough she isn't expecting marriage and in fact insists that she'd like to keep their association a secret.  Helen's put a lot of thought into her decision to approach Wade and the simple fact that he's never shown any interest in her is a huge plus.  If he'd been one of her many admirers then their `association' would result in being forced to marry and that holds no appeal to her.After much discussion, Wade realizes that he is attracted to Helen and saying no to her is practically impossible.  Helen is stunned that Wade requires so much convincing - after all wouldn't a rake be overjoyed at the idea of sex without any expectations?  Fortunately, Wade does agree to bed her and the experience is better than Helen ever dared to hope.Now that Helen's been `ruined' she's safe from the unwanted marriage but now she's craving more time with Wade.  She knows that there's no possibility of anything more permanent with Wade but there's nothing wrong with a few stolen moments - or hours, is there?  Wade's assured her that he's not a rake but surely a man so skilled in bed has been with more women than he's letting on.  Things get a little more complicated when she begins experiencing signs of pregnancy - and there's the attack on Wade.  Wade and Helen are sure that her ex-fiancé is behind the incident but can they prove it?Emma Wildes' historicals are always a pleasure to read.  The characters are strong and brilliantly depicted so that readers are quickly caught up in their plights.  CAN'T SAY NO is the third book in THE IMPROPER LADIES series and it's a fabulous addition to Ms. Wildes' booklist.  Helen's determination to be `ruined' and Wade's disbelief at her plea drew me into the storyline but it's the passion and desire between them that kept me enchanted by their story.  In addition there's plenty of mystery, laughter, joy and even a few tears that make CAN'T SAY NO a title you won't want to miss.Chrissy Dionne (courtesy of Romance Junkies)