The Wicked Heir is the third book in the Spare Heirs series by Elizabeth Michels. It can easily be read as a stand alone novel.

Lady Isabelle Fairlyn is in love with the man of her dreams, Brice, a man that once, years ago, showed her a kindness that she's never forgotten. She lives in her parents house, her parents argue a lot, and Isabelle dreams of marrying Brice and living happily ever after. In her world there would be on arguing, just plenty of smiles and happiness. Brice doesn't even know she exists! When he ends up getting betrothed to none other than her twin sister, Victoria, she is heartbroken. But with her always positive approach to things, she knows she must move on, and sets out to find another Mr Right. That Mr Right, happens to be a manipulative villain, hell bent on revenge on both Isabelle's father, and on Fallon St James' Spare Heirs Society. He is determined to woo Isabelle and then use her to wreak his revenge.

Fallon St James recently met Isabelle at a society event, their meeting was a memorable one. It is also where he learns that she has a huge crush on his friend and fellow Spare Heir, Brice. She hero worships the man and Fallon knows that her dreams of marrying the man are wasted because he isn't the man she thinks he is. When he ends up betrothed to her sister Fallon is relieved both because of the unsuitability of Brice for her, but also because he has started to form an attachment to her himself. Of course he is no good for her either, so he knows his jealousy is ridiculous.

Fallon's and Isabelle's lives are thrown together when in her search for her new Mr Right, she ends up grievously injured and set up for art theft by that man! The only way to make sure she recovers and to keep her safe is for Fallen to whisk her off to his home where he keeps her locked up in his bedroom. He can't let her roam his house because it is also the home of the Spare Heirs Society, a secret society that nobody, especially Isabelle should know about.

Of course Isabelle being Isabelle it isn't long after she recovers that she ends up seeing Fallon as a hero, and she finds herself in love with him. As for him, well if nothing else he finds her good fun, and he definitely lusts after her. He can't allow himself to love anybody, so he fights the good fight not to fall for her while at the same time continuing to run the society, and most importantly, making sure nobody finds out about the supposed art theft that would ruin Isabelle and her family's reputation. Isabelle could also end up in prison!

Can Fallon and his men get their man, keep Isabelle safe, and keep her family from ruin. Can Fallon also keep from falling in love with Isabelle. Even if he could give in and return the love she tells him she feels for him, he isn't good enough for her. He's not the hero she thinks he is. Can they possibly have a happy ending?

I think this story was wonderful, there was never a dull moment from beginning to end. Isabelle's view of life was so simple and uncomplicated, she sees everything through rose coloured glasses. She is the perfect person to befriend Fallon who has seen way too much of the seedier side of life. She is the light to his darkness. It was wonderful to see Fallon begin to loosen up a little. Alongside the romance of the story, the suspense and intrigue involving the villainous Grapling, kept me hooked. Why did he want revenge against Isabelle's father and the Spare Heirs? Could he be stopped? I loved this book and I fully intend to go back and read the other books of the series, and of course read the next book in the series which is about Brice. I am really looking forward to that!

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.

This is a fun, fast-paced and entertaining historical read. The story has plenty of suspense and drama and I really liked the characters. The characters have great chemistry and lots of depth to them. I really liked it.

Lady Isabelle Fairlyn's life is falls apart when the perfect guy she loves ends up betrothed to her twin sister. Fallon St. James is the farthest thing from perfectly anything. He’s the head of the secretive Spare Heirs Society and he must stick to the shadows. When Lady Isabelle’s life is threatened he becomes her protector and Isabelle's friendship pulls him reluctantly into the light. She begins to see him in a different light especially when she gets involved with the one man who could destroy Spares Heirs Society. A great story filled with twists and turns as Fallon must decide between saving his life’s work or protecting the one woman who has giving meaning back into his life again.
This is my honest opinion of a book I freely read from Net Galley and the publisher.

The Wicked Heir, by Elizabeth Michels is an intriguing historical romance that's set in primarily in London in 1817.

Fallon St. James, the leader of the secret Spare Heirs Society, meets the enchanting Lady Isabelle Fairlyn, who initially determines that they will be dear friends. With a slightly flighty, (yet charming) personality, Isabelle believes herself to be in love with Fallon's friend, even though they have never been introduced, until her romantic dreams are dashed by her twin sister.

As the story continues, Fallon and Isabelle's new friendship and attraction to each other is hindered when they are forced to deal with numerous secrets, family complications, and his issues from the past affecting their future. Fallon's dark past and mysterious present involvements hinders him from romantically perusing Isabelle, until several serious mishaps place Isabelle and Fallon in close proximity.

Since it's the third book in The Spare Heirs series, it's recommended to start with the first book, yet it's not necessary to read the books in order. I'm definitely looking forward to a future story focused on Isabelle's twin sister, Victoria.

When to Engage an Earl is geared towards those who enjoy reading historical romances with a little mystery intermixed in the story.


Note: I received this book from NetGalley, which is a program designed for bloggers to write book reviews in exchange for books, yet the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

'The Wicked Heir' by Elizabeth Michels is Book Three in "The Spare Heirs" series. This is the story of Lady Isabelle Fairlyn and Fallon St. James. I feel this can easily be a standalone book.
Fallon is the head of the Spare Heirs Society and likes to be in control of things.
Isabelle has only had the title of Lady for a few years and looks for the good in everything it would seem. Isabelle has eyes for Fallon's friend Mr. Brice at first.
There first true meeting has them in a situation that is somewhat funny when you know how much Fallon is so serious. Fallon is taken back by Isabelle and her attitude toward him and other things she does. From the first moments of their meeting when she describes how Ms. Brice Smiled at her and then she criticized Fallon smile I knew this was going to be another great book by Ms. Michels.
I will say that Ms. Michels is on my favorite go to list of authors when I want a great romance book!
Loved this story!
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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London - 1817

Ladies Isabelle and Victoria Fairly are identical twins in appearance but possess totally different personalities. Isabelle has a crush on Mr. Kelton Brice but her sister is supposed to marry him which leaves Isabelle furious.

Fallon St. James is part of the Spare Heirs Society which is a secret club that provides for the younger sons of the nobility. Fallon is friends with Brice. They are working together and tonight they are looking for Mr. Reginald Gapling reported to be in the area. The man was last seen in chains as a prisoner and has now escaped. As the two men chat, a lovely woman peeks at them from behind a huge tower of sweets. It is Isabelle looking to see Brice. As Brice departs, Fallon and Isabelle talk over the sweets table as a tower threatens to fall.

Gapling has found Isabelle’s diary and reads of her family’s wealth of art. Now, he needs to worm himself into the good graces of one of the sisters so he chooses Isabelle. His plan is to steal the artwork. When Isabelle is struck over the head as she admires her family’s artwork, Fallon rescues her and secrets her to his home while he looks for the person who tried to kill her.

Both Fallon and Isabelle are quite feisty and banter back and forth. But he is adamant that she stay safe. Will he be able to find her enemy?

OK. This is the third novel in this series that I have read. I struggled through the other two and struggled even more with this one. I don’t get the whole Spare Heirs Society thing at all and just the theme of the book is simply not my cup of tea. However, I know that there are lots of readers who will disagree with me and will love the book. To them - enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is the first book I have read by Ms. Michels, and I enjoyed it. Thanks go to the publisher and Net-Galley for the invitation to read and review. The Wicked Heir has a unique premise, making it an interesting read.

The plot intrigued me from the start and I remained engaged until the end. The pacing is steady and the writing flows well. I enjoyed Ms. Michels writing style a great deal. Although this is the third book in The Spare Heirs Society, I did not have any difficulty reading this book as a stand-alone.

Lady Isabelle’s character was a mixed bag for me. She came across as flighty and she lives with her head in the clouds, but she has her moments, just not strong enough for me to fall in love with her.

Fallen St. James is a much more fleshed out character. I felt I came to know him and like him. He places his honor and dedication the Spare Heir Society above all else in his life. At first, he just sees Isabella as an obligation, but when he has to spend a lot of time in her company, he was drawn to her naiveté. I enjoyed seeing him soften and begin the see the shades of gray in life.

One of the things I enjoy most in Regency romance novels is the sexual tension between the hero and heroine, and this novel has that key ingredient. The attraction grows to a slow burn and had me rooting for Isabelle and Fallon to find their happy ending, especially Fallon. This couple definitely proves opposites attract.

If you enjoy a rousing romance with interesting characters, a bit of mystery and a great romance, then The Wicked Heir is the book for you. Happy reading!

I continue to be impressed by the richness and depth of the stories within Elizabeth Michels' Spare Heirs Society, historical romance series. In The Wicked Heir, Michels turns her sights on Fallon St. James, the mysterious leader of the Spare Heirs, and Lady Isabelle Fairlyn, who readers may recall as a secondary character from previous books. At the start, the two seem an unlikely match. He is a tightly controlled man who eats, sleeps, and breathes the business of the Spare Heirs while Isabelle dances her way through life in a cloud of fairy dust, or so it seems. I fell for Fallon in a heartbeat - Isabelle took a little more getting used to - but, together, they captured my heart as all of Michels' couples have done.

Ms. Michels is adept at weaving emotional complexity and suspense through her books while also bringing readers a deeply romantic tale, lightened by strategic splashes of humor. It's a fine balance and one she carries off with panache. Balance is a good theme for this particular book as that is something that seems to be lacking in Fallon's and Isabelle's lives, particularly Fallon. I love how Isabelle, with her sunny, positive outlook on life, gradually introduces touches of light into the dark corners of his life. The scene where he's introduced to the food his cook prefers to prepare is a particular favorite. Fallon is an honorable man, loyal to his friends and determined to protect those unable to protect themselves, such as Isabelle after she's attacked by an enemy, but he has an iron-grip control on himself, a reluctance to ask others for help, and many more layers than I had guessed. With each layer unveiled, he wound his way more tightly around my heart.

Isabelle may seem immature at times and lost in her self-imposed fairytale outlook on life but as the story slowly unfolds, I could see her insistence on a rainbows and unicorns existence for the coping mechanism it was and I appreciated her evolution as she began to accept the realities of life around her. She needed to grow up to be an equal partner in her relationship with Fallon, which she does, and I'm delighted she was able to do so without losing that goodness and positivity that are such essential parts of her.

Michels once again surrounds the main couple with a vibrant secondary cast, including a truly nasty villain who is chillingly written. Heroes and heroines from previous books in this series, and the one past, pop in and out of the story on occasion, adding spice to the soup without detracting from the main dish. Two secondary characters who have vital roles in The Wicked Heir are Isabelle's twin, Lady Victoria Fairlyn (Isabelle's opposite in most every way) and Fallon's best friend, and fellow Spare Heir, Lord Hardaway. Those two are like a powder keg waiting for a lit match. I can't wait to see what Michels has in store for them!

A series of second sons, men never expecting to inherit the title or responsibility of their elder brothers, the series brings us to Fallon, mastermind of the informal club of the Spare Heirs Society. He’s spent all of his life managing the affairs of the spares: with their knowledge and entrée into the ton – he’s used all means available to work quietly in the seedier side of London. He’s perfectly imperfect: knowing the right thing to do legally is not necessarily the right thing for him and the members of the society. And he’s very good at his job, eschewing the niceties and pomp of society even as he is well versed in them.

Isabelle, a twin, is heartbroken and a bit angry when the “love of her life” asks for her twin’s hand instead of her own. Of course, she doesn’t react well to the news, less heartbroken than determined to get even, she sets herself a goal. Find a match, better than her sister’s, by the end of the season. When she meets Fallon, she’s instantly drawn to him and shares her tale of woe: An innocent with a decided devilish air that does little to hide her determined nature, Fallon is intrigued, but knows that she could bring ruin on him and herself. And soon, with her sights set on a true rogue, Fallon has to step in to save her.

Oh this was fun – Fallon, despite himself, is instantly drawn to Isabelle: her brightness, her naiveté and her innocent belief that the world will turn for her because it should. It doesn’t hurt that she instantly placed her trust in him, nor that she brought a lightness, previously unknown, into his life. He’d miss that when it was gone – and then, he realized that perhaps he could have everything he’d never dreamed of…

A wonderfully fun story with plenty of intrigue and drama that shows that those who have little expected of or from them often have the most to offer.

I received a copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at <a href=” http://wp.me/p3OmRo-9bq/”> <a> I am, Indeed </a>

The Wicked Heir is the third book in Elizabeth Michel’s Spare Heir series. I have not read of the other books in this series, nor have I read anything else by this author. Nevertheless, I was excited about the opportunity to read this book because I enjoy reading historical romance novels set during the Regency.

Unfortunately, I could not get into this book. The hero seemed nice enough, but the heroine was vapid beyond reason. There is apparently a difference between being prone to flights of fancy and living in a fantasy world. She was also a little too immature. I gave up after the pigeon scene, wherein she seemed pretty convinced that she could coax a random bird into carrying messages for her.

It was also a bit much for the heroine to be devastated when her twin sister is found in a situation that results in the twin having to marry the heroine’s big crush. The heroine had built up the relationship almost entirely in her head and had barely had any interactions with him.

I did, however, appreciate the way that Michel built suspense by providing the reader with the villain’s POV in addition to that of the hero and heroine. My curiosity was also piqued about why the twin sister would be following a gentleman around, and would be interested in reading the next book in this series if it features that pairing.

I do not think that I can recommend this book to others because I was unable to finish it due to lack of interest, but I am grateful for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

Michels writes a heady love story that has it all – intrigue, romance, humor, and action – and readers will be captivated when the controlled and mysterious Fallon St. James is bowled over by an idealist daydreamer, Lady Isabelle Fairlyn.

Isabelle lives with her head in the clouds idealizing life, love, and marriage, and she has a list of exactly what she wants in her perfect husband. She has no interest in compromising, and Fallon doesn’t possess any of the needed attributes to be a candidate. He’s in agreement with her assessment of their incompatibility and has no interest in a match, but he and Isabelle are both surprisingly intrigued and charmed by each other, and they form a friendship.

Fallon is the head of the Spare Heirs Society, which provides a livelihood and brotherhood for gentleman who are not first-borns and without socially approved career options beyond the clergy and military, and his life is consumed with running the organization. When threats against the Spare Heirs begin to also target Isabelle, they are continually thrust together, and Fallon has his entire world rocked as he gets to know and fall for her. He is absolutely charming when he begins to loosen his tightly wound control under the warm regard of this fascinating woman. He is well and truly gobsmacked. The Wicked Heir is perfectly paced and thoroughly romantic, and Michels has a true talent for weaving an enchanting and engrossing suspenseful tale. - Mary Dubé, USA Today's Happy Ever After

Was a decent read, just wish I had read the first two books first. I was a little lost at the beginning!

Isabelle Fairlyn, so naïve and yet so eager to have a marriage founded on love, makes one want to reach out and steer her away from faulty judgments she makes about men. Her maturing as she learns the outside appearance does not really show the true nature of a man makes for page-turning reading. Her innate joy and innocence come alive on the pages.

Fallon St. James, all business as he works tirelessly to save the Spare Heirs Society, sees her as a mystical beauty, innocent, a wood nymph who makes him smile; something he rarely does. How the two of them become friends is a delight to read. How they become more than friends is even better.

How Elizabeth Michels weaves in back story and the villain Reginald Gapling is masterful. Gapling’s elusiveness and threat create an edginess to the plot and a sense of unease for the well-being of Isabelle. In her naiveté, she finds him charming.

Elizabeth Michels uses all the usual trappings of early nineteenth century life in England, but with twists and unique main characters. The spare heirs, so often the misfits, become guardians of the seamier side of London while making a living in a society that often leaves spare heirs in limbo with no trade and no inheritance..

The Wicked Heir, extremely well crafted, is captivating and powerful with an elaborate plotline and intriguing characters, plus the innocence and joy for life woven into it all makes it extra special.

I wanted to love it, but I didn't. There wasn't enough dialogue or anything really happening. It just didn't capture my attention like I thought it would.

Ms. Michels expertly sets the bait and reels in readers. Isabelle and Fallon are caught in a war. With dueling hearts, secret agendas and suffocating danger, it's no wonder they have time for all the suspense thrown their way. Yet somehow they manage to overcome the obstacles and ensnare readers in the process. The Wicked Heir teases the heart, awakens the senses and boggles the mind. Intensely passionate and dangerously sweet.

Book Info
Paperback, 448 pages
Expected publication: July 4th 2017 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492621390 (ISBN13: 9781492621393)
Edition Language English
Series Spare Heirs #3
Other Editions (1)
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK BLURB


The Spare Heirs Society Cordially Invites You to Meet Fallon St. James: The Mastermind

When the love of Lady Isabelle Fairlyn's life is betrothed to her twin sister, Isabelle vows to find a suitable replacement before the end of the season. He must be a talented dancer, have a keen fashion sense, and be perfectly dashing in every way.

Fallon St. James is the farthest thing from perfectly anything. As head of the secretive Spare Heirs Society, he must stick to the shadows...even as Isabelle's friendship pulls him reluctantly into the light. But when Isabelle gets involved with the one man who could destroy Spares, Fallon must decide between protecting his life's work―or risking everything to save the woman whose warm smile leaves him breathless.

My Thoughts


There were two books in series prior to this that I know set up the characters and their objectives in detail, both of which also of course paired two of the gentleman who were part of the Spare Heirs Society (or SHS for short) with their respective romantic interests.

I felt the loss of that background information through most of the story, however that being said this third book does stand well on it’s own for the most part in the fact it really is Fallon and Isabelles’ tale with the SHS a secondary focal point.

As other readers before me pointed out Isabelle is not a favorite leading lady through almost all of the book. She pretty much grates on ones nerves with her flights of fancy and almost nonsensical notions of love that she has woven together from her favorite reading materials. By books end this opinion was only slightly offset by her ability to give Fallon a lighter view of life now and then.

Fallon St. James on the other hand is quite likable from beginning to end, if just a bit too OCD about being responsible for all within his care. His devout attention to those he considers a responsibility is admirable despite the fact it also has overwhelmingly become his sole focus.

Out of necessity Fallon takes it upon himself to become involved in protecting Isabelle. At which point his initial wariness towards her changes dramatically as she becomes more and more important to a man who has decided long ago he cannot in good conscience become close to a woman.

(view spoiler)

This was a story about two very, on the surface, different people who turned out to be quite alike once they got to know each other as their adventure progressed.


[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]

On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

Okay, I must admit that sometimes I was a bit furious with the hero because dear Fallon St.James shouldn't meddle that much with other people's lives especially if those people are of the female variety and he doesn't want to marry.


I mean, alright, he is, at least according to Isabelle's definition of a bachelor, available for marriage but he simply doesn't want to marry, does he? And if he doesn't want to marry, shouldn't he better guard a certain young woman's reputation?


So, you see, I'm not completely happy with our hero and I must further admit that the heroine's naiveté was sometimes somewhat exasperating but I loved her sunny and optimistic view of life nonetheless. Apart from that, though, their chemistry was great and I loved how Isabelle muddled through, straight under our hero's skin.


I laughed and I shed some tears and on the whole, I really enjoyed this book. It is different, there is no real hero and our heroine has much to learn about black and white and all the different shades of grey in between the black and the white. Not everyone who is bad, is really bad and not everyone who is good, has always been good. And not everyone who says that he (or she) is not in love, is really not in love, right?

I am really looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This was soooo much better than the other two books. I loved that the characters had a romance that grew. I enjoyed the story a great deal and cannot wait for Victoria's story.

Storyline had a lot of potential but it just was so full of superfluous details that it dragged along. Yet it did have moments of suspense and mystery that kept me eagerly wolfing down the words.

Isabelle has quite an imagination, she makes up a story for all the people she encounters. She also seems to act selfishly. Not sure what Fallon sees in her at the beginning. Although she does end up showing some compassion towards the end of the book. I guess you could say that I just didn't like her character much. Fallon however more than makes up for her. I've read the other Spare Heir books, and couldn't wait to read his story.