I absolutely loved this set! I had to finish all the stories one after another. Everything about these stories was perfect.....the settings, the heroes and the heroines. The mystery and intrigue were done just right. Ms Ridley is showing herself to be a master in gothic romance. This set is a must read! I can't wait for more!

If there is anything better than an Erica Ridley novel, it is a collection of her books. This four-part book collection “Gothic Love Stories” begins with “Too wicked to kiss” where Evangeline Pemberton arrives at the house part of Gavin Lioncroft, which is vividly described as a scene from a horror movie, until she sees Gavin. She has accompanied Lady Stratford and her daughter Susan, in a means to escape her stepfather and his abuse as he threatens to use her for her ‘gift’. Whilst the novel begins on a fearful note, Lioncroft and Evangeline’s attraction to each other soon overshadows the events that take place. Book 1 was definitely my favourite in the series.
“Too sinful to Deny” follows Susan Stanton (from Book 1) who has been banished to a relative’s house, in a gloomy seaside town of Bournemouth. Following on from the paranormal theme in book 1, Susan discovers that she has the ability to see ghosts. These ghosts are trying to use Susan to speak to their family members or to uncover a smuggler ring. Susan soon finds herself falling in love with the smuggler, Evan Bothwick, whose brother has recently been murdered and is pestering her for assistance. Whilst an entertaining story, I felt that the relationship between Susan and Evan was not as believable particularly as Susan was so conflicting in her manner towards Evan.
“Too tempting to resist” sees Miss Rebecca Bond reunited with Daniel Godwin, Lord Stonebury. Having lost both parents, she has lived in Crowmere Castle, with the Earl of Banfield, who has all but forgotten her for several years. She has accepted her life, having been rejected by Daniel when he received his title, but had thought that her uncle would leave her with sufficient finances to live a life alone. On his death, she finds that she must marry and turns to Daniel for assistance, in wooing another. It soon becomes apparent that they both still care for each other. A lovely short story, with two great characters, that I had wished had gone for so much longer.
The last book “Too wanton to Wed” sees Violet Whitechapel, escaping from her post at a school, fleeing from a murder scene, into the employ of Alistair Waldegrave. Set in a gothic abbey, Violet finds herself acting as governess to Alistair’s daughter, Lily, who has been kept within the confines of the abbey as she suffers from a condition that if exposed to sunlight could kill her. The conflict between father and daughter is intense, and Violet is the link between the two, drawing them back together. This was an interesting story in the premise of Lily’s illness and Alistair’s actions to protect his daughter not only from the sunlight but from the locals, who have heard whisperings that both are vampires.
The books in this series are well worth reading and I found myself, utterly fascinated by the variety in the storylines, particularly book 1. A great collection!
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Erica Ridley didnt disappoint with her latest books., I thoroughly enjoyed this style of story, Would definitely recommend to all.

The first book in this gothic romance package, Too wicked to
kiss is absolutely divine and sexy as hell. The romantic encounters between Gavin and Evangeline were delightful, I love everything about this one now it's onto the other. Too sinful to deny wasn’t up to scratch, it lacks enticement and Susan isn’t a good leading character. Now this other Too tempting to resist isn’t doing it for me either, it’s a bit bland. Well, I have come to the conclusion that the best was first, not that the other stories aren't good, Too wanton to wed is not sizzling enough for me.

book one Too Wicked to Kiss

I have read so many of Erica Ridley's books and each was great and had me waiting for the next. This is the first Gothic Romance of hers for me, and unbelievably even better then her other series !!! This is a dark, hunting tale of mistakes, murder, compromise/entrapment with wonderful characters. Gavin Lioncroft is the younger son of a Viscount who was accused of killing his parents, when he was seventeen. It was a horrible accident, which his temper, and fight with his father went very, very wrong. He has been paying for it all his life. Staying out of sight, a reclusive at Blackberry Manor, a dark, brooding, haunted castle with secret passageways.
Evangeline Pemberton, just wanted to escape her cruel, evil stepfather after her mother died. She ends up with Lady Stonton and her daughter Susan. She wrongly thought Lady Stonton was a friend of her mothers. Now she founds herself in a position as bad if not worst then what she left.
Lady Stonton is determined to get Susan married to Lioncroft, any way she can. Susan has been tossed out of the ton
for her antics. None of the guest are without secrets, and past history. Added to this strange dinner party is the fact
unknown to them Evangeling is clairvoyant just like her mother.
Gavin and Evangeling have an attraction from the start. These two will need to learn to trust each other somewhat after one of the guest is found murdered in his bed. When anyone touches Evangeling she see visions.
She knows all the people her are hiding things. Only when touched by Gavin does she see nothing but feels like a normal women with longings.
How this all works out with many twist and turns, is a suspenseful, who done it, with the guilty party well hidden.
I read this amazing story in one setting, couldn't put it down.
Be sure and get your copy you don't want to miss this one. The next book in this series "Too Sinful to Deny" is starting out to be just as great.....
I received and ARC of these books, and am giving my honest option.

book two
To sinful to deny
Within the very first chapter Miss Susan Stanton, the spoiled, bratty friend to Evangline from "Too Wicked to Kiss"
Drowns. She dies and is brought back by a stranger's kiss. After she heals from her injuries her mother sends her to Bournemouth. A small town of less then a hundred people. A distant cousin, Lady Beaune who lives at Moonseed Manor is suppose to take care of her.
When she arrives the manor turns out to be dark, forbearing place. The new owner is a giant of a man, who supposedly
is married to her late cousin's daughter ! The new Lord Beaue. As if finding out her cousin is dead, and she is now under the care of a dark and evil looking stranger. Isn't bad enough she also meets Evan Bothwick who is with the Giant but talks about shooting him ! He looks like a gentleman, but sure doesn't act it. Even thru she was sent here for punishment of spying and gossip, she can't help but follow Evan when he leaves Moonseed Manor.
If she only knew then what trouble lays ahead, smuggler's, ghost's, a murder,pirate's, a magistrate who may or may not
be what he seems. Wow what a story, poor Susan can now see and talk to ghost's since her near death experience.
She founds herself haunted by not one but two ghost's in town. This story goes from being hilarious, to dark and mysterious, with voices coming from the walls, floor ? While trying to solve or at least figure out everything happening in this town, Susan and Evan can't help being drawn to each other. The attention they both feel is hard as both are keeping secrets, and not trusting the other.
This is a very fast moving story, with lots of character's and going on. You will not want to put is down.
It's got something for every one, get your copy and enjoy.
So many twist and turns, it was great....
I received a ARC from the author and am giving my own option. Am off to start book three, "Too Tempting to Resist", hope it is as good...

book three
Miss Rebecca Bond is a young lady that has had a lot of sorrow in her 22 years. Her childhood friend and first and only love hurt her very badly at her coming out. He didn't want to disappoint his grandmother and ends up losing the only
person who loved him for himself. She has also lost both her parents, in a accident. Her Great Uncle, The Earl of Banfield gave her a place to live at Crowmere Castle. But he is elderly and in poor health, and doesn't even remember she is there. Very few in the castle seems to know she is living there. As the Castle is known to be haunted what ever she does to help out, keeping the books, doing things for cook, or some of maids is just thought to be one of the ghost. When the Uncle dies, she must make herself known to the new Earl who is shocked to find he is responsible for other young lady. He has five daughter and a wife !!!! He tells her he will give her one month to find a husband and leave, he will also give her a dowry to make it easier. Poor Rebecca doesn't want a husband, or to rejoin society. She just wants a quiet life by herself in the country she loves.
Daniel Goodenham, Lord Stonebury is the cad who broke Rebecca heart and lost her friendship. When he receives notice of the Uncle's death and that he needs to be at the Castle for the will. He decides to get there early and try to patch things up with Rebecca. He has always felt bad for the way he treated her cause he was afraid of his nasty Grandmother. He shows up hoping to prove to her that he is her friend and maybe more. Unknown to him Rebecca has
decided he will be the one to help her find a husband which will help make up for the past.
How all this comes out and who wins and who doesn't is fun fast read. Lots of twists and turns, heartache, some laughs too. For a short story it was a good read. It has a great pace for a short story.
I received and ARC from the author, and am giving my honest opinion.
Grub a copy and a cup of coffee and enjoy....
book four
To Wanton to Wed
This is a great story of misunderstandings, mystery, strange happening at a boarded up Abby feared by the townspeople. Violet Whitechapel never knew her mother or father, she was raised on the streets in London. She had an horrible hard life, till she gets a job teaching other young girls saved from the streets at Livingstone School for girls. This is the only home she has ever known.
When the owner dies, the new owner is a young brash evil man who thinks girls,and women are only here for his use. When Violet finds him trying to rape one of the young girls with a friend of his waiting his turn, she saves the girl but both men are wounded. Violet runs for her life. She ends up at a strange Abby as she is about pass out from lack of food and shelter. When she wakes it is to a dark and unworldly place. The Abby is owned by Alistair Waldegrave who has not been out of it for nine years, since the birth of her daughter Lillian. Lillian has a horrible illness that if the sun touches her she is badly burned. As Violet, Alistair and Lillian learn to trust each other and grow to learn about the others. The feelings between them all is unique. The love and passion between Alistair and Violet will either tear them apart or help save them. How Violet uses her past to help
a scared and lonely little girl is a tear get er. You will cry, laugh and hold your breath doing this book. A wonderful book of 2nd chances, trust, and love just might win over all.
I received an ARC of from the author and this is my honest opinion.

These stories are well written, engrossing and fun to read. I liked the character development, the atmosphere and the plot.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Lovers of Erica Ridley will enjoy this banquet of reading of all that one expects from her.
All of the books are stand alone stories which means that you can dip in and out of them at your leisure and do not have to read them in sequence. Immerse your selves in the loves of these ladies and their stories and enjoy yourself.

These plucky heroines overcome some very grim scenarios with the help of the undeniable attraction they discover for their heart's mate.

All four novels are full-length and contain such elements as secret passages, a patricidal painter, bored heirs risking their lives smuggling, a heroine whose near-death experience leaves her seeing dead people, another who receives visions of the past and future through touch, evil parents and spouses chaining their wives in cellars or beating them to death, villagers burning the home of suspected vampires, poor relations ridding their neighborhoods of corrupt officials, and scheming mamas attempting to espouse bachelors through entrapment.
These worthy ladies do the accounts, bake the currant biscuits, paint bright landscapes, dig up graves in search of state's evidence, walk through catacombs and rainstorms and pirate caverns, and in dozens of ways render themselves irresistible to the handsomest of heroes.

The box set is a fantastic bargain.

Too Wicked to Kiss
Wow! I thoroughly enjoyed this book.This is a story about passing judgement and the harm that it does to relationships. Ridley is a superb author and even though I thought this book was a bit too long, I still enjoyed every minute of it. I loved the heroine Evangeline Pemberton and her special gifts. She is so caring and gentle. And the hero Gavin Lioncroft is more than an alpha male - he is a dangerous one. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Too Sinful To Deny
This book is filled with intrigue, romance and quirky humor. I felt like Alice tumbling down the rabbit hole and emerging into another world. Some characters are bright and vivid while others are partially hidden behind a pale curtain. But once the curtain is pulled back, the plot twists and turns in unexpected ways. The heroine is Susan Stanton from Too Wicked to Kiss. She leaps off the page in this book and has quickly become a favorite character for me. Susan accidentally falls through the ice and dies but then is resurrected with gifts she didn’t have before. I also liked Evan Bothwick the handsome rogue of a hero. “Just one kiss, he told himself. Just one kiss, one touch, one taste, and he would leave her alone forever, no harm done. They were alone. Nobody would have to know. He brushed his lips against hers, slowly, softly, dragging the unhurried contact from one side to the other, trying to coax a response. She sucked in a breath. ‘Do you want me to stop?’ he murmured. She shook her head. So he kissed her.” I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. I was given a copy of this book.
Too Tempting To Resist
I enjoyed this book. The heroine Rebecca Bond has lived a solitary, forgotten existence. The one man she loved turned away from her and left. What happens when she needs a husband and her former love shows up? I didn’t think that this book was Gothic. It takes place in a dark castle...but it isn’t particularly Gothic. It is much shorter than the first two books in this series and reads more like a novella. I was given a copy of this book.
Too Wanton To Wed
I think this book in one of my very favorite. Violet Whitechapel is on the run for murder when she collapses on the front steps of an ancient Abbey. Little does she know that the man within is suspected of being a vampire. Has she run from one deadly situation into another? I think Ridley is a master at developing her characters into touchable, believable people. She layers them carefully, and then through the course of the story strips them down to the core of their hearts. Their motivations stay true to their understanding of their surroundings - true or false. I loved the tortured hero Alistair Waldegrave. “His black hair was shiny and thick, and curled slightly at the nape. His sooty lashes and dark eyes stood out starkly against the pale beauty of his face, but his most arresting feature was the wide, perfect mouth above his strong chin. He’d dressed for dinner in clothes equally as outdated as his earlier vestments, but nothing could hide the fine quality of both cloth and cut, or the leanly muscled figure beneath the costume. His movements were graceful, his every gesture confident and purposeful.” Ridley just hits it out of the park with this one. There are several steamy sex scenes. I have adored Ms. Ridley’s Regency romances - my favorite being Lord of Pleasure, but I certainly hope she is planning on writing more gothic romances. I was gifted a copy of this book.

4 stars

I have realised that I'd read all these stories in other books or perhaps anthologies. I vividly recall Dark Surrender the last book in this collection which here is named Too Wanton to Wed. I was a bit dismayed at the first two books (Too Wicked to Kiss, Too Sinful to Deny) 50 chapters suggest quite a marathon and I did think Evangeline's gift should have helped her solve the puzzle a bit quicker! I did enjoy Too Tempting to Resist (used to be Romancing the Rogue), like Goldilocks it was the right length and the right pace.

I think folk will enjoy these stories and it's nice to get them in one package, just do some research to check you haven't already got them!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Too Wicked to Kiss--4 stars
Great Gothic romance from start to finish!! Its characters where not perfect and had secrets to protect. This story was a murder mystery with a touch of paranormal due to Evangeline's gift. A gift that was both a blessing and a curse for her. Evangeline was a great character that stood up to those who wanted to hurt her or take advantage.
Gavin was not the perfect hero, but that's what made him interesting. He had a past for which he was trying to make up for. His love for Evangeline made him realize that he was a good man and that she made him want to be a better one.

Too Sinful to Deny---3 stars
Pirates, smuggling, violence, and ghosts were some of the things that happened in this story. We learn about what happens to Susan, a character from the first book in the series, after she falls from grace in society. Poor Susan is exiled to a small village by the coast. She encounters many interesting characters who all are hiding something.
Evan is trying to uncover who is responsible for murdering his brother. When he meets Susan, they both feel mutual physical chemistry towards each other. To be honest I feel this is what they most felt for each other. The romance felt flat and forced between them. Throughout the story she is constantly saying that she will not marry him and that she is determined to join society again and find someone with a higher social standing. I did like that she was willing to risk her life to save her cousin who was being held captive.

Too Tempting to Resist--5 stars
I loved it!! This is my favorite book of the series! Too Tempting to Resist is a story about second chance romance. Daniel hurt Rebecca's feelings twice while they were young. They had been friends for a long time, but when Daniel inherited his title his misguidance of trying to please his grandmother lead him to lose his best friend.
Years later an opportunity for Daniel to apologize to Rebecca lead him to a crumbling and dark estate. I liked how she made him really work for that apology. She had not deserved to be snubbed by him. It is during this time love blooms for them again.
I loved the romantic scenes between them!

Too Wanton to Wed--4 stars
I really liked this one! It's story line felt very unique and interesting. The darkness of the abbey where Alistair lives with his daughter made for a great background for what these two characters where going through for the past years. Alistair is trying his best to try and find a cure for his daughter, Lily, who suffers from a strange condition that isolates her.
Violet comes into lives when they need her the most. She brings light to their darkness and changes their lives for the best. I liked that she had the patience to teach Lily and to touch Alistair's heart. Though she lived a tragic past and it seemed that things where going from bad to worse, finding herself in the abbey with Alistair and Lily helped her feel less lonely.

Thank you to the author/publisher for providing these four ARCs for review.

This ARC was courtesy of netgalley - all thoughts and opinions are mine and unbiased

I know Erica Ridley's regency novels so was intrigued to read these. I have read some previous reviews and people see to either really love them or not - a bit marmite I think

Anyway, these are some of her earlier work and nothing wrong with that
I really enjoyed these.



Great for a summer read

Evangeline will go to any length to escape her monster of a step-father. She will even place herself in the care of the conniving Lady Stratford, and risk staying with brooding murderer, Lord Lioncroft.

I received a free copy of the Gothic Love Stories box-set from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Evangeline is desperate to be rid of her step-father - the man guilty of killing her mother, and prone to fits of violence. As far as the law is concerned, she is his legal property until she comes of age in a month's time. And her step-father is not willing to let her escape him, he intends to put her skills to good use and make his fortune.
It's no wonder that she jumps at the opportunity to be whisked away by Lady Stanton and her daughter, to go to a house party held by an outcast. Evangeline doesn't pause to wonder why her acquaintances are so keen to have her on board.

Gavin Lioncroft is a recluse. After being blamed for the death of his parents ten years ago, he was shunned by society, and Gavin has spent every day since shunning them back. He has a savage nature, and is not tempered by the rules of the ton. He doesn't think twice about lashing out against the brute who married his sister.
When the same odious brother-in-law is found dead in Gavin's house, everyone is convinced that Lioncroft is the killer. Only Evangeline and her unusual skills can aid him.

I really enjoyed this story.
I felt so sorry for Evangeline, and understood her reluctance to get close (physically or mentally) to anyone. She's independent, and doesn't fit in with the upper class, nor the servants, so she's often alone. I liked how she started to accept the friendship of Susan Stanton and Gavin's nieces.

Gavin has been punishing himself for a decade, and he's finally forced to be civil with other people. I loved watching them mend the relationship between him and his sister. Gavin stays true to himself, with a fierceness and unpredictability. That being said, there were some endearingly sweet scenes, as he clearly can't hide his growing feelings for Evangeline.

The plot was generally good. I thought that everyone was a bit blase that a) someone had died in the house and, b) the murderer was still there.
I know they all had their own secrets to protect, but everyone was far too relaxed.

In the second half of the book, I thought things got a bit repetitive - and not just looping the plot, there were instances of repeating phrases and conversations in quick succession.

Overall, this was a 3.5 out of 5 for me. I enjoyed it and look forward to the rest of the series.

~~~~~

After disappointing her society-driven mother too many times, Susan is banished to stay with a country cousin. The impossibly dull location is made a little more exciting by ghosts, pirates, and a certain Mr Bothwick.

I received a free copy of the Gothic Love Stories box-set from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

This follows Susan, who was a side character in Too Wicked to Kiss (book 1), in which she is shunned by society for being a tattletale, and shunned by her mother for failing to trap Lord Lioncroft in marriage.
This second book starts with Susan showing further disobedience to her mother, by sneaking out and almost drowning at the Frost Fair.
Rather than care for her daughter's well-being, Lady Stanton sends her away from London, until her previous "ill behaviour" is forgotten about.
Susan ends up in a seaside town with no entertainment fit for a lady, no friends, and no chance of escape. Worse, she is plagued by ghosts, since her own brush with death. She finds an unlikely ally in Dead Mr Bothwick, and seeks to uncover the mystery surrounding his death, and her cousin's captivity.

Mr Bothwick's living brother, Evan, has sworn to stay away from Miss Stanton. She's the sort of marriage-chasing society prim that he has no interest in. He has no intention of falling into any sort of commitment with a woman. But Susan surprises him, by being opinioned, head-strong, and more than a little odd.

I really, really wanted to like this one. I enjoyed its predecessor, and come on, this one includes ghosts and pirates.
Unfortunately, it lost the flowing, easy-to-read narrative of the other books in this boxset. Sentences were jumbled and the plot was hard to follow. It felt like the author didn't know what she wanted to achieve with any particular scene, but kept writing anyway.
I was very disappointed, this was a great idea, but the execution just gave me a headache.

I wanted to like Susan, and she had some glimmers of hope, but overall I didn't buy her as a character. She didn't seem to grasp the danger she was in, with her cousin and her husband. Or, she did, but it didn't seem to bother her that she had to keep sleeping in their home. She's keen to escape, and seems quite selfish in that endeavour.
She had a plan that she was going to escape via an assembly at Bath, but not for a couple of weeks. It was frustrating, and her thoughts were dismally repetitive, as she stewed in her misfortune and didn't make any effort, except when she was being harried by a ghost.

I'm glad this wasn't the first book in the boxset, as it would have put me off the rest.

~~~~~

Rebecca is content with her life as the invisible relative in a lonely castle. When the new heir threatens to throw her out, she has to turn to an unlikely ally - the man who broke her heart and drove her into hiding - Lord Stonebury.

I received a free copy of the Gothic Love Stories box-set from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

After having her heart publicly broken by Lord Stonebury, Rebecca had to leave society. Before she could return, her parents died, leaving her alone and forgotten. Even the people within the castle think she's a ghost.
Rather than be upset by this outcome, Rebecca embraces the freedom this gives her. She develops her own sense of independence, and finds challenges for her intellect in running the accounts and designing devilish mazes.
When her relative dies and the new heir takes over, this freedom is quickly lost. She has to leave her haven, by way of marriage, as that is all women are good for.

Daniel's biggest regret was losing the only girl he's ever loved. When he gets a notice about a will-reading for the old owner of Rebecca's castle, he jumps at the chance to finally make amends, even if it means seeing her married to another man.

Wow, that book was shorter than I anticipated - I was not expecting a novella.
It's great to see that Ridley's writing is back on form, after the confusing Too Sinful to Deny (book 2). Even though this is a small story, it was so easy to get pulled in and enjoy every moment.
It is simple, straight-forward, not particularly gothic, but enjoyable nonetheless.

Rebecca is a great character. She approaches everything with logic, and knows that her best chance of a successful future is to find a man that will allow her the freedom to work, or help with the estate and keep her mind active.
Daniel is more perfect than she can know. For the last few years, society's gossip columns have loved this charming bachelor, who is never seen with the same woman twice. But the truth is much sweeter, and much more appealing - Daniel is engrossed in matters that have arisen in the House of Lords, and he is passionate about doing his part for his country.

The story wrapped up very quickly. With it only being a novella, there were no side plots, just the satisfactory reunion of these two old friends.

~~~~~

After being involved in a murder, Violet only thinks of running. When she is discovered at Waldegrave Abbey, she is drawn into its shadows, its secrets, and potentially more.

I received a free copy of the Gothic Love Stories box-set from Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

When defending one of her vulnerable students from some lecherous gentlemen, Violet is not sorry to have had a hand in their deaths. Knowing the law won't hesitate to punish her for her crimes, she runs away, seeking to live long enough to hire a lawyer who might moderate her sentence. She runs as far as she can, before collapsing on Waldegrave land.
Violet is taken within the dark walls, and given the chance to live a dark life, with monsters and vampires.

Alistair Waldegrave hadn't been planning on adding to his staff, but he will try anything to bring happiness to his feral daughter, even assigning the mysterious Violet as her governess.
In his over-protectiveness of his ill daughter, he has allowed Waldegrave Abbey to become a tomb, with its inhabitants merely existing. They need Violet to break the cycle, as much as anything else.

I really enjoyed this one.
This is the fourth and final book in the Gothic Love Stories box-set, and it was a perfect story to end with.
It is beautifully gothic, with the darkness and secrets, with the rumours of demons and vampires; and one little girl in so much pain it hurts everyone around her.

I loved that this was focussing on both members of the Waldegrave family, not just the romantic storyline of Violet and Alistair.
I don't like children, they are horrible creatures, but Alistair's daughter Lillian has to be one of the most well-written and emotionally-moving side-characters I have ever read. She is not there as a token character, or to help move the main plot along, <i>she is the plot</i>. Lillian is a main character in her own right.

I really liked Alistair, he would go to the ends of the world for his daughter, but he is tired of being seen as the villain, for trying to keep her safe. He's stuck in the past, putting his whole life on pause, ready for the day when his daughter will be well again; but months have turned into years and he is losing hope.
He is great for Violet, and I did a little cheer when there were a a few moments that could have gone down the usual judgey-romantic-angst trope, but instead he was perfectly supportive.

I loved Violet as our main character. She came from nothing, a street urchin, who found a passion in art and teaching young girls. She lives each day as if it were her last and never has regrets.
With her own troubled history, Violet is wonderfully sympathetic to her students, encouraging them to live again. She brings this positivity to the dark halls of Waldegrave Abbey, and she can't help but fall for Alistair and his daughter.
I did more cheering as Violet is completely independent and doesn't need a man to swoop in and save her. She makes her own plans and sees them through.

I very much enjoyed this finale to the box-set, and I'm looking forward to reading more of Ridley's work.

TOO WICKED TO KISS Once again, Erica Ridley makes Gothic romance more than heaving bosoms and delicate young ladies. She has taken a deadly mystery, added two wonderful main characters and created a tale of budding love and romance to free two hearts strangled by the burdens of their pasts.

Erica Ridley’s TOO SINFUL TO DENY A fun read, a little spooky, more teasing romance than blazing passion and I liked it!

Erica Ridley’s TOO TEMPTING TO RESIST is a short, but delightfully quirky romance with a feisty heroine and a hero that never saw what hit him! Moments of humor, light-heartedness and even some sorrow, but most of all, this fun read is filled with love and a sweet romance.

Erica Ridley’s TOO WANTON TO WED is a tale of loving so much that nothing is beyond the impossible as two strangers find a common bond in protecting and loving a child doomed to live in solitude her entire life. Sometimes Fate brings strangers together, their secrets buried deep and it take the wisdom of a child to open their eyes to love. But can she open their hearts to trust when so many lies of omission are discovered?

This tale is one of love, for a child, for a relationship that seemed impossible and for a chance to start over, leaving old lives behind and looking forward to a brighter future.

I loved this story, the strength of each character, their good hearts and even their misguided lies of omission. A little mysterious, a little dark, but the ray of sunshine that shows through is colored with a romance that cannot be denied.

The story is well thought out and nicely written making this an exciting page turner and one which I am more than happy to recommend."

Classic stories from Erica Ridley. We buy lots of her books for our library, but our patrons prefer her Regency romances. We generally don't buy re-releases.

This was an interesting selection of Gothic stories. I like Erica Ridley stories and with the four stories included in this set I found I liked some more than others but if you like Gothic you will enjoy these. Finding love is not always easy and sometimes hard to accept when you are not really wanting it. These ladies find themselves in a variety of situations. Hope you will enjoy.

Wow, Erica has done it again. This series is amazing. The books are stand alone novels so it does not matter what order you read them in.
My favorite cover was on the book "Too Sinful to Deny."
My favorite story was "Too Wicked to Kiss."
Evangeline has the ability to read people, but not in the way one would imagine. With one touch of her fingers, she can see the past, the future, and anything in between. However, she does not have complete control.
When she runs away from her step-father, the man who killed her mother, she takes refuge with a friend and her mother.
They are going to a house party at the estate of reclusive Gavin Lioncroft. He is a known recluse, and is a known murderer.
When someone at the house party turns up murdered, no one wants to tell the truth. No one wants to admit what happened. Trust is easily gained and easily lost.
I loved the way this story was written. It drew me into the book and made me feel like I was in the dark, sprawling estate.
I hope you enjoy it too.
I received a free copy in exchange for my honest review.

I always enjoy books by Ms. Ridley and Too Wicked to Kiss was another enticing read. Evangeline Pemberton is hiding a secret, a secret that killed her mother. Traveling to Blackberry Manor for a house party on the goodwill of her cruel aunt, Evangeline wants nothing more than to hide from her stepfather and his fists. Almost from the moment they enter the foyer of the forbidding Blackberry Manor, Evangeline feels a strange attraction to Gavin Lioncroft, a murderer who was never charged for his crime. The guests at the party all have secrets and something to hide, but when one of them ends up dead, Lioncroft is again accused of the murder. Evangeline must use her gift to clear the man who is slowly winning her heart.

From the opening pages when Evangeline accidentally runs into Gavin in a darkened hallway, his dangerous animal magnetism is hard to resist. I found the full cast of characters in the book a little hard to follow in the beginning and to keep them straight. The mystery of the murderer is well done and the suspense was carried throughout the book. First Evangeline tries to unravel the murder while hoping that her stepfather never finds her. His cruelty and torture of her is cringe worthy. Can Gavin save her all the while trying to save his own neck from swinging on the gallows.

I am so glad these are all in a collection now !
Each of these stories is unique in some way and are a great read while sipping on some hot coca this fall. I definitely recommend checking this collection out.
I volunteered to read these books from WebMotion in return for my honest feedback. The thoughts and opinions expressed with in are my own.