"Captivating Regency romance."

Lillian Kane devises an ingenious scheme to keep her father from stealing her inheritance. She masquerades and receives protection as the mistress of a prominent marquis. Snubbed by most of the ton, Lillian accepts it as the price she must pay to keep safe. After watching her father's harsh treatment of her mother, Lillian refuses to wed. She will never allow a man to control her.

Nicholas Redford achieves his career goal when he opens his office of private enquiry. It's quite an accomplishment for an orphan with no financial backing. Nicholas' powers of observation serve him well. When he first meets the scandalous Lillian, he admires her wit and intelligence, but deplores her calculating manner. When murder charges are filled against Lillian's protector, she asks Nicholas for help. Not wanting to become involved with a case involving a guilty aristocrat, Nicholas refuses.

Using unscrupulous means, Lillian convinces Nicholas to investigate. After his anger abates, they forge an intimate friendship, while battling Lillian's enemies. Complicating matters is the wide difference in social standing. Lillian can't foresee Nicholas staying with her after the case is solved.

Ms. Robbins has created a beautiful tale. Nicholas, as a rough and brawny man, awakens Lillian's social awareness, while falling under her spell. As readers watch Lillian and Nicholas' relationship grow, they'll be captivated and unable to put down ONE WICKED NIGHT.

Reviewed by Suan Wilson
Posted June 4, 2004