Wicked Sons Series by Emma V. Leech

From the highly acclaimed , award winning author of the Girls Who Dare and the Daring Daughters, Emma V Leech, comes the exciting new series about the sons of the Girls Who Dare, Wicked Sons. Their mothers dared all for love. .. Their sisters did the same. Something wicked this way comes. .. A Wicked Son…. Tall, dark and handsome, ridiculously wealthy, and the heir to a title... moreFrom the highly acclaimed , award winning author of the Girls Who Dare and the Daring Daughters, Emma V Leech, comes the exciting new series about the sons of the Girls Who Dare, Wicked Sons. Their mothers dared all for love. .. Their sisters did the same. Something wicked this way comes. .. A Wicked Son…. Tall, dark and handsome, ridiculously wealthy, and the heir to a title. With so many blessings in his life, for this Wicked Son there is very little point in being anything more than ornamental. Or at least… that is what everyone believes, but this man has a secret. For a man in his position, if anyone discovered he is the mysterious author of The Ghosts of Castle Madruzzo , it would make him a figure of ridicule. His first novel was a tremendous success, and though his sales are excellent, he is aware he has never quite recaptured the dynamism of that first book. His readers don’t seem to care and clamour for more, yet a certain lady critic keeps plaguing him with bad reviews. Somehow, she has guessed he is a nobleman, and delights in finding fault with his less elevated characters. A little time undercover should do the trick, to prove to himself, and the lady, that he is nothing if not committed to his art. A lady to be reckoned with…. As the eldest–and only sensible sibling–in an overburdened family, Selina Davenport is holding onto sanity by a thread. The absolute last thing she needs is the presence in her life of an over privileged nob pretending to be something he’s not. Like she can’t tell at a glance that he is not the lowly gardener he is purporting to be. The nincompoop. That’s not to say she isn’t prepared to have a little fun at his expense. A game that gets out of hand…. But when an immovable object meets an irresistible challenge, sparks are bound to fly, but will they burn down everything around them? This is the first book in the new series, Wicked Sons. less

A rude awakening…Like most titled young men with no financial concerns and doting parents, Conor Baxter, Lord Harleston, hasn’t a care in the world. Reckless and fun-loving, he enjoys life to the full, until a terrible riding accident changes his life. The horrifying hours spent alone in the dark with a badly broken leg, and the months of recovery that follow, give him time to reassess the way he lives... moreA rude awakening…Like most titled young men with no financial concerns and doting parents, Conor Baxter, Lord Harleston, hasn’t a care in the world. Reckless and fun-loving, he enjoys life to the full, until a terrible riding accident changes his life. The horrifying hours spent alone in the dark with a badly broken leg, and the months of recovery that follow, give him time to reassess the way he lives. The realisation that life is fragile and that his death would have had a profound impact on those who love and rely upon him, forces Conor to remake himself. The new Lord Harleston is a careful man, one who likes quiet and order and avoids the world he inhabited with his old friends. And then came Lucy. Enter the wrecking belle…Miss Lucy Carleton is the daughter of a self-made man but comes a poor second to his business interests. After her mother dies when she is a child, he gives her into the care of his sister and forgets about her, until the moment she becomes useful to him. Mr Carleton has ambitions that need a title, and Lucy is going to get it for him. An accident looking for a place to happen…Lucy is a spirited girl, but one whose nerves make her act without thinking. As these actions are generally accompanied by accidents and occasional catastrophes, her entrée into the ton does not go smoothly. Sadly, Conor is not only there to witness her humiliation, but to share in it, too. Soon, all Conor has in mind is to stay as far away from Lucy as he can get. When fate, and doting mamas, have other plans…Caught in a compromising situation together, it seems Conor may be stuck with Lucy for good. Determined to rid himself of his Miss Apocalypse, Conor continues to endure her mishaps and plots his escape. Yet when the time comes to let her go, it is not so easy to do, but it will take a man of action to keep her in his life. less

Their mothers dared all for love. .. Their sisters did the same. Something wicked this way comes. .. The oldest trick in the book…. When Lyall Anderson, Viscount Buchanan, starts a passionate affair with Miss Lilith Fulbright, he realises too late that he’s been playing with fire. Caught in a compromising position by her parents, it’s all too obvious the beautiful, amoral young woman is only hungry for wealth and a title and has no regard for him whatsoever... moreTheir mothers dared all for love. .. Their sisters did the same. Something wicked this way comes. .. The oldest trick in the book…. When Lyall Anderson, Viscount Buchanan, starts a passionate affair with Miss Lilith Fulbright, he realises too late that he’s been playing with fire. Caught in a compromising position by her parents, it’s all too obvious the beautiful, amoral young woman is only hungry for wealth and a title and has no regard for him whatsoever. Humiliated and furious, Lyall does his duty as an honourable man, knowing that his future with such a woman will be one of misery. Adding insult to injury…. When Lilith discovers her husband is not one she can manipulate, she takes her chance to run off with another man and comes to a disastrous end, drowning in a shipwreck. In the aftermath of his wife’s death, Lyall is stunned to discover he has been named as guardian to her cousin, Luella, and Jack, who is only twelve. Knowing full well this is just another scheme from a family who are infamous for being fraudsters and conmen, Lyall refuses to trust his new wards so much as an inch. Tarred by the same brush…. Luella does not blame her new guardian for his suspicion and anger at being manipulated into providing for them. Her opinion of her late father is little different from the viscount’s, and all she wants is her inheritance, so she can begin a new life with her brother and give him a decent future, away from the shame of their family’s scandalous ways. Lyall is determined to stick to the letter of his guardianship, however, and refuses to let the two out of his sight for fear of the tricks they may play. When attraction overrules good sense…. Little by little, and with a deal of nagging from both his mother and his housekeeper, Lyall is forced to admit that his new wards are not exactly what he expected, and a grudging admiration pushes aside resentment and suspicion. Whisky has a lot to answer for, however, and a moment's indiscretion could change everything. This is the third book in Wicked Sons and while it can be read as a stand alone, it is much more enjoyable when read as part of of not only Wicked Sons series but Daring Daughters and Girls Who Dare series. The Devil To Pay - Book 1. Wrecking Belle - Book 2. Return to Wildsyde - Book 3. less

An angel of mercy…. When Lord Thomas Barrington, known universally as ‘Thorn’, falls victim to the man trying to destroy the gent’s gambling club, The Sons of Hades, he is beaten and left for dead. Enter a beautiful and mysterious woman who rescues Thorn and nurses him back to health, hidden away in the cellar of the house she inhabits... moreAn angel of mercy…. When Lord Thomas Barrington, known universally as ‘Thorn’, falls victim to the man trying to destroy the gent’s gambling club, The Sons of Hades, he is beaten and left for dead. Enter a beautiful and mysterious woman who rescues Thorn and nurses him back to health, hidden away in the cellar of the house she inhabits. But the lady known to him only as ‘Marie,’ refuses to tell him more about herself, about why he must remain out of sight, and seems to live in fear of her domineering brother. A lovely memory…. In terror of her brother discovering she has harboured a wounded man under his nose, Marie forces Thorn to leave, begging him to forget her and never to think of her again. This is something Thorn cannot do, his chivalrous instincts tell him the woman is in deep trouble, and the memory of his beautiful saviour will not leave his mind. The lady vanishes…. Still badly concussed and ordered to remain in bed by the family doctor, Thorn sends his mother and brother to call on Marie and thank her for helping him, offering their aid if she should need to escape her brother. But Marie is gone, and the woman now living in the house denies her ever being there. A dangerous game…. Perplexed and saddened, Thorn must admit to himself that Marie was in league with the man who beat him. She deliberately kept him drugged and insensible for weeks while his family worried themselves sick, believing he may be dead. Knowing it is for the best, Thorn does his best to put her out of his mind, and then comes the letter. Marie writes, begging for his help, and even knowing it is likely a trap, Thorn has no choice but to go to her aid. Angel or something else? Whichever she is, Thorn is determined to figure Marie out. less

A man driven to succeed…. Hartley De Beauvoir was born into poverty, enduring his first years in the workhouse, an experience which left indelible marks upon his character. Adopted by Minerva and Inigo De Beauvoir at the age of six, Hart knows he owes them everything. His entire focus revolves around the desire to be worthy of the name they gave him and become a success in his own right... moreA man driven to succeed…. Hartley De Beauvoir was born into poverty, enduring his first years in the workhouse, an experience which left indelible marks upon his character. Adopted by Minerva and Inigo De Beauvoir at the age of six, Hart knows he owes them everything. His entire focus revolves around the desire to be worthy of the name they gave him and become a success in his own right. Having already built an empire of his own with De Beauvoir Nurseries and Landscaping, his goal is to become one of the leading landscape designers in the country. When the Duke of Beresford commissions him to redesign the gardens at Hardacre Hall, Hart knows it is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and he wants no disruptions in attaining his goal. A lovely distraction…. Lady Fidelia Ponsonby is beautiful, untouchable, and wreathed in sorrow. As Hart watches her walk through the gardens daily, his heart breaks for the lovely young woman who seems to find no pleasure in her surroundings, no joy in the world around her. Despite knowing better than to get involved with a duke’s daughter, Hart finds himself unwillingly drawn into her world, and the recipient of her confidences. A second chance…. Played false by a man she thought loved her, Fidelia finds herself drawn to Hart, a plain speaking, gruff man who prefers plants to people. When he rescues her from an accident that almost claims her life, he breaks the spell of melancholy that has held Fidelia in its grasp for so long, and gives her the confidence to live again, and hope for more than she believed possible. Reaching for the moon…. Hart knows there is no future for the workhouse bastard and the duke’s daughter, but he cannot abandon Fidelia when she has no one else to keep her safe from scandal and despair. In the end, Hart may have to sacrifice everything to save the woman he loves, but some sacrifices are easier than others. less

A lovely distraction…. Viscount Cavendish, and his Indian wife, Aashini, caused quite a scandal with their marriage, back in the day, and their son, Ashton Anson, is well aware some people still view him as less than an English gentleman. Blessed with his mother’s extraordinary looks, a love of fashion and colour, and with wit and a sharp tongue he’s never learned to hold, Ash is adept at getting himself into trouble... moreA lovely distraction…. Viscount Cavendish, and his Indian wife, Aashini, caused quite a scandal with their marriage, back in the day, and their son, Ashton Anson, is well aware some people still view him as less than an English gentleman. Blessed with his mother’s extraordinary looks, a love of fashion and colour, and with wit and a sharp tongue he’s never learned to hold, Ash is adept at getting himself into trouble. Years of practice have taught him the way out too, with his fists, making him the ton’s most ruthless and unbeaten boxer. The games run by the gentleman’s Club, The Sons of Hades, have become legend, and Ash with them. Enter the diamond… When the Duke of Beresford’s lovely and diminutive daughter, Narcissa Ponsonby, makes her debut into society, Ashton Anson stands back and watches as the men of the ton fall over themselves to be the one to win the fragile beauty, and her vast dowry. Tired of simpering misses with cotton wool for brains—even if they look like Botticelli’s Venus—Ash is unimpressed by the pretty little ninny and makes his usual biting remarks. Unfortunately, the doll-like Narcissa overhears his comments and her stinging repost reveals the sweet façade she wears hides a woman Ash finds far more interesting than the pocket Venus everyone believes her to be. A desperate bid for freedom… Though everyone thinks they know Narcissa, the truth is far more complicated. The daughter of the Duke of Beresford dare not put a foot wrong. Her eldest sister is lost to her, since her father refuses to have anything to do with the child who ruined herself and married a commoner. Narcissa has always longed for her father’s approval, despite finding it impossible to obey his rules. If his grace forbids her to ride a certain horse, the devil in her will dare her to take it, if he tells her not to climb trees and behave like a hoyden, she will steal her brother’s trousers and climb the biggest tree on the estate. There’s a demon in her heart and she knows it, but not this time. This time Narcissa will do just what the duke has told her to do. She’ll be the perfect young lady and marry to please him. In doing so, she intends to choose a titled fool, someone easy for her to manipulate. Never again will she be bullied into doing things she has no desire to do, or living a life too confined and dull to endure. She will be free. A battle royale… Ash knows trouble when he sees it, and every instinct tells him winning Narcissa is a fight he is doomed to lose. The Duke of Beresford despises him and forbids his daughter to have anything to do with Ash. Yet this delicate Venus has a courageous heart and fire in her blood, and if Ash can win her heart, she might just fight right beside him. less

Out of the frying pan…. When Muir Anderson leaves London to escape the rumours surrounding his involvement in the death of Lord Richmond, he thinks the worst is over. Returning to Scotland to face his father, the Earl of Morven is not an enticing prospect, but there’s no escape. Little does Muir know he’s about to be plunged into an epic drama that will change his life forever. Into the fire…... moreOut of the frying pan…. When Muir Anderson leaves London to escape the rumours surrounding his involvement in the death of Lord Richmond, he thinks the worst is over. Returning to Scotland to face his father, the Earl of Morven is not an enticing prospect, but there’s no escape. Little does Muir know he’s about to be plunged into an epic drama that will change his life forever. Into the fire…. Lady Cordelia Steyning is in a bit of a pickle, and rather dismayed to discover being kidnapped is not at all the thrilling adventure it had appeared to be in the romantic novels she so adores. Though she had often daydreamed about daring adventures and being the heroine of her own story, the truth is she’s just a little bit terrified. Still, she’s not about to let a man she despises take control of her future. Desperate measures are called for. A scandalous inferno…. Delia is rather pleased with herself when she courageously escapes the clutches of the dreadful man who hoped to force her into marriage. The trouble is, in doing so, she’s unwittingly plunged herself into a truly horrific situation, until a real-life hero steps into the breach. Till death do us part…. The last thing Muir needed was another dead body, and yet another scandal, and this one not only outshines the one he left London to escape, but adds a good deal of fuel to the fire. What’s more, now he has an innocent young woman on his hands who is entirely ruined through no fault of her own. What’s an honourable man to do? He’ll just have to marry her… like it or not. less

The devil’s own luck…. Hamilton Anderson is the luckiest fellow in Scotland, or so people say. Everything he touches turns to gold. Having been given the running of the herring boat business his father had begun decades before, Hamilton continues the earl’s work with gusto, creating a shipping business that exports Scottish herring, whisky, and wool to a voracious market before trying his hand at running a distillery... moreThe devil’s own luck…. Hamilton Anderson is the luckiest fellow in Scotland, or so people say. Everything he touches turns to gold. Having been given the running of the herring boat business his father had begun decades before, Hamilton continues the earl’s work with gusto, creating a shipping business that exports Scottish herring, whisky, and wool to a voracious market before trying his hand at running a distillery. There’s no shortage of whisky in Wick, but Hamilton’s is the finest, and much in demand. The only fly in his ointment is the Reverend Robert Halliday, who seems intent on spoiling Hamilton’s fun. To bear and forbear…. Miss Clara Halliday considers herself a sensible and strong-willed young woman with a good deal of fortitude – a necessary attribute if one is to endure her father’s sermons every Sunday. While she believes she is as godly and Christian as the next young lady, her rather prosaic attitude to life stands her in good stead when her father takes her to live in Wick, which from his description seems to be a veritable Sodom and Gomorrah. There she inevitably crosses paths with the man her father has condemned as Satan in the flesh and, much to her dismay, finds herself unwillingly charmed by the wicked man. Not that she’s about to let him know that. A terrible temptation…. Of all the daft things Hamilton has done in his life, getting involved with a vicar’s daughter is not one of them, until now. Yet being scolded and lectured by Clara Halliday is Hamilton’s new favourite pastime, with the possible exception of teasing her and making her blush. Yet the Reverend Halliday is out to destroy Hamilton with a temperance movement, which is not everything it seems to be. As feelings run high, Hamilton realises he’s not playing games anymore. Yet, try as he might, proving to the lovely Clara he’s not the devil he’s been painted is becoming increasingly complicated. less

Only cats have nine lives…. Leo Hunt has come to a crossroads in his life. A notable Corinthian, and a man who can never say no to a challenge, Leo has decided it's time to grow up. His friends are all marrying and settling down, and his sister’s blissful if chaotic family life has given him the idea that he might like something of the sort himself. The woman who has inspired this volte-face is his sometime friend, sometime nemesis, Violetta Spencer... moreOnly cats have nine lives…. Leo Hunt has come to a crossroads in his life. A notable Corinthian, and a man who can never say no to a challenge, Leo has decided it's time to grow up. His friends are all marrying and settling down, and his sister’s blissful if chaotic family life has given him the idea that he might like something of the sort himself. The woman who has inspired this volte-face is his sometime friend, sometime nemesis, Violetta Spencer. Leo has known Vi since they were children and has never been in her company for above five minutes without vexing her. Until now…. Cat got your tongue…. When Leo Hunt makes his intention to pursue her known, Vi thinks he’s lost his mind. Either that, or he’s doing it for a dare, or a lark, or, more likely, a bet. Whatever the reason, she’s not about to fall for it. He might be the man she has secretly loved since girlhood, but she’s no fool, and any connection between them would surely end in disaster. However, Vi has not reckoned upon her marriage-minded adopted mama, Lady Trevick. The lady is determined to see Vi happily married, whether she likes it or not. Finding herself out manoeuvred, Vi determines to endure Leo’s courting like one would a bout of the measles, until he tires of the idea. A catastrophe waiting to happen…. When Leo takes an unwilling Vi for yet another turn around the park, he is on his best behaviour, well aware that, unlike his favourite feline, he does not have nine lives and his chances with Vi are running out. Sadly, no one told his constant companion, The Cat, Mau. Unlike most cats, Mau’s devotion is legendary, a superior feline, he is famous among the ton – and among those with nefarious intentions. Lured from his master’s side, Mau is snatched by criminals determined to demand a vast ransom for the beloved and much-admired animal. All does not go smoothly, however. All nine lives…. When their diversion fails, the criminals flee with Mau in their clutches, and Violetta and Leo in hot pursuit. On the following adventure, Vi discovers not only that she’s enjoying herself despite imminent ruin, but that devil may care Leo is not at all what she expected. less

Fate or fortune…. In Felix Knight’s opinion, his father is the greatest industrialist that ever lived. Born in the workhouse and now one of the wealthiest men in the land, Gabriel Knight is impossible to ignore, and he has enemies who despise him for his rise to power. Living in the shadow of such a towering figure isn’t easy, however, and Felix is working all hours to emulate his charismatic and successful sire. The last thing he needs right now is a distraction. Which is a pity…... moreFate or fortune…. In Felix Knight’s opinion, his father is the greatest industrialist that ever lived. Born in the workhouse and now one of the wealthiest men in the land, Gabriel Knight is impossible to ignore, and he has enemies who despise him for his rise to power. Living in the shadow of such a towering figure isn’t easy, however, and Felix is working all hours to emulate his charismatic and successful sire. The last thing he needs right now is a distraction. Which is a pity…. A woman of spirit and determination…. Lady Belinda Madox-Brown is tired of men believing she exists only to look pretty and laugh at their jokes. Her father has little interest in her beyond her value on the marriage mart and Belinda has had enough. She wants to do something, and a close friendship with her rather unconventional lady’s maid has provided the perfect outlet. But women cannot just go around spending money and creating business opportunities without a man – drat it. So what if the handsome Felix Knight has already caught her eye and her interest? And so what if her father despises him, and his workhouse-born father? That’s just a wonderful bonus. An unstoppable force…. Against his better judgment, Felix is drawn into Belinda’s world, helping her buy a print shop which she uses to publish female authors and poets and to do what she can to highlight injustices against women. Yet one story causes a stir among the highest ranks of the ton that has repercussions none of them are prepared for. Swept away on a whirlwind…. Felix is not ready for love, certainly not for marriage, and turns his back on both. But sometimes things happen when one is least prepared for them. All Felix can do now is hold on tight to everything he holds dear… and pray. less

In the eye of the beholder…. As a rising star in the art world, Larkin Weston is on a high after a dark period of depression. A love affair gone wrong has given him a mistrust of his own feelings and a desire to stay as far from romantic entanglements as possible. All that matters now is his art, and he is determined to succeed. What he does not expect is an unwelcome distraction as an engaging brat of a boy called Gideon moves in next door with his family... moreIn the eye of the beholder…. As a rising star in the art world, Larkin Weston is on a high after a dark period of depression. A love affair gone wrong has given him a mistrust of his own feelings and a desire to stay as far from romantic entanglements as possible. All that matters now is his art, and he is determined to succeed. What he does not expect is an unwelcome distraction as an engaging brat of a boy called Gideon moves in next door with his family. Four-year-old Giddy is noisy and uproarious, and determined ‘Westie’ is his new best friend. Giddy’s mama, the beautiful Mrs Finchley, is a lovely young widow and at her wits' end. Upon meeting Mrs Finchley’s stunning younger sister, and her eccentric Aunt Connie, Larkin begins to understand her dilemma. The sins of the father…. Mrs Madelina Finchley knows what sorrow is. Married two weeks before her husband’s regiment goes to India, she finds herself a widow just two months later. Since then, her adored but irresponsible father has lost everything they own, including their beloved home. Unable to bear the shame, he takes his own life. Still mourning their devastating loss, the women flee from the new owner of the manor, who believes he has won the incomparable Miss Caroline Merrivale, along with the fixtures and fittings. Hoping to give beautiful Caro the chance to find a husband and secure their futures, Mrs Finchley brings her and their maiden aunt to London. Shark-infested waters…. When Larkin learns of what has befallen Mrs Finchley and the Misses Merrivale, his inclination to play the hero reasserts itself once more despite his better judgement. After all, one cannot leave three friendless females to face the ton all alone. Certain that the powerful Montagu family will look favourably upon the ladies’ plight and smooth their path, he makes the introductions but finds himself drawn ever deeper into the lives of his fascinating new neighbours. Dreams and expectations…. None of Larkin’s new lady friends expect to find love or happiness in the cold and intimidating city, but sometimes fate takes a hand. It seems that Larkin really can be a hero after all and perhaps this time, everyone will get their happy ever after. less

A troublesome governess…. Mrs Harris has been in the Earl of Ashburton’s employ for over five years. His daughter, Tilly, adores her, and despite enduring a good many insults and snide comments from the prickly woman, Ashburton respects her and admires her devotion to Tilly. Yet…. There is something else, something about the woman that nags at him, bothers him, and refuses to let him be. Like a wasp at a picnic, he cannot help but return his attention to her... moreA troublesome governess…. Mrs Harris has been in the Earl of Ashburton’s employ for over five years. His daughter, Tilly, adores her, and despite enduring a good many insults and snide comments from the prickly woman, Ashburton respects her and admires her devotion to Tilly. Yet…. There is something else, something about the woman that nags at him, bothers him, and refuses to let him be. Like a wasp at a picnic, he cannot help but return his attention to her. What is it about the prim and proper woman with spectacles that is driving him distracted? A woman with a secret identity…. Mrs Regina Harris is a fraud. She is not called Regina Harris, has never been married, and is not really a governess. Despite that, she credits herself with having done an excellent job with the earl’s wilful and rather spoilt daughter, for though she is illegitimate, Tilly is the apple of the earl's eye. Not that it has been a hardship, for Tilly is an adorable minx, and life at Goshen Court is beautiful, and as for the earl…. No, she won’t think about the earl, for that would be the biggest mistake she could possibly make. Well, maybe not the biggest. Her biggest mistake might be taking her revenge on the two men who forced her to run away from home and assume a fake identity. It might be writing the story of her life, and not adequately disguising fact from fiction, so that everything she has done to keep herself safely hidden is suddenly in jeopardy. Her time is running out. Eventually, the façade will crumble, and the earl will see her for who she really is. Except Regina isn’t sure she knows who that is anymore. less