On a Wicked Dawn
Avon, May, 2002.
Paperback, 421 pages.
ISBN: 0060002050
Subgenre: Historical
Lucien Ashford has finally righted his family's finances,
after years of near-penury caused by his profligate
father. When he returns to his London townhome
after a night of celebration, he finds his old friend
Amelia Cynster on his doorstep. Amelia is quite wealthy
and has always been in love with Lucien. She has
found out about his family's difficult circumstances,
and sees her chance. She offers to marry him, and to
bail him out financially. She also agrees to a marriage
of convenience -- no love is necessary. Lucien decides to take her up
on her offer, realizing that he's always cared for Amelia.
But he doesn't tell her that he doesn't need her money.
Instead, he determines that she will fall in love with him.
They agree to publicly court for four weeks to avoid a
scandal, and then to wed. Because the couple is working
at cross purposes, their courtship is quite funny.
Lucien and Amelia both strive to get the other to admit that he/she
is really in love, and not just interested in a marriage
of convenience, and they both decide to use seduction
as a way to force the issue. Which of these two hardheaded
people will crack first under the pressure? And what kind of
fireworks will ensue when the mutual deceptions are
revealed?
On a Wicked Dawn is wicked good fun. Amelia, twin of Amanda whose story was detailed in On a Wild Night, is supposed to be the logical one in the family and her determination to snag the man she loves under cover of society's rules provides for some very entertaining reading. Lucien is just as strong-willed, and he also has an appealing sense of humor. With steamy love scenes and quick-witted dialogue, this is another welcome entry in the popular Cynster series.
On a Wicked Dawn is available for purchase on Amazon.com
Note: We may receive a commission from sales made through product links in this article.
This review was published in the July-August, 2002 of The Internet Writing Journal.
Copyright © Writers Write, Inc. All Rights Reserved.