Wicked In Your Arms (Forgotten Princesses #1) by Sophie Jordan
Historical Romance
Paperback
July 26, 2011
Avon

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote: “Do you mean to say you’re considering me as a prospective wife? Heavens! Have the stars truly shined down on me? Could I be so blessed?”

Crown Prince Sevastian Maksimi, one of Europe’s most eligible bachelors, must find a rich wife of impeccable breeding and produce a heir in order to help his country heal from the devastation of war. When Ms. Grier Hadley finds herself eavesdropping on the prince and his cousin, she is mortified and insulted as the prince proceeds to voice out loud her every flaw and unsuitable pedigree. Grier makes her presence known by “accidentally” dropping her drink on the prince’s head. From that moment on, Sev and Grier wage a war of wits and words where hate turns into passion and desire turns into love. Can a commoner and royalty find true love together? Or will they let society and its constricts deny these them the happiness they deserve?

Wicked In Your Arms is the first of Ms Jordan’s Forgotten Princesses series and a wonderful start it is. I found it to be a light weight historical romance. Ms. Jordon crafts a delightfully romantic tale around two extremely strong and personable characters who engage your heart quickly. Though the story starts out a tad slow as we are introduced to our hero and heroine, the pace speeds up quickly and you soo fly to the happily ever after you know these two deserve.

Grier Hadley and her sister Cleo are the illegitimate daughters of an infamous gambling den owner. Not exactly top shelf material. What grants them entrance to some of the most influential homes is the size of their dowry. Their father Jack wants them to make advantageous marriages but Grier hates the snubs and jokes made at their expense. Having raised herself after her step father’s death, she is humiliated at having to subject herself and her sister to this circus. Quite the feminist for her time, Grier is quite funny with her sarcastic wit, vivacious set downs, and her frequent use of the phrase, “Holy hellfire.”

Sevastian (Sev) is not quite the arse he presents himself to be at the beginning. And wow, is he an arse. He has to marry a proper lady for she will become the next Queen of his country. His feelings do not and can not matter. His country was devastated by a war and marriage is the only way for it to heal. When he and Grier first meet it is like bleach and ammonia mixing-BOOM! She cannot believe his audacity or seemingly lack of manners and he is perplexed by her inability or need to genuflect to him.

“You did not seem…opposed.” He drew closer, staring at her in a most perplexing manner. “I thought perhaps you wanted to be come friends.”

“Friends? “ Her eyes narrowed.

“You’re not unattractive, “ he drawled.

She blinked. “So therefore I’m worthy of a dalliance ?” She shook her head , marveling at his arrogance. “This may come as a shock, but I don’t care for your opinion of me.

He blinked. “Your a bit long in the tooth aren’t you?”

She gasped. “For what? Being alive?”

“For being yet unclaimed.”

“Unclaimed? As in unclaimed by a man?”

He nodded once
“A bit archaic aren’t you? I’ve been busy…haven’t gotten around to a man…claiming me yet.”

“I’m a man.”

“No, your a jackass.”

As they come in to contact more and more with each other, the attraction between them intensifies yet they both know that nothing can come of it. Emotions run high and the sexual tension is delicious as we and they are slowly led towards the ultimate act. I really enjoyed the fact the Ms. Jordan doesn’t waste time with overblown angst and misconceptions in order to draw the storyline out.

The secondary characters were interesting and helped to elevate and push Grier and Sev’s story along. Grier’s father Jack shows a much different side when Grier is in danger and I enjoyed the love and affection Cleo has for Grier. I do wish that we would have gotten a more in depth subplots with Jack, Cleo, and of course our villain. Especially our villain. I’m still not sure what he hoped to accomplish with his actions. This story is really focused on the protagonists and I felt that we were cheated by the small scenes these characters were allowed to play in.

The ending has a bit of intrigue and suspense as Sev realizes that he cannot and will not live without Grier. We are also given a very nice epilogue that lets us know how our lovebirds are doing about one year later. All in all a comfortable historical romance that is sure to elicit a happy sigh from it’s readers.  If you want to read Grier’s sister Marguerite’s story then be sure to pick up a copy of Wicked Nights With a Lover.

Overall Rating: C+

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