A Wicked Way to Win an Earl (Sutherland Scoundrels) (Sutherland Scandals, #1)

by Anna Bradley

Perfect for fans of Julia Quinn and Eloisa James, this sparkling debut is an exciting new voice in Historical romance

England, 1811. Delia Somerset despises the privileged ton, but her young sister, Lily, is desperate to escape their family's scandalous past and join high society. Unwilling to upset her sister, Delia reluctantly agrees to attend a party at the Sutherland estate-and avoid the gossip at all costs.

Alec Sutherland is known as a hot-headed scoundrel, but nothing gets a rise out of him as much as the news that his brother desires Delia's hand in marriage. She is, after all, the daughter of the London belle who soiled their family name. He's determined to ruin her reputation as well, in the most delicious way possible. It's only a matter of time before he can woo her with his irresistible advances.

As Delia devilishly plays along in Alec's game, determined to prove the joke is on him, they inch ever closer to repeating history. And in this game of seductive glances, scandalous whispers, and old debts, the outcome might be much more than either of them anticipated...

• ISBN10: 0349410496
• ISBN13: 9780349410494
• Publish Date: 3 November 2015
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: GB
• Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group
• Imprint: Piatkus Books
• Edition: Digital original
• Format: eBook
• Pages: 304
• Language: English

Reviews

[kimbacaffeinate]

Years ago Delia and Lily’s mother was the jewel of the ton until she jilted Alec Sutherland’s father to marry a man beneath her. When their parent’s died not even their grandmother will receive them. So when Earl of Sutherland’s sisters invite them to a house party Delia agrees. Her sister Lily has been ill and she is hoping her love of society will see her restored. Delia and Alec's first encounter was hilarious and had me giggling. When Alec discovers that his younger brother has eyes for Delia he is determined to keep the young lady occupied and save his family from further hurt and scandal. He devises a plan to ruin Delia’s reputation. Delia is no one's fool and soon the game is afoot.

Alec made me crazy. On one hand, he infuriated me with his pompous attitude and determination to ruin Delia. However the way in which he doted on his sisters and worried after his mother moved me. Thankfully, Bradley peeled back his layers and allowed him to grow and grovel. We see tremendous character growth as the story progresses, so do not hate on him to hard.

Delia was a breath of fresh air with her clever quips and tendency to say what she thinks. Alec Sutherland unnerves her and their interaction were humorous, sensual and filled with banter. Delia is unfamiliar with the art of flirting but she manages to drive Alex insane. She too has some issues and thinks Alec is playing a game -one she intends to win.

Secondary characters were not as fleshed out as I would have liked, but added to the tale and made events plausible. The countryside setting and regency details were well done, and the story wrapped up nicely leaving me with a smile and affection for these characters.

Copy provided by publisher This review was originally posted on Caffeinated Book Reviewer