In Love with a Wicked Man

Written by Liz Carlyle
Review by Ray Thompson

When a riding accident lands a man in her home suffering from temporary amnesia, Kate, Lady d’Allenay, finds herself physically attracted to the handsome stranger, despite her reputation for common sense and responsible behavior. Unfortunately, when he recovers his memory he realizes he is the disreputable owner of a high-class gambling club, disowned by his aristocratic family. Can this mismatched pair find happiness together?

This Regency romance follows a predictable formula: the hero is hunky and eager to abandon his wickedness to win the capable heroine; she is happy to be wooed by such an ardent (and experienced) lover, and willing to excuse his past misdeeds, especially since they arose from an abusive childhood; the villain is suitably despicable and cowardly; and the minor characters are amusing. There is even criticism of aristocratic wastrels who squander their inheritance: all very gratifying. The plot bogs down a bit in the middle as complications obstruct the path of true love, but that is the way of these stories, and the climax builds satisfyingly. A pleasant read by an accomplished author for lovers of the sub-genre.