A good read on a cold day. Fun, entertaining characters, decent plot line. Several different things going on but they mold well together. I look forward 5o reading more

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley to read in exchange for a fair review. Never Dare A Wicked Earl is the first book in what I think is going to be a fabulous series by Renee Ann Miller. Consumed with guilt after the death of his wife Hayden Milton, Earl of Westfield leads a life of decadence, debauchery and drunkenness in order to forget his past failings. When he is shot by a vengeful former lover his sister hires Sophia Camden who also has a difficult past to nurse him back to health. The Earl a very difficult patient has already gone through several caregivers and he issues a dare to Sophia that she will not last 10 days as his nurse. Sophia accepts the dare on the condition that the Earl use his influence to allow women to study medicine as it is her dream to become a doctor. Sparks fly between them until Hayden still burdened with self hatred says something unforgivably hurtful to Sophia. The story of how these two find their way back to each other had me up reading way past my bedtime. I very much enjoyed this this book and look forward to the next one in the series. Very Steamy, publishing date January 30th 2018. #NeverDareAWickedEarl #NetGalley

Outstanding historical romance debut by Renee Ann Miller! NEVER DARE A WICKED EARL presents compelling and strong-headed male and female leads, sparring and romancing against the backdrop of historical London. This well-edited novel shines with Miller's strong prose and thoughtful layering of backstory and motivation. With both romance, a mystery, and thrills to go with both, NEVER DARE A WICKED EARL promises an outstanding new series from Miller.

This is the second story in the span of a week that I have read that deals with the Hero having been shot, and the Heroine having to take care of him. When I first began reading, I was a little distraught. I mean how many novels with the same initial story-line can one read so close together and still be entertained?

Thankfully, this one was so much different from the other that I found myself completely drawn in. The author weaved such a compelling story-line that it was hard to put down. I adored both of these characters - Hayden's inner demons coupled with his reputation made him a complex character that I enjoyed watching Sophia peel back the layers of. I also liked that she was a very strong willed character. I do feel this would have been a slightly better story if the Hero didn't fall into the "let me do stupid things that upset the object of my affections in the name of protecting her" story-lines, and the Heroine wasn't equally guilty of the "let me overhear something I shouldn't that makes me doubt everything".

While those are two story-lines that while it no doubt work consistently, they do become tiring, and honestly, they make the story become somewhat predicable after that. We know how the Heroine is going to react, we know something bad is going to happen, just like we know the Hero is going to try to save the day. Perhaps that is a sign that I read too many stories like this, but every now and then I would like to see the Hero treat the Heroine like an equal and have them face the threat together.

Even considering that, I still believe this story will appeal to those who enjoy slightly unconventional historical romance novels. I would definitely read more from this author!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

This book is a great way to kick off a holiday in a good mood!

I loved Hayden and Sophia (and also Lady Olivia) and their romance was fraught with enough delicious tension to keep me flicking the pages on my Kindle like a junkie.

The part of Miller's writing that impressed me the most (okay, there are 2 parts) was her ability to evoke the era (or certainly what felt like a "bygone" era, to me) and also her delightful turn of phrase (GREAT similes which made me alternately smile or move to the edge of my seat). Miller does an excellent job of injecting historical fact into the story without beating the reader over the head with it.

Great sensuality and tension throughout, with lots of secondary characters to bring depth to the story and make you care what happened to the H&h.

The author also did a fantastic job engaging my sense of smell, something I don't often experience reading books. From the seamier smells of London's impoverished back alleys to a gourmet breakfast that made me get out of bed and ransack the kitchen at 10 o'clock at night.

This book is a Victorian adventure that will engage and satisfy all your senses.

I believe this is the debut book of Ms. Miller’s and it was great! You have a hero who isn’t what he seems and a heroine who wants to be a doctor. The witty banter, double entendre, bit of intrigue, and misunderstandings all make for a fantastic and quick (for me) read. The first part of the book is quite light and fun to read but as the story goes on you realize that there is a lot of depth to these characters. They have been hurt but march on. The progression of their love story is beautifully written. Cannot wait to read more from this author…Simon…

A woman scorned, or Captain of HMS Crazy-skirts?

This battle of wills is fun!

What the heck?

Holy sex dream, Batman!

She definitely makes stupid decisions.

Simon is a good friend.

The epilogue made me smile.