The Wicked Heir
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4.4 • 7 Ratings
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
"Historical romance devotees will enjoy Michels's adoring use of some of the classic tropes of the genre—the spare heir, the wrong brother as hero, the heroine in men's clothing—but what makes the book so enjoyable is the way Michels makes the familiar fresh."—SARAH MACLEAN, The Washington Post for The Infamous Heir
The Spare Heirs Society Cordially Invites You to Meet Fallon St. James: The Mastermind
When the love of Lady Isabelle Fairlyn's life is betrothed to her twin sister, Isabelle vows to find a suitable replacement before the end of the season. He must be a talented dancer, have a keen fashion sense, and be perfectly dashing in every way.
Fallon St. James is the farthest thing from perfectly anything. As head of the secretive Spare Heirs Society, he must stick to the shadows…even as Isabelle's friendship pulls him reluctantly into the light. But when Isabelle gets involved with the one man who could destroy Spares, Fallon must decide between protecting his life's work—or risking everything to save the woman whose warm smile leaves him breathless.
Praise for Elizabeth Michels:
"Michels's latest is the complete package: a captivating romance with gripping suspense wrapped up in a novel to be savored."—Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW for The Infamous Heir
"Playing with the themes of deception and authenticity, this romance delightfully emulates a Jane Austen-ish comedy of manners."—Kirkus Reviews for The Rebel Heir
"Rich with wit and charm."—Publishers Weekly for How to Lose a Lord in 10 Days or Less
"Michels' fresh and funny debut will delight readers with its endearing characters and infectious mix of sweet yet sexy romance and realistic yet wry wit."—Booklist Online STARRED REVIEW for Must Love Dukes
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Michels's third Spare Heirs Regency (after The Rebel Heir) is full of twists and turns. Lady Isabelle Fairlyn is a romantic who is determined to see the best in everyone; her twin sister, Victoria, is a cynic. After Isabelle makes the acquaintance of Fallon St. James over a display of poorly made cakes at a ball, she believes that they will remain friends even after she begins a romance with Kelton Brice. Unfortunately, Isabelle's hopes are dashed when Victoria becomes betrothed to Kelton. Instead, when Isabelle is attacked by an enemy of her father, Fallon is the one who comes to her rescue. He takes her to his home, insisting that it's the only place where she won't be in danger. This device of ostensible imprisonment mostly allows Isabelle and Fallon to get to know each other in close quarters, and Isabelle enjoys the time she spends assisting with his household. Fallon and Isabelle gradually fall in love, but both know that their fragile connection will likely end once the danger to her life has passed. The evolution of the relationship between Isabelle and Fallon, as she gradually breaks down his defenses and he realizes the value of her love, is delightful.
Customer Reviews
fun story with plenty of intrigue and drama
A series of second sons, men never expecting to inherit the title or responsibility of their elder brothers, the series brings us to Fallon, mastermind of the informal club of the Spare Heirs Society. He’s spent all of his life managing the affairs of the spares: with their knowledge and entrée into the ton – he’s used all means available to work quietly in the seedier side of London. He’s perfectly imperfect: knowing the right thing to do legally is not necessarily the right thing for him and the members of the society. And he’s very good at his job, eschewing the niceties and pomp of society even as he is well versed in them.
Isabelle, a twin, is heartbroken and a bit angry when the “love of her life” asks for her twin’s hand instead of her own. Of course, she doesn’t react well to the news, less heartbroken than determined to get even, she sets herself a goal. Find a match, better than her sister’s, by the end of the season. When she meets Fallon, she’s instantly drawn to him and shares her tale of woe: An innocent with a decided devilish air that does little to hide her determined nature, Fallon is intrigued, but knows that she could bring ruin on him and herself. And soon, with her sights set on a true rogue, Fallon has to step in to save her.
Oh this was fun – Fallon, despite himself, is instantly drawn to Isabelle: her brightness, her naiveté and her innocent belief that the world will turn for her because it should. It doesn’t hurt that she instantly placed her trust in him, nor that she brought a lightness, previously unknown, into his life. He’d miss that when it was gone – and then, he realized that perhaps he could have everything he’d never dreamed of…
A wonderfully fun story with plenty of intrigue and drama that shows that those who have little expected of or from them often have the most to offer.
I received a copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.