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    Wicked Designs
    Wicked Designs
    Wicked Designs
    Audiobook11 hours

    Wicked Designs

    Written by Lauren Smith

    Narrated by Heather Wilds

    4/5

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    About this audiobook

    For too long Miss Emily Parr has been subject to the whims of her indebted uncle and the lecherous advances of his repulsive business partner. Her plan to be done with dominating men forever is simple: find herself a kind husband who will leave her to her books.

    It seems an easy enough plan, until she is unexpectedly abducted by an incorrigible duke who hides a wounded spirit behind flashing green eyes.

    Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex, spends countless nights at the club with his four best friends and relishes the rakish reputation society has branded him with. He has no plans to marry anytime soon-if ever. But when he kidnaps an embezzler's niece, the difficult debutante's blend of sweetness and sharp tongue makes him desperate for the one thing he swears he never wanted: love.

    Yet as they surrender to passion, danger lurks in Godric's shadowed past, waiting for him to drop his guard-and to rob him of the woman he can't live without.
    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherTantor Media, Inc
    Release dateMay 13, 2014
    ISBN9781494571559

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    Reviews for Wicked Designs

    4/5

    59 ratings6 reviews

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    • 5/5
      When I started this book i got into it straight away and it kept me interested. But I must say that I thought it was quite far fetched that when Godrick got out of bed completely naked that Emily hardly flinched, she just blushed a little and continued talking to him as though seeing a naked man was something that happened everyday of her life, like she was a married lady or some Lords mistress, not a virgin who's never even seen a man's bare feet let alone completely naked.
      I love steamy romance. Although this isn't all that steamy.
      But I enjoyed this book very much. I loved all the league rogues and Emily was a darling.
      As for the narrator I find her voice quite monotonous. And some of her male voices are very effeminate.
      But I must say I do prefer Male narrators
    • 3/5
      The over controlling masculinity is annoying. The maddening Stockholm syndrome is somewhat contradictory, but I guess a tale has to start somewhere.
    • 5/5
      Book full of twists and excellent character. I very much enjoyed book
    • 5/5
      Wicked Designs is a historical romance with elements of suspense. Emily Parr has recently been orphaned. Her uncle, Albert Parr, has charge of her and access to the money left to her by her parents. Unfortunately, Uncle Albert does not make good investments and has found himself heavily in debt to several people. He bargains away one of his debtors, Thomas Blankenship, with the promise of Emily's hand in marriage. Emily has been subjected to Blankenship's pawing and is unaware of her uncle's deal with the devil. She is determined to make a good match to get away from her uncle and live life on her own terms.
      Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex, intends to exact revenge on an embezzler and so kidnaps the man’s niece, Miss Emily Parr, with the intent of ruining her reputation thus thwarting the embezzlers attempt to make money off her betrothal. He wasn’t prepared though for the feisty, beautiful woman he discovers hiding under the bench of the carriage that he and his cohorts, the league of rogues, shanghai. Nor did either he or Emily expect to experience the feelings that blossomed between the two as they were secluded at Godric’s estate.
      Emily's plans to snag a generous husband are thwarted when she is abducted by the League of Rogues. Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex is also owed money by Albert Parr. He has decided to ruin Emily as a way to retaliate against her uncle. However, Emily is not your average wilting flower. She is courageous, smart, and resourceful. I fell in love with her character. The author writes so eloquently about her from her grief over the loss of her parents to her hopes to win Godric's heart. I immediately empathized with her and admired her determination to be the captain of her own destiny. Her escape attempts were hilarious.
      The secondary cast of characters added depth to the story. I loved all the rogues, and I am hopeful that this is the first book in a series. There were various hints at the stories of the other rogues and possible romances, but I would like to see each one find love. You could feel their camaraderie and genuine affection for each other.
      This story was so much fun to read. The League of Rogues is enchanting. What woman wouldn’t want to be kidnapped by these 5 handsome, notoriously sexy men? From the hilarious attempt at kidnapping to the witty banter between these lifelong friends, I found myself chuckling out loud. Though Emily was the one who was abducted, she became the captor of all five of these men. I found myself staying up well into the morning just to see what Emily’s next escape attempt would be and how the rogues would handle it. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series and see what’s in store for these delicious rakes.
      This story is full of humor, romance, friendship, and suspense. How can you not love it? I just recently discovered Lauren Smith and boy was that a stroke of luck for me! Her stories are amazing. If you’ve read other books of hers, you won’t be disappointed in this one. If you haven’t read her before, you are in for a real treat.

    • 3/5
      Fun

      I thought this was a fun book to read. I liked the time period and the main characters were fun.
    • 5/5
      Title: Wicked DesignsAuthor: Lauren SmithPublisher: L. S.Series: The League of Rogues Book 1Reviewed By: Arlena DeanRating: FiveReview:"Wicked Designs" by Lauren SmithMy Thoughts....What a very entertaining read that will definitely keep you turning the pages to see what was coming next. I found the read had 'great dialogue with humorous banter[that will have you laughing out loud], adventure and yes...love.' Be ready for many twist and turns with surprises taking the reader on quite a rogue ride of 'romance, passion, mystery, murder, adventure and intrigue.' This was one of those reads that the reader will love all the characters...even some of the villains. So, if you are looking for a entrancing novel from beginning to the end "Wicked Designs" will give it all to you.Thank you to the author for the gift of your novel for my giving my honest opinion of the read.