Too Wicked to Kiss

Ridley’s debut is an enticing marriage of Regency romance and murder mystery. Desperate to escape her abusive stepfather, Evangeline Pemberton runs to family friend Lady Stanton, whose daughter, Susan, was recently disgraced. Unable to marry a reputable man, Susan wants to snare Gavin Lioncroft, owner of gloomy Blackberry Manor and reputed murderer, and she demands Evangeline’s help. When Evangeline meets Gavin, she is surprised by their mutual attraction and shocked to find that her psychic visions vanish when she touches him. After a mysterious death occurs in Blackberry Manor, Evangeline uses her gift to unearth the true culprit. Evangeline, a young yet determined heroine, is the true star of the novel as she allows herself to love while making serious plans for her future. Plenty of violence, romantic tension, and sensual love scenes will leave readers eager for the sequel. (Mar.)