apparently I've read this book numerous times but always forget to add it to the list! ( )

Your Wicked Heart
4 Stars

Jilted by her viscount fiancé far from home and without a penny to her name, Amanda Thomas goes in search of her absent groom only to learn that he is an imposter. The real viscount, Spencer St. John is convinced that Amanda is a nefarious villain who coerced his naive cousin into a betrothal. The two set out to find the imposter, but end up discovering each other.

A charming love-hate romance albeit one that requires a healthy suspension of disbelief.

Amanda is an endearing amalgam of innocence and naivete combined with courage and strength of will. It is difficult to believe that an educated woman of the working class could so easily be deceived by the fake viscount's obvious lies. Nevertheless, once she learns the truth, she is quick to take action and also stands up for herself in the face of the real viscount's fury and accusations.

Spencer is also very engaging. His world-weary cynicism and bitter resentment for being the only responsible person in his family conceals profound loneliness. It is wonderful to see him open up to Amanda's boundless optimism and reveal his tremendous capacity for love.

Duran's writing is eminently readable and she manages to convey a great deal of both characterization and plot in a reasonably short novella. Overall, this is a quick and entertaining read if one can get past the rather ridiculous premise and anachronistic behaviors. I look forward to continuing with the series. ( )

A little funny, a bit short, but definitely had that trademark Duran romantic feel--and this one had virtually no angst. Probably forgettable, but an easy nice read. ( )

Meredith Duran starts her brand new series, Rules for the Reckless, with this gem of a novella. Think of it as a prelude to wonderful setting and great characters.

This was such a short story, but I loved every moment of it and wish it would have been an awesome full length novel because of the characters, setting and great humor. I thought the heroine was strong despite her naiveté and the hero honorable despite his stubbornness.

The story was well written and moved fast and furious, making it very easy to read. I enjoyed it thoroughly and I hope you will to.

Melanie for b2b
( )

Surprisingly 'meh.' Not up to Duran's usual standards -- it sounds interesting and starts out well, but somewhere along the way, it just stopped working for me. The hero was appealing; the heroine not so much.

Editor, please correct: Gibraltar is not an island. It is connected to the mainland by an isthmus. ( )