Customer Reviews

Beyond A Wicked Kiss (Zebra Historical Romance)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was completely inthralled by the first half of this book. It was my first Jo Goodman book and although it was the last in the series I didn't have any trouble following it.
I give it only 2 stars because the second half of the book was so dark and degrading to women it was repulsive. The villains were into white slavery, sadomasochism and bondage. Goodman writes very graphic scenes of these practices and the heroine was subject to them. I could have known about them without having to endure them and it would not have detracted from the story at all. She left me feeling abused.
I am still tempted to read another of her book but not until I find out if she writes this way all the time. Her imagery was wonderful. Character development was excellent.

The last installment in the Compass Club adventures, "Beyond a Wicked Kiss" rounds things off nicely and in a satisfactory manner. A few things, perhaps, could have done with a more in-depth look, but on the whole this installment fit in very well with the previous three books in the series, and ultimately proved to be a fun read.

Evan Marchman grew up knowing that he would always be an outsider looking in: the illegitimate son of the Duke of Westphal, it was drummed into Evan, early on in life, just how much he could expect and just how much society would accept him. Fortunately for Evan, there were his old school friends -- Viscount Southerton, the Marquess of Eastlyn & the Earl of Northam -- who gave him their wholehearted friendship, support and acceptance. Now, however, Evan's life takes an unexpected turn when, with the duke's death, it is revealed that Evan is legitimately born after all, and that he, and not his half-brother, is the new Duke of Westphal. For a young man who is finally comfortable with who he is and what he does for a living (Evan is a spy for the Crown), inheriting the title, lands and monies from his much despised father is the very last thing he needs. And then his new ward, Miss Maria Ashby, comes to him with a problem which she thinks only he can help her resolve. Miss Ashby is the headmistress of a ladies academy, and one of the students at the school has disappeared without a trace. The problem is an intriguing and perplexing one, but which arouses Evan's interest, especially when he discovers that the Society of Bishops are involved with Miss Ashby's academy. Could the Society of Bishops have anything to do with the missing girl? Evan is determined to discover all, but he is also determined the discover if his growing feelings for the singular and beautiful Miss Maria Ashby is a passing fancy or if it is something much, much more...

The four books in this series ("Let Me Be the One," "Everything I Ever Wanted" & "All I ever Needed") are very closely interconnected. So do you need to have read the previous three in order to understand and enjoy "Beyond a Wicked Kiss?" On the whole, I'd say no. Jo Goodman does a rather good job of encapsulating all the pertinent information so that you don't get that awful feeling of having wandered into a play after the first act. She also does a very good job of presenting, as succinctly as possible, the close bond of trust and fellowship that the four men share. Also well done was the manner in which she "fleshed" out Evan's past and his growing feelings for Ria Ashby -- indeed it was the authour's delightful portrayal of Evan that kept me glued to the pages. But a few things could have done with more depth: such as the whole bit about the Society of Bishops and their ties to the academy. Because this was a rather vital subplot in this story, I would have liked more. On the whole though, "Beyond a Wicked Kiss" was an absorbing and enjoyable Regency-era romance novel that kept it's promise of being a good and entertaining read.

I enjoyed the first 3 books in this series. Maybe because I read them all one right after the other. This one, I had to wait several months for. In the meantime, I've read dozens of other books.

I think the idea of all 4 stories taking place at the same time is an interesting one. I just don't feel that it works to well in the long run.

In "Beyond a Wicked Kiss", there are so many mysterious comings, goings and doings that even I, who'd read the other three books, got confused. I can only imagine how a reader who only reads this one would feel.

I really looked forward to West's story. I could never shake the feeling that the book contained bits and pieces from the other books and never really came together.

If ever an epilogue was called for, it's this series. It screams for one. I was so disappointed that the 4 couples didn't get together at the end. And that I didn't get to see how the women got on with each other.

If you've read the first 3 books, then you might want to give this one a go. If you haven't I strongly recommend that you do so before you tackle this one.

That said, I'm looking forward to Ms. Goodman's next book. I like her style and her writing is wonderful. Not a TSTL heroine in sight.

I bought this book first then realized that there were three others and believed (correctly) that they should be read in order. North, South, East and West - while they occur at the same time you appreciate them all much better if read in that order. As for West and Ria - wow - this was a true love story. The pace of it and the development of their love was so real and even better than the previous three. And West himself - while not so much apart of the other books was so distinct from the others - more of a real person. Perhaps because he was not of title born, though he would find out that he had been. But he was just more of a man's man - And Ria well she was just priceless - she just did what she felt like so often and those appearances in West's bedroom in the night early on were just priceless. And the underlying story once again about the Society of Bishops was even more relative to West and Ria's story than even the other three. This was just from start to finish the best of the best. Actually the Compass Club is one of the best groupings or series that I have ever read and Jo Goodman get high marks for her writings. I would love like a previous reviewer said if she could write one more - bringing the lives of all three together as one. It would be fascinating to see how the women would interact with one another. I absolutley recommend this book and the other three!!

This is truly the best historical romance that I have read to date. The main characters are so easy to fall in love with, and I was disappointed when it ended. The story is both romantic and funny, and the love scenes (of which there are plenty) are touching, honest, innocent and real. I realized after starting the book that it is actually the last installment of a 4-book series, but I continued with it anyway and was not disappointed, as it made me look forward to reading the other three.

West (the fourth member of the North, South, East & West Compass Club) is different from his friends. Although he is as close and loyal to them as they are to him, he grew up "on the wrong side of the blanket," and therefore, never expected to earn the title of Duke. His childhood was not easy, so to say he's not the easiest man to get to know, would be an understatement. But of course this is a romance, so there must be a love story, and the wittiness and innocence of his love interest, Ria, makes this book a must read. When I took my time with the book and tried to picture each scene in my head, as well as imagine how I thought the author intended each line to be delivered, I literally found myself laughing outloud. If you do the same, you won't be disappointed.

There is an author (I can't remember who at the moment) who after much begging from her readers, actually decided to follow up one of her most popular series with another series involving the same characters. I find myself hoping that one day Jo Goodman will do the same with the Compass Club. Since these four stories took place simultaneously, their lives together have only just begun, and surely there is more trouble that they could get into together.

I am rather surprised at the bad reviews this book received. In my opinion, The Compass Club is one of the best series that I have read. I especially liked West's story the best! Yes, it was a very dark book and did make me shutter at some moments. But it was just as shocking as South's story, which I also loved. This is not a light read. Jo Goodman is an excellent author, but readers do have to be in a prepared state of being, since her books are often heart-wrenching and in this case, rather dark. The character development is excellent, the book well-written, and the plot is well-constructed and unpredictable. I liked all the books in this series, but love the interaction between the H/H the best. This is in my keeper pile.

This last romance of the Compass Club series was definitely enhanced by reading the other 3 stories in quick sequence (actually while listening to them while painting projects) I know some of the reviews have been scathing about the plot revolving around the Ria's school being a front for the Bishop's sexual abuse of young women. Yes, it was pretty graphic but the story between West and Ria was actually in my estimation the most romantic of the series. West, like all the men of the club is terrific. The scenes of the men together are great fun to read. Ria was the most endearing of the heroines. She had an approach to her relationship with West that was refreshingly "non angsty" compared to some of the baggage the other heroines in the series had. I agree with one of the other reviews that a group epilogue would have been wonderful but one can still imagine the new families of the club would have a close knit and fun filled future. I am a new fan of Jo Goodman.

It was really wonderful to read a well written book with great characters, smart, funny, grown-up - not prone to 'big misunderstandings' or dithering heroines, or other plots that often appear in romance novels - the ones that make the reader stop caring about the characters, because it's just so ridiculous.
This book was awesome, if you liked Devilish by Jo Beverley, try Beyond a Wicked Kiss.

Terrific historical romance. I love Jo Goodman! I read all of these books in the series just recently and finished this one yesterday. Goodman is extremely talented...to write all four books that come together and have flash backs that make sense in not only their own books but the proceeding books as well is extraordinary.
Per Goodman's style, her characters are well-rounded and fully developed and the romances happen over time and not "i just fell in love at first sight". The intrigue is impressive with many twists.
I do understand some of the opinions about the upsetting nature of the villains of this book but I think Goodman handles it very well and tactfully.
As usual, Jo Goodman gives us another superior book. I mean superior in every sense...her books are so much better than your typical regency stuff.
My only complaint is that you can't buy these books from this series new anymore! I'd love to re-read them. I guess i'll have to find them used.:(

I highly encourage those readers to read all of her material. I am almost through all of her books and I must say that they are all overwhelmingly great!

I've read several of Jo Goodman's books before, and checked this one out of the library to read another one. It was my first of the compass club. I was torn between strongly disliking the plot and being utterly fascinated. That being said, I was captivated until the end, and needed to know what was going to happen. The story was a quick read and I wanted to keep going until the end. Unfortunately, I finished the book, I wasn't completely satisfied with the plot, thus I gave it only 3 stars.