Happy to pursue life as a scientist and spinster, Minerva, the middle sister of the three Highwood daughters, is totally fascinated and intrigued by the stories and histories that rocks and fossils can tell her, especially those rocks found in the caves near her new home in the small seaside village of Spindle Cove, England.

Unlike Diana, her older and more beautiful sister, Minerva is shy and awkward in social settings, especially around men, and prefers to hide behind her spectacles or to have her nose in a book. Minerva is fiercely loyal to her family and protective of her sisters. She knows her mother desperately wants Dianna married into royalty and thinks Lord Payne, being the nearest, is the one. Minerva believes that Diana can do so much better than to be tied to the restless and rakish Colin Sandhurst, Lord Payne, who is just itchy to get away from Spindle Cove and get his hands on his inheritance. Under the will's directive, he can't collect it until he is 25 or is married.

To head things off, Minerva does the unthinkable and goes to the wicked Lord's lodgings in the dead of night to offer him a deal. If he agrees to leave Dianna alone and accompany her to Edinburgh, so she can present her recent findings to the Royal Geological Society Symposium, she will give him the prize of 500 pounds. That should keep him nicely in London until his inheritance comes in. Will Lord Payne accept? What can Minerva do if he doesn't agree? For himself, Colin is uncomfortable with the proposed arrangement. There are too many risks and too many conditions. A week to travel 400 miles over rough territory? In a carriage with her? He wants what?

Best-selling author and wickedly funny Tess Dare has launched the second book in her Regency historical romance series set in the whimsical seacoast community of Spindle Cove. The story is truly funny and is filled with zany adventures. While optimally read as part of the series, it is also strong on its own as a standalone romance. Dare has a reputation for strong-willed, intelligent and resilient heroines and Minerva certainly excels in this regard. Freed from her mother's put downs of her looks and decorum, Minerva demonstrates good humor and optimism as she comes out of her shell and finds and loves the real Colin under all his bravado. For those who like hilarious fun and titillating love scenes,ONE WEEK TO BE WICKED is the book for you! For myself, I can't wait for the next one to arrive! Enjoy!