Wicked (Regency Trilogy, #1) by Shannon Drake

Wicked (Regency Trilogy, #1) Reviews

• 
  Neus Gutiérrez

  Cuando leía este libro estaba pensando todo el rato en Estefanía y en Lorena. Me daba la sensación de que quizá ellas lo disfrutaran más que yo.
  
  ¿Está mal el libro? No, pero a mí se me ha quedado un pelín corto. Creo que es un retelling bastante "correcto" sobre La bella y la bestia. Tenemos al señor enmascarado, en su castillo, que "secuestra" a la chica y se la lleva para que investigue. El museo britántico. Unas momias. unas muertes. Y como no, pues un romance pasional y un asesinato en escena. Creo que tiene buenos elementos y que los evoluciona bien, para mí el problema está en que no me ha emocionado. No tiene nada que no me haya gustado, pero tampoco hay nada que me haya encantado.
  
  Creo que si os gustan los retellings de época, con un caso de asesinato de por medio, esa época del museo británico con el expolio de Egipto y de más.. os gustará más que a mí.
• 
  Sarah Mac

  DNF, roughly 40%.
  
  I should’ve loved this—Neo-gothic-romance! Victoriana! Archaeology! Rude hero!—but it was so incredibly boring. Stuff happened, sorta…but I didn’t care because (again) so incredibly boring. Even the smallest thing took forfuckingever to move forward, & I’m at a loss as to how so much plot could be rendered in such a lackluster fashion. It’s hard to describe, really. 😶 It’s not that there was too much going on, or that the bones of the plot were uninteresting, but that it was so slowly unveiled that I didn’t care either way—intriguing or not, it was just fucking dull. And Brian’s suspicions of Camille were so OTT ludicrous—not to mention that stupid mask he insisted on wearing for no believable reason—that I couldn’t respect him or find him appealing, even though I generally like vengeful asshole heroes. The key is their suspicions being logical, or at least plausible; Brian’s bitchy behavior toward Camille was neither, & just made me impatient with his idiocy.
  
  Frankly, I’m tired of wasting time on this…so I’m done. Standard 2-star DNF. (And why is it called a Regency trilogy when it’s set after the Ripper murders?)
• 
  Zoe

  This is a very funny book, I kind of laughed through the book because of its absurdity. It’s kind of gothic, kind of a mystery and kind of a parody, considering how many exclamation marks were used. I wouldn’t call it a romance, really. It’s a gothic novel with light romance elements sprinkled here and there. Camille was raised by her guardian, who was a knight but also a thief. She was a self taught Egyptologist and was apparently good at what she did and she worked at the British Museum. Entered Brian Stirling, Earl of Carlyle, whose parents died of asps bites. He believed it to be murders. At the same time he was supposed to be “disfigured” and he wore a animal print mask (that’s right, an animal print mask, guy was at the top of this fashion game). Somehow Brian and Camille met through an idiotic act of Camille’s guardian. And Brian thought to use Camille in his quest for justice for his parents’ death.
  
  This book reads like a gothic novel written to entertain young girls in cotton day dresses. A beast who wasn’t a beast at all, whose disfigurement was a farce and his handsome face was finally revealed to the beauty and they lived happily ever after. If one reads this book not expecting a good romance, this book has its saving graces. A young girl of 15 would probably find this book exciting. It isn’t a bad book and I did finish reading it so I am giving it 3 stars.
• 
  Romance_reader

  Boring.
• 
  LUNA

  Uno de los mejores retelling de la bella y la bestia que he leído en romántica
  Esta muy bien integrado el cuento en la época y en la conducta de los personajes.
  Es un libro romántico pero con un alto grado de misterio. Los padres de Brian murieron y el esta convencido que fue asesinado y lleva un año moviéndose en las sombras buscando su asesino además sus padre era egiptólogos y algo tubo que pasar en su ultimo descubrimiento, el no sabe como ni porque pero gracias al destino Camille se meterá de lleno en su vida y justos intentaran resolver un gran misterio, lo malo es que él tiene el rostro desfigurado y se le ha agriado el carácter y ella pase lo que pase quiere ser libre en todos los aspectos. Hacen una pareja maravillosa, si que peca de no contar las cosas pero claro para mantener el misterio y la tensión entre ellos hay cosas que se guardan para el final y aunque se nota el truqui no rechina y no me ha molestado en absoluto.
  Este libro lo he desfrutado demasiado
  Adoro la atmosfera que crea, entre piezas y hallazgos egipcios, adoro cuando el romance y el misterio se unen y este me ha tenido muy intrigada además que la tensión mantenida por los personajes me mantenido super enganchada
• 
  ChloeLeeNH

  I thought this book was very good. The mystery was a good part of the story and that kept it moving forward. And truthfully I chose the wrong antagonist a few times LOL. I do like the fact that Shannon Drake played on the
  Beauty and the Beast theme. I liked the Egyptian history through out. I wondered time and again what people had knowledge of during the late Victorian age.
• 
  Ana María

  Primero, no hay baile de máscaras.
  La máscara la usa Brian, nuevo conde de Stirling, debido a una cicatriz recibida en una batalla en la India.
  Estamos a finales del siglo XIX. Las mujeres ya están entrando lentamente en el mercado laboral. Camille es una huérfana que gracias a su tutor, Sir Tristan, ha adquirido una basta cultura que le permitió conseguir un puesto de ayudante en la sección egiptología del museo británico.
  Los padres de Brian eran nobles muy aficionados a la arqueología y habían descubierto la tumba de un sumo sacerdote en Egipto. Cuando estaban catalogando los tesoros encontrados, murieron atacados por una áspid un año atrás. Como la tumba tenía escrita una maldición, todos pensaron que se había cumplido.
  Pero Brian piensa que hubo algo más, que posiblemente fueron asesinados, y está llevando investigaciones para descubrir la verdad. El azar, o no tanto, hacen que Brian se encuentre con Camille y él considere que ella puede ser útil en la investigación.
  Y en esta historia tenemos sobre todo misterio, suspenso.
  ¿Mataron realmente a los pares de Brian? ¿O es una fantasía de su perturbada mente?
  ¿Quiénes pudieron haberlo hecho? ¿La sospechosa ama de llaves? ¿El director de la sección egiptología del museo? ¿Algún otro lord que formaba parte de la expedición? ¿Otros empleados?
  Es un ida y vuelta constante en que recién al final descubriremos cuál es la verdad.
  Un castillo que parece embrujado, momias, personajes siniestros, contrabando de antigüedades, etc.
  Estuvo muy entretenida aunque no es perfecta, me gustó bastante.
  Una de las cosas que me chirriaron es que Camille afloje tan pronto con Brian porque, si una tiene miedo que el galán esté un poco loco ¿se largaría a una aventura? mmm
  Varias escenas hot
• 
  Sherly Nyo

  So this one took me a long time to finish. It was a mystery - that bit was interesting. However, I did not appreciate the romance bit - there was none! I mean, sure the Hero was into the heroine vice versa but I did not feel their chemistry, even the bedroom scenes were PG13!!!
  Too long. A bit tedious and no pull factor.
• 
  Ashley

  When I thought of historical romance before I actually got into the genre, this is exactly what I expected. The leads were Overly Dramatic!! And so!!! Many!!! Exclamation points!!! Were used!!! The awkward dialogue was fortunately balanced by a somewhat interesting plot. Also the sex scenes were so blah I skimmed them all. All of them!
• 
  Maya

  4.5 stars. This was a fascinating rendition of the classic Beauty and the Beast story. The added mystery element brought an interesting level of intrigue and romance.
  
  The Earl of Carlyle is a man scarred, both emotionally and physically, by the deaths of his beloved parents during an archeological excavation in Egypt. Ever since he gathered information that leads him to believe that they were murdered, he is consumed by the need for vengeance. And, Camille Montgomery, the unsuspecting pawn in this deadly game of justice, must work with the earl to discover the truth about what really happened on that fateful day in Egypt. Their journey through the streets of London and the ballrooms of high society, leads to them solving the greatest mystery of all, the mystery of true love.
  
  I really enjoyed this book, especially the mystery element of the storyline. I was constantly trying to figure out who the murderer was. The author did a good job of keeping me guessing. The hero was good and caring. His passion for solving the murder was admirable and I did not mind that he wore a mask. The mask gave him a sense of darkness and intrigue that may not have been achieved otherwise. The heroine was a bit hard-headed (actually, a lot hard-headed!) at times but otherwise pleasant as well.
  
  The reason I did not give it 5 stars was because there were too many characters to keep track of. As well, I felt like the romance was not really cultivated naturally. The romance took a backseat to the mystery.
• 
  Mariah

  This book was utterly delightful! The mystery was so good that I kept guessing till the story flat out told me. That doesn't happen very often! Camille is a smart woman. She taught herself things that are hard to do all by herself! And the Earl! He is also smart, but bitter and determined to find his parents murderers. Together they make a powerful pair and as mysteries begin to unravel they become lovers of the highest order. Yet strangely they continue to doubt one another's motives and actions. Which I can't help but understand - how can you trust someone who doesn't admit the complete truth in what one knows. Yet Brian has never lied to her. Can their hearts be trusted to know the truth?
• 
  Iola

  Not exactly sure why this is a 'Regency Trilogy' when it features Queen Victoria (after Prince Albert died), which clearly places it at least sixty years after the Regency.
  
  As a romance, it didn't work for me. Not enough buildup or tension between the lead couple. But it was an excellent gothic mystery, featuring museums, mummies, a masked man and ancient Egyptian curses. So 2 stars for the romance and 4 stars for the mystery average out at 3.
• 
  KathyNV

  This was a fun and suspenseful read! The mysterious and feared Earl of Carlyle (Brian) is on a mission to solve the death of his parents and the curse that is now on his family’s head. Camille Montgomery is desperate to save the life of her guardian (Tristan) a war hero currently a little down on his luck. He is caught bungling an attempt to breach the Carlyle estate. Egyptian antiquities, misunderstandings, vengeance, trust and family each play a role in this highly entertaining romp. Camille is headstrong, independent and reactionary. Her job at the Museum is her life blood. The Earl is just as headstrong but his military training has moulded him into a planner and calculating protector of those he values. When these two fire kegs meet and begin to attempt to work together to solve the mystery surrounding Brian’s parents death the repartee, tension and chemistry are explosive and so fun to watch! This was a great read and I highly recommend it!
• 
  Taylyn

  This was an okay novel
  
  Tropes/character types: Beauty and the beast, independent woman, class difference
  
  This was an interesting book it had mystery as a main plot point with bits of beauty and the beast inside as well. The hero wore a literal mask and a figurative one as well. I am now interested in reading more Shannon Drake.
  
  I would read this again but it would not be on the top of my list I gave it 3 stars and a 7/10 just below my standard.
  
  Okay but seriously the set back is beautiful.
• 
  Anna McFadden

  Camille Montgomery is aware of the wicked man's reputation as the Beast of Carlyle, but he is actually is the Lord is Carlyle. But because she is an expert in antiquities, Camille also knows that his family's Egyptian artifacts are the finest in England. The problem is, her wayward stepfather knows this, too—and he's determined to steal them. So when he's caught in the act of robbing the so-called Beast of Carlyle's home, Camille must swallow her fear and boldly confront the man whose mask is said to hide a face to behold. The Earl of Caryle has lived behind the walls of his estate ever since the death of his parents. He never stop looking into what happen that faithful night because he doesn't believe it was an accident. He decides to use Camille as a pawn but will he lose his heart along the way
• 
  Christine

  I'm such a sucker for any Beauty and The Beast retelling, but truly, this one is horrible. The writing, the plot, the character development, conflict, setting, description, dialog ... it was all seriously found lacking.
• 
  Susan

  This book seems to be a romance, but it's mostly a mystery. And a rather long one. With so many suspects it's hard to keep track. A nice happy ending, but I don't think I'll return to this author.
• 
  Alicia King Hatch

  DNF. The writing style was just so bad. The dialogue stilted.
• 
  Barbara

  
  http://podkoldra-deana.blogspot.com/2...
• 
  Nicki

  “I’ve not ventured out to find a proper wife, I’m afraid. I don’t believe I’m quite ready for that, though I must say, were I looking for a bride, I’d far prefer she love the man and not the manor.”
  Brian Stirling
  
  “The sins of the parent do not fall upon the offspring.”
  Brian Stirling
• 
  Victoria

  I would have given this book five stars, except that the Earl's disfigurement was really disappointing. And if you know how big of a phantom of the opera fan I am, then you know that that's really something. LOL.
  Disappointing hideous face aside, the Earl was quite likable. In fact, all of the characters were so perfectly likable or loatheable that I think I may have found a new favorite historical-romance author. I can hardly wait to find time to get to the next book in this trilogy. I actually have many of her books on my to-read list, but this was the first one I actually picked up. I am so glad it did not disappoint.
  Also earning this only four stars, the romance was really a little flat for me. I didn't find it as exciting as the mystery that Camille and Brian (the Earl) were trying to solve. I think it moved rather too quickly, and I thought Camille was being a bit reckless in doing so, so soon. I only remember them having one serious talk together and then the next "night-meeting" they had, they were together. I would have liked to see their relationship develop a bit more and see more of an attraction between them.
  I wasn't expecting all of the mystery in this book, I loved it. It was chilling and not overdone, and as usual is the case with me for killers, I was shocked to find out who it was. To be honest, I never really try to figure it out, to make the moment it is revealed that much better for myself. I do think the author did a good job with presenting so many suspects to choose from. I think that even if I were really trying to figure it out, I still wouldn't have put my finger on the right person.
  Overall this was a pleasing first read by possibly a new favorite author.
• 
  Tonileg

  Just read
  Reckless which is the second book in this series which I liked when I noticed that I own a kindle version of this first book in the series!
  YAY! Going to read it today.
  We get a peek at Sir Hunter, but no sign of Lady Margaret although there is a ball and lots of opportunities at the Museum. Miss Camille Montgomery has made a good life for herself, although it is very precarious because she is had to fudge her past a bit to get the prestigious job at the Museum in the Egyptian department. We get the mystery of missing Egyptian artifacts at the same time of the crazy Beast of Carlyle who is seeking the truth about the death of his beloved parents.
  Camille was great in
  Reckless so it isn't surprising that her own story is good, too.
  Cute story, but I liked
  Reckless better, it might be the road trip aspect.
  384 pages and kindle freebie
  3 stars
• 
  Sabrina (Soter) Sally

  "Brian era riuscito a diventare tutto il suo mondo e lei era pronta a rischiare la vita per lui."
  
  Antichità egizie,un complotto,un assassino spietato, un misterioso castello, un'affascinante "Bestia" e una ragazza bella e coraggiosa... con questi ingredienti era praticamente impossibile che il libro non mi piacesse ed infatti l'autrice ha creato una storia piena di fascino e mistero. La parte gialla è davvero intrigata, ci sono molti personaggi sospetti e fino alla fine è impossibile capire chi sia l'assassino, Camille stessa non sa di chi fidarsi e il comportamento ambiguo dello stesso conte non è certo d'aiuto XD Il rapporto tra i due è condito da litigi alternati a notti di passione, entrambi hanno un carattere forte e inizialmente non riescono a fidarsi l'uno dell'altra, lui la ricatta e la usa come spia e lei pur dovendo in parte piegarsi alle sue richieste è infuriata e allo stesso tempo affascinata dai penetranti occhi azzurri che svela la maschera. I richiami alla Bella e la Bestia (la cosa della maschera mi ricordava il fantasma dell'Opera *__*) sono stati la ciliegina sulla torta, avrei voluto un vero e proprio epilogo ma nel complesso è stata una bella lettura! *_*
• 
  Nicole

  Somehow I hadn't realized when I picked this up that it was by the author of
  When We Touch. The books are tenuously connected; this volume references the Ripper murders that feature so prominently in When We Touch, and the baby from that book appears here as a young girl. (Which makes me wonder if Drake has plans for her as an adult...)
  
  I liked this novel but I had trouble completely immersing myself in it. I had trouble believing that the British Museum would allow a woman of the period, especially one with Camille's background, to work there in any capacity. I also had trouble buying into her relationship with Brian.
  
  I also think Drake had a few too many secondary characters. The result was that the secondary romance (Tristan and Evelyn) was hard to buy into and I had trouble telling many of the other secondary characters apart. There were just so many that it became hard to keep track.
  
  And, like most of the other commenters, I think the mask was just silly.
• 
  Falina

  Wicked was entertaining, but not nearly as angsty as I would have preferred. The intelligent, analytic hero and heroine, so like the characters in Amanda Quick novels, give the book a lightheartedness it might not have otherwise had, since the subject matter is pretty dark. The novel centers on a man whose parents had been murdered and who, when hearing of their deaths, went berserk on the battlefield and apparently disfigured himself so much that he's worn a mask ever since. It was the mask that sold me on the book in the first place. Something about a man in a mask...mmm. After all, all romance heroes are wearing masks, aren't they? There are a lot of Beauty and the Beast moments in this novel, which I enjoyed, and the Ancient Egypt angle is always fun. If it had only been a bit more dark, a bit more tortured, this could definitely have become one of my favourites.
• 
  Holly Full Moon Bites Book Reviews

  I absolutely loved this book! It really reminded me of Beauty and the Best in a lot of ways, which wasn't a bad thing as I loved the movie and still do!
  
  "The Earl was known as a Beast"
  
  I loved the Egyptian history that was woven into the book. I think the Earl played the part of Beast wonderfully, while all along searching for his parents murder! Then in comes Camille, I found her to be a wonderful heroin and even though I found some things in this book silly like the mask I still couldn't find it in myself to actually not like it! I think the mystery was still very intriguing and I picked the wrong person as murder over and over again!
  I think this book is a definite must read for anyone who watched and loved Beauty and the Best and loved a good historical mystery.
• 
  Megan

  “Wicked” by Shannon Drake is the first in a trilogy. I accidently read the second one first, “Reckless,” which was very good. The last one in the trilogy is “Beguiled.” “Wicked,” in my opinion, was terrible. It is supposed to be a Victorian era “Beauty and the Beast” with one heck of a mystery. Well, I hate to be hard on one of my favorite authors, but if you want to read a “
  Beauty and the Beast” take off, then I suggest Teresa Medeiros “The Bride and the Beast,” “Tapestry” by Karen Ranney, or “Moonlight Masquerade” by Michelle Kasey.