A wounded hero, a determined heroine, and a historical romance with more grit than polish.
After meeting Jasper in Her Wicked Ways , I was more than ready for his story. Jasper stood out to me right away in the first book, and His Wicked Heart gave him the layered, emotionally charged romance I was hoping for.
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His Wicked Heart by Darcy Burke
Publish Date: June 5, 2012
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Book Description
It’s hard to be respectable…
Jasper Sinclair, Earl of Saxton, made a bargain with the devil—his father—to marry in one month's time. But instead of declaring his intentions for an acceptable debutante, he indulges his long-buried baser needs by joining a fighting club and pursuing a delectable woman who may not be what she seems. Soon he finds himself battling addictions that threaten his already wicked heart.
When you’d rather be wicked
Orphaned seamstress Olivia West wants the chance to lead an honest, respectable life, but the arrogant Earl of Saxton launches a daunting campaign to make Olivia his mistress. Destitute and desperate, Olivia agrees to one night with the dangerous peer, and draws upon her mother’s courtesan experience to seduce him. After binding and blindfolding him, she brings him to the edge of release, only to switch places with an actual prostitute. However, Jasper detects Olivia’s deception and vows to claim what he's owed— not his money, her.
Why You’ll Love This Book
- A darker, moodier historical romance hero
- A heroine you want to root for right away
- Family drama, class tension, and emotional conflict
- A romance that feels messy in the best way
- A story that works even if you haven’t read book one
My Review
This is the second book in the series, but I do think it can stand on its own. That said, having met Jasper in the first book adds extra depth, especially knowing how much he sacrificed for his sister’s happiness.
I had been looking forward to Jasper’s story ever since that glimpse in Her Wicked Ways. Darcy Burke gave just enough in that first book to make me curious, and this one really dives into the more complicated sides of his character.
Jasper is not an easy hero, and that is part of what makes him so interesting. He is angry, restless, and carrying more darkness than the average historical romance hero. His involvement in the fighting club adds another layer to his story and makes him feel rougher around the edges in a way that stood out to me.
The sounds of fighting—of fists striking flesh, of exertion—moved through him like the finest symphony, a balm for his frayed temper.
Olivia was the character who won me over immediately. She is trying to rise above the life she was born into, and there is something very easy to connect with in her hope for belonging and stability. She brought a lot of heart to this story.
Their romance unfolds against a backdrop of family secrets, social divide, emotional wounds, and personal pride. It gives the book a lot of movement, and I never felt like the story dragged. There is always something building beneath the surface.
I also enjoyed the supporting characters, especially Lady Merriweather and the setup for what comes next in the series. Lady Phillipa especially left me curious for her book.
What I appreciated most is that this book felt a little different from a more polished ballroom-centered historical romance. It has grit, tension, and a hero who feels like he is battling himself as much as anyone else.
Final Thoughts
If you enjoy historical romance with a darker hero, a strong heroine, and a story that mixes emotional conflict with romantic tension, His Wicked Heart is well worth reading.
Darcy Burke was a newer author to me when I first picked this one up, but this book made it clear she was one I wanted to keep reading.
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
See more Darcy Burke books I’ve read and loved — maybe your next favorite is waiting there.
Join the Conversation
Do you enjoy darker, more conflicted heroes in historical romance, or do you tend to prefer a more traditional leading man?
I’d love to hear what kind of historical romance hero keeps you turning the pages.
Books, Bites & Cozy Nights
I share romance reviews, seasonal reading lists, cozy pairings, and what I’m reading next inside Books, Bites & Cozy Nights.
Nice review! I am really enjoying her stories and I'm so glad she has more coming up for the secondary characters she introduces :)
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