Listen free for 30 days
-
Wicked Designs
- League of Rogues, Book 1
- Narrated by: Heather Wilds
- Series: The League of Rogues, Book 1
- Length: 11 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Historical Fiction
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
Listen with a free trial
Buy Now for £28.29
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
Listeners also enjoyed...
-
Tempted by a Rogue
- By: Lauren Smith
- Narrated by: Carolyn Morris
- Length: 3 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Gemma Haverford knows exactly who she will marry: James Randolph, the man she's had a secret understanding with for the last 11 years. With every letter written between them while he's been off at sea, their love has grown. Now they will be reunited with his return to England. There's just one problem. The man whose words she'd fallen in love with isn't James at all....
-
The Scoundrel's Daughter
- Brides of Bellaire Gardens Series, Book 1
- By: Anne Gracie
- Narrated by: Christine Rendel
- Length: 14 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Alice, Lady Charlton, is finally free of her dominating husband, but on the verge of her new life, she is trapped when a blackmailer threatens to publish letters that could ruin her. To protect the secrets of her past Alice must find a lord for his daughter, Lucy, to marry. Alice reluctantly agrees to find the girl a noble husband but when Lucy arrives, she's difficult and uncooperative and has no interest in her father's scheme. A lord, she says, will only look down his nose at her-and she's having none of that! Desperate, Alice enlists the aid of her handsome young nephew.
-
-
Really good
- By Mo Bass on 20-12-21
-
The Duelist's Seduction
- Seduction Series, Book 1
- By: Lauren Smith
- Narrated by: Beverley A. Crick
- Length: 3 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Helen Banks is going to die. When her twin brother gambles away their fortune, she must save his life and take his place in a duel to satisfy the honor of a man her brother couldn't pay. Disguised as her brother, Helen faces the one man she's admired from afar, a widower with a dark past and eyes that scorch her very soul. Since Gareth Fairfax lost his wife, the darkness in his heart continues to grow. Lashing out at anyone who opposes him, Gareth is stunned to face a lovely young woman opposite his dueling pistol.
-
-
Predictable
- By Susan on 14-01-21
-
While You Were Spying
- Regency Spies Series #0
- By: Shana Galen
- Narrated by: Heather Wilds
- Length: 13 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Francesca Dashing would like to forget that Ethan Caxton, the marquess of Winterbourne, exists. He humiliated her in front of all of London Society - and he doesn't even remember it! But when Ethan shows up in her sleepy Hampshire town, he's hard to overlook, and his presence stirs up long-buried feelings. Winterbourne has traveled to Hampshire on orders from the Foreign Office - he's investigating an arms smuggling ring and is determined to find its leader.
-
-
Great Listen
- By Rachie on 25-05-19
-
A Gentleman Never Surrenders
- By: Lauren Smith
- Narrated by: Ashford McNab
- Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Owen Hadley needs a wife. Preferably a wealthy one. Alas, there aren't a great number of heiresses willing to marry a rogue of no particular fortune - luckily, if there is ever a gentleman capable of melting a lady's chilly heart, it's Owen. Milly has had enough of the marriage mart. If matrimony means giving up her freedom for a foppish husband, then society can take their idea of marital bliss and toss it. But when the ton's most notorious rogue mistakenly makes his way into her bedchambers, Milly finds herself unexpectedly and unwillingly at the altar....
-
The Perfect Rake
- Merridew Series, Book 1
- By: Anne Gracie
- Narrated by: Heather Wilds
- Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fate has lavished beauty on the Merridew sisters - that is, all save the eldest. But plain Prudence bears no grudge; she loves her four beautiful sisters infinitely. So when their abusive grandfather is laid up with an injury, she seizes the opportunity to concoct an ingenious plan that will allow all five of them to escape the clutches of their legal guardian. All it will take is a little matrimonial deception....
-
-
Such a hoot!
- By Alison on 13-07-21
-
Tempted by a Rogue
- By: Lauren Smith
- Narrated by: Carolyn Morris
- Length: 3 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Gemma Haverford knows exactly who she will marry: James Randolph, the man she's had a secret understanding with for the last 11 years. With every letter written between them while he's been off at sea, their love has grown. Now they will be reunited with his return to England. There's just one problem. The man whose words she'd fallen in love with isn't James at all....
-
The Scoundrel's Daughter
- Brides of Bellaire Gardens Series, Book 1
- By: Anne Gracie
- Narrated by: Christine Rendel
- Length: 14 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Alice, Lady Charlton, is finally free of her dominating husband, but on the verge of her new life, she is trapped when a blackmailer threatens to publish letters that could ruin her. To protect the secrets of her past Alice must find a lord for his daughter, Lucy, to marry. Alice reluctantly agrees to find the girl a noble husband but when Lucy arrives, she's difficult and uncooperative and has no interest in her father's scheme. A lord, she says, will only look down his nose at her-and she's having none of that! Desperate, Alice enlists the aid of her handsome young nephew.
-
-
Really good
- By Mo Bass on 20-12-21
-
The Duelist's Seduction
- Seduction Series, Book 1
- By: Lauren Smith
- Narrated by: Beverley A. Crick
- Length: 3 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Helen Banks is going to die. When her twin brother gambles away their fortune, she must save his life and take his place in a duel to satisfy the honor of a man her brother couldn't pay. Disguised as her brother, Helen faces the one man she's admired from afar, a widower with a dark past and eyes that scorch her very soul. Since Gareth Fairfax lost his wife, the darkness in his heart continues to grow. Lashing out at anyone who opposes him, Gareth is stunned to face a lovely young woman opposite his dueling pistol.
-
-
Predictable
- By Susan on 14-01-21
-
While You Were Spying
- Regency Spies Series #0
- By: Shana Galen
- Narrated by: Heather Wilds
- Length: 13 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Francesca Dashing would like to forget that Ethan Caxton, the marquess of Winterbourne, exists. He humiliated her in front of all of London Society - and he doesn't even remember it! But when Ethan shows up in her sleepy Hampshire town, he's hard to overlook, and his presence stirs up long-buried feelings. Winterbourne has traveled to Hampshire on orders from the Foreign Office - he's investigating an arms smuggling ring and is determined to find its leader.
-
-
Great Listen
- By Rachie on 25-05-19
-
A Gentleman Never Surrenders
- By: Lauren Smith
- Narrated by: Ashford McNab
- Length: 5 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Owen Hadley needs a wife. Preferably a wealthy one. Alas, there aren't a great number of heiresses willing to marry a rogue of no particular fortune - luckily, if there is ever a gentleman capable of melting a lady's chilly heart, it's Owen. Milly has had enough of the marriage mart. If matrimony means giving up her freedom for a foppish husband, then society can take their idea of marital bliss and toss it. But when the ton's most notorious rogue mistakenly makes his way into her bedchambers, Milly finds herself unexpectedly and unwillingly at the altar....
-
The Perfect Rake
- Merridew Series, Book 1
- By: Anne Gracie
- Narrated by: Heather Wilds
- Length: 13 hrs and 16 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Fate has lavished beauty on the Merridew sisters - that is, all save the eldest. But plain Prudence bears no grudge; she loves her four beautiful sisters infinitely. So when their abusive grandfather is laid up with an injury, she seizes the opportunity to concoct an ingenious plan that will allow all five of them to escape the clutches of their legal guardian. All it will take is a little matrimonial deception....
-
-
Such a hoot!
- By Alison on 13-07-21
-
Just One Touch
- By: Debra Mullins
- Narrated by: Jilly Bond
- Length: 9 hrs and 23 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The groom: Rogan Hunt has no need for a wife. After a stint in prison, he is only concerned with rebuilding the coffers of his estates. But then the Duke of Belvingham makes him an offer only a fool would refuse. The bride: Lady Caroline Ware is horrified when her father arranges her marriage with a man said to have a wild temper and an even wilder reputation. But the Duke is dying, and Caroline has no choice but to agree.
-
-
Really enjoyed Narration/Book
- By Kay on 08-07-22
-
Sensing Danger
- Sinclair and Raven, Book 1
- By: Wendy Vella
- Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
- Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Legend says the Sinclairs' heightened senses are a result of a long ago pact between them and the powerful Raven family. To honor and protect is their creed, but the current Duke of Raven doesn’t make their task easy. Arrogant and aloof, James, Duke of Raven, is determined to forge his own path, and to hell with folk tales that his ancestors created. But when the breathtaking Eden Sinclair saves his life by risking her own, their past resurfaces, and with it comes the uncomfortable realization that they are linked by more than history.
-
-
Not for me.
- By Amazon Customer on 29-05-22
-
Three Nights
- By: Debra Mullins
- Narrated by: Kitty Mule
- Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
With a turn of the cards, her father is ruined - and innocent Aveline Stoddard is lost. To honor the gambling debt, she agrees to submit for three nights to Lucien DuFeron's every desire, three nights of blistering sensuality and unparalleled ecstasy in the arms of the dashing, dark rogue they call "Lucifer." But the time passes all too quickly...and when the debt is paid, the handsome devil vanishes.
-
-
Meh!
- By Mo Bass on 05-11-21
-
Olivia and the Masked Duke
- Lady Charlotte's Society of Angels, Book 1
- By: Grace Callaway
- Narrated by: Marian Hussey
- Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Spirited debutante Lady Olivia McLeod, cherished daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Strathaven, has two interests: solving mysteries and winning the love of her rescuer and secret crush, the infamous Duke of Hadleigh. When Livy joins Lady Charlotte Fayne's charity for young ladies and discovers that it is a front for a covert investigative agency, she is thrilled. Livy dedicates herself to solving a deadly case. Little does she realize that the path to danger will also lead to her heart's deepest desire.
-
Lady Ruthless
- Notorious Ladies of London, Book 1
- By: Scarlett Scott
- Narrated by: John Lane, Olivia Thompson
- Length: 10 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Lady Calliope Manning is determined to punish the man she holds responsible for her beloved brother’s death. She will do anything in her power to destroy him. When rumors swirl that the Earl of Sinclair requires a wealthy bride to rescue himself from dire financial straits, she seizes the opportunity to ruin him at last..
-
-
o k story
- By Susan on 16-03-21
-
The Duke Who Knew Too Much
- Heart of Enquiry, Book 1
- By: Grace Callaway
- Narrated by: Erin Mallon
- Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Alaric McLeod, Duke of Strathaven, is known as the Devil Duke for his wicked ways. Tormented by his past, Alaric knows better than to trust a woman, yet finds himself ensnared by a spirited, virtuous virgin - who accuses him of a crime he didn't commit. Is she his worst nightmare...or his salvation?
-
-
Couldn't get into it
- By Mo Bass on 17-10-21
-
Twice Tempted by a Rogue
- The Stud Club Trilogy, Book 2
- By: Tessa Dare
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 11 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Luck is a double-edged sword for brooding war hero Rhys St. Maur. His death wish went unanswered on the battlefield, while fate allowed the murder of his good friend in the elite gentlemen’s society known as the Stud Club. Out of options, Rhys returns to his ancestral home on the moors of Devonshire, expecting anything but a chance at redemption in the arms of a beautiful innkeeper who dares him to take on the demons of his past - and the sweet temptation of a woman’s love.
-
-
An enjoyable book wi th have some casual twists .
- By faye on 12-09-15
-
A Duke in Shining Armour
- Difficult Dukes, Book 1
- By: Loretta Chase
- Narrated by: Kate Reading
- Length: 11 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bookish, brainy Lady Olympia Hightower should be elated she's marrying the ‘catch' of several London seasons. Her large spendthrift family certainly is! And yet, Olympia finds herself sneaking out the chapel window, in a mad attempt to escape her glorious future as a duchess. Virtue was never a virtue for Hugh Philemon Ancaster, Seventh Duke of Ripley, but even he can see his duty as best man requires him to recapture the fleeing bride, and return her to the bridegroom. But with every one of Olympia’s clever turns, he’s finding it harder to give her up.
-
-
Disappointing
- By Ioana on 01-12-21
-
The Rogue Not Taken
- Scandal & Scoundrel, Book 1
- By: Sarah MacLean
- Narrated by: Justine Eyre
- Length: 11 hrs and 46 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Sophie, the least interesting of the Talbot sisters, lands her philandering brother-in-law backside-first in a goldfish pond in front of all society, she becomes the target of very public aristocratic scorn. Her only choice is to flee London, vowing to start a new life far from the aristocracy. Unfortunately, the carriage in which she stows away isn't saving her from ruin. It's filled with it.
-
-
should come with a sex warning!
- By Amazon Customer on 23-10-17
-
The Duke Identity
- Game of Dukes, Book 1
- By: Grace Callaway
- Narrated by: Marian Hussey
- Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
He's a policeman on a hunt for justice. She's a proud daughter of the London criminal underworld. Danger brings them together...and desire binds them in this steamy enemies to lovers romance. Shattered by betrayal, former scholar Harry Kent has made a new life for himself as a policeman. Sent on a dangerous covert mission, he must protect a clever and wicked beauty who specializes in disguises and mischief. She stands for everything he scorns - and seduces him with every look of her innocent eyes.
-
Tempted by His Kiss
- By: Tracy Anne Warren
- Narrated by: Rebecca De Leeuw
- Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Orphaned beauty Meg Amberley never planned to pose as Lord Cade Byron's fiancée. Caught in a snowstorm, she takes refuge at his estate. Stranded together, Meg soon finds herself falling under Cade's spell. When the roads clear, she intends to leave, but fate intervenes. Haunted by his past, Cade Byron has buried himself in the country. Then Meg - with her lush curves - invades his house and his life. With her reputation compromised, he proposes a pretend engagement and a London season where she can find a husband.
-
-
Far too long
- By Alex on 24-05-21
-
Duke of Knight
- Gentlemen of Knights Series, Book 1
- By: Elizabeth Johns
- Narrated by: Alex Wyndham
- Length: 6 hrs and 4 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Rowley Knight, Duke of Knighton, is too busy being a duke to bother with such nonsense as love. With three heirs, he is in no hurry whatsoever to succumb to the lures of the leg-shackles. He is content managing his siblings and estates, and avoiding society whenever possible. If he can only find someone to manage his young sister, life can go back to its proper order.
-
-
.... meh
- By Morgan Windle (Morgan & Many Books) on 29-12-20
Summary
For too long Miss Emily Parr has been subject to the whims of her indebted uncle and the lecherous advances of his repulsive business partner. Her plan to be done with dominating men forever is simple: find herself a kind husband who will leave her to her books. It seems an easy enough plan, until she is unexpectedly abducted by an incorrigible duke who hides a wounded spirit behind flashing green eyes. Godric St. Laurent, Duke of Essex, spends countless nights at the club with his four best friends and relishes the rakish reputation society has branded him with.
He has no plans to marry anytime soon - if ever. But when he kidnaps an embezzler's niece, the difficult debutante's blend of sweetness and sharp tongue makes him desperate for the one thing he swears he never wanted: love. Yet as they surrender to passion, danger lurks in Godric's shadowed past, waiting for him to drop his guard - and to rob him of the woman he can't live without.
Critic reviews
More from the same
What listeners say about Wicked Designs
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Teresa
- 14-11-18
Enjoyment marred.
Found the story was spoiled by the narrator sounding like she was talking to children.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Sue M.
- 13-10-18
Fabulous
This story definitely deserves the five stars I have awarded. The characters are extremely well written and quite believable. I recommend this book which includes the audible version to anyone who likes their historical romance with a a bit of steam. I will certainly continue to read books by this author.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lucie K
- 12-06-14
GREAT book
I loved the book , but not the narrator. To me the performance was lifeless.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Yvette
- 11-07-14
Interesting Premise for a Story & Nice Romance
When I read a regency novel, I go into it expecting something great from the heroine since women were already at a disadvantage in this era. I look for a heroine who will be a maverick and surpass the confines of that time period and shine through. In that respect, I thought Lady Emily Parr did a great job of showing cunning, restraint, intelligence and charm as she was kidnapped by 5 rogues. --Whoa, now talk about a testosterone rush!!! I loved it when Emily fought the men, especially when she fought Godric St. Laurent, the Duke of Essex. Together these men composed the infamous "League of Rogues." All were men of high societal standing and quite dashing, but the kidnaping of Emily Parr was solely Godric's idea which, for me, seemed an idea not very well thought out by these rogues. Godric planned to ruin Emily as a way of getting back at her uncle, but the man and his faithful friends end up being something else to Emily entirely…that is, they become her friends and protectors. And, that sexy duke with green eyes ended up being the love of her life (Ah, I love a good HEA). The villain in this story is sleazy and vindictive, so I especially found satisfaction in seeing him defeated in the end. This story was further enhanced by the gifted narration of Heather Wilds, who was perfect. OMG, and I couldn't help but think that the name "Godric" sounded so sexy pronounced with an English accent!!!
Overall, this was a good story, but my only note of dissatisfaction was that the sex life between Godric and Emily felt unfinished, and I didn't like that. I want to know that each will be equally fulfilling to one another. Maybe it wasn't meant to be a big deal, but after a few of the other men came back from a tryst with some "ladies of the night" well they tell Godric about some interesting new techniques (mild bondage etc.), when Godric mentions this to Emily she begs him to never do that to her. Yet, Emily was so new at sex that I thought Godric could have had fun exposing her to new things, I mean the girl did really love sex with him…ugh…I don't know…it just seemed like an unfinished thought from the author because it was never touched upon late in the story. The writing came across, to me, as being from a young writer. This is good because it means the writing is only going to get better with opportunities and time. In that respect, I look forward to the other books and hope more depth and density is inserted into the lives and background of the characters.
16 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- 🌿🌸Susynne🌸🌿
- 01-06-15
2nd listen and still wicked! (yummy rogues!)
The creation of the league of rogues is a stroke of genius. I see all the places off shoots were planted for other rogues stories.... well done too! This is a twisted path with several heart stopping moments, some good laughs, some evil betrayal and lots of sexual tension. I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
NARRATOR : Not my favorite. She has a slightly hushed way of speaking with a weird accent or cadence as well. Her voices are distinctive and she does carry the storytelling well. I highly recommend you listen to the snippet or that of several of her performances before deciding.
CREDITWORTHY? I'd say yes if you like the narrator. This was my 2nd time listening and STILL enjoy the book, overlooking the slightly weird narrative.
HEAT FACTOR: A hearty building boil without any moments of crudity.
11 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Jessy
- 26-04-19
Good book, but terrible (anti)heroes
**SPOILER ALERTS!** All over the place, so watch yourself.
I’m going to do my best here to break down my emotional response to this book. I will say it’s very well written, the narration is superb, and it’s an engaging story. The romantic bits are fan-yourself worthy, but I cannot get on board with the men who make up the league or any male characters except for the butler. Godrick and this League are terribly misogynistic, self-serving, and spoiled brats. I am unable to jump for joy for Emily’s future which will most likely be filled with being locked in her room for having a brain, tiptoeing around Godrick’s temper, and protecting herself from his affairs.
I can typically ignore misogynistic behavior in period pieces because you must think of the era it takes place. I’ve read a lot of historical romance where the author tries to give the male hero a more modern mindset with some internal reflection and dialogue; however, I've never read a period piece where the "heroes" are essentially the adult versions of the He-Man-Woman-Haters club.
First, Godrick, the…um…hero (?), is a spoiled man child. He and his buddies kidnap a recently orphaned, naive woman without regard to her reputation, health or well being, all to blackmail her uncle. It’s a terrible plan to begin with. For one, they do no research on how their uncle feels about his niece nor how he’s spending her inheritance. From the beginning, we know that the blackmail isn’t going to work. If it wasn’t for Blankenship (I hope I’m spelling that correctly), her uncle wouldn’t have cared at all. He probably would have asked Godrick if her in his possession, and obvious ruination, satisfied his debts.
Godrick is essentially the younger version of Blankenship. If Emily hadn’t “decided” to marry him, he would’ve ended up just like Blankenship making her and any family she had left miserable and destitute. I do not trust Godrick’s affections and his utter denial of facts while in rage is super annoying. He’s the definition of an abusive spouse.
When Emily refuses to marry Godrick out of duty, he throws a tantrum and has her locked in a room. He’s used to getting what he wants to the point that every time Emily has a disagreement with him he either locks her away or literally ties her to him. Godrick never changes in his behavior towards Emily until she almost dies near the end; ironically at Blankenship’s house.
Now, I see the twist with Blankenship’s death: by killing him for near-murdering Emily, Godrick rids himself of his desire to own her and finally sees her as a human being. But it’s too late in the book for this revelation! I feel like there should’ve been way more insight and action that led to this other than a near death experience and immediate revenge. Terrible.
It's obvious this league has little to no respect for women within their class or outside of it. Their definition of wives and mistresses is reminiscent of horses; hell, they treat horses better. Emily points that out in the end but they essentially ignore or berate her for anything and everything she says. They completely disregard her physical health and well being by drugging her, heaving her over their shoulder(s) at any moment of inconvenience, literally tie her to Godrick, taking liberties with her person (Godrick touches her without her permission constantly while the other men leer and tease her), mocking her sadness and ultimate ruination, and undermine everything she says. By locking her in Godrick’s room for his mistresses, they’ve already decided her “usefulness” to which every man refers in deference to Emily. They place no value on her higher than that of Godrick’s mistresses and expect her to behave as such. She’s a pawn and, unfortunately, very naive. Godrick’s ex-mistress really nails it on the head. Hell, I want a book with HER in it!
Then there’s this trust they expect. Without asking anything about her, they condemn her when a new part of her life or mind come up. They’re always shocked and call her a liar when they find out something new or discover she hid things from them…her captors!
This would be a classic case of Stockholm Syndrome except Emily never had a chance to make it in either situation. Regardless, Emily is a victim and never earns real strength.
She told Gordrick no for marrying him and he locked her in her room until he was ready to talk to her again like a dog.
She told Blankenship she wouldn’t marry him and he threatened her with a lifetime of violent rape.
Whether it's pleasure or pain, a gilded cage is still a cage.
To wrap this up, the book is well written and narrated beautifully. I give the story 3 stars because of all the character flaws and lack of development. I think the story could’ve been cut up in places and filled in others where the characters could start to learn from their egos. Maybe not the league or Emily’s uncle, but Godrick. He still has a lot of lessons to learn and, because he got what he wanted, I doubt he’ll learn them. I won’t be continuing the series, but I’m glad I listened to this book.
6 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Sharon
- 24-02-19
Hero is severely dysfunctional in his treatment
I gave this book a chance as I thought the group would later show a reason for helping "his grace" ruin a young girl for his own gain. I don't believe the author gave me enough of a reason to forgive his actions or his friends for helping him. The humiliation she endured over and over was so cringe worthly and yet the story went on like it should be expected. If this is a period piece, am I to assume women were made to endure this treatment and be ok with it? She was the butt of all jokes and it was expected that she should just let them do it. That if she freaked out on them that she was the crazy person. I want to hit every single one of them. That treatment was abusive and yet even in the end it was she that wanted to make the hero feel better.... WhatThe Hell? She deserves better! So much better!!! I felt for him and how his father treated him in the past, but he did nothing to show me he deserved her. Even at the end he was so caught up in himself and what he didn't get to go his way that she had to face the horrors alone. When he finally showed up he lashed out not for grief, but because something he loved was taken from him. How the hell is this called love? His love his conditional. If it goes his way he will be good. If not she has to pick up the pieces. What a crappy hero! This is the first romance novel I have ever wanted to see have a sequel so the hero dies and she finds a better love. He does not deserve her.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Stephani
- 14-07-14
Frustrating but enjoyable
Would you try another book from Lauren Smith and/or Heather Wilds?
Yes, I look forward to the next installment in the series
What about Heather Wilds’s performance did you like?
The performance by narrator Heather Wilds makes the story come to life with passion and vibrancy.
Any additional comments?
This is the first book I have listened to by Lauren Smith and currently the only one available in audio. As regency novels are among my most guilty pleasures I am always more than willing to discover a new series. I enjoy getting to know several characters over several books, getting to know each one and go along with them on each of their discoveries. “Wicked Designs: League Of Rogues” the first book in the series “League of Rouges” has done a very good job at giving us a group of men that are among the top of the aristocracy and who are bonded together and abide by their own rules. This book is very well written in regards to the strong male characters. Each of them show their abilities to be dominant and protective but also show an ability to be caring, passionate and slightly vulnerable not to mention being the typical thick headed, heavy handed clods that make them endearing and lovable.
As for Miss Emily Parr our heroin she is more than capable of giving each of the gentle men a run for their money with her quick thinking and sharp wit. My only drawback of this book would be the complete and utter melt down when ever Emily is kissed. It’s as if her brain simply vanishes and we are left with an imbecile. There were one or two points where I found myself actually become frustratingly annoyed with her devolvement into a puddle is unintelligent goo. The love scenes although enjoyable I thing could have used a bit more romance, more sharing of pleasure between them. I tend to prefer the slow in sensual over the rough and ready.
Overall a very good beginning to the series, frustrating but enjoyable in the end. I ended with the thought that I want to know more about these men, the woman that may inter their lives and what journey they will take me on.
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Miz Waller
- 03-09-19
A “Hero” Needs To Act Heroic
I made myself to listen to this for almost eight chapters hoping that it would get better. I’m sorry but a hero needs to act heroic. I just watched a strong woman be overwhelmed by four frat boys I couldn’t take anymore after she stopped what appeared to be a successful escape from a kidnaping to save one of her kidnappers life only to have his “drowning” be a ruse.
I’ve never read any of this authors books and I’ll be reluctant to read another one.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- AmazonianCat
- 19-10-18
Hmmm Not so much
Gave this a lot of opportunity. I really wanted to like the story and especially the narrator. But both fell short. Narrator did a good job occassionally on the male voices but she was VERY inconsistent. The story was simplistic and a bit stupid. Maybe could have stayed for the story if the narrator had been better. Also the narrator couldn't keep her male voices male, but she read like she was reading a fiscal report. Too bad. I had Hope's.
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- ADUB
- 20-05-14
I loved this story! :)
Where does Wicked Designs rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?
Considering this is my first audiobook, I thought it was fantastic. It was just as much fun as I imagined it would be.
What other book might you compare Wicked Designs to and why?
This book is reminiscent of Kresley Cole's MacCarrick brother series. The boys of the League reminded me a lot of the MacCarrick brothers. They are chock full of rakish rogues who are well to do, but tend to get into mischief. However, they are no match for their witty and strong heroines who make them come undone.
If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?
When five devilish rogues kidnap a woman to get back at their enemy, they get much more than they bargained for. ;)
Any additional comments?
The action starts quickly and I found myself immediately sucked in. I was really impressed with Emily's strength, courage, and wit, especially after she is kidnapped. Considering she was up against five men? She even surprised me a few times and I was proud of her for that. Enter Godric and the League of Rogues. Hunky, wealthy bachelors who are up to no good and when they are wronged they seek to mete out their own justice. Unfortunately, that put innocent Emily smack dab in the middle of their plot for revenge and it changes each one of their worlds. Emily proves to be quite the intelligent and challenging captive-- even Godric can't deny the desire he feels toward Emily. The tension between the two was palpable and I can't deny I wanted her to fall in love with Godric. Despite kidnapping her, he still made sure she wanted for nothing and was taken care of. He really was a roguish rake, but I loved him. :)
As a side note** I really loved the narrator's accent in accordance with this being set in England. It totally put me right there with Emily!
5 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Anonymous User
- 04-12-18
A Rouge meets his match
Loved the book!! The League of Rogues are out to kidnap sweet, innocent Ms. Emily Parr to ruin her to get back at her uncle for his scheming. They did not expect her to have spunk and fight back!! She is finally tackled and drugged and brought to Godric, the Duke of Essex estate. In reality they are not going to ruin her in that sense. They all take to Emily and after a few days she takes to them also. Emily is light where Godric is dark. Emily might bring him out of his darkness. When Emily learns that Blankenship has hired mercenaries to get her she fears for the Rogues lives and escapes with the help of Godric's valet Johnathan. Godric is outraged when he learns Emily is gone and goes after her. He finds them together in a rented room and is furious not letting her explain. It finally comes out who Johnathan really is and they need to protect Emily. When they bring her to London Tanner the hired mercenary finds her and brings her to Blankenship. A fight breaks out, Emily is stabbed and stumbles down the stairs just as Godric enters the foyer!! There is so much activity in this book, it's hard to put down. An awesome read!! Heather Wilds was excellent!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Tracy T
- 11-11-14
Too much filler, and 2 hours too long.
Well, not one of my favorite listens\reads that's for sure. This story would have been better if it was about 2 hours shorter. It was way too long. Too much filler. Too much blah blah blah thinking. Slow moving. Just found myself saying "okay already, get on with it, geez"
There was not nearly enough dialogue for my taste. The concept and plot was good, but the story just went astray with too much nonsense filling up the pages. Then an abrupt ending.
I did like the heroine, she was smart for the most part and witty. The hero was okay. They did have some decent chemistry and some nice sex scenes, so there is that.
As for the narrator... UGH.. She sort of sucked. Sorry. There are 5 men in the League of Rogues, all present for most of the entire book, and all sound the same, and not at all manly. They all sounded so feminine, it was so disappointing. Which did not help the already lacking story.
Sometimes a narrator can make an okay book better, this did not occur here.
7 people found this helpful