The Wicked Sister (Blackhaven Brides Book 14)

Lady Maria has decided not to marry. After an unfortunate incident last year, she is now returning home during the season due to an overzealous suitor. Once at home, she meets her brother's secretary, Michael Hanson, and despite the difference in their stations, the two strike up a friendship. Soon, they are joined in common cause — Lady Maria is being blackmailed by an unscrupulous former suitor and seeks out Michael's assistance. At the same time, the two learn of a plot to undermine Wellington by sowing dissension at home through political pamphlets that could implicate Michael. As the two navigate complications from an attempted kidnapping, a government agent and even accusations of treason, they slowly fall in love. Can Lady Maria make Michael see that class does not matter, when they are meant for one another?

"The Wicked Sister" is a winning entry as the final book in the Blackhaven Bride series! Lady Maria is young at 17 and Michael at 24, yet both seem older and wiser than their years. Although Michael is engaged, this is not a love triangle. It is a delight to watch Lady Maria and Michael's relationship evolve from friendship to love. The intrigue surrounding incendiary political speech as a means of undermining troop morale was a fascinating backdrop to the story. The addition of blackmail and attempted kidnapping ratchet up the excitement and suspense. Fans will enjoy revisiting characters from previous stories, but this can be confusing for a first-time reader to the series. Overall, "The Wicked Sister" delivers a sweetly satisfying romance with characters that will capture the heart!

Tricia Hill