Wicked Designs (League of Rogues, #1)

by Lauren Smith

[Cocktails and Books]

It was different, but I liked it. I loved Godric and his band of rogues. They may not have been conventional, but they were a family who protected their own...even one they forced into it.

I look forward to more in this series.

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Wicked Designs is a historical romance with elements of suspense. Emily Parr has recently been orphaned. Her uncle, Albert Parr, has charge of her and access to the money left to her by her parents. Unfortunately, Uncle Albert does not make good investments and has found himself heavily in debt to several people. He bargains away one of his debtors, Thomas Blankenship, with the promise of Emily's hand in marriage. Emily has been subjected to Blankenship's pawing and is unaware of her uncle's deal with the devil. She is determined to make a good match to get away from her uncle and live life on her own terms.

Emily's plans to snag a generous husband are thwarted when she is abducted by the League of Rogues. Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex is also owed money by Albert Parr. He has decided to ruin Emily as a way to retaliate against her uncle. However, Emily is not your average wilting flower. She is courageous, smart, and resourceful. I fell in love with her character. The author writes so eloquently about her from her grief over the loss of her parents to her hopes to win Godric's heart. I immediately empathized with her and admired her determination to be the captain of her own destiny. Her escape attempts were hilarious.

I rode the fence on Godric's character. There were times where I liked him, but I couldn't understand how he could ruin Emily's life for his own sense of satisfaction. I did grow to really like him and by the end of the book I was firmly in his corner. I think I turned the corner when he chased her down and brought her back to his home. The author revealed his story layer by layer and included dialogue that revealed his self-talk. I absolutely love it when authors let you peep in and see what the male characters are thinking. I wish I could do that in real life.

The secondary cast of characters added depth to the story. I loved all the rogues, and I am hopeful that this is the first book in a series. There were various hints at the stories of the other rogues and possible romances, but I would like to see each one find love. You could feel their camaraderie and genuine affection for each other.

This story was the best of romance, friendship, and love. It was a quick, easy read that put a smile on my face.

Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books