In this novel we are introduced to the beautiful and intelligent Lady Elinor Tremaine, or Norrie as she is known to her friends and family. Lady Elinor has many suitors in the ballrooms of London, but none can hold her interest for any length of time. She would much prefer to go travelling with her childhood friend, Harry, Viscount Tunbury. Having travelled for four years to try and get Elinor out of his mind, he returns to find her even more beautiful and fascinating as ever. Determined that he is not good enough for her, because of his tainted family background, he vows to behave in a brotherly fashion towards her. However this becomes very difficult when Lady Penworth, Elinor's mother, insists they all prepare for a voyage to Italy, and that voyage includes Harry. It is not long before Elinor, who is thoroughly enjoying this new experience, soon discovers that her biggest adventure is yet to begin - that of realising what has always been in her heart. Elinor must convince Harry that he is deserving of her love and that he is nothing like his parents. Meanwhile Rycote, Elinor's very prim and proper brother, has managed to fall in love with Lissandra, an alluring Italian lady with a rebel for a brother. Add in an unscrupulous Italian thief, a jealous French soldier, an unexpected death, and an Etruscan ruin or two, and the excitement is never-ending. Does the path of true love ever run smooth? And who knows what scandal may await them on their return to England!

I found LADY ELINOR'S WICKED ADVENTURES by Lillian Marek to be an enjoyable read with the power to take me effortlessly from the ballrooms of London, to the archaeological digs of ancient ruins in Italy. I enjoyed the relationship between Elinor and Harry, and I found the familial relationship between the Penworths and Harry quite moving. With regards to Rycote and Lissandra's relationship, I am hoping that there will be more to their story in the near future. A simply delightful tale of love, passion, lies and family life set against a wonderfully historical backdrop.