Wicked Under the Covers (Carlisle Family, Book 1) [Mass Market Paperback]

Barbara Pierce (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 27, 2006

Handsome, ambitious, and newly wealthy, Maccus Brawley has severed ties with his dangerous past and is close to securing his place in polite society. All he requires is some guidance in fashionable manners--and who better to instruct him than a young lady with breeding, brains, wealth…and a scandalous reputation? Lady Fayre Carlisle needs his help as much as he needs hers, but their scheme soon gives way to unbridled bliss. And although Maccus is known for his daring, dallying with the fiery, vulnerable beauty might be his riskiest venture yet.
 
With one false step, Fayre lost both her honor and her heart, thanks to her father's scheming ex-mistress. Others might retreat in shame from the ton's gossipmongers, but Fayre is determined to pay back those who humiliated her, and Maccus Brawley is proving to be an unexpected and seductive ally. With all that Fayre has learned about temptation, how can she risk her heart a second time? Yet with every illicit encounter reaching new heights of passion, how can she resist?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Beautifully written, Wicked Under the Covers dazzles with its fascinating characters and emotional and sensual intensity." -- Debora Hosey, The Romance Readers Connection

"Pierce reaches new heights . . .plays upon our wicked fantasies while crafting a fine-tuned tale of revenge and sizzling desire." -- Kathe Robin, Romantic Times Book Reviews--4 1/2 Stars

"Pierce will draw you in, incite your passions and leave you begging for more of this luscious tale . . ." -- Michelle from Fallen Angel Reviews

"Steamy, romantic, scheming and totally enjoyable Regency romance." -- Tammie Ard, Fresh Fiction

"There’s no disappointment from this author when it comes to the steamier side of romance."--Top Pick -- Amanda Rutherford, Romance Reader at Heart

From the Back Cover

In acclaimed author Barbara Pierce's scintillating new novel, a young woman's scandalous past draws her into a dangerous alliance--and an unforgettable passion....
 
A WICKED BARGAIN…Handsome, ambitious, and newly wealthy, Maccus Brawley has severed ties with his dangerous past and is close to securing his place in polite society. All he requires is some guidance in fashionable manners--and who better to instruct him than a young lady with breeding, brains, wealth…and a scandalous reputation? Lady Fayre Carlisle needs his help as much as he needs hers, but their scheme soon gives way to unbridled bliss. And although Maccus is known for his daring, dallying with the fiery, vulnerable beauty might be his riskiest venture yet.
 
LEADS TO A WILD DESIRE
With one false step, Fayre lost both her honor and her heart, thanks to her father's scheming ex-mistress. Others might retreat in shame from the ton's gossipmongers, but Fayre is determined to pay back those who humiliated her, and Maccus Brawley is proving to be an unexpected and seductive ally. With all that Fayre has learned about temptation, how can she risk her heart a second time? Yet with every illicit encounter reaching new heights of passion, how can she resist?
 
"This splendid reader shimmers with the temptation of seduction and the healing power of love."
--Romantic Times BOOKclub Magazine on Courting the Countess
 
"Impossible to put down."
--Romance Reader at Heart on Courting the Countess

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks; First Edition edition (June 27, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0312348215
• ISBN-13: 978-0312348212
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 3.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #974,495 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Having a rich English ancestry that can be traced back to the 1500s, BARBARA PIERCE credits her grandmother and the romantic family tales she was told as a child for inspiring her early fascination with English history.

Striving to balance her love of history with the need to tell a compelling story, she debuted in 2000 with A Desperate Game. Since then, she has created two successful family series, the Bedegraynes and the Carlisles. Her books have also been translated into Dutch, Italian, Russian, German, Japanese, and Portuguese.

Barbara currently lives near Atlanta with her husband and three children. Readers may write to her at P.O. Box 2192, Woodstock, GA 30188 or visit her at her website: http://www.barbarapierce.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow! This was a truly wonderful read!!!!, July 5, 2006

By 

Cynseer Booklover (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wicked Under the Covers (Carlisle Family, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

Ms Pierce has definitely written a winner with Wicked Under the Covers. I loved the way this story both drew me in, and burned me up with the explicit and delightful passion between Maccus and Fayre. Maccus was a hero to die for....hot and wicked while being delightfully tender with Fayre. Fayre was a heroine that touched my heart while I cheered her on. I could not put this book down until I finished it. Great plot. Wonderful characters, both main and supporting. I can only hope that Ms Pierce will do sequels and give us Temmes and Trevor's stories. Bravo, Ms Pierce for a delightful book.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wickedly Sensual - Impressive, August 19, 2006

By 

M. Rondeau (West Springfield, MA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Wicked Under the Covers (Carlisle Family, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

As the daughter of a Duke, Lady Fayre Carlisle was a prime catch. After an intense campaign to win her, Fayre fell in love with the dashing handsome second son of a Marquis giving him her innocence. Unfortunately, Fayre immediately discovered she'd been tricked -- purposely ruined for revenge upon her father was crushed to think she'd loved so foolishly, but was now determined to not let the perpetrators of her ruin get away with it.

Maccus Brawley was handsome and ambitious. He'd worked hard to put his dangerous past behind him and had been lucky in lucrative legitimate pursuits in making him very wealthy, but he still needed polish for entrance into the elite ton. Not only was he attracted to the beautiful Lady Fayre, but they could help each other. With Maccus' expertise he would help to formulate a plan for Fayre's revenge, and Fayre in turn would polish and gain him entrée into society. Their bargain made, neither expected their lessons to incorporate falling in love!

This was an impressive sensual read that will grab the reader from the first pages and not let you go until the very amusing and delightful end. The author put a nice twist with the scorned ex-mistress lover taking revenge upon the daughter to get back at the duke for dumping her - only this ex-mistress would find payback at the instigation of Maccus to be a just vindication! Fayre and Maccus were brought together gradually as Maccus' campaign to gain her trust was enjoyably brought to fruition and their sensual `adventures' were delightful and tastefully executed. The secondary characters were all very well portrayed and one can only hope to see further stories generated that might feature Fayre's brother Tem or Maccus' brother Trevor being featured in their own stories. Don't cheat and read it first, but note must be taken on the ending of this story which is absolutely hilarious and will leave you chuckling out loud and completely satisfied with this delightful read by newer author Barbara Pierce who has earned a place on my watch list.

Marilyn Rondeau, RIO - Reviewers International Organization

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Worth it, July 27, 2006

By 

Bianca (Bellingham, WA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wicked Under the Covers (Carlisle Family, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

I love this book. Rarely is a budding relationship between to people illustrated so well in a romance novel. I really cared about Fayre and Maccus. I only wish that the plot had been more well developed. Fayre and Maccus strike a bargain: she introduces him into high society and he helps her get revenge on a scheming twosome that ruined her. This sounds wonderful, but it never really goes anywhere. The author only makes passing references to Lady Fayre teaching Maccus how to behave, to dance, etc. And the revenge, well...I don't want to put in a spoiler so I'll just say that it is an anti-climax. And even though these sound like grievous faults, they're not too bad because you still really come to love the two lead characters and want to see them together in the end. I think it is a worthwhile read for historical romance lovers.