Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 stars" Yes, One Wicked Night"
Reviewed in the United States ๐บ๐ธ on June 18, 2012
Serena Mary Elizabeth Boyce is the Duchess of Warrington. Her husband Cyrus is the Duke of Warrington. Serena and Cyrus have been married for three years and haven't been able to consummate their marriage. Cyrus is thirty-two years older than Serena. Before he married Serena he came down with a fever that left him impotent. Cyrus married Serena and was almost certain he couldn't perform. He convinced himself his ability would come back with a young wife. Cyrus needs an heir to maintain the dukedom and to protect his heritage. The next in line for the dukedom is Cyrus's slippery nephew Alastair, a drunk, skirt chaser and gambler.
Serena didn't want to be like her mother. Her mother did more than flirt with every man who turned his head in her direction and consequently was shunned by the ton as a result. Serena spent most of her life in Sussex with her Aunt, living in a religious study. Serena, with only days coming out for her first season, quietly married Cyrus.
Cyrus asked the unthinkable of Serena to take a lover to conceive and produce a heir to carry on his dukedom. Serena went with her friends Melanie and their escort Lord Highbridge to Vauxhall Gardens. Serena was getting ready to watch a performance when everyone was pushing. She felt a strong hand clamped her wrist and dragged her into the bushes. Serena screamed, but there was so much activity going on at the gardens that she wasn't sure if anyone heard her. Serena's attacker worn a mask and held her at knife point while he took her money and jewelry.
Lucien Clayborne, Marquess of Daneridge, rescued Serena from her attacker. Serena was emotionally upset because her attacker could have killed her if it weren't for Lucien. Serena and Lucien had an instant mutual physical attraction. Serena couldn't find her friends. Lucien offered to give her a ride. He took Serena to his home. One Wicked Night turned into a mutual seduction.
This was my first book reading of Shelley Bradley. She did an exceptional job with the main characters, Serena and Lucien. I liked how Lucien matured throughout the book. He was protective of Serena. She had several attempts on her life. It took a while for Lucien to get over the fact that she committed adultery. Lucien divorced his first wife when she ran off with his best friend to Italy. He was consistently comparing Serena with his first wife. Lady Serena's character role was outstanding. She was a devoted wife to the duke for three years.
I recommend One Wicked Night. Adult theme with explicit sex.