Upon a Wicked Time

By Karen Ranney

Book Overview

The triumphant return of a much-beloved Karen Ranney classic, Upon a Wicked Time is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author at her steamy and sensuous best. A wildly romantic, deeply emotional tale of a Regency bride's determined efforts to turn her marriage of convenience into a passionate love match, Upon a Wicked Time is a bravura display of Ranney's exceptional talents--a story and an author Mary Balogh fans are sure to enjoy.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0041Q19MM
• ISBN13: 9780380795833
• Release Date: February 2010
• Publisher: Avon Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.38 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 4.2" x 6.9"

Customer Reviews

If you yearn for a great story... PLEASE READ

I just finished reading "Upon a Wicked Time", By Karen Ranney I almost did not buy this book considering the less than riveting reviews it received. Boy am I glad that I don't judge a book by its cover, or in this case other people's opinion. This was a wonderful, beautifully written, captivating novel. I had to force myself to put the book away so that I could savor it. The love story is realistic in the way that the Hero wasn't the average prototype used in other novels. I have always believed that women are attracted to the bad boys. Jared was bad. At the smae time he was and was not the most popular, nicest, and dangerous. Ranney did not spend many pages explaining on how he was any of these things, from the nonchalant way in which he owned society the reader just knew what sort of person the hero was. Though like many he was a rake, he wasn't the average rake that could easily be reformed. The story, Tessa, the heroine has been in love with Jared since the tender age of sixteen after one stolen kiss. Years later Tessa gets what she has yearned for and becomes Jared's bride. Jared doesn't want to marry, but must if he plans on having an heir to his Dukedom. He weds Tessa and after the wedding night leaves her alone and returns to London to pursue more carnal delights. Tessa follows him into London, and make her presence in his life known and try to have a proper marriage. Jared tries hard to convince her other wise, but does agree to work on conceiving an heir. Yes there were times in the book that I hated Jared, and Tessa more for loving him. Ranney leads you through a wonderful dance of seduction, emotional turmoil, and humor. This book is wonderful. Boo to those who have not given it a chance. It's not their fault they are so use to reading mediocrity that they can't recognize a piece of art unless it comes in the form of "Quin". My only complaint about this book, was that there was no room left for a sequel. Though I am not a huge fan of sequels, especially since after the second one they become repetitive and mostly about revisiting characters from prior novels than really focusing on the plot of the current novel. I would have loved an opportunity to read more about Jared and Tessa.

captivating, beautifully written

Those who skip this book because of the reviews warning against it will miss a wonderfully written novel. It is true that the hero acts very badly towards the heroine (no violence - it is more of an emotional torture, if you will). She follows him into his wicked world, as she wants to get to know the man she has loved for years. He is more than just a little bit frightened of the strength of his feelings for her, and not just the passion either. No, his fear does not excuse the many different ways he tries to push her out of his world, his life and his mind. However, as the book continues, willing readers will see more into our hero's mind, his past and the reasons he feels the need to act as he does. By the end, you are convinced of the happily ever after they will experience, and it was well worth the ride.

Reluctant

I must admit that I hated the hero and had a difficult time trying to find some redeeming qualities. The further I read, the more intrigued I became until I finally realized that I had become very emotionally involved with Tess & Jared. I say good job to the author that she was able to draw me into the story and feel things, anger, disgust and finally joy and relief. Also, this is a story that I remember and have compared to other stories that I have read. That too says that the author has done a good job in telling a memorable story. Other books by Karen Ranney that I would recommend are "After The Kiss," "My Beloved" & "My True Love."

SEDUCTIVE

"It began with shared silences, it grew in shared laughter, it drew on its own strength..." describes not only Ranney's seduction of the reader but also the seduction of Jered (silly man thinks he's doing the seducing). The story begins with a seduction of the reader's senses, then builds, and feeds on itself until the final six words bring the title to its completion. Typical of Ranney's writing style, every word, every image, every page delivers description that feels like silk in a breeze. Tessa is quirky and clever. Jered is virile and tainted. Sensual seduction begins in the prologue. Sexual seduction begins in chapter 1...and doesn't miss a beat or an opportunity to the last page. The picture on the back cover is the first time I have ever thought the models actually resembled a book's characters in appearance, pose, and expression. Be seduced...

Fabulous Read

I have to admit, I stayed up late reading this book. For me the author pushed the envelope of a bad-boy hero, but I found the characterization so fabulously done, that I rooted for the heroine even as I booed the hero. Terrific Job, Karen. You have my nomination for RWA's favorite book of the year.