Her Wicked Ways by Darcy Burke

Summary:

She was his savior
Banished from London for her reckless behavior, Lady Miranda Sinclair is robbed by a dashing highwayman en route to the country. By offering him a kiss in lieu of the jewels she had to leave behind, she commits the very type of act that caused her exile. When her dour guardians extend her punishment to performing charitable work at the local orphanage, she’s further tempted by the home’s owner, a provincial gentleman who stirs her passion in a most wicked way.

He was her downfall
Desperate to save his orphanage from financial catastrophe, Montgomery "Fox" Foxcroft leads a double life as a highwayman. The arrival of wealthy, well-connected Miranda, whose kiss he can’t forget, presents a lawful opportunity to increase his coffers. His problems seem solved—until she rejects his suit. Out of options and falling for the heiress, Fox must risk what principles he has left and take advantage of her wicked ways—even if it ruins them both.

 Reviewer: Dolce Amore

The first time Montgomery Foxcroft and Lady Miranda Sinclair meet, he is robbing the coach she is in. Although he is doing it because he needs money for his orphanage, he cannot refuse the kiss she wants to trade in exchange for her valuable things. However, she has nothing of value, her parents have exiled her to Wiltshire and left her penniless as punishment. He is charmed by the beautiful siren in front of him.

“Are you here to steal our money or gape?”

Fox wanted to knock his head against a tree. This wasn’t like him. Mentally undressing  hapless females whilst he stole their valuables. He had to keep his wits about him.

Their first meeting finishes with:

“Until next time, then?”

Fox chuckled. Incomparable. “Pray, my lady, there isn’t a next time.”

In the end, Fox gets from her just hairpins and a couple of biscuits.

When Fox has to decide between robbing another mark or marring Miranda, she appears to him to be a rich and spoiled heiress. He decides to go with the second option, although he doesn't have a wife, especially after Jane— a past lover, is forced by her father to marry another man, Mr. Stratham. He reckons if he falls in love with Miranda and she doesn’t choose him, he will be heartbroken.

Miranda—just thinking her name filled his brain with the memory of spicy orange scent, soft curves, and delicious lips.

For Miranda, living with the Carmodys, cousins to Miranda's mother, has become a nightmare; no reading, no riding, no fruits in the morning, she has to work at the local orphanage and she has to wake up at eight in the morning. But Miranda was sent there by her parents to better herself. She’s a spoiled brat and the hope is to break her of her impetuous, scandalous behavior and then return to London a regretful and rehabilitated young woman. And help Beatrice, their daughter, find a husband.

When Fox loses hope of marrying Miranda he risks being the highwayman again. However, what he gets is not nearly enough of what he needs, so Fox decides to compromise Miranda.

The wild lady from London starts to change. She loves spending her time with the children and she learns from them as much they learn from her.  And when Miranda's parents come to visit her, declaring she will be married soon with somebody they have chosen, she wants to defend Wootton Bassett and its inhabitants.  

“Do remember what your father said. Don’t encourage Mr. Stratham or any other socially inferior gentlemen you may encounter.”

Miranda has decided to find a way for raising the money to fix the roof. She organizes a benefit and sells some of Fox's tapestries. Still, when a lord doesn't pay, he decides to take what was his; and he gets caught. Now he has to unmask the greedy lord for having collected tributes for him. And not just that, he has to convince Miranda's parents to let her marry him.

I loved the book: interesting storyline, wonderful characters and a touch of humor, it kept my attention from the start.

“My father is the Duke of Holborn. I wouldn’t recognize a louse if it appeared at my mother’s bi-weekly tea and engaged my father in a political debate.”

We have Miranda, who changes from a superficial young lady to a wonderful and kind woman.  And Fox who tries to marry Miranda at first because of her money and later because he loves her. I can't wait to read more of Ms. Darcy Burke's books, especially Jasper's, Miranda's brother. 5 stars

Publisher: Intrepid Reads                                
Source:  Author provided for review