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Ways to Be Wicked
384 pages
A fiery, banter-filled historical romance set against the boisterous backdrop of the London theater.
What it feels like
This historical romance sweeps readers into the lively, unconventional world of the nineteenth-century London theater, trading stuffy ballrooms for bawdy stage wings and passionate artistic temperaments. The pacing is brisk and dialogue-heavy, driven by the crackling, combative chemistry between a fiercely independent ballerina and a charmingly cynical impresario. The prose sparkles with sharp wit and playful banter, yet anchors the theatricality with genuine emotional depth as both characters confront their hidden vulnerabilities. The mood is boisterous and sensual, wrapping the reader in a vibrant atmosphere where every interaction feels like a high-stakes performance. It is a perfect match for readers who crave historical romances with bohemian settings, fiery protagonists, and a deeply satisfying journey from stubborn rivalry to profound, trusting love.
- Mood
- lively
- romantic
- sensual
- boisterous
- Tone
- witty
- playful
- passionate
- theatrical
- Pace
- brisk
- Themes
- artistic passion · vulnerability and trust · theatrical found family · unearthing hidden pasts
- The writing
- Sparkling and dialogue-driven, with a sharp wit that balances the underlying emotional intensity.
- The arc
- Moves from a clash of fiery, independent wills to a deeply vulnerable surrender as two guarded artists learn to trust each other.
- Who it's for
- Readers who love historical romances featuring fiercely independent heroines, charmingly roguish heroes, and the lively, unconventional backdrop of the nineteenth-century theater.
Content notes
- explicit sexual content
- abandonment themes
About the book
Sylvie Lamoureux is the darling of the Paris ballet, renowned for her beauty and passionate dedication to her art. But when a mysterious letter sends her across the English Channel, she finds herself literally landing in the lap of one of London's most notorious men.
With a face that has charmed many a London lady, theater impresario Tom Shaughnessy is used to women falling into his arms. But from the moment this feisty young Frenchwoman leaps into his carriage, he senses he's met his rival in wit, daring...and sensuality.
When fate pulls Sylvie into the bawdy world of Tom's theater, a desire neither of them fully expects threatens to upend their well-laid plans. But the past Sylvie never knew she had will force her to make a decision. She can either let it bring down the curtain on their fiery pas de deux...or trust this wicked man with her heart.
Description from Open Library.
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