I'm sorry to say I was completely and utterly bored by this story. ( )

Evelyn Hadley-Attwater, the Countess of Waterston has been very happily married to her husband, Adrian, for two years. When they met and fell in love they both agreed the past was the past and their future started the day they met. But is it? And did it?

Excellent plot, smooth-flowing, well-rounded familiar characters and lively dialogue. Evelyn is a gutsy woman, Adrian is a hunky Earl and both are quick-witted and intelligent. This is a book filled with mysteries, disguises, subterfuge, adventures and interesting characters. I don’t want to give anything away in my review, so I’ll just say I enjoyed it very much and am looking forward to the next book.

Side note: I’m not sure why this book is listed as Book 2 in the Sinful Family Secrets series when I consider 'The Perfect Mistress' to be Book 1 and 'His Mistress by Christmas' to be Book 2. That would make this Book #3. All three books are in the same setting with the same cast of characters, so the numbering should be logical. *scratches head and shrugs* Ah, well.

*The publisher provided a copy of this book to me for review. Please see disclaimer page on my blog. ( )

Former spy tries to keep her past from her respectable husband but finds it nearly impossible when he starts to think she might be having an affair.

http://ktleyed.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-wicked-little-lies-by-victoria.html ( )

MY WICKED LITTLE LIES by Victoria Alexander is another exciting historical romance set in 1886 London. It is the first in the "Sinful Family Secrets". It will be story of the The Hadley-Attwaters family. "My Wicked Little Lies" is about Adrian Hadley-Attwater, a gentlemen with secrets that could destroy everyone he loves and his lovely,fiesty wife Evelyn Hadley-Attwater ,who also has secets that could destory them both. Together, they play a game,either knows they are playing,but soon learn that they are not what they thought. A long ago flirtation between two old friends,now come to play,as Eve and Adrian learn who each other ready are. A fast paced, adventure,with a plot with twists,witty banter,a feisty heroine,a strong hero,and secondary characters you will hold close as you learn their fate also. This author knows how to write a story full of love,laughter,fun,family,and passion. A must read for anyone who enjoys historical romance,family ties,secrets,and a wonderful new series. I loved this story and look forward to the next installment of the "Sinful Family Secrets". Received for an honest review from the publisher. Details can be found at Zebra Books,published by Kensington Publishing Corp. and My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews.

RATING:5

HEAT RATING: MILD

REVIEWED BY: AprilR,My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews ( )

For full review including excerpt and dialogue highlights, please visit Reader's Edyn at:
http://bit.ly/yLA6ut

Review:

I’d like to begin this review by explaining why I chose both the excerpt and the dialogue highlight. The excerpt was chosen because it is the catalyst within the story from which there is no return. Once Adrian sets his plans in motion, he has little choice but to see them through. Adrian and Evelyn are madly in love with one another, but both having come from rather exciting backgrounds, they each begin to feel a bit restless and consequently start questioning why they had chosen to marry each other. The excerpt is a terrific example of Adrian’s war within himself. Part of him knows that Evie loves him without a doubt and that they were made for another. But the other part, the part harboring that tiny bit of doubt, is what ultimately propels him to put Evie’s love and loyalty to the test. But there exists an unfair advantage. Adrian has not told Evie about his past life, as it were, yet he knows all about hers. He was, after all, the face-less superior she reported to and had cultivated an innocent flirtation with. But was that flirtation so innocent? And there in lies Adrian’s problem. Does Evie truly love him, or does she still hold feelings for … um … him … in her heart. Evie, of course, has no idea Adrian knows anything at all about her past, nor does she realize Adrian’s role in her former life.

The dialogue highlight I chose because it is one of the many fun, flirtatious scenes within the story. While the question of infidelity between the main characters in no laughing matter – and you all know what I mean – we do not, no how, no way, want to see even a hint of anything screwing with the HEA of our characters – Ms. Alexander crafts a wonderfully romantic story that includes mystery, intrigue, and some entertainingly lighthearted humor between the characters. This dialogue highlight showcases the wonderful relationship between husband and wife. Not to mention how much I appreciate the snark and very obvious love between them. It almost makes Adrian’s plans to seduce his own wife that much more ridiculous. How could that kind of sweet banter not be the result of true love?

As my first read from the talented Ms. Alexander, I can say with confidence that I will be returning to her books. I will say that this story was somewhat predictable. We learn Adrian’s identity very early on, so I do not feel that it is a true spoiler, but even with the predictability, I do not feel that such foresight destroyed the story in the least. Had it not been for the snark and witty interactions between the various characters, I may not have been able to make such a claim. I also found myself invested quite a bit with the relationship developments between Max and Celeste. We are not told their entire story, but are provided enough to know that there is, without a doubt, another installment to this series in the making. I am actually ashamed to have just discovered that I have had book 1 in this series on my wish list for the past few months, but did not make the connection until writing this review. You can safely bet that I will be picking that novella up right quick. Another safe bet is that I will buy any further series books without hesitation.

Those of you who love historical romance with a bit of mystery, a whole lot of witty humor, and some smexy scenes that steam up the pages, Ms. Alexander is an excellent choice for your reading pleasure. I look forward to adding a few more of her books to my collection and am interested in finding out if her writing style deviates at all depending on the plot. One thing is for sure: the Sinful Family Secrets series is a definite win for me. My Wicked Little Lies in nothing short of a wicked fun treasure.

(Advance Uncorrected Proof Paperback provided by Kensington for review) ( )