If His Kiss Is Wicked

August 6, 2007
Goodman's latest Regency romance concerns Emmalyn Hathaway, living with her relatives in London since the tragic death of her parents three years earlier. Emma spends her days assisting her artist uncle and her privileged younger cousin, Marisol, until she becomes the victim of a savage attack. Believing that the attack was meant for her cousin, Emma seeks out Restell Gardner, who offers protection and sleuthing services for a price. A confirmed bachelor and notorious rake (or so he wishes), Restell is taken with young Miss Hathaway and her plight. By taking on her case, he soon discovers that all is not as it seems in the Vega household and that Emma may truly be in danger. The attraction between Restell and Emma is hard to deny, and their dialogue sparkles with wit and emotion. Though there's enough intrigue and romantic charm to please any Regency fan, the mystery takes center stage, casting the romance in a secondary role. Regardless, authentic characters and a thrilling story line will keep readers smiling and guessing.

Starred review from August 1, 2007
Three weeks after being kidnapped and brutally beaten when she stands in for her irresponsible younger cousin in breaking off the relationship with an admirer, sensible Emmalyn Hathaway seeks the aid and protection of Restell Gardner, a handsome nobleman with a well-deserved reputation for helping those in need. As he begins to look into the matter, Restell realizes there's far more to both Emma and the situation than he'd imaginedand the danger is very real. A talented, intelligent heroine and a perceptive, clear-thinking hero sort through a vicious tangle of greed, jealousy, art forgeries, and murder in their search for answers that could prove far more devastating than they expect. Clever plotting, vivid, lively dialog, and exquisite sensuality make Goodman's latest (after "One Forbidden Evening") a reading experience to treasure. Goodman writes complex, sensual historical romances that often include a worthwhile mystery as well as a number of plot twists.

Copyright 2007 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2007
While telling hercousin Marisols loverMarisol no longer wishes to see him, Emma is beaten and kidnapped. After she escapes and returns toLondon, she hires Restell Gardner, whose services includeprotection and discrete inquiries. At first Emma believes the kidnappers mistook her for Marisol; but then Emma begins to think she is the real target. In her latest expertly craftedRegency historical, Goodman deftly combines two beautifully matched protagonists, and plenty ofdanger andsizzling sex to create an irresistible romance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)