Upon a Wicked Time (An Avon Romantic Treasure) [Mass Market Paperback]

Karen Ranney (Author)

Book Description

Series: An Avon Romantic Treasure | Publication Date: December 1, 1998

Young Tessa Astley fell in love with the rakish Duke of Kittridge after one kiss. Now, her fairy tale seems to come true when she weds the handsome lord. Only Jered Mandeville doesn't want a soulmate, just a duchess to beget heirs. So Tessa starts a campaign to win her husband's heart. She might be able to convince the duke to fell again, once upon this wicked time.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

As an Air Force brat, Karen Ranney lived all over the world. In addition to being trapped in East Berlin and lost in Russia, she also numbers among her early adventures having her first date in Paris and traveling the entire route of the Orient Express.

She wanted to be an archeologist, a Foreign Service Officer, or a violinist. Instead, she became a decorated Navy Wave, a journalist, and the somewhat bemused mother of two sons. She's also moderated a daily radio program, been a motivational speaker, and admits to having had more than six careers, among them Purchasing Director, Help Desk Analyst, Marketing Director, and a Human Resources Manager.

However, it is her love of books and a fascination with writing that have remained constant throughout her life. Writing allows her to live vicariously, travel to other centuries and answer that one eternal question - What if?

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Avon (December 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0380795833
• ISBN-13: 978-0380795833
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (33 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #955,718 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

New York Times bestselling author Karen Ranney was first published in 1995. Since then, she's gone on to write dozens of historical romances, most of them set in Scotland.

Her books have been described as evocative, intensely romantic stories featuring characters who leap off the page.

In addition to historical romance, she also writes mystery and suspense under the pseudonym of Katherine Storm.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Wanted to like this book but..., February 22, 2002

By 

Annie (pearl river, ny USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Upon a Wicked Time (An Avon Romantic Treasure) (Mass Market Paperback)

I like Rake's. I don't mind bad boy behavior but Jered was a bore and over the top in his poor behavior and as for our heroine, Tessa - get some self-esteem!!! It is all well that she wanted to be his friend, wanted sex, he was gorgeous, but to be constantly made aware of his poor behavior (kissing his mistress in front of her) well, get a grip girl. He deserved to be spanked for such boorish behavior. This was not romantic, just a story of a world weary man taking advantage of a young girl. If only Ms. RAnney had given Tessa some backbone, like her mother. Also, the Jered showed such disrespect for his in-laws too that there was really nothing to like about him.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Hard read, April 20, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Upon a Wicked Time (An Avon Romantic Treasure) (Mass Market Paperback)

I was very excited about this book. I have found Karen Ranney to be a very enjoyable read. However, the story of Tessa and Jered is one a bit different than her other books that I have read, (After the Kiss, GREAT book!)In the first chapter Tessa and Jered are married. His only need for a wife is to have children, otherwise he is not interested in her. She on the other hand loves him. He goes out of his way to make her hate him. He becomes so mean and unkind (leaving for his other home the night after there wedding without telling her, Kissing his misstress in front of her, to name a few) that I had to put the book down and come back later when I was not so made at him. In the end I was glad that I finished it, because I did enjoy it. It was a good book, but you have to be able to read and get past Jered's actions to fully enjoy and even finish the book!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Hero's character was too flawed!, August 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Upon a Wicked Time (An Avon Romantic Treasure) (Mass Market Paperback)

I thought kept hoping that Jered would reform but it didn't happen until the very end of the story--but it was too little too late. By the time Jered was penitent and realized his mistakes, it was too late for me to like him. Tessa was excessive in her forgiving nature. I kept wishing she would exhibit some spunk, a spark of independence or teach him a much deserved lesson. She never really does and I was further annoyed/disappointed. I suppose her nature is much preferred to those overly proud characters found in other books-- but I would like to see a little more backbone. I found her character to be a bit annoying, overly child like. She prattled on, asking too many silly questions.

I am not saying that this novel is entirely without merit, it had its momments, but on the whole it was mediocre.

Still, I find Reding has a nice writing style. I will still give her other books a try.