Deliciously Wicked [Mass Market Paperback]

Robyn DeHart (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 26, 2006

When wildly independent Meg Piddington finds herself locked in her father's chocolate factory after hours with a most disarmingly attractive gentleman, she doesn't realize that she is his alibi—proof that Gareth Mandeville did not commit a dastardly crime. But admitting as much would destroy her reputation, which gallant Gareth refuses to do. Besides, he believes even prison would be preferable to marriage, which is what their revelation would certainly demand!

At last, here's the perfect opportunity for Meg to don her sleuthing hat to get to the root of the secretive stranger's troubles! Besides, the man sends oh-so-pleasant shivers coursing through her body. And though heaven may well await in Gareth's embrace, danger may dwell there also . . . if the determined lady embarks on a grand mission to win his love.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Heiress Meg Piddington has an unladylike desire—for 1890s London—to help run her family's chocolate factory. While her father recovers from an injury, she pitches in to near-disastrous effect when she gets mysteriously locked in a storage room after hours with the new employee, handsome Gareth Mandeville. Although they escape without being detected, Meg faces a dilemma when Gareth is accused of a theft for which she alone can provide an alibi—but only at the cost of her reputation. She and her friends in the Ladies' Amateur Sleuth Society, introduced in DeHart's A Study in Scandal, set out to solve the crime. Trying to guard the secret of his own background as an impoverished viscount, Gareth insists on serving as Meg's protector as they unravel the clues; stubbornly independent, Meg resists his efforts but can't quiet the attraction sizzling between them. DeHart handles her romance well, but the anemic mystery comes to very little. An entirely predictable villain and some childish behavior from the heroine hinder the suspense and the sensuality, but those in search of a light Regency diversion may enjoy DeHart's breezy style. (Oct.)
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About the Author

Robyn DeHart always knew she wanted to be a writer, but it took a while to discover precisely what she wanted to write. Reading Kathleen Woodiwiss's A Rose in Winter sealed the deal, and she's been reading and writing romance ever since. She should have realized she was destined for this career when her Barbies insisted on hosting elaborate masquerade parties, complete with stolen kisses in the moonlight. Researching her novels is always exciting, but when it involves eating chocolate, it's especially sweet. She lives in the foothills of the Smokey Mountains in Tennessee, with her incredibly supportive husband and two very spoiled cats. She loves to hear from readers.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 304 pages
• Publisher: Avon (September 26, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0061127523
• ISBN-13: 978-0061127526
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,523,463 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

A life-long lover of stories and adventure, it was either become a stuntwoman for the movies or live out those adventures from the safety of her PJ's and computer. Award-winning author, Robyn DeHart chose the latter and couldn't be happier for doing so. Known for her unique plotlines and authentic characters, Robyn is a favorite among readers and reviewers. Publishers' Weekly claims her writing to be "comical and sexy" while the Chicago Tribune dubs her "wonderfully entertaining." Robyn is a three-time RT Bookclub Reviewers' Choice award nominee, and her book Seduce Me won for the 2009 Best Historical Romantic Adventure. The same book also won the inaugural RomCon Reader's Crown award. In March, Treasure Me, the much anticipated conclusion to her Legend Hunters trilogy hit stores. You can find Robyn on-line at www.RobynDeHart.com or www.JauntyQuills.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful Victorian romantic mystery, September 30, 2006

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Deliciously Wicked (Mass Market Paperback)

In 1892 England, the owner's daughter Meg Piddington and new employee Gareth Mandeville are accidentally locked inside her father's chocolate factory after the Piddington Confectionary facility closed. Not long afterward, he is arrested for stealing boxes of chocolate. She is his alibi as he was with her without a chaperone when the crime was committed, but the cost is her reputation unless they marry. Gareth prefers prison then a life sentence in marriage to any woman.

Meg is attracted to Gareth, but also is curious as to who framed the handsome stranger. Being a card carrying member of the Ladies Amateur Sleuth Society, she and her cohorts in "crime" investigate to learn Gareth's secrets and to prove someone else committed the crime while also trying to convince Gareth that marriage filled with love is not leg shacking; instead it frees the heart.

The sequel to the fabulous A STUDY IN SCANDAL is a wonderful Victorian romantic mystery starring two interesting protagonists ably supported by the Ladies Amateur Sleuth Society, which delightfully means future tales of love and mystery. DELICIOUSLY WICKED is a fun historical from the moment the lead duo is locked inside together and never slows down until the final blithely sweet exchange. Fans of confectionary cozies will enjoy this lighthearted romp.

Harriet Klausner

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SLEUTHING IS SUCH FUN, October 15, 2006

By 

Deborah Brent "Deborah Brent" (East TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Deliciously Wicked (Mass Market Paperback)

If you like reading Karen Hawkins and Julia Quinn you will love Robyn DeHart's books. Ms. DeHart has written a new twist on the amateur female detective. The characters are well draw. The pace kept me reading. All in all a delightful book.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Victorian Nancy Drew gets her man, May 6, 2008

By 

Melissa (USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Deliciously Wicked (Mass Market Paperback)

This novel works so well. Meg, the heroine is sweet, loyal and even though she can have harebrained ideas, she is levelheaded when she needs to be. She is the daughter of a chocolate factory owner and is determined to someday run the plant. Pretty ambitious for the 1890's. She is also a member of a ladies sleuth club; four ladies who love to solve mysteries.

Their current mystery is finding the thief who stole the special boxes from the chocolate plant. Gareth Mandeville is accused of the crime but Meg knows he didn't do it because the two of them were locked in a factory room during the crime. She cannot provide the alibi or her reputation will be ruined.

Gareth doesn't know why someone wants him away from the factory but he is willing to protect Meg when she goes on her sleuthing missions. He really really likes Meg, so much so that he cannot help but kiss her when they are alone. However, he does not want to marry. He has secrets and marrying will force him to reveal them.

He and Meg have one sleuthing and romantic adventure after another. They never fall into the I hate you but lust after you formulaic dialogue so common in romance novels. Instead their communication is full of respect and liking. Meg's sense of justice is appealing and Gareth appreciates that she is working hard to clear his name.

The physical intimacy between the leads is both tender and sexy. Gareth never comes off as a jaded rake. He's not a bad boy either. He seems almost common but with a dash of mystery thrown in to make him interesting. Megan is curious and smart enough to realize when she is over her head. I am looking forward to reading about the adventures of the other ladies in the Sleuthing Club