A rake and a sensible girl - or maybe not

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Another great addition to the series, this book features a secondary character from the previous books as a heroine, Cassandra Delahaye, kind, sensible and eminently respectable - and a new character, Sebastian Audley, notorious hero of the scandal sheets as a daredevil and a rake. It is a case of opposites attracting each other, but also that Cassie secretly longs for more drama and romance in her life (or maybe, more accurately, the strong and passionate love shared by many of her friends, the characters from previous novels) instead of the dull and boring gentlemen usually paying court to her - and Sebastian wishes to settle down and free himself from the image shaped by his riotous past. The story is complicated by a villainess who for all her cunning proves to be literally mad, and a rake who, although selfish and cunning, turns out to be too much a weakling to do more than provide comic relief.Aside from the romance between very likeable protagonists, the setting of the Georgian aristocracy life, masked balls, dances, gaming clubs and fencing saloons, I found that a great strength of this book is the strong friendships - both male and female. Loyalty, trust, acceptance, instant help in all crazy and dangerous situations is always ready at hand from the strong network of admirable characters, as in all the books in this series. In addition, I enjoyed Cassie's family in particular. After all the mistakes and abuses from family members described in the other books and even in this one, in the case of Sebastian, the Delahayes prove to be loving, sensible and kind - a safe haven for Cassie and Sir Charles a substitute father figure for Sebastian until his own father could make the attempt to right his past wrongs and mistakes. A further good point was Sebastian's willingness to forgive his father for his childhood sufferings.I can only recommend this book to any historical romance fans. It's easy to fall in love with these dashing gentlemen and their strong and sensible ladies, the author's excellent style, dialogue, vivid descriptions, and the excellent audio rendition of the talented narrator Alex Wyndham.

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5 people found this helpful

Delightfully Convoluted Romance

The book was original and captivating. The ending bedroom scene was unnecessary in reinforcing the characters' love for each other. In this instance, less would have been better. The narration was "off the chain" great. Alex Wyndham ' vocal talents are par excellent. Thanks Stella Riley.

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4 people found this helpful

sweet love story by Stella Riley

This was a less complicated than usual, rather sweet love story than usual from Stella Riley. Cassandra is a lovely, elegant girl who does all the proper things, and although she does not approve of the many indiscretions of Sebastian, she does seem to long for a bit of passion. very early on, we see her get a gown altered so that it's discreetly provocative. So Cassandra is not as stiff-rumored as she appears. and, of course Sebastian isn't as wicked as he appears either. Rather, he was, but he's finally grown up and is truly determined to change.

They kind of meet cute, and it goes from there. there are a few misunderstandings but nothing dire. It's enjoyable and rather sweet to see them tumble into love. I've seen some readers complain that Cassie is not a good character because her main characteristic is that she's just against trusting Sebastian. I disagree. She quickly realizes there is more to him than the gossip sheets ever reveal. She's just hesitant to show him she's fallen in love because she's unsure of his feelings.

While these two are sweetly falling love, danger lurks in the background. One of Sebastian's mistakes from more than a year ago comes back to haunt him in the form of an old mistress turned stalker. Her one obsession is getting him back. She causes some big problems but they are so quickly solved that her villainy isn't as scary as it should have been. Her plots are pretty diabolical but ineffective, and that is my only complaint with this book. In the end, there really is very little conflict to trouble this love story.

The dangerous villainess just really wasn't all that scary after all. and she should have been cuz girlfriend was looney tunes.

As always, the narrator of Ms. Riley's books is excellent.

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1 person found this helpful

My favorite so far!

I’ll start by saying Alex Wyndham makes each of these books a treasure. The depth and feeling he adds to the characters with his narration really makes the stories.

I have read nearly all of the books in this series and this is one of my favorites. I love Cassandra’s character and found Sebastian likable and understandable. What I really loved about them is that they did not jump to conclusions in tough situations and always thought logically about them. So often in regencies, the characters come to ridiculous conclusions in times of trouble or believe others based on zero facts and in defiance of lots of previous experience telling them otherwise. This is NOT the case for Cassie and Sebastian. They are steadfast in their appreciation for each other and are not easily manipulated. The drama happens around them, not because of them. A very sweet and heart warming couple!

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Another Winner in the Rockliffe Series!!!

This was another enjoyable/engaging plot with a sweet loving romance!!! I enjoyed the leading man’s character as well as him being more open with expressing feelings that men are usually too “manly” to say out loud.
The leading lady was also a fighter and made intelligent decisions more often than not. And their romance was very sweet!!! Final note, for once….an old fashioned romance where at least one of the main characters has just nice, kind, decent parents!!!! So lovely!
And, if you are like me, you will delight in hearing Alex Wyndham say your name but sorrow at the same time that it’s Miranda haha. Fabulous narration as always!!!

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4.5/5 Unlikely Dare Devil Match Stars!

4.5 "Unlikely Dare Devil Match" Stars for the story and 5 Stars for the narration!

The Wicked Cousin is another win for Stella Riley!  Having thoroughly enjoyed the prior books in this series, I jumped at the chance to listen to The Wicked Cousin and was once again impressed with Ms. Riley's talent for writing characters that her readers/listeners are certain to fall in love with.  Additionally, Alex Wyndham's narration is superb as always making this a title best enjoyed in audio format.  

Although this is the fourth book in the Rockliffe Series, the romance works as a stand-alone as the relationship between the main hero and heroine is fully contained in this book.  All that said, for those that have read the prior books, you will be happy to know that the prior characters continue to play a role in this book as secondary characters.  

After being stifled for years, for being the sole surviving son after his twin brother's death, Sebastian Audley has spent his last few years away from the strong grip of his father instead choosing to sow his wild oats even if it is on his own dime. When he finally decides to return to London, he of course becomes the gossip of the season.  Notorious for his inability to turn away a dare, he instantly becomes the target of many young ladies who are intrigued by his notoriety.  What Sebastian never could have imagined, however, is that he'd also become the target of a former mistress who is determined (in a Fatal Attraction kind of way) to win back his affections. 

Meanwhile, the one lady who is not interested in the "wicked" Sebastian is Cassandra Delahaye. So imagine her surprise when she finds herself in the same room alone with Sebastian in what could be a compromising position.  Fortunately for Cassandra, Sebastian finds a way for their first meeting to remain a secret, even if that way ensures that Cassandra thinks even less of his rule defying ways. Nonetheless the groundwork has been laid, and the unlikely pair begin to form a bond.  But could there possibly be a HEA in the cards for two such unlikely characters?  Moreover, even if they wish it so, what will it take for the former mistress to step out of the way?

Alex Wyndham is in superior form in The Wicked Cousin. In a short period of time, Mr. Wyndham has managed to climb to the top of my favorite historical romance narrators with his suave voice and attention to detail. Among his strengths are his ability to create character appropriate voices for each and every character. While Mr. Wyndham excels at the male voices, his portrayal of the females is also of a high caliber and allows the listener to just sit back and enjoy the romance.

To that effect, I felt that both his voicing of Cassandra and Sebastian was spot on. Moreover, even his portrayal of the large cast of secondary characters allowed for easy differentiation.

All in all, The Wicked Cousin is a treat that should not be missed by fans of Stella Riley and, indeed, any historical romance lover.

Source: Review copy provided for review purposes.

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7 people found this helpful

Just listening to Alex Wyndham say . . .

. . . The Wicked Cousin as the book begins is worth an Audible credit. Seriously, though, this is a wonderful story, with intriguing characters, luscious romance, and a bit of adventure. Alex Wyndham's performance is, once again, superb.

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4 people found this helpful

Wyndham's Narration & Reformed Rake - 5 stars

I've enjoyed Cassie throughout this series and was looking forward to her story. Very well done. Sebastian was an interesting, and eventually, lovable character. Definitely a great romance (in spite of his past coming back to bite quite a bit!)

Add Alex Wyndham's narration to The Wicked Cousin and you have a sure 5 star read!

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7 people found this helpful

Subtle Humor & Laughable Moments

Stella Riley continues to entertain with humor, providing the reader with a window seat into the antics of men and women who eventually come to terms with what society demands of them.

I enjoy the subtle fun-making author Riley weaves into the plot. Narrator, Alex Wyndham’s marvelous job in nailing down the perfect voice for each character, pulls the story together, delighting any connoisseur who wants to read/llisten to a ‘damn good story’!
We get to reacquaint ourselves with memorable and sometimes tedious individuals from the previous reads in the sequel, along with characters of good taste and breeding, already holding a place in my heart.

Lady Sarre, the wife of Adrian, first meets Sebastian Audley. Her grandfather, Mr. Maitland, arrives from Halifax, on his heels. Then Adrian, looking much like a farm laborer, Earl of Sarre, meets Hubert Maitland. It’s a wonderful scene, showing us what stock Caroline and Adrian are from.

Cassandra Delahaye has been attracted to Sebastian in the past, but since, word of his past roguish ways has put her off. Cassie is at the marriageable age, a sweet, biddable young woman any mama would like as a daughter-in-law. But Cassie doesn’t like what she sees in the mirror. She’s not happy with herself. She wants to work outside the box.

Richard Benhalligan, someone who pays attention to Cassie, is a man who blows hot and cold. Is he, or is he not interested in Cassie? Are his intentions honorable? And what about Sebastian Audley? Is he interested in her or just playing with her, true to his reputation?

Charles, Cassie’s father, is a father who really cares for his daughter. It’s very touching. Her French maid, plays a role in giving Cassie more self-esteem.

Sebastian and Adrian, being old friends of youth, and having been years apart, have a wager, privately recorded at Sinclair’s gaming house, which gives Sebastian some protection against himself. He has problems NOT accepting any wager, and with this one, if he takes any other wager that jeopardizes this private wager, he won’t do it. Adrian makes a very astute wager!

If you enjoy laughing at how society amuses itself, how men and women deal with the demands of society and their own esteem, you’ll enjoy engaging this read. I am never disappointed with one of Riley’s books.

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5 people found this helpful

Very Well-Written. Amazing Narrator

I've read or heard almost all of Stell Riley's books and have enjoyed them all....even the ones I didn't like very much. She is such a wonderful story teller that even her GREAT details are enthralling. I've read/heard most of her books multiple times....except the ones I don't love. I'm an avid reader of historical romance and never have I experienced a writer who can creat ANNOYING female characters like Stella does. It's a testament to Stella's writing abilities....and Alex Wyndham's narration that readers such as I can relate to the characters. In this book and in The Mesalliance, I was ready to strangle Belle and to a lesser degree.....also Madelaine. On the other hand, Harry and Nicholas are such likeable characters, it makes the two women look even worse. I feel so sorry for Harry and think he deserves better. As for Nicholas, I want him to find some nice girl....like Cassie. He doesn't deserve Madeline. This is my third time to listen to this book.....and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I just had to listen when I was patient and understanding.

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1 person found this helpful