This is a really quick fun read. First of all - the spice is amazing. There were words I would have chosen differently but my heart definitely skipped a beat a couple times. The characters are all so well written and well fleshed out despite it being such a short book. And the women supporting women energy is amazing in this one. I do think the end was dragged out just a little longer than it needed to be but overall the pacing was also really great. Would highly recommend if you're looking for a fast adventurous romance.

I grew up reading Regency era romances - I actually started reading modern romances pretty recently, like within the last 3-4 years. I received an ARC copy of this book and fell right back into the era like chatting with an old friend. This had everything I loved about the Regency books I used to read - the clothes, the manners, the flowery language - and nothing I didn't. I stopped reading Regencies because of the misogyny and weirdness surrounding sex (weird for a "sex book" as my husband likes to tease me) A Touch Wicked by Katrina Kendrick had none of that. The FMC and all the female side characters had fully built personalities and had thoughts beyond finding a husband and what to wear to the next ball, and the MMC and the other men in the book loved that for them. I adored Alexandra and really want Isabel to have her own story. The reason I read romance is because I know I'm going to get a HEA - but the journey to HEA in this story was unexpected and delightful. 5/5 from me!

James is the the most eligible bachelor but he's enchanted by Emma- a penniless nobody at a masquerade.
Will true love save all?

Love James and Emma together. Wonderful dialogue. Great characters. Love the swoon and steam.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

I really liked this book a lot. I feel like their was so much excitement from start to finish & was not hard to immediately get into ! An I was honestly surprised to have such a big story fit in such a small amount of time ! I do wish there was a little bit more expansion on characters though. But I absolutely love the different point of view perspectives. This was a very well written historical romance but also had a modern vibe to it that it made it easy to put myself in the book ! This book absolutely will be among my favorites reads for 2023!

grumpy Earl x mysterious lady’s maid

Reasons why you should read this book:
✔️ scandalous 🌶️ masquerade
✔️ fmc who takes charge in bed
✔️ grumpy Earl obsessing with his mysterious lady’s maid
✔️ strong female characters all rebelling against societal norms & driving men crazy

Wonderful historical romance that weaves together the story of young Emma lost in London and a stern Earl of Kent who is resigned to a dull life of aristocracy. When their worlds collide there are sparks ✨ and some bangs 🌶️🌶️

Don’t be fooled by the cover! This book is extra spicy 🥵 with heroine taking charge in bed and not being shy about it! Even though this is a historical romance the author used ‘modern’ words to describe all bedroom activities which I really appreciated.

I just loved how obsessed James was with Emma. Both the Emma he knew as a lady’s maid as well as the anonymous seductress Emma he met at the Masquerade 🎭

“We all have our ghosts. Would you like my help with yours?”

“She wanted him to forget her? God, but he wished he could. If only to reclaim some scrap of sanity.”

This is the first book I’ve read from this author and I will definitely add the rest of the series to my TBR.

grumpy x sunshine
boy obsessed
anonymous 🌶️ escapades
forced proximity
interesting side characters

Love Katrina Kendrick books and this was no exception.
Very much looking forward to the rest of the books in the series.
THank you for the early copy!

This was a delightfully spicy little novel!

From my understanding, this was originally released as a novella, but has been re-edited and fleshed out into a full novel for a 2024 re-release.

I must say you could kind of tell that the story had once been much shorter, the characters aren't as detailed as they could be, for example. Did this affect my enjoyment of the book, however? Absolutely not! It was such a fun read and I will definitely be picking up the rest of the series at some point.

I wasn't in love with the missing sister sub-plot, but I think the story needed it to keep the plot ticking along, as the masquerade element, although fun, would not have sustained the whole novel.

Give this one a try if you are a Tessa Dare/ Julia Quinn fan - I'm sure you'll love it.

This is the first book I've read by the author but I know I'll be reading more. The world of the story is very immersive.

4.5 stars

Looks like the start of a series so there's some setting up to be done. Emma is looking for her sister. Her mother died and they were left destitute by the Duke of Southampton. Isabel turned to crime to help feed them and pay medical bills. The mother left an interesting diary. Emma worked at low paid jobs. She goes round to Isabel's appartment and it is trashed. She finds an invite to a masquerade in London and her mother's old diary all hidden in a place only the girls would know. Emma goes to London and gets a job with the Earl of Kent's sister, Alexandra. James is sceptical about Emma but fancies her. James realises he needs to marry even though his brother thinks he's too stuffy. Lots of passion and mystery, including a home office spy, Some of the ideas were a bit over the top I thought James might have realised who Tempest was especially as they were doing some very close physical contact! I'm interested enough to stick with the series and learn more about Isabel, Miss Sheffield & Alexandra. Good start.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Such a good read. Steamy, engaging, with excellent side characters and a touch of mystery, this book is definitely worth a read. Love both Emma and James and enjoyed watching their relationship go from clandestine sex to something more.

4.5 stars rounded to 5. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

This book has such a fun plot NF on cover and I loved getting to get to know everyone who is in the town. can’t wait for what comes next from the author.

This book was so much fun that it made me binge on historic romances! The heroine comes from difficult circumstances, rejected by her biological father, she and her sister did anything they could to survive and help their mother. But when her sister is in danger and goes missing, she goes undercover in a British Lord's house to gain entry to a scandalous masquerade club, which is the only clue she has. She hadn't expect to meet her employer there, nor did she expect to fall into a torrid yet tender affair, all without revealing her identity.
The author develops their relationship so well, paying attention to the power inequality due to her status as a maid and employee. The way the sisters find each other and defeat nefarious forces is another exciting part of the book that makes it a must read.

Thank you NetGalley for a free e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

"A Touch Wicked" by Katrina Kendrick is a captivating historical romance set in the glittering world of London high society, intertwined with the thrills of intrigue and forbidden love. The novel follows the dual perspectives of James, the charming and sought-after Earl of Kent, and Emma Dumont, a woman of modest means who infiltrates the Earl's household to save her sister embroiled in criminal activities.

Kendrick skillfully weaves a tale of mystery and romance against the backdrop of London’s elite and its most scandalous, clandestine club, the Masquerade. The setting is richly detailed, immersing the reader in the opulence and intrigue of the period. James, as London's most eligible bachelor, is a character that combines the allure of wealth and status with a depth that becomes apparent as he becomes entangled with Emma.

Emma's character is particularly well-drawn, portraying her as resourceful and determined, driven by a strong sense of loyalty to her sister. Her struggle to maintain her false identity while working in the Earl's household and her attendance at the infamous masque, where she encounters James under the guise of anonymity, creates a dynamic and compelling narrative.

The romance that unfolds between James and Emma is intense and fraught with the tension of secrets and societal expectations. Kendrick balances the elements of romance and suspense seamlessly, making the story both heart-racing and heartwarming.

However, readers who prefer more conventional historical romances may find the novel's blend of intrigue and criminal undertones a bit unconventional. Additionally, the themes of deception and the high stakes of Emma's mission may add a level of intensity that might not appeal to all.

Content warnings for themes of deception, societal constraints, and criminal activities are appropriate. "A Touch Wicked" will appeal most to readers who enjoy historical romance with a twist of mystery and danger, offering a story that is both romantic and thrilling.

In conclusion, "A Touch Wicked" by Katrina Kendrick is a beautifully crafted novel that offers a mesmerizing blend of romance, mystery, and historical intrigue. Its engaging characters, rich setting, and compelling plot make it a standout read for fans of the genre.

Historical romance with modern sensibilities! This story feels like the Regency equivalent of superhero alter-egos - Emma has to go undercover in the household of the grumpy earl to find her missing sister, but finds her way to the scandalous Masquerade house in her investigation. Naturally the earl is there and falls for her. They have a unique opportunity to get to know each other in all ways - in the spicy, she-takes-charge, masked in bed way and the polite society, get-to-know-the-person way. This has great moments of action and suspense, a plucky feminist sidekick in the earl's younger sister, and fabulous appeal for modern audiences.

This was so much fun! Since watching A Cinderella Story I admit I’ve never understood how you could not recognise someone with just a mask on, but I’m willing to suspend that disbelief for this lovely, cosy read

This was cute, silly, and steamy! It interested me enough I’ll go back and read the other books and it seemed like it opens up lots of possibilities for future books as well. Definitely a good snack-sized romance!

Scandalous, adventurous, love, and steamy love scenes.

All around fun book with so many actions and I was surprised by the unexpected adventure I was taken throughout the book. It was an action-filled and love-spent book.
Add this to your TBR 2024 lists, you will not be disappointed.

Kendrick did a great job at giving depth to the characters and relationships despite the shorter read. I loved the banter between Emma and James. Also I loved both of their sisters characters who I would love to read about in future novels!

It was such a good story. Specially if you like me love an offer from a gentleman by Julia Quinn.
I love hr and love at first sight. Give me more man being losers in love.
Also I loved the whole mystery too

Thank you so much to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the free copy provided in exchange for an honest review! :)
Okay I usually despise romance short stories/ prequels because they always feel too short and that there is never enough room for proper character development or a development of the relationship itself...... But I really loved this!
I went in without knowing anything about the series at all (my fault for requesting ARCs purely because they have pretty covers and not checking if it's a series) but I still had the time of my life, and now I am seriously considering reading the rest of the series despite my very long tbr.
The characters were adventurous and funny, I loved all the banter and overly independent and slightly criminal women-- I want to be Emma, Alexandra and Isabel when I grow up, they are much cooler than I could ever dream of being.
It was really a fantastic quick and fun read (I literally finished in in like an hour or two), a perfect addition if you're trying to get to your reading goal for the year and want some fun romance- definitely recommend.

A Touch Wicked

Rating: 4/5
Spice rating: 3/5

I thoroughly enjoyed this novella! It was deliciously steamy and I loved the little taste of mystery there was throughout the book. Grumpy Earl of Kent meets mystery lady’s maid was absolute perfection, I couldn’t stop reading and I kept saying “just one more chapter!” Emma and James are just 😍😍😍. Their chemistry was through the roof and I couldn’t get enough of their story. Alexandra was an amazing character who I adored as well!

I do wish we got a little more insight into Isabel’s life but being a novella and only 230 pages, I thought the plot was great and went at a good pace.

I hope to read more from this author in the future!

The chemistry between the main characters is great in this one! The plot and writing kept me in the story and wanting to read "one more chapter". The side characters were some of my favorites, I'd love books on the siblings. No spoilers but certain aspects of the plot felt far-fetched or I would have rated this book higher.

A hidden gem among spicy regency romance books. I hope more people find this book, BookTok would love it!

Emma Dumont is desperate to save her wayward sister, with only a mysterious invitation to a Masquerade as any clue as to where she could be. Employed under the handsome Earl of Kent, she is torn between her growing feelings for James and her true mission. With both attending the illusive party, their attraction becomes irresistible.

This book was so much fun. I loved the characters, their dialogue was witty and charming, and I found myself laughing out loud throughout the book. James and Emma’s romance was very spicy and seductive, many would enjoy how quickly and often these two interact. I wish the story was longer! I wanted more scenes with James’ siblings and Emma’s life as a lady’s maid. I couldn’t get enough! This book and its series could be the next Bridgerton, I’m sure of it.

Thank you to Netgalley and Aria & Aries for this ARC.

"A Touch Wicked" by Katrina Kendrick is a captivating historical romance that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the secret and dangerous world of London's elite. Set against the backdrop of the enticing Masquerade, where the only rules are to depart by morning and never reveal one's true identity, the story unravels the lives of two individuals who find themselves entangled in a web of deadly secrets and forbidden desire. At the center of the narrative is James, the Earl of Kent, a man who embodies everything a debutante dreams of in a prospective husband. Handsome, wealthy, and with a reputation that precedes him, James is London's most eligible bachelor. However, his encounter with a mysterious beauty at an illicit club sparks not only his fascination but also an intense intrigue, as he soon discovers that she is harboring dangerous secrets. Enter Emma Dumont, a young woman of modest means who is driven to desperate measures in order to protect her criminal sister. With a determination to save her sibling, Emma cunningly infiltrates the earl's household, assuming a false identity. But when a clue leads her to a scandalous masque, she finds herself irresistibly drawn to her handsome employer, torn between her duty and the undeniable attraction that simmers between them. As the plot thickens, and Emma's sister's crimes threaten to expose her deception, she becomes embroiled in a brutal conspiracy that forces her to confront the truth. With the truth comes danger, as she discovers that the deadly secrets she carries are intertwined with the lives of those around her. Kendrick masterfully crafts a tale of suspense, romance, and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the treacherous waters of deception and unbridled passion. Kendrick's writing style is engaging and immersive, transporting readers to the vividly depicted world of Regency-era London. Her attention to detail brings the setting to life, from the opulent ballrooms to the dimly lit backstreets, creating an atmospheric backdrop for the unfolding events. The characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional, with their internal struggles adding depth and complexity to the story. Readers will find themselves deeply invested in the fate of James and Emma as they navigate the dangerous undercurrents of society while battling their own personal demons. "A Touch Wicked" is a page-turning romance novel that seamlessly blends elements of mystery, suspense, and passion. Kendrick's skillful storytelling keeps readers captivated from the first page to the last, as the plot twists and turns, revealing shocking secrets and unexpected alliances. Fans of historical romance will find themselves thoroughly entertained by this enthralling tale of love, betrayal, and the lengths one will go to protect those they hold dear. In conclusion, "A Touch Wicked" is a compelling and enthralling historical romance that delivers on both suspense and passion. Kendrick's masterful storytelling and well-crafted characters make this novel a must-read for fans of the genre. With its intricate plot, evocative setting, and irresistible chemistry between the protagonists, this book is sure to leave readers eagerly awaiting Kendrick's next literary offering.

Thank you NetGalley and Aria and Aries for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

A Touch Wicked is luckily more than just a touch wicked. It’s decadent fantasies and lamp lit assignations that are sexy enough to have you hot and bothered. Add in some witty banter and I was more than happy for it to have its wicked way with me.

A touch wicked has been adapted from a short story to a longer novel and it does sometimes feel like there’s two stories being crammed into the one. First we have a story of spies and lost sisters snd dastardly assailants. Secondly we have a story of hidden identities and lots of sex. They fit together and then sometimes parts just feel like they’re tacked on.

I really enjoyed the dialogue in this novel. There’s an enjoyable back and forth which is actually pretty sexy. And I think the author has used the more old fashioned language really deftly and in a modern way.

What she also writes really well is sex. Some authors just have it and Kendrick does it so well. It’s sexy, it’s intimate. Sometimes it’s soft and other times it’s intense. There’s one scene where Emma is describing a fantasy she has and it was hot! Also when they have desperate makeup sex after everything comes out, spice!

The Masquerade where James and Emma begin their sexual relationship is a decadent twist. I can’t quite believe that he wouldn’t recognise Emma without the mask outside of the Masquerade , but I’m still here for the debauchery of it.

There were a few things that didn’t sit quite right. First, she moves countries, and jobs to find her sister all because of an invitation that she finds. Um, if her sister doesn’t have the invite then she can’t get in, so why should she search for her there. I think there needs to be more to send her across the Channel. Maybe a note saying, meet me at the Masquerade with a date?

Her connection to the Duke of Sutherland is also just mentioned in one line when I feel like it could be shown better. Lots of telling, not showing in that bit.

The ending also seemed to go on for a bit too long. He confesses love and she says no, he confesses love again and she says no, he confesses love again and she says no, he confesses love again and she says no, and then… he confesses love again and she suddenly thinks ‘I deserve happiness’ and says yes. Maybe the epiphany needed to be more resounding after all the nos.

Overall I really enjoyed A Touch Wicked. There were some really well written moments and some deft handling of the historical setting. There’s a few things that could be fixed to make it really excellent.

I so love how author digs deep into her characters, showing them honestly and authentically, to find what can hold a relationship together when ugly truths might threaten to pull it apart. The writing, the plot, the characters almost everything was top notch!

A quick steamy regency read!! I enjoyed it… if you love Bridgerton and want the modernized language this one is for you. Our FMC is BOLD!!

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy for review!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher on the ARC of this book. I will say, it has been a long time since I have read a historical romance. The book quickly sparked my interest and kept me reading with all kinds of twists and turns. I did see that it is a prequel to more books that I am already putting on my TBR list. If you like historical romance books then this one is for you!

This book surprised me! I honestly didn't read much on it before diving in other than it was a historical romance and I liked the cover. It had great intrigue and just enough suspense. I also love a good masquerade which this book had in spades. The only con I had about this book was the character development for James. The author kept hinting at a darker backstory or how horrible his parents were but were shown very few examples. I also wanted more scenes between the siblings.

4 stars and 4 spicy peppers.

If you are looking for a quick read with lots of spice in historical London, then read this book!

I enjoyed the writing which sprinkles in some old words that would have been used in historical/regency era London (at least from limited knowledge). The spice is hot and I was not expecting that level of spice from the premises of the book or from a historical romance.

Plus, the element of adventure and mystery woven into the plot is really well done.

If Jane Austin had tried to publish a book like this she would have been arrested. But times change and this adult book is available. The characters are fun, the narrative is witty, the masquerade club is, ……… adult, and you just know the eventual ending of the story. But that’s okay because it is entertaining reading getting there. Thank you to Aria & Aries and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

What a great cover! I liked the mystery aspect to this story in addition to the story's romance. I will definitely pick up more books by Katrina Kendrick!

Emma lost everything dear to her and when she finds out that her sister is in danger and missing. She sets out to search for her sister but she finds herself in the middle of train tracks. She took in false identity, fell in love, and befriended some great people.

This book is filled with great wits, sense of humor, and dark humor (my favorite).

The ending is what you expected AND is not what you expected. This depends on the reader.

4.5 Stars!

“We all have our ghosts. Would you like my help with yours?”

I was craving a regency romance, and this stood up and delivered.

I expected a Bridgerton, ‘An Offer From a Gentleman’, vibe with masquerade ball shenanigans and Cinderella-style maids into princesses but within the first few pages, we stumble on a ransacked apartment, a murder attempt and a missing sister. I was thrilled to discover that ‘A Touch Wicked’, while packing the regency romance punch, was also full of twists, thrills and mystery with a strong, sex-confident woman taking the lead.

Emma (our FMC) only has one clue to help her find her missing sister Isabel, an exclusive invitation to a masked club in England. However, when the funds run out and Isabel still missing, Emma is forced to find a respected position to earn in while she searches- in comes the Earl of Kent. Alexandra Grey; a rebellious sister and known to drive men, and previous employment, crazy (subsequently one of my favourite characters) needs a maid. Or just someone to keep her out of too much trouble? Despite slightly suspect references, Emma isn’t fazed by Alexandra and James Grey finds himself with a new member of staff. Queue masquerade balls, hidden identities, secret affairs, spies, taboo attraction and a bit of an adventure.

I’ve already hinted heavily but I loved the female characters in this story. Emma was an interesting FMC because although she was fiercely determined to find and protect her sister, she wasn’t trained in how to fight off assassins. Her past gave her some experience in the dirty underworld of regency life, but she was largely sheltered by her sister until she had to fight dirty to find Isabel. was a great emphasis on found and blood-related family and seeing Emma slowly be able to open up to others despite her past was heart-warming. This is a great time to mention again how much I love Alexandra and her banter, no-nonsense attitude and the friendship that blossomed between the two.

James and Emma also had top-tier banter and I found myself smiling whenever they interacted. The spice was fab, I liked the fact that Emma could take charge (without it coming across as cringy or unnatural) and, for still a fairly short book, it didn’t dominate. There was a sweet caring side that we got to see from James. There was a touch of ‘he falls fast and falls harder’ but still remaining slow burn with the hidden identity aspect. James does also feel rather challenged falling for both the maid and a masked woman at the club. What a dilemma! Although, it felt less fleshed out at the end, especially in terms of the romance, but I liked the fast pace of the plot itself alongside some really fun chemistry and characters.

I can’t wait to read the rest of the series, which covers the Grey sibling's own romances (I think!) and read more from this author!

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of the book for an honest review

‘A Tough Wicked’ was a really enjoyable book and I would highly recommend it, it was really good.

Rating 4 1/2 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I thoroughly enjoyed A Touch Wicked!
I was drawn to it because of the Bridgerton comparison and I was not disappointed.
This is the first book in the Private Arrangements series that I've read but I will be going back and finding the other ones to read. It was a bit of a cross between Bridgerton with Cinderella vibes (sort of) and assassins thrown in.
The characters were likable. I particularly liked Alexandra and Emma's friendship and of course the relationship between James and Emma.

One of my favourite quotes that made me giggle a bit was -
"There, you see? Herding cats, herding sisters - same beast, different fur. Sounds qualified to me. Crisis averted."
100% recommend this lighthearted read.

Thankyou to Netgalley for an arc of this book! I think I’ve definitely found a new favourite series, before going into this book I wasn’t familiar with the authors work, but I loved the idea of a historical romance centered around our main character trying to find answers of her sisters disappearance while also going to a masquerade and falling for her employer, really loved the pace of this book and I don’t think it felt too rushed even considering that it was a novella. I found the side characters to be funny and realistic, the only thing I would say is that Emma did annoy me slightly at times with her decision making but I also understood her reasons to a point. Overall I really enjoyed it and will defo be reading the others in the series!

I am a “judge a book by its cover” person. When I first saw this cover, it gave “Cinderella retelling” vibes. That is not what this is. Historical fiction is not my typical genre. That being said, this author did a PHENOMENAL job with this story! The spice was proportional to the story line. I felt all of the emotions reading this! I never thought I would give a historical fiction book 5 stars, but this one absolutely deserves it!

Passion. Danger. Forbidden Love. A masquerade. Sign me up immediately.

This book had everything I look for. It was fun, quick, and steamy. Once you get over the idea that someone wouldn’t be able to recognize someone they’ve been listing after wearing a mask / not wearing a mask it’s very enjoyable. We don’t read romance cause it’s believable! We read it cause it’s fun!

Thank you NetGalley and Aria & Aries for the ARC.

A humoured bridgerton-esque book which was perfect after my murder mystery read. Could have been a bit shorter in places, but liked the main character a lot! Love a historical romance and I will be recommending this to my friends and family.

4.5 stars

I’d read the original novella of this story and enjoyed it. This version is fantastic; we get more character development, more spice, and more intrigue. I particularly enjoyed the extra spicy scenes!
The main story has our main characters falling in love without knowing each other’s true identity and as themselves. We have sparkling banter and a slow burn in real life, and scorching chemistry in secret. We also have a side story line with lots of danger involving Emma’s missing sister and the life-threatening situation she’s gotten into. Plus we get great introductions to Alexandra and Richard, each of whom get their own book and romance.
Overall, really enjoyed this again and appreciate the editing and extra story we got.
I am however taking off 1/2 star for the fact that the characters never talk BC which is a pet peeve, especially in a historical romance.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the preview. All opinions are my own.

A regency romance with a masquerade ball is a win for me. I loved this so much. I’m not normally one for a novella but I did enjoy this. The spice was great and I loved the characters. I just wish I knew the book was part of a series before I read it so I could fully sink into the world and appreciate it.

Thank you to NetGalley for sending me this earc! All reviews are my own.


This novella was beautifully written. My only complaint was that I was left wanting MORE! I will definitely be checking out more books from this author because their writing was amazing. I felt a connection to each character in this book and it is truly amazing to accomplish that in such a short span of a book!

I loved this book. It was such a good read for February. The story was so intriguing that it hooked me immediately. I'm pretty picky about historical fiction but this was one of the best historical fiction books I have read.

An enjoyable read with a bit of mystery and steam. It was a quick read and well written. The pace was fast and it didn’t get bogged down and the characters and interactions were really fun to read. I haven’t read any other books by this author but will definitely look out for her now. Would recommend if you enjoy regency romances. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for giving me access to an early copy of this book.

Really enjoyed this story! The author was able to pack in a lot of drama in such a short story. It was an intriguing plot a little out of the norm of most historical romances and the characters were fresh and exciting. The characters were well developed, pacing was good, and the writing was skilled. My only issue was the end felt a tad dragged out, I thought Emma could have come around a bit quicker.

~thank you, netgalley, for the e-arc~


THIS WAS SO GOOD 🤚🏽 The banters here were TOP NOTCHED. The author really did well in writing the characters, especially their traits and colordul personalities, which made it even more fun.

Not to mention the SMUT, WHICH WAS SO SMUTTY 🌶🌶🌶🌶 I definitely enjoyed that one as well.

All characters, the mains, Emma and James, the side characters, Alexandra, Richard, Isabelle, and Challahan were all so well written that they were just permanently embedded into my memory. I love the relation of these characters, especially the siblings, Alexandra, Richard, and James.

I'm also excited in Richard and Miss Anne's story as well as Isabelle and Challahan? I think they will be the pairing.

Overall, this was so good 💕 4.5⭐️

Thank you, Aria & Aries and NetGalley, for the advanced copy of A Touch Wicked.

I love this series! It's such a fun quick historical romance read. This is an updated full-length novel of the authors previously self-published novella of the same name. Whether you are new to Katrina Kendrick/Eliazbeth May or have enjoyed her novels before, pick this one up and give it a go! You won't regret it!

Emma is looking for her sister. Her sister's Paris apartment was broken into and practically destroyed, but Emma found part of an invitation to The Masquerade, a secret exclusive club in London. Emma finds employment as a lady's maid to the Earl of Kent's unruly sister, and the sister is all too happy to help Emma sneak her way out of the house and into The Masquerade. The Masquerade has two rules: leave by morning, and don't reveal your identity. When Emma finds herself in a precarious position, she knows just the man she's dealing with: James, the Earl of Kent. Unable to stay away from each other, will James be able to deal with the fact that she's known who he was the entire time or will the truth be too much for him?

𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐫𝐮𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧.

The story follows Emma Dupont, a girl with a mission, find her sister whatever it takes. After losing their mum, soon she finds herself alone, and so when she visits her sister and finds her little parisian apartment trashed, knows she has to find her, dead or alive. So she starts her journey to find her with only one hint, a Masquerade invitation for a night.

James Grey, is the most eligible bachelor and the Earl of Kent. He needs to find a wife, so when he gets an invitation to the Masquerade doesn’t think too much about it. He needs to be free of his role for a few hours, what possible go wrong?

♡ What did I like about this book?

I liked the siblings banter a lot, it made me laugh a few times. Richard, James and Alexandra, honestly my favorite siblings was Alexandra, she was witty and sassy, quick and iconic. Do I have to say more?
OH, and I loved the way she banter with Callahan, I saw so much chemistry between them! Him being so grumpy and her being a sunshine madness.

And I also loved James. He was super sweet, caring and had a great character development! I definitely will keep reading Katrina Kendrick books!

♡Also a big thank you to Aria or Aries for giving me the chance to read this book in an exchange for an honest review and an edit!

Having been in a real regency/historical romance kick lately, I jumped at the chance to pick up A Touch Wicked. Unfortunately, this fell into the more porn than plot end of the genre for me (any smut fans out there will love this one), and I felt like the romance was a little rushed, both things ultimately leading to me liking, but not loving, this one.

Emma is a great MC. Someone who has had to struggle for everything in life after her father abandoned Emma, her sister, Isabel and their mother. While Emma stuck to the lawful side of moneymaking, her sister Isabel went the other way. Something that lead to them drifting apart as adults, but when Emma gets what seems to be a final goodbye letter from her sister, she has to investigate. She's someone who will do anything for those she loves, but she absolutely didn't intend to fall for an Earl, her boss. James, The Earl of Kent, is someone who has had to look after his siblings from a young age. Someone responsible, someone who knows his role, that is until he meets Emma and all of society's rules start making less and less sense. I enjoyed these two characters, not only seeing their relationship bloom, but also getting to see them interact with others. However, my favourite character was James' younger sister, Alexandra. She's one of those characters you can't help but fall in love with, a women who scoffs at society's rules, determined to make her own and I loved seeing the equal amounts of love and exasperation she brings out in both Emma and her brother.

I do think the synopsis is a little miss-leading in parts, which might be why I didn't love this one as much as I'd hoped. Emma hasn't pined over the Earl of Kent for years, rather it's less than a few weeks between their first meeting and their first anonymous night together, anonymous on Emma's side anyway because she knows who James is. It just moved a little fast for me, and I felt like the smut scenes, as much fun as they were, took up far too much page time and actually detracted from the mystery surrounding Emma's sister. There was even a certain part of the book where Isabel was at deaths door, but Emma still found time for a quickie, and it just seemed against her character in a lot of ways. It's 100% more porn than plot when it comes to Emma and James, the pretty much meet and then fall into bed with each other and the romance scenes are very descriptive, just a warning if that's not your kinda thing. But for those of you out there who are here for the smut and the smut alone I would highly recommend giving this one a go... you will not be disappointed.

The mystery surrounding Isabel, Emma's sister, was actually my favourite part of this book so I was obviously disappointed when it got so little page time. It was a part of the story that really allowed Alexandra to shine and I think I could read 100 books with her as the MC. She was the one side character that was actually somewhat developed, and I enjoyed her 'before her time' attitude to things. But there were huge parts of the book where this just seemed to fall to the back burner, mostly when Emma and James were at the masquerade, something that annoyed me, but also meant the pacing of the story was all over the place. The romance felt rushed and dragged out at the same time, whilst the mystery was big at the start and took up most of the final few chapters, but not much in between.

Overall this was an enjoyable read for me, but one where I did find myself more interested in one of the side characters than the two main ones... give me an Alexandra book asap.

Novella's are always hit or miss with but this was a hit! This reminds me of Bridgerton a bit. There is scandal and spice! Grumpy X sunshine with the maid. There is a strong female presence and the men are not liking it but I am love it! This may seem very well known historical romance but i don't read much of historical romance so this fits me great! The masquerade was LIT! it is where everything starts to get hotter and hotter! Highly recommend for anyone wanting to try historical romance! thank you to the author, NetGalley, and Aria & Aries for providing me an eARC of this book!

This was my first time reading a historical romance and I was def not disappointed. It had the right amount of spice and also mystery element that kept me invested in the story. I am interested in continuing the story and the world that has been built surrounding the characters.

This story follows FMC Emma- who has made a living working hard and making an honest living. Her sister, Isabel however had decided other questionable ways (crime) of being able to support herself. When Emma discovers that her sister is missing and is in danger she decides to go London- undercover and work British Lord's house in order to gain access to a scandalous masquerade club (as these were the last clues that could help her track her sister). Things get complicated when she did not expect her employer, James, Earl of Kent to be there.

A fun spicy romance between an aristocrat and a poor woman, James and Emma make a good pair. It's also funny in spots, something romances often aren't. And the spice....Thanks to netgalley for the ARC.

There are a number of words that come to mind upon finishing this book and exhilarating is probably a good one to describe how I am feeling at the moment. The synopsis barely scratched the surface of what this book is about. There is romance (and a significant amount of rather steamy scenes), but there is also quite the thread of mystery woven throughout. Untangling Emma’s sister’s disappearance is quite a bit complex. The characters we meet along the way are great. I loved Callahan and would not say no to a book about more of his shenanigans, especially if Alexandra were to be a part of it. That woman is the greatest.
The undeniable chemistry between Emma and James is delicious. I love that the story was in dual POV so that I could get right into how both of them were feeling at any given moment. I was so invested in both of them. Emma is loyal and witty - and commanding in the bedroom. Her character arc does contain more depth than James’. I would have liked a bit more from him other that his pining and boxing matches with his brother. I also would have preferred if Emma just gave in more easily at the end, but thankful that James did not relent 😉
The plot kept me engaged from the beginning until the end, my interest never strayed.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Aria book for an e-arc. The opinions expressed are honest and my own.

James Grey, the Earl of Kent, is looking for a bride. He is rich and handsome but wants one last chance to enjoy his freedom. When his brother organises a invitation to the Masquerade, an illicit club where members carry on affairs in complete anonymity, he is unaware that his life is about to change. There he meets a woman whose name he does not know. Little does James know that the woman who has captured his attention is actually Emma Dumont, an illegitimate nobody who has been working as a maid for his sister. When Emma overheard his plans to attend the Masquerade, she decided to go under the guise of a lady, seduce him, and spend one night in his arms. However, one night turns to many, until she decides that she must escape before she reveals her secrets.
A steamy romance between two great characters. I enjoyed James for his no nonsense manner and Emma, for her strength of character in doing all that she can to find her sister. At times, I did find it hard to believe that James did not see any connection to Emma, as I would have thought that this might have spark some curiosity in him. Overall, a good read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you to NetGalley, Katrina Kendrick and Bloomsbury publishing for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for a review.

This is a very fun historical romance romp! We have two morally grey MC, a delightful ensemble cast and importantly a realistic love story.

We join our FMC character who is travelling from France to London seeking family. We have a bored aristocrat who is seeking to manage his interesting family. Sparks fly, dangerous people are encountered and our two MC have to explore the intersection between duty, love and what’s best for family.

I love that it’s gradual for the love story to grow, the side characters are hilarious and add so much to the story and that no one is truly moral.

My only complaint is I have no idea what time this is meant to be set in!

By day Emma poses as a maid in a handsome Earl’s house, by night Emma attends a Masquerade and ends up attracting his attention. Emma is penniless, hates nobility, and is a nobody. This makes it impossible for her to be with James, the Earl of Kent. Oh and she is on the hunt for her beloved, criminal sister and ends up tangled in a web of danger and deceit.

You can’t take this book too seriously, it’s enjoyable, dramatic, and filthy in the best ways. The historical inaccuracy and impropriety of the whole situation are honestly best ignored. It was a fun and light-hearted book. Do I want to read the rest of the series? Absolutely. I enjoyed every minute of this book - apart from Emma was slightly grating on me by the end. I would have also enjoyed more interactions between Emma and James while she was a maid. It felt a little like half the story she was Emma and the other half she was Tempest with the worlds not really colliding enough for me. For example, seeing Emma the maid interact with James after she’d been with him the night as Tempest would have fleshed it out a bit more for me.

This book is a solid 3.5 stars but honestly I’d read it again and would read the others so I’ll give it a 4 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley for this free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a quick, entertaining read with an excellent balance of action, spice, romance and character development. I particularly enjoyed the snappy and humorous dialog between James and Emma, and also James and his siblings - definitely want to read more about them in the rest of the series.

While in Paris, Emma Dumont learns the depth of the trouble her younger sister Isabel was in, when she try to find her and was attacked by a thug and barely escaped with her life Isabel’s apartment. Isabel was long gone and her rooms tossed, but Emma knew her sister’s hiding spot and thankfully before the ruffian showed up, she found a clue, an invitation bearing the words The Masquerade, London. Leaving Emma with no choice but to follow her. Once in London, she blackmails her father, the Duke of Southampton for a reference letter and takes a job as a lady’s maid to the sister of the Earl of Kent. Hoping to find her sister and help her out of whatever mess she has gotten herself into. But what she finds is a wonderful friend in Lady Alexandra Grey and when she finally makes her way to the Masquerade, a forbidden lover in her brother James, the Earl of Kent. But none of this stops her from her ultimate goal of finding Isabel. All too soon, her lies are found out and instead of contempt, she find love, but even Emma knows, she can bring more danger to the people she has come to love and there is no way the illegitimate daughter of a duke and sister to a wanted woman can have a happily ever after. Right?

James Grey, the Earl of Kent knows duty all too well, he practically raised his younger brother and sister, even when his parents were alive. Now he cares for the estates and is planning to marry, to ensure his sister is properly launched into society and finds a man to make her happy. He is determined to do right by Alexandra, even at the cost of his own happiness. To that end, he hires Emma to be his sister’s maid, and he is overwhelmed by his instant attraction to her and fights his improper feelings. When his brother Richard suggests that he find a lover and gives him an invitation to The Masquerade, his first instinct is to decline, but decides that maybe a lover is exactly what he needs to forget about Emma and to settle him before he begins looking for a bride. He never expected to fall so hard for his masked lover or to be so devasted when she breaks things off with him. But even that doesn’t stop his attraction to Emma and when her lies are exposed, he is at first angry, but he isn’t going to let her walk out of his life without a fight. Soon it is clear that there is much more to Emma than he first thought, but that only makes him want her more, can he convince her that they have both given enough to their families and that they deserve to be happy? Or will she break his heart all over again?

This book was so much more than I was expecting! This book has lies, secrets, danger, witty banter, amazing characters, smokin’ hot love scenes, spies, action, heartache, life or death moments, more danger, more heartache and finally a HEA that didn’t seem possible. I really enjoyed the story and hope to see these characters again! I did feel like Emma played the martyr a bit too hard and seemed determined to be unhappy, but thankfully, James was just as determined to be happy! This book is part of the Private Arrangement series, but the books can be read as standalone titles without a problem. If you like a steamy Victorian romance with a bit of intrigue and a heaping dash of danger – this is the book you have been looking for!

4.5 stars

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

This book had everything I look for to get my out of my reading slump.

I'm not a huge fan of historical romance fiction however the story is easy to read with quick pacing and steamy scenes. I had to get over the idea that someone wouldn't be recognised after removing their masquerade mask but it was so enjoyable! Emma and Jones have my HEART. Their chemistry and spark was through the roof and I couldn’t get enough of their story. Alexandra was an amazing character who I adored as well!

This book is full of passion, danger and forbidden romance and I loved every minute of it!

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book, my first from the author, and it was everything you could want out of a regency romance! Passion, banter, societal constructs in question, a bit of mystery and a tad of violence. I adored the story of James and Emma-their passion, their mystery and time at the Masquerade, their banter, and their inability to stay away from each other. Emma is loyal and brave and would do anything for family and those she loves, but giving into temptation makes her a whole other level! James is staid and true, but let out his wild side, and this sexy man bursts forth! Let’s not forget the hilarious wild child Alexandra, the mysteries of Isabel, the sordid history and French connections of Emma and Isabel’s pasts, and all the wild things that come to light amongst the hidden identities, mysteries, attacks, spies, bodies, and revelations. This one kept me on my toes, kept me enthralled, kept me invested in the love and passion of our two main characters, and overall left me not wanting it to end! So very good!

Another amazing historical romance. I was intrigued by the title and hooked by the blurb and was not disappointed

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Katrina Kendrick for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Touch Wicked coming out April 11, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I was intrigued by the description. I love Victorian romances. I think the romance was a little fast. There’s definitely a lot of spice, which was to be expected but I didn’t think it’d be for most of the plot. I would’ve enjoyed a little more storyline. I thought the masquerade part of the book would be more elaborate. I think the first 2/3 of the book didn’t have much action besides the bedroom kind of action. I found the last 1/3 of the book more fun.