To Wed a Wicked Earl

He's on the hunt for a bride . . .

Adam Faramond, Earl of Rothbury, needs to find a wife—immediately!—or his beloved grandmother will leave him penniless. But Adam, an unrepentant rake, would reform for only one woman, the woman he's lusted after—and loved—for years. It's rather unfortunate, then, that Miss Charlotte Greene would never consent to be the blushing bride of a rogue . . . or so he thinks.

Charlotte believes that the earl, the only man whose touch leaves her trembling, would never want a woman like her. Weary of her wallflower ways, Charlotte decides that a friendship with the earl just might give her the excitement she desires. Keeping their true feelings hidden, she and Adam plan a sham ceremony to placate the dowager. But when the "marriage of convenience" takes an unexpected turn, will Charlotte and her wicked earl finally reveal their irresistible, unforgettable love—and delight in a lifetime of passion?

I'm quickly becoming a huge fan of Olivia Parker. I first read her debut novel, At The Bride Hunt Ball, when it was first published. And I've been patiently waiting for her second book, I finally read it and I wasn't disappointed. I adored it!

Both the hero, Adam Faramond, Earl of Rothbury, and the heroine, Charlotte Greene were introduced in the previous book. Rothbury is known to be a rake, a scoundrel of the worst sort. Charlotte is what they call a wall flower, she's near sighted and sometimes painfully shy. But these two strike a special friendship. Although Charlotte thinks that Rothbury is helping her with her scheme because of friendship, the truth is that he's been deeply in love with her for a long time. That one aspect is what I found to be different, usually it's the other way around. Add to the story two matchmakers, one a friend who doesn't mind meddling and the other a grandmother who pretends to be losing her mind.

It was a quick, funny, sensual read. It was definitely worth staying up late to finish the book. I wonder how long I'll have to wait to read something new by Olivia Parker...

To Wed a Wicked Earl by Olivia Parker (4.25/5) Historical Romance; Published: Avon (9/2009); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (123);