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The Wicked Cousin (Rockliffe Book 4) Kindle Edition

by Stella Riley (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 800 ratings
B.R.A.G. Medallion Honoree! ROCKLIFFE SERIES recommended by Hilary Rose of THE TIMES.

Sebastian Audley has spent years setting every city in Europe by the ears and keeping the scandal-sheets in profit. Word that he is finally returning to London becomes the hottest topic of the Season and casts numerous young ladies into a fever of anticipation.
Cassandra Delahaye is not one of them. In her opinion, love affairs and duels, coupled with a reputation for never refusing even the most death-defying wager, suggest that Mr Audley is short of a brain cell or two. And while their first, very unorthodox meeting shows that perhaps he isn’t entirely stupid, it creates other reservations entirely.
Sebastian finds living down his reputation for reckless dare-devilry a full-time occupation. He had known that putting the past behind him in a society with an insatiable appetite for scandal and gossip would not be easy. But what he had not expected was to become the target of a former lover’s dangerous obsession … or to find himself falling victim to a pair of storm-cloud eyes.

Stella Riley is the 2019 Reader's Favorite Gold Medallist and holder of 14 B.R.A.G awards

“A lively account of the English aristocracy in the eighteenth century – a rich and vivid tale of a man's reputation lost and won. There is a generous smattering of masculine wagers, fisticuffs, sword fights and pistols drawn. The book is full of sharp-witted dialogue and positively seethes with an undercurrent of sexual tension. This was an absolute delight to read.” Reader’s Favorite
"Stella Riley once again presents readers with a gorgeous hero, an admirable heroine and a well-written, strongly developed romance that simmers with sexual tension … as well as a gently bubbling secondary romance with great potential for a future book. All in all, The Wicked Cousin is a delightful read and one which is sure to please fans of intelligently written, strongly characterised historical romance. Another winner!" Romantic Historical Reviews
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  1. Book 4 of 7
    Rockliffe
  2. Print length
    344 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    May 31, 2017
  5. File size
    2.2 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
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  8. Enhanced typesetting
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Editorial Reviews

Review

5 star review from Readers' Favourite
The Wicked Cousin by Stella Riley is Book 4 in the Rockliffe series. A family saga set in eighteenth-century England, it is a tale of the trials and tribulations of Sebastian Audley. Having spent several years touring Europe and keeping rumours alive with his scandalous exploits, word finally reaches society that he is to return to London. He becomes a hot topic with the ladies but Cassandra Delahaye, a distant cousin of Audley's, is not so impressed. Cousin Audley, who attempts to leave his feckless past behind, tries to keep the ladies at bay. It is a thankless task and he becomes the object of desire for one former lover who will not take no for an answer.

The rather formal cover of The Wicked Cousin belies a wonderful and lively account of the English aristocracy in the eighteenth century. Respectability is the order of the day and anyone deviating from society's expectations is severely frowned upon. Stella Riley writes a novel of sheer indulgence, providing a rich and vivid tale of a man's reputation lost and won. There is a generous smattering of masculine wagers involving fisticuffs, sword fights and pistols drawn. The women appear delicate in their elegant gowns, but they are strong of mind. They both abide by societal restrictions and also take delight in breaking them. The book is full of sharp-witted dialogue with an eclectic mix of characters. It positively seethed with an undercurrent of sexual tension which held my attention to the very end. This was an absolute delight to read and I shall definitely be seeking out more of Stella Riley's books in the future.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B06ZY2B64K
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Stella Riley; 1st edition (May 31, 2017)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 31, 2017
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.2 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 344 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B096X5MCLZ
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 800 ratings

About the author

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Stella Riley

Stella Riley

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Winner of 4 gold medals (Readers' Favourite 2019, Book Excellence Awards 2020, Global Book Awards 2022, Book Excellence Awards 2023) and 14 B.R.A.G. Medallions, Stella Riley lives in the beautiful medieval town of Sandwich in Kent.

She is fascinated by the English Civil Wars and has written six books set in that period. These, like the 7 book Rockliffe series (recommended in The Times newspaper!) and the Brandon Brothers trilogy, are all available in audio, narrated by Alex Wyndham.

Stella enjoys travel, reading, theatre, Baroque music and playing the harpsichord. She also has a fondness for men with long hair - hence her 17th and 18th century heroes.

Visit Stella at https://stellarileybooks.co.uk for all the latest information on her books and her 'Who's Who' and Extras pages.

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
800 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a wonderful addition to the Rockliffe series, praising its well-plotted tale and fabulous romance stories. They love the characters, with one customer particularly noting the author's remarkable personalities. The writing quality receives positive feedback, with customers describing it as top-notch.

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18 customers mention "Enjoyment"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book wonderful and charming, with one customer noting it provides a much richer reading experience.

"...She doesn't put up with nonsense. She also has a charming, very likable family. They're all so normal! Even the impish younger sister...." Read more

"...Also, even though this storyline features a stalker, there was never a lot of angst or the big misunderstanding, or even a hero who was terrified..." Read more

"...Her slow burn romances are historically on point, absorbing and delightful. You will love them! I highly recommend this book!" Read more

"...misunderstandings or failures to communicate and H and h are both appealing people...." Read more

16 customers mention "Plot"13 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the plot of the book, describing it as a well-plotted tale with fabulous romance stories, and one customer notes it has a satisfying HEA ending.

"...A character-driven story, the pace is measured, allowing the reader to become immersed in the story and to become a part of its characters...." Read more

"...when one is tormented by a crazy stalker for a few pages, it adds spice to the story and might I say, a measure of reaping of all those wild oats in..." Read more

"...Her slow burn romances are historically on point, absorbing and delightful. You will love them! I highly recommend this book!" Read more

"...The romance was sweet and the characters appealing and the writing was better than competent, but it was a rather bland story, uneventful and..." Read more

14 customers mention "Character development"11 positive3 negative

Customers love the characters in the book, with one customer particularly appreciating the author's remarkable personalities.

"...Cassandra is sensible, winsome, and a delightful heroine. She doesn't put up with nonsense. She also has a charming, very likable family...." Read more

"...Cassandra was never one to be trodden on. I liked her personality type a lot...." Read more

"...Stella Riley pens such remarkable personalities, that it would be criminal if one couldn’t see them popping up again and again...." Read more

"...The romance was sweet and the characters appealing and the writing was better than competent, but it was a rather bland story, uneventful and..." Read more

10 customers mention "Writing quality"10 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book.

"...Ms. Riley is a wonderful author and is one of only two I automatically preorder. She is exceptionally gifted...." Read more

"...(Rockliffe Book 2)]] - I still consider her one of the best writers in this genre and therefore pre-order her books, then wait with bated breath..." Read more

"...Riley writes with such wit. I find myself stopping and going back a few pages to reread passages that tickled my fancy...." Read more

"...romance was sweet and the characters appealing and the writing was better than competent, but it was a rather bland story, uneventful and uninspired...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • lark
    5.0 out of 5 stars Splendid Georgian...I've revised my review
    Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I was unfair in my initial assessment. I did have a minor criticism but it was just that, minor. This is a grand addition to Rockliffe World. I think it must be my destiny to fall in love with all heroes named Sebastian. lol Sebastian was a very sympathetic character to me. He had a difficult childhood and adolescence, and not in the usual ways we read over and over. His twin had died when he was 8-years-old and his father was so fearful of losing his remaining son that Sebastian was figuratvely wrapped in cotton wool. This repression continued all the way through his years at Cambridge where his only amusement was chess. Naturally, when he reached his majority and received a small inheritance from an aunt, he went wild and became the quintessential hellraiser. Understandable. He was making up for lost time.

    Now, Sebastian has returned to London, tired of the wild life and trying to live down his reputation. It won't be easy. He's assailed by young bucks who think he's still up for any crazy dare or wager. That's the least of his woes, though. He's now trapped in a library during a ball by a former miistress he had run all over Europe trying to avoid. And that's not the worst of it. Cassandra had earlier gone into the library for some peace and quiet. She doesn't get it. Seeking escape from the fluffy debutantes, Sebastian appears. Then the former lover. Cassandra hides and inadvertantly becomes privy to a scorching scene between Sebastian and the former lover. Quite an introduction:)

    Cassandra is sensible, winsome, and a delightful heroine. She doesn't put up with nonsense. She also has a charming, very likable family. They're all so normal! Even the impish younger sister. They really add to the story.

    As he comes to know Cassandra, Sebastian becomes ever more interested, but the discarded mistress continues to cause trouble. Essentially, she's a stalker. A little of her went a long way. I would have preferred her leaving the stage a tiny bit sooner, but that's just me.

    I enjoyed seeing the characters from the previous books and the author wove them into this story beautifully. Although this serves as a standalone, I strongly suggest that you first read the previous three novels. They're beautiful and they will give you a much richer reading experience. I've just re-read the previous three novels and am in the midst of re-reading this one...and loving it.

    A character-driven story, the pace is measured, allowing the reader to become immersed in the story and to become a part of its characters. It's a grand story. The dialogue is entertaining and the narrative puts you there.

    Ms. Riley is a wonderful author and is one of only two I automatically preorder. She is exceptionally gifted. Her talent is so brilliant that I now plan to read her Roundheads and Cavaliers Series. Although that's not set in a period I enjoy, if Ms. Riley writes it, I'll like it.

    Enjoy your reading! :)
    13 people found this helpful
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  • Judge Tabor
    4.0 out of 5 stars Stella Riley Brings it Again!!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    I'm sure that many of Stella Riley's followers were looking forward with great anticipation to this latest book in the Rockliffe Series. One truth I've learned is that although I may not always love the storyline of Ms. Riley's books - for example as in The Mésalliance (Rockliffe Book 2) - I still consider her one of the best writers in this genre and therefore pre-order her books, then wait with bated breath until I actually have it in my hands. Even though I really like her typical HR's, there's nothing quite like her true historical novels which also contain fabulous romance stories such as the "Roundheads and Cavaliers" set of books.

    In this book, our hero, Sebastian Audley, isn't one of my favorite hero types. After living a very restricted life in his youth, once he completes his Cambridge education and receives an inheritance from an aunt, he spends the next several years making up for lost time very rarely returning home to visit his father and family. His wagers, romantic dalliances and death defying activities have resulted in his name being synonymous with the word "scandal" throughout Europe.

    Eventually, all good things must come to an end. Sebastian's turning point comes in part because he's simply becoming bored with his lifestyle, plus he's had a romance which took a wrong turn, but when he learns his father is near death, return home he must. As he travels home, he must set his mind to be prepared to take up the responsibility of the family title and all that comes with it. Unfortunately, his reputation has preceded him and all of London is discussing him and eagerly awaiting his arrival - especially young, dumb ladies of the ton.

    However, one young lady, Cassandra Delahaye is not so interested. She's busy trying to figure out which gentleman might be worth pursuing because she's simply ready to get married. Sebastian doesn't interest her in the least, but of course she runs smack dab into him while hiding in a room at the first ball he attends. While crouched behind a chair, she unintentionally eavesdrops on a conversation Sebastian has with a woman who has followed him from Europe to London. Uh oh! The fat is in the fire when Sebastian and Cassandra face off in that room.

    Although Sebastian is intrigued, Cassandra's opinion of him as a type of wastrel isn't easily changed. If anything, his rakish lifestyle is confirmed once she hears the conversation between him and the lovely but crazy lady who is stalking him. This experience is very foretelling of the rest of the book. Since Sebastian's a distant cousin of Cassandra's and they have many of the same acquaintances, they are often in one another's company. Over time, Sebastian finds himself head over ears for Cassie, but his stalker continues to wreak havoc.

    I will probably upset some readers but I think these men who've played loose and fast, especially with married women, deserve some payback. No, I'm not for stalkers, but the men of this era could sleep around all over town with whores, willing widows, expensive courtesans and then, when it comes time for them to settle down and be married, they have their pick of all the lovely virgins. So, occasionally, when one is tormented by a crazy stalker for a few pages, it adds spice to the story and might I say, a measure of reaping of all those wild oats in which there's bound to be a few weeds.

    Eventually, we get to hook up with all the major players of the other books. It was quite a treat to have some tidbits of Lord Sarre and Caroline as well as Amberley and Rosalind, Rockliffe and Adeline and Nicholas which added much to the storyline.

    Bottom line: Sebastian has a complete turnaround and becomes a faithful man. Cassandra was never one to be trodden on. I liked her personality type a lot. Also, even though this storyline features a stalker, there was never a lot of angst or the big misunderstanding, or even a hero who was terrified to acknowledge his love for his lady. Once Sebastian fell, he knew his mind. This I greatly enjoyed.
    17 people found this helpful
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  • Tracy DeNeal
    5.0 out of 5 stars Cassandra and Sebastian
    Reviewed in the United States on September 23, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    A wicked female villain? Oh my!

    The Honourable Sebastian Audley has been traveling the world apparently engaging in all manner of wickedness for the past seven years. His reputation back home in England is that of the most wicked libertine. The scandal rags and the little debutantes love him sight unseen. How dreary for him.

    Mistress Cassandra Delahaye, everyone’s best friend and all around girl next door, steps to center stage in this installment of the Rockliffe series. With a vengeful former mistress working her wiles and pulling every nefarious trick in the book to discredit Sebastian amongst the ton, stalwart Cassandra proves herself to be a formidable opponent for her wicked “cousin’s” adversary.

    All of the delightful cast of characters from the earlier books are back for this story. Stella Riley pens such remarkable personalities, that it would be criminal if one couldn’t see them popping up again and again. I count myself fortunate that I am only now reading this series because joyfully, I did not have to wait for each installment.

    Riley writes with such wit. I find myself stopping and going back a few pages to reread passages that tickled my fancy. I honestly believe that once I am done with this series, I will want to start over at the beginning.

    The verdict? I don’t believe that Stella Riley is capable of writing a bad story. Her slow burn romances are historically on point, absorbing and delightful. You will love them! I highly recommend this book!
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Ros H.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Series
    Reviewed in Australia on October 4, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Just loving this series. Must read
    Report
  • Beatrix Fitze
    5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it
    Reviewed in Germany on April 10, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    What a highly satisfying and enjoyable story. I loved the characters and the way they TALKED to each other. Communication on a sensible level and not the angst-ridden don’t mention anything stuff that sometimes drives me crazy in novels. This story is relatable all the way through and I loved it. Straight on to the next Stella Riley book, I think that says it all!
    Report
  • CKH
    3.0 out of 5 stars More like the Misunderstood Cousin.
    Reviewed in Canada on August 10, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    Plot is a bit ho hum. I do hate books that rely on a misconception or misheard conversation to form the friction between the main protagonists. Plus the main antagonist is a 2D cardboard cutout villan figure.

    However, the dialogue is well written and I would be suprised to an occasional chuckle. Sense of place and time is well done too. I have now bought all of the books in this range, and should she write another I know I will buy that one too.
    Report
  • Wendy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another superb addition to Stella Riley's compelling ROCKLIFFE series (narrated by the highly talented Alex Wyndham)
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 22, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    The Prologue to The Wicked Cousin, the fourth in Stella Riley’s magnificent Georgian Rockliffe series, is moving and poignant, and sets the scene for the string of events which will forever change Sebastian Audley's life. As the story unfolds and we learn more about the life of this charismatic character, I fell for him hook, line and sinker.

    On a scorching August day in 1757 when he was eight years old, Sebastian Audley’s life changed. And though he didn’t know it, that change was to last for the next thirteen years…

    It was the day that a distraught child lost his beloved twin brother, the other half of himself; no one understood his grief. The boys had been inseparable - intuitively knowing each other’s thoughts in a way that only identical twins can. But, in Sebastian’s emotionally underdeveloped child’s mind, he believed he had failed Theo when he needed him the most. Locked in his room, he cried out his despair and felt his brother’s pain… and then...the silence...when he knew that part of him was gone forever and, from that moment on, Sebastian’s charmed, carefree life ended. He blamed himself for living when Theo had died, which was only reinforced by the diatribe hurled at him by his eldest sister, Blanche, who had irrationally never cared for the younger of her twin brothers. Theo’s early and tragic death shaped the way the adults in Sebastian's life treated him, albeit believing they were keeping him safe. Their actions also impacted on the way he himself behaved for the best part of seven years, after finally escaping the strictures imposed on him by his grief-stricken father - actions that this autocratic man was to come to bitterly regret.

    Sebastian’s first acts of defiance - refusing to be ‘chaperoned' by the local vicar’s son, or to study the subject chosen for him by his father - came when he was finally allowed to leave home to study at Cambridge. Instead, he diligently and quietly applied himself to studying the law, which he saw as a way of eventually becoming independent of his father’s claustrophobic control. He obtained an honours degree but never actually had to practise law because an unexpected, small but adequate bequest from a great-aunt left him financially independent and, more importantly, it freed him from familial restraint. During his time at university, he worked hard, denying himself the fun and frolicking other undergraduates enjoyed. Instead, he discovered a love and quite remarkable talent for the intricacies of chess, which he had once enjoyed playing with his twin. This talent was to serve him well in later years.

    As sole heir to his father, Viscount Wingham, Sebastian had to be kept safe for the succession at all costs but, by the time he reached his majority, he was determined to escape the suffocating over protectiveness of his family. After years of compliance, Sebastian about-faced and embarked on an extraordinary catch-up of everything that had previously been denied him; his exploits becoming the talk of London society before he disappeared to the continent to continue his outrageous lifestyle. All the girls he had never kissed or bedded became a part of his new life, and his adrenalin seeking exploits were salaciously reported in the gossip rags. Whatever challenge or wager the rumour mill insisted he had accepted – no matter how ridiculous, or even whether fact or fiction – was avidly reported and devoured by the ton. His notorious reputation, coupled with his lauded and extraordinary good looks, bluer than blue eyes, glorious hair of a rich burgundy/garnet and impressive physique, set him apart from his peers. Sebastian Audley had become a living legend.

    After seven years of self-imposed exile, wandering from place to place, and now desperate to escape the determined pursuit of a spurned lover turned stalker, Sebastian’s nomad life had become intolerable. During the last couple of years on the continent, he had already considerably toned down his behaviour and, with little else to do, his beloved chess became his only real enjoyment in life. Time and practice had honed his skills with remarkable results and, in fact, such a talent never did equate with his rakehell reputation, which was more a few years of madness than a character trait.

    Though reluctant to return home to his father's controlling orbit, he still felt a strong sense of familial duty. In all the years apart, he never stopped loving his father, and without fail made the long and arduous journey home once a year to see him. However, the cruel jibes of his sister, Blanche, whose unreasonable dislike of him has not abated with the years, were the catalyst that always drove him away again. Sebastian hides the hurt she causes him beneath a devil-may-care attitude which only serves to compound her dislike of him. One of the many things I love about Sebastian's character is that he is an honourable young man who always knew that one day he would return to his responsibilities. However, who could blame him for staying away when his sister is the unmarried matriarch presiding over his ancestral home? Eventually, it is an imperious letter from Blanche informing him that his father has suffered an apoplexy that gives him the excuse he needs to return home for good.

    Sebastian arrives home to find his father well on the road to recovery, and after spending some private time together, they finally make their peace; his father admitting to his earlier failures with regard to his son. Sebastian is still not entirely convinced of his father’s ability to let him run his own life, but I began to warm to the viscount as his obvious pride in his son was rather touching. Whether in spite of or because of his reported escapades I’m not sure.

    With his father out of danger and the decision all but made to remain in England, Sebastian decides to go to London in an attempt to convince society that he is a reformed character. There he seeks the help of Adrian Devereux, Earl of Sarre (The Player), the two men having met and become close friends whilst both were exiled on the continent. Adrian proposes a plan in the form of a private wager placed in the betting book of his gaming club. With this in place, Sebastian is protected, at least in the short term, from ridiculous wagers by immature young bucks. His first tentative steps are fraught with pitfalls, especially as he has recently gained the moniker of, The Wicked Cousin, courtesy of Olivia Delahaye, the rather silly younger sister of Cassandra (Cassie), whom we met in previous books as a secondary character. Cassie's father, a close friend of the Duke of Rockliffe, plays quite a prominent part in this story and I liked his quiet, reasonable character and wise council, especially regarding Sebastian. The familial relationship between the Delahaye’s and Audley’s is tentative but nevertheless one in which Olivia is more than happy to bask in among her bevy of young female friends.

    Sebastian’s initial, accidental meeting with Cassie is brimming with misunderstandings and only serves to reinforce her pre-conceived opinion of him as an arrogant, feckless, philanderer whom she could never like. However, after several more encounters, Cassie reluctantly begins to see why he is so popular with and intriguing to the men and women of society; he is witty and amusing but in a kindly, non-mocking way, with no apparent artifice and more importantly, he seems genuinely interested in her as a person. Then, with some simple, sweet gestures, Sebastian has Cassie hooked along with the rest of society and by now she is already half-way in love with him. In Cassie's experience, she has only ever attracted dull dogs and then only because their mothers think her suitable daughter-in-law material. Never in her wildest dreams does she imagine that her feelings could be returned by this gorgeous young man who could, quite frankly, have his pick.

    But they are returned because Sebastian is utterly smitten. He sees - through the eyes of a man in love - the beautiful, captivating and interesting girl that other less discerning suitors have failed to see. From the moment the two acknowledge that they are meant to be together, Cassie is loyal to a fault, refusing to believe anything to Sebastian's detriment and, when his spurned ex-lover tries to make trouble for him, she fights tooth and nail for him regardless of the opinion of others. Charles and Serena Delahaye are nonplussed by the change in their previously gentle, biddable daughter and, in the words of her father:

    "You, Mr. Audley, have turned my lovely girl into a damned Valkyrie.'"

    Cassie’s parents have always appreciated her worth, never pressuring her into settling for second best. So, when Sebastian requests permission of her father to pay his addresses to Cassie – with her approval – the astute Charles Delahaye is more than happy, especially as his daughter has never sent a young man to him before. Despite Sebastian’s reputation, Sir Charles has always known there were valid reasons for his past behaviour and has some sympathy for the young man.

    The Wicked Cousin is very much a beautifully crafted love story, with interesting and likeable characters. I particularly like the author’s unique way of taking apparently ordinary women and showing us that we all have hidden depths and just need the right man to see them as Sebastian does with Cassie. I adored both of these characters; Cassie is sweet, determined and loyal and Sebastian, kind, protective and with a generosity of spirit one cannot help but be drawn to. His outward carefree attitude hides a depth of grief for his twin that Cassie sees and understands. I thought Stella Riley rather clever in her pairing of these two – so different and yet so right for each other. Sebastian’s rather naughty sense of humour and Cassie’s whole-hearted acceptance of it is amusing and a little risqué, but not too much, because, true to her style, Ms. Riley allows us just enough to wet our appetite and no more.

    The unforgettable Duke of Rockliffe (The Mésalliance) again leads the group of friends that Stella Riley has cultivated and grown since the beginning of the series. They are once more in action as they close ranks to protect one of their own. Amusingly, at one point in the story, 'the friends' take the normally calm and collected Rock away to entertain him at the request of their wives to give his wife, Adeline, some respite from his fussing as she awaits the arrival of their first child. When, at last the child arrives, my heart just melted. Imagine the perfectly controlled, formidable Rock as a doting papa; Stella Riley is one of only a few authors who can reduce me to mush, and she always succeeds in one way or another:

    …his Grace was walking back and forth by the windows holding a small bundle wrapped in a lacy white shawl…

    I was very happy to see the return of Adrian Deveraux, one of my favourite characters in this series. His story is told in The Player, which is one of the best and most intriguingly complex stories I have read in Historical Romance, the genius of which is captured to perfection by Alex Wyndham in his splendid audio performance of the various personas and voices of Adrian. I loved seeing more of Adrian and how his marriage to Caroline, his countess, has progressed, but also how he plays such a pivotal role in helping Sebastian and Cassandra attain their own HEA.

    As always, the recording of one of Ms. Riley’s books into audio by her chosen narrator, Alex Wyndham, is a treat worth waiting for. Mr. Wyndham has a unique talent whereby he transforms anything this author writes from wonderful to extraordinary. Actor and author are completely in tune as he interprets her words with perfect precision, sometimes bringing something to my notice I had missed in the reading of it.

    Every character is easily distinguishable - male or female, old or young. The male cast of friends has become larger and more complex as the series has progressed, yet this appears to pose no dilemma for Mr. Wyndham, as yet again he manages to pull another voice out of his ever-deepening hat. For instance, this is the first we have heard of Sebastian in the series; his 'voice' is perfectly pitched to indicate the light, buoyant, slightly amused and occasionally naughty tones of Sebastian, which I imagined when I first read his story. There are a few occasions where Adrian and Sebastian are in conversation and I wondered how Alex Wyndham would deal with these two equally charismatic characters to my satisfaction. How could I question his ability because he flawlessly delineates between the two men, with never a doubt as to which one is speaking, and, all the time, still retaining the exact voice he used for Adrian in The Player.

    I can't complete my analysis of Mr. Wyndham's performance without mentioning his superior portrayal of Nicholas Wynstanton, younger brother of the Duke of Roxton. In previous books, this young man has been easy-going and ebullient but now, smitten by a young woman who is resisting his advances, he has become grumpy and short-tempered, whilst still remaining very recognisable as himself. Another thoroughly enjoyable and faultless performance from this supremely talented actor.

    This series is really addictive and I’m particularly fond of a saga where we see the return of family and friends in high-profile. These people have become so special to us as readers that we feel invested in their lives. Ms. Riley has done this to such great effect that these men and now their women too, feel like old friends.

    Ms. Riley infuses the story with her customary wit and humour and I was particularly entertained by the scene where Sebastian ties up his ex-mistress and cuts off her hair (this scene is captured admirably by Mr. Wyndham, who sounded as though he was enjoying himself immensely).

    As is the case with any Stella Riley novel, her research is so impeccable that we can be sure she has it right, whether it is the intricacies of chess or the cut and thrust of a tense and exciting fencing match. I highly recommend Stella Riley's work to the uninitiated because, in my opinion, she is consistently a 5 star writer and each of her stories is special in its own right. I would recommend starting at the beginning of this series, mainly to gain a perspective and understanding of how Ms. Riley has developed her intriguing group of friends and relatives, and to see how their loves and lives intertwine, but more importantly how they all support one another. However, it isn’t necessary, as each story is unique and different to the previous books in the series.

    MY VERDICT: The audio of THE WICKED COUSIN, narrated by Alex Wyndham, is a terrific listen and another worthy addition to the author's fabulous Rockliffe series. Stella Riley never disappoints, and I always look forward with eager anticipation to a new release and with HAZARD, the next in the series, nearing completion, we won't have long to wait.
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  • Annoyed in Seattle
    4.0 out of 5 stars Well written, nice story
    Reviewed in Germany on January 5, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Sweet. Good writing, engaging main characters, and the other stories are nicely intertwined. I enjoyed it.
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