When His Kiss Is Wicked

Starred review from February 2, 2009
O'Riley (Secrets of a Duchess
) smoothly ushers in a new historical series focusing on five beautiful sisters in Victorian England. Colette Hamilton is supporting her mother and four siblings by running the family bookstore after her father's untimely death. Though Colette is happy as an independent businesswoman, her uncle wants to marry her off to the highest bidder to alleviate the family's financial woes. After meeting Lucien Sinclair, the earl of Waverly, at her bookstore, Colette continues to see him at various social events, where they experience a subtle, intense attraction. Colette's strong and unusual personality will keep readers riveted, and the tension increases as she and Lucien struggle against the prevailing belief that a woman should be meek. O'Riley's believable, charismatic characters and fast-paced plotline set this novel well apart from the usual romance fare.