Scandalous, adventurous, love, and steamy love scenes.

All around fun book with so many actions and I was surprised by the unexpected adventure I was taken throughout the book. It was an action-filled and love-spent book.
Add this to your TBR 2024 lists, you will not be disappointed.

Kendrick did a great job at giving depth to the characters and relationships despite the shorter read. I loved the banter between Emma and James. Also I loved both of their sisters characters who I would love to read about in future novels!

A Touch Wicked is a grump/sunshine regency romance, perfect for someone looking to get a Bridgerton-like fix.

Emma Dumont poses as Emma Clark, serving in the Earl of Kent's home as maid to the raucous and untamable Alexandra. Emma, the bastard of a Duke, is only in London to search for her missing sister at the Masquerade, a weekly masked party of debauchery. When she runs into the masked Earl of Kent, however, sparks fly. As Emma's search continues, however, a broken heart may be the least of her worries.

While the book does take quite a lot of creative liberties, the character building is lovely. Alexandra, the sister of the MMC, takes the narrative by storm, providing both comedic relief and an exceptional ally for the FMC. In general, the narrative puts an emphasis on badass female characters, from Alexandra to Emma's sister to the nameless Masquerade owner. Sadly, Emma seems to be the least badass of these, but she holds merit in her own ways.

Overall, the book is a solid introduction to an intriguing regency romance series, and I'm excited to see where the story goes next!

Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria & Aries Publishing for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

It was such a good story. Specially if you like me love an offer from a gentleman by Julia Quinn.
I love hr and love at first sight. Give me more man being losers in love.
Also I loved the whole mystery too

Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the free copy provided in exchange for an honest review! :)
Okay I usually despise romance short stories/ prequels because they always feel too short and that there is never enough room for proper character development or a development of the relationship itself...... But I really loved this!
I went in without knowing anything about the series at all (my fault for requesting ARCs purely because they have pretty covers and not checking if it's a series) but I still had the time of my life, and now I am seriously considering reading the rest of the series despite my very long tbr.
The characters were adventurous and funny, I loved all the banter and overly independent and slightly criminal women-- I want to be Emma, Alexandra and Isabel when I grow up, they are much cooler than I could ever dream of being.
It was really a fantastic quick and fun read (I literally finished in in like an hour or two), a perfect addition if you're trying to get to your reading goal for the year and want some fun romance- definitely recommend.

Interesting premise but poor execution. This book felt like the author only have enough plot for a short novella and dragged it out into a full book. I felt no connection to the characters and just wanted to get to the end. The ending itself was interesting so that redeemed the book a bit at the end.

A Touch Wicked

Rating: 4/5
Spice rating: 3/5

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella! It was deliciously steamy and I loved the little taste of mystery there was throughout the book. Grumpy Earl of Kent meets mystery lady’s maid was absolute perfection, I couldn’t stop reading and I kept saying “just one more chapter!” Emma and James are just 😍😍😍. Their chemistry was through the roof and I couldn’t get enough of their story. Alexandra was an amazing character who I adored as well!

I do wish we got a little more insight into Isabel’s life but being a novella and only 230 pages, I thought the plot was great and went at a good pace.

I hope to read more from this author in the future!

The chemistry between the main characters is great in this one! The plot and writing kept me in the story and wanting to read "one more chapter". The side characters were some of my favorites, I'd love books on the siblings. No spoilers but certain aspects of the plot felt far-fetched or I would have rated this book higher.

Actual Rating: 3.5⭐

If you’re looking for a fast-paced, spicy historical romance short novella then you might want to give this one a try.

This book started out with a strong opening, Emma’s sister disappear without a trace and only left behind one clue: a masquerade party invitation. As Emma is searching for her missing sister, she applied for a job as a maid for James’s sister – Alexandra.
I really like Alexandra cause she’s fearless, funny and see Emma as an equal despite her position as a maid. I also love her relationship with her brothers, their bickering really liven up the story.

I like the chemistry between Emma (FMC) and James (MMC). But it started to change once James and Emma enter the mysterious prestigious masquerade party with Emma wearing a disguised and when James saw her, he fell for her instantly.
I find it weird and also frustrating that James never recognized Emma as his mysterious masked lady even though James met Emma every day in his own house.

At first Emma wanted to get inside the party to find her sister but over time, Emma started to visit the party because she wanted to spend time with James without any class boundaries where they could be just two normal people without any title.
Despite James falling for the masked lady a little bit too fast for my liking, the spicy scenes between them are written well enough.

Overall, this is a fun one to read and I still find it enjoyable even though there are some things I wished for more.
I wish this one was a full-length novel so it’ll give room to explore more about Emma’s missing sister and her reason for disappearing along the story instead of revealing it near the ending.

⚠️ 𝐓𝐖: sexual content, classism, violence, blood, murder, brief mention of death of a parent, abandonment

This was a good romance, not ground-breaking, but enjoyable enough! I liked Emma a lot, and there's plenty of chemistry between her and James to keep the reader interested, even though I wasn't a fan of the subplot involving her sister (I don't tend to like more action-y plots in my romance!). I liked the writing and would read more from Katrina Kendrick!

Huge thanks to the author and publisher for the ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. A Touch Wicked is a really fun, frothy and mysterious romance. I loved the premise, the Cinderella theme masquerade, the electric love story between Emma and James. For me, there were a few plot points that got lost, Emma’s mother, more information about her sister etc but other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

A hidden gem among spicy regency romance books. I hope more people find this book, BookTok would love it!

Emma Dumont is desperate to save her wayward sister, with only a mysterious invitation to a Masquerade as any clue as to where she could be. Employed under the handsome Earl of Kent, she is torn between her growing feelings for James and her true mission. With both attending the illusive party, their attraction becomes irresistible.

This book was so much fun. I loved the characters, their dialogue was witty and charming, and I found myself laughing out loud throughout the book. James and Emma’s romance was very spicy and seductive, many would enjoy how quickly and often these two interact. I wish the story was longer! I wanted more scenes with James’ siblings and Emma’s life as a lady’s maid. I couldn’t get enough! This book and its series could be the next Bridgerton, I’m sure of it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for this ARC.

‘a touch wicked’ is another entry into the ‘private arrangements’ series, but this time it’s a prequel / novella. i have read one other of these books, subsequently reading them completely out of order, not that that truly matters.

these stories are full to the brim with content. there’s the love story between james and emma at the centre, but also all the ongoings with emma’s sister, which makes for an interesting mystery. all the characters are likeable — i particularly liked james’ sister, alexandra, who has her own book which i may end up checking out. the ending felt a slight bit rushed but that did not take any of the enjoyment away from it

"A Touch Wicked" by Katrina Kendrick is a captivating historical romance that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the secret and dangerous world of London's elite. Set against the backdrop of the enticing Masquerade, where the only rules are to depart by morning and never reveal one's true identity, the story unravels the lives of two individuals who find themselves entangled in a web of deadly secrets and forbidden desire. At the center of the narrative is James, the Earl of Kent, a man who embodies everything a debutante dreams of in a prospective husband. Handsome, wealthy, and with a reputation that precedes him, James is London's most eligible bachelor. However, his encounter with a mysterious beauty at an illicit club sparks not only his fascination but also an intense intrigue, as he soon discovers that she is harboring dangerous secrets. Enter Emma Dumont, a young woman of modest means who is driven to desperate measures in order to protect her criminal sister. With a determination to save her sibling, Emma cunningly infiltrates the earl's household, assuming a false identity. But when a clue leads her to a scandalous masque, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to her handsome employer, torn between her duty and the undeniable attraction that simmers between them. As the plot thickens, and Emma's sister's crimes threaten to expose her deception, she becomes embroiled in a brutal conspiracy that forces her to confront the truth. With the truth comes danger, as she discovers that the deadly secrets she carries are intertwined with the lives of those around her. Kendrick masterfully crafts a tale of suspense, romance, and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the treacherous waters of deception and unbridled passion. Kendrick's writing style is engaging and immersive, transporting readers to the vividly depicted world of Regency-era London. Her attention to detail brings the setting to life, from the opulent ballrooms to the dimly lit backstreets, creating an atmospheric backdrop for the unfolding events. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, with their internal struggles adding depth and complexity to the story. Readers will find themselves deeply invested in the fate of James and Emma as they navigate the dangerous undercurrents of society while battling their own personal demons. "A Touch Wicked" is a page-turning romance novel that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, suspense, and passion. Kendrick's skillful storytelling keeps readers captivated from the first page to the last, as the plot twists and turns, revealing shocking secrets and unexpected alliances. Fans of historical romance will find themselves thoroughly entertained by this enthralling tale of love, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to protect those they hold dear. In conclusion, "A Touch Wicked" is a compelling and enthralling historical romance that delivers on both suspense and passion. Kendrick's masterful storytelling and well-crafted characters make this novel a must-read for fans of the genre. With its intricate plot, evocative setting, and irresistible chemistry between the protagonists, this book is sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting Kendrick's next literary offering.

Thank you NetGalley and Aria and Aries for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

A Touch Wicked is luckily more than just a touch wicked. It’s decadent fantasies and lamp lit assignations that are sexy enough to have you hot and bothered. Add in some witty banter and I was more than happy for it to have its wicked way with me.

A touch wicked has been adapted from a short story to a longer novel and it does sometimes feel like there’s two stories being crammed into the one. First we have a story of spies and lost sisters snd dastardly assailants. Secondly we have a story of hidden identities and lots of sex. They fit together and then sometimes parts just feel like they’re tacked on.

I really enjoyed the dialogue in this novel. There’s an enjoyable back and forth which is actually pretty sexy. And I think the author has used the more old fashioned language really deftly and in a modern way.

What she also writes really well is sex. Some authors just have it and Kendrick does it so well. It’s sexy, it’s intimate. Sometimes it’s soft and other times it’s intense. There’s one scene where Emma is describing a fantasy she has and it was hot! Also when they have desperate makeup sex after everything comes out, spice!

The Masquerade where James and Emma begin their sexual relationship is a decadent twist. I can’t quite believe that he wouldn’t recognise Emma without the mask outside of the Masquerade , but I’m still here for the debauchery of it.

There were a few things that didn’t sit quite right. First, she moves countries, and jobs to find her sister all because of an invitation that she finds. Um, if her sister doesn’t have the invite then she can’t get in, so why should she search for her there. I think there needs to be more to send her across the Channel. Maybe a note saying, meet me at the Masquerade with a date?

Her connection to the Duke of Sutherland is also just mentioned in one line when I feel like it could be shown better. Lots of telling, not showing in that bit.

The ending also seemed to go on for a bit too long. He confesses love and she says no, he confesses love again and she says no, he confesses love again and she says no, he confesses love again and she says no, and then… he confesses love again and she suddenly thinks ‘I deserve happiness’ and says yes. Maybe the epiphany needed to be more resounding after all the nos.

Overall I really enjoyed A Touch Wicked. There were some really well written moments and some deft handling of the historical setting. There’s a few things that could be fixed to make it really excellent.

Emma is trying to find her sister. The clues lead her to London. Emma doesn't know where to begin searching until she overhears a conversation and the hunt begins. The only thing standing in her way is a handsome Earl. Oh, and some not so handsome ruffkins.

Along with the romance this book also had a mystery, which i liked. My favorite character from the story was Alexandra. Though this isnt the main character, her personality stood out to me and made me smile throughout the book. There were some parts that I felt were a bit repetitive and I found myself skimming the page to get to the next part. I overall enjoyed reading this book and thank you NetGalley for this copy!

My stumbling block with this book was I just didn’t get the storyline. How could someone work in your household (which you had interest in) put on a mask and you not know who they were? How numb was this guy? And then to fall for the forward, masked woman and the docile personal maid at the same time?
Disbelief was strong with me.
I usually enjoy Katrina Kendrick’s books, but not this one so much.

Rating: ★★★★☆ (3.75 stars)

"A Touch Wicked" immerses readers in the enchanting world of 19th-century London, where corsets are laced tightly, dances are grand, and hidden identities add a touch of mischief to the glittering ballrooms. In this historical romance crafted by the alluring Katrina Kendrick, a tale unfolds that is as spellbinding as it is suspenseful.

Emma, a spirited debutante, takes center stage in this dance of societal expectations. The plot takes an unexpected twist during a masquerade ball, transforming a routine evening into a rendezvous that alters Emma's destiny. Kendrick masterfully builds tension by introducing a mysterious stranger with a concealed identity, turning the dance floor into a stage for secrets and stolen glances.

The novel's allure lies in the chemistry between Emma and her masked partner, their connection sizzling beneath the glow of chandeliers. Kendrick's meticulous attention to historical detail immerses readers in the opulent ballrooms, where the swish of gowns and the intricacies of courtship come to life. The societal norms and expectations of the time add complexity to the characters' clandestine interactions, deepening the intrigue.

At the core of "A Touch Wicked" is the romantic dance between Emma and her mysterious companion, a dance that transcends the glamour of the ballrooms. Kendrick explores themes of love, societal expectations, and the courage needed to defy convention with grace and eloquence.

While the central romance takes the spotlight, the novel also delves into the relationships within Emma's social circle, providing a well-rounded view of the characters' lives beyond the dance floor. Friendships, rivalries, and family dynamics are seamlessly woven into the narrative, enriching the overall storytelling experience.

Humor and wit punctuate the narrative, breaking through the veneer of societal decorum and adding a delightful charm to the story. Supporting characters contribute additional layers, each playing a unique role in the intricate tapestry of romance and intrigue.

In conclusion, "A Touch Wicked" is a captivating historical romance that transports readers to a time of elegant balls, whispered secrets, and the thrill of hidden identities. With a rating of 3.75 stars, Katrina Kendrick's storytelling prowess shines, creating a world where love blossoms amidst glittering chandeliers, and societal expectations are waltzed around with both grace and a touch of wickedness. This novel is a delightful dance through history that will leave readers eagerly anticipating Kendrick's next literary performance.

I don't know how to feel about this book. On the one hand I like the Cinderella retelling in a historical setting with a bit of spice. On the other hand I thought the pacing was very off and quite a lot of scenes could've been better developed.