To Wed a Wicked Earl by Olivia Parker

Genre: Historical Romance

Copyright: 2004

Pages: 336
Rating: 4 / 5
 
Synopsis:
He's on the hunt for a bride . . .
Adam Faramond, Earl of Rothbury, needs to find a wife—immediately!—or his beloved grandmother will leave him penniless. But Adam, an unrepentant rake, would reform for only one woman, the woman he's lusted after—and loved—for years. It's rather unfortunate, then, that Miss Charlotte Greene would never consent to be the blushing bride of a rogue . . . or so he thinks.
Charlotte believes that the earl, the only man whose touch leaves her trembling, would never want a woman like her. Weary of her wallflower ways, Charlotte decides that a friendship with the earl just might give her the excitement she desires. Keeping their true feelings hidden, she and Adam plan a sham ceremony to placate the dowager. But when the "marriage of convenience" takes an unexpected turn, will Charlotte and her wicked earl finally reveal their irresistible, unforgettable love—and delight in a lifetime of passion?

Review:
I absolutely loved this book.

A notorious rake in love with a wall flower but unwilling to let her know. Instead he lets the world think he wants another woman. She's been in love with her childhood rescuer who woos her and then chooses another for marriage.

They decide to be 'friends' and help each other get to the person they're pretending they want. But in the end, as the wicked earl puts it "one day or another, one of us would start having…thoughts about the other" After all, there's such a thing as a man and a woman never being able to become friends because lust gets in the way.
Rothbury has always wanted Charlotte, and for her soon her friendly feelings start to be something more. And a wily old grandmother helps them find the way

Did i mention i loved this book. A lot of the book is from Rothbury's perspective and its charming to read how he's falling for the shy girl who everyone ignores at the balls and despite himself can't stay away from her. Charlotte comes across as a real innocent shy spinster. A bit quirky, obviously unaware of her beauty and sometimes daring - like when she kisses Rothbury for the first time.

Its a quick 3 hr read, don't miss it. I know i'll definitely be reading more of Olivia Parker