Wicked Promise

by Kat Martin

Book Overview

A Lady's Desperate Choice When the loathsome Lord Bascomb tries to force her into marriage, Elizabeth Woolcot, against her will, must applea to her influential guardian. Nicholas Warring, known as the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312966407
• ISBN13: 9780312966409
• Release Date: October 1998
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 344 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Fabulous!

I love Kat Martin and this book was no disappointment. Wonderful heroine, amazing hero, and sizzle...what more could you ask for?! Five stars!

Yet another wonderful read from Kat Martin

Besides being addicted to Kat Martin's books from the moment I picked up "Night Secrets," I picked up "Wicked Promise" because the heroine's last name was practically a dead-ringer for mine. Being decidedly English in culture, I knew this book was sure to please. And, it did.One of the most enjoyable aspects of Kat Martin's books is the setting. She can capture Victorian England in such a way that there is no doubt in my mind that's exactly what Victorian England looked and felt like, even down to the sootiness of the city (which so many authors fail to mention in 19th century England romances) and the hellish cells and the poor souls of Newgate prison.On to the story. Elizabeth Woolcot is desperate for protection against her pompous neighbor who is hell-bent on marrying her. Nicholas Warring grudgingly agrees to help her, but does everything he can to keep Elizabeth at arms' length away from him, even going so far as to purposely set out to make Elizabeth think he's the rogue everyone says he is. He could care less about propriety and what society says - they deserted him when he killed a man nine years before. And now, that dead man's brother is trying very hard to marry Elizabeth, and he'll do anything (ANYTHING) to get her. When Nicholas realizes his love for Elizabeth, he sets into motion a plan that will see him free to love her. Unfortunately, through a series of events, he finds himself in a Newgate prison cell facing the hangman's noose. What follows is a hilarious scene (even in the shadow of a serious problem) which really had me giggling. Elizabeth is a strong heroine and does her best to defend herself. She's no ninny, either, even if she does put herself into some awkward situations. She still defends herself and does what she can to survive. And, she sets out to return the help she received from Nicholas when he finds himself in a situation he's helpless to rectify.The chemistry between Elizabeth and Nicholas is wonderful, and I truly enjoyed reading their story. Their chemistry sizzles and the plot is fast-moving, all the way up to the end. Kat does a wonderful job keeping the reader on the edge of her seat with the twists and turns of the plot. I also enjoy catching glimpses of Kat Martin's characters in other stories. Nicholas and Elizabeth can be seen in "Silk and Steel," yet another excellent romp through Victorian England and aristocratic society.Dana K. Wolcott

A thoroughly enjoyable read; didn't want the book to end!

I have read several other Kat Martin books-- Dangerous Passions, Innocence Undone, and Bold Angel--but felt this was the best yet. I fell in love with the characters and I give Kat an A+ for just the right kind of love scenes!

A fabulous read from a perennial favorite!

I can always count on Kat Martin for wonderful romance, intrigue, adventure, and a GREAT ending. There were moments in this book that reminded me of a personal favorite--JANE EYRE. Only Elizabeth and Nick are a LOT more fun! A book to savor.

This author knows how to write

Late in the eighteenth century, Nicholas Warring, the fourth Earl of Ravensworth, is convicted of murdering Stephen Hampton. As he spends the next seven torturous years as an indentured servant in Jamaica, his wife and all the Ton abandons him. When he finally returns to England in 1801, he lives a life of debauchery, almost as if there will be no tomorrow. However, Nicholas' lifestyle abruptly changes when he becomes guardian to Elizabeth Woolcott, who needs his protection from the unwanted overtures of Oliver Hampton, whose testimony convicted Nicholas. Though he wants no part of the innocent chit, Nicholas knows how perverted Hampton is, so he takes the lass and her aunt into his home in order to protect her. Though his plan is to marry her off to a decent man in the the ton, Nicholas and Elizabeth fall in love with each other. However, he remains married and Oliver is a force that must be reckoned with before the pair can hope to find happiness together. WICKED PROMSIES is a typical Regency romance that receives the special Kat Martin treatment of turning it into a fresh reading experience. The lead protagonists are a wonderful pair, especially Nicholas. who must overcome his trauma from his time spent in the colonies if he wants a loving relationship. The villain is as odious as they come and adds a touch of wickedness that promises to keep fans of the sub-genre spellbound throughout the novel.Harriet Klausner