3/5

I don't typically read novellas because I like full and long novels. When I read the synopsis for this, I thought I would give it a go as I was intrigued. 

I enjoyed it, but I wasn't in love with it. 

I loved the beginning and the idea of the plot. The building was great at first. I was loving the characters and what the story could possibly bring. The pacing was how I like it at the start, but as the story went on it went down hill.  I get that it is a novella, but it felt like the second half was rushed and thrown together to make it work. I felt incomplete and I was left wanting for a much deeper ending. I never really got that moment you wait for in every romance novel. You know where your heart melts and you internally sigh. You know.  

I loved both the hero and heroine, and I really wish we could have met them in a full novel with a more developed story. Alas, it is not meant to be. I will survive.

If you like short and sweet regency romance, this is probably for you. I personally just need more depth.    

Meg Timmons has loved Hart, the brother of her best friend, ever since she was an awkward, blushing schoolgirl. If only she had a large dowry―or anything to her name at all. Instead, she’s from a family that’s been locked in a bitter feud with Hart’s for years. And now she’s approaching her third London season, Meg’s chances with him are slim to none. Unless a surprise encounter on a deep, dark night could be enough to spark a rebellious romance. . .for all time..

   

4/5

I am such a sucker for historical romance. Lords, ladies, and waltzing are all things I can't get enough of. I have it bad, and I mean bad. The downside? So many Regency era romance novels have the same flippin' plot.

It goes as follows:

 Rake sees girl. Girl hates Rake. Rake courts her and wins her over. Rake suddenly realizes he loves the girl (after not being willing to admit to himself the entire novel) when he is getting ready to lose her or she is facing death. blah, blah, blah... Happily ever after with an exit bed scene. 

Now, this isn't necessarily a bad thing. I still devour them even when I know what is going to happened throughout the entire book within the first chapter. I am always so excited to find a story line that has even a bit of originality to it, and Twice as Wicked has just that. 

We have the vengeful twin sister who sets out to hurt the man who ultimately lead her sister to her death. She finds our dear little Nate, and he isn't who she thought she was looking for. 

Nate is the complete opposite of the typical rake. He is shy and humble. He is clueless with it comes to flirting up the girls, and doesn't know what to do with them even he caught them. He has a small problem of someone who repeatedly is trying for his death, but he takes it in stride and goes with the flow so to speak . 

Alice is a firecracker. She has lost two people in two years and her world flipped on it's head. She is hardheaded, intelligent, and daring. I really like her and I found her to have actual depth to her character. 

***Spoiler - Skip next paragraph***

You've been warned.

Don't hate me if you read it. 

It will be all on you!

Hey you! There is a spoiler below. A YUGE spoiler. 

Ok, well welcome to my random spoiler. I just realized - truly just realized as I was writing about Alice - that we never actually found out who was trying to kill Nate. Huh. I enjoyed the novel enough it didn't even grace my mind, but now it's going to drive me nuts. Hopefully, that little, well huge, admission was intentional. Perhaps, it will carry on to the next in the series? I am going to give it the benefit of the doubt thought that it is, and will end up discovering the truth in the end. The truth always prevails... right?

***Safe zone starts here***

I really did love Twice as Wicked. I look forward to checking out other novels of Elizabeth Bright's and seeing if the stories continue to be different then the expected.  

I would recommend this to people who like:

Mary Balogh
Julia Quinn
historical romance in general

Release Date: November 7th, 2017

A very practical marriage makes Alexander Westcott question his heart in the latest Regency romance from the New York Timesbestselling author of Someone to Hold.

When Alexander Westcott becomes the new Earl of Riverdale, he inherits a title he never wanted and a failing country estate he can’t afford. But he fully intends to do everything in his power to undo years of neglect and give the people who depend on him a better life. . . . 

A recluse for more than twenty years, Wren Heyden wants one thing out of life: marriage. With her vast fortune, she sets her sights on buying a husband. But when she makes the desperate—and oh-so-dashing—earl a startlingly unexpected proposal, Alex will only agree to a proper courtship, hoping for at least friendship and respect to develop between them. He is totally unprepared for the desire that overwhelms him when Wren finally lifts the veils that hide the secrets of her past. . .

 4/5

(I received this as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.)

It's been while since I picked up an historical romance novel, and I now remember why I have always loved them so much! At one point, they were all I ever read but we've recently lost touch with each other. I need to start calling on them more often, the whole lord, lady, and pretty gowns really does it for me. I also forgot how amazing Mary Barlogh's writing is. Her style just reads so elegantly and yet so easily at the time. I love how she describes her characters and their world. I couldn't stop reading from the moment I started, I was reading any extra minute I had today.

Wren Heyden. She is a lovely character. She's no nonsense and blunt. She holds her head high , and refuses to let the world see her inner workings. I loved the growth of her self-esteem throughout the novel, and how by the end she sees herself in a completely different light than at the beginning. You can almost visibly see a cloud lift from her as more sun starts to seep through. She is courageous, smart, and so easy to grow to love. I will not be forgetting Wren anytime soon.

Alex. Westcott. 

Holy angel babies! I adored this man. Adored. He is a conscience driven character who stays true to himself. He sees past things to the beauty within. I can not tell you how many times he made my heart flutter with his actions and words. He is selfless, and will sacrifice himself to protect those who who rely on him.  In simple terms, he is just an great guy.

It was so charming to watch love grow from nothing. It was entertaining to meet the Westcott family and the outgoing and loving nature that they stand for. 

I don't have really any bad to say as I loved every minute of it. It was paced in the perfect speed that is neither too fast or too slow. I was never bored for a second with I was lost in the words. All in all, it was a tender, slow-burn romance with some very sweet moments.

Make sure you check this one out if you love historical fiction.

(Expected publication: May 1st 2018)