The Wild One (de Montforte #1)

Jun 02, 2012 ♡KarLynP♡ rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: top-100-favorites, genre-historical, read-2009, steam-hot

awesome!! Just as good as I remembered, sigh. (full review soon!)

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Finally on ebook format!!! Going for a re-read, this was one of my favorite historical romance series. I sure wish the author would come out of retirement too, but for now glad to have this series on ebook format. :-)

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Aug 28, 2012 Atunah rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: own-paperback, european-historical-romance, georgian-period, kindle-own-paid, kindle-backlists-re-released, series-next-up, read-2012, favorites, historical-romance

Free today on Kindle 8/28/12 !!!!

Backlist title, just released on Kindle 5/15/12 :)

Being able to read these backlist titles, is one of my favorite thing about my Kindle.
I have issues with the font in paperback books, especially those that are long out of print and yellowed. So every time I see a title pop up on Kindle, that I have had on my list for a long time, I am very happy.

This is the kind of book that reminds me why I love Historical Romance novels.
The Hero is a spoiled, childish, irres...more

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Jan 18, 2013 Robin rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: freebie, 5-star, historical-romance, kindle-archive, danelle-harmon, favorite-series

This was a Kindle freebie, and honestly? with the free reads my expectations are not very high, OMG! this was one of the best historical romances I've read in a while. I didn't get halfway through and was already thinking I can hardly wait for the next in the series. My first from this author and was truly impressed. I thought it was a very well written and beautifully touching love story.

Book Synopsis:

"They call me The Wild One, and for good reason. The devil only knows whether or not I am

...more

This was a Kindle freebie, and honestly? with the free reads my expectations are not very high, OMG! this was one of the best historical romances I've read in a while. I didn't get halfway through and was already thinking I can hardly wait for the next in the series. My first from this author and was truly impressed. I thought it was a very well written and beautifully touching love story.

Book Synopsis:

"They call me The Wild One, and for good reason. The devil only knows whether or not I am husband material. But I do know one thing. I will do anything to win Juliet's love...and to be the husband and father—the man—I know it is within me to be." —Lord Gareth de Montforte, Blackheath Castle, Berkshire, England, 1776

Lord Gareth de Montforte is known as an irresponsible rake with a heart of gold. When he thwarts a stagecoach robbery, he is stunned to discover that the beautiful young woman he has heroically rescued, Juliet Paige, is his deceased brother's fiancée, accompanied by her infant daughter. Despite his family's refusal to acknowledge Juliet, Gareth is determined to do right by the courageous woman who crossed an ocean to give her baby the name she rightfully deserves.

As a practical American woman, Juliet is wary of marrying this black sheep aristocrat, yet she is hopelessly charmed by the dashing devil. Never has she met anyone who embraces life so thoroughly, who makes her laugh, who loves her so well. And, even when it seems the odds are against them, Juliet has absolute faith that Gareth will go beyond the call of duty to give her and her daughter a home—and a love that will last a lifetime

I adored Gareth with his always cheerful attitude. and fun loving nature (he is now one of my all time favorite heroes). Everything he did to prove he was not the irresponsible rake that everyone thought he was just made me love him more. My heart broke for him so many times when he was hurting emotionally, but he always handled every situation with a smile. Juliet was more serious than he, but had a strength that equalled his, and when their feelings for each other came to light...well it was a beautiful story. The Epilogue couldn't have been better and sealed my 5 star rating...but the twist at the end? Wow! (less)

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Jun 04, 2012 Sha Mslvoe ♥♥♥ rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Sha Mslvoe ♥♥♥ by: ♡KarLynP♡

Shelves: historical-romance, on-nook

This was the first book I read by Danelle Harmon and I liked it. Gareth.. immature, adorable and fun and I charmed by his characters. Life with him will be fun, I know coz my dear hubby is like him. Always make me laugh when things got hard.

When I started reading this book, I'm afraid Juliet will not fall in love with Gareth. But seeing Gareth take responsibility and make her laugh, I saw affection and love grow between them.

The story is good and I want to know what happen to all DeMontforte br...more

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Dec 07, 2010 Sabrina Jeffries rated it 5 of 5 stars

The One Series. I scarfed these down like candy. Harmon's de Montforte brothers are each delicious, and every book is better than the last. Unfortunately, most are out of print, but if you see them in the used bookstore, definitely grab a copy.

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Mar 24, 2013 May Mostly Romance rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical

อาจจะไม่ใช่เล่มที่เราชอบมากที่สุดในชุด แต่การกลับมาอ่านใหม่อีกครั้ง เราพบว่า ตัวเองชอบเล่มนี้มากกว่าความรู้สึกที่จำได้ อาจเพราะตอนนั้นยังเอ๊าะมาก แล้วก็มีทัศนคติที่ยังไม่อาจยอมรับนางเอกที่ไม่ใช่สาวบริสุทธิ์ได้ ที่มากไปกว่านั้น นางเอกยังเป็นแม่ของลูกสาวของพี่ชายพระเอกอีกต่างหาก

จูเลียต เพจเดินทางมาจากอเมริกาเพื่อหวังพึ่งครอบครัวของคู่หมั้นที่เสียชีวิตไปในการรบ เพราะชาร์ลตายก่อนที่จะมีพิธีแต่งงาน จูเลียตจึงกลายเป็นผู้หญิงที่มีราคี และลูกสาวของเธอเป็นลูกนอกกฎหมาย

เมื่อมาถึงหญิงสาวก็ถูกปล้นจากโจรทางหล...more อาจจะไม่ใช่เล่มที่เราชอบมากที่สุดในชุด แต่การกลับมาอ่านใหม่อีกครั้ง เราพบว่า ตัวเองชอบเล่มนี้มากกว่าความรู้สึกที่จำได้ อาจเพราะตอนนั้นยังเอ๊าะมาก แล้วก็มีทัศนคติที่ยังไม่อาจยอมรับนางเอกที่ไม่ใช่สาวบริสุทธิ์ได้ ที่มากไปกว่านั้น นางเอกยังเป็นแม่ของลูกสาวของพี่ชายพระเอกอีกต่างหาก

จูเลียต เพจเดินทางมาจากอเมริกาเพื่อหวังพึ่งครอบครัวของคู่หมั้นที่เสียชีวิตไปในการรบ เพราะชาร์ลตายก่อนที่จะมีพิธีแต่งงาน จูเลียตจึงกลายเป็นผู้หญิงที่มีราคี และลูกสาวของเธอเป็นลูกนอกกฎหมาย

เมื่อมาถึงหญิงสาวก็ถูกปล้นจากโจรทางหลวง แต่ก็ได้รับการช่วยเหลือจากลอร์ดกาเร็ธ ผู้ซึ่งเป็นน้องชายของอดีตคู่หมั้นของเธอนั่นเอง และนั่นทำให้ความคิดที่เธอมีต่อชายหนุ่มผู้นี้แตกต่างไปจากคนอื่น เพราะสำหรับทุกคนลอร์ดกาเร็ธคือ The Wild One ลูกชายของตระกูลเดอ มอนต์ฟอร์ทที่ไม่เอาไหน ใช้ชีวิตไปวัน ๆ เพื่อความสนุกเท่านั้น

ด้วยแผนการของลูเชียน พี่ชายคนโต (และเป็นหัวหน้าครอบครัว) ที่จัดวางไว้อย่างถี่ถ้วน ทำให้กาเร็ธถูกบีบจนอยู่ในสถานการณ์ที่เขาจะต้องเติบโตขึ้น เพื่อรับผิดชอบต่อชีวิตของจูเลียต และลูกสาวของเธอ แต่แผนการที่วางเอาไว้เป็นอย่างดีเช่นไร ก็ผิดแผนได้เสมอ

อ่านใหม่ครั้งนี้เราเข้าใจพัฒนาการความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างจูเลียต และกาเร็ธมากขึ้น การที่เธอเคยมีความสัมพันธ์กับพีชายของเขามาก่อนในอดีตไม่ได้เป็นปัญหารบกวนใจเรามากเท่ากับที่เราเคยรู้สึกเมื่อตอนอ่านครั้งแรก ส่วนหนึ่งคงเพราะโตขึ้น และการเขียนก็ชัดเจนในส่วนของความรู้สึกของจูเลียต เราชอบที่เรื่องไม่ได้เลือกที่จะทำให้จูเลียต "หมดรัก" ในตัวชาร์ล แล้วหันมาสรรเสริญกาเร็ธ แต่ใช้ความเข้าใจ และความรักที่ค่อย ๆ ก่อตัวขึ้น การที่จูเลียตมองเห็นด้นดีของกาเร็ธ และทำให้เขาเริ่มมองเห็นด้านที่ดีของตัวเองเช่นกัน ทำให้เขาสามารถก้าวข้ามฉายาที่คนตั้งให้เขา และพิสูจน์ตัวเองกับคนรอบข้างได้

เราไม่แน่ใจในวิธีที่กาเร็ธใช้พิสูจน์ตัวเอง มันดูไม่ได้ใช้สติปัญญาเท่าไหรนัก แต่ก็เหมาะกับเรื่อง เพราะก็บอกมาแต่ต้นว่า กาเร็ธไม่ใช่คนที่ฉลาดที่สุดในหมู่พี่น้อง และนี่อาจจะเป็นสิ่งที่เขาถนัดที่สุดก็ได้ (และทำให้เรื่องน่าเชื่อว่า ในเวลาอันสั้นเขาสามารถสร้างตัวเองได้สำเร็จ) (less)

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Mar 06, 2013 Lynn added it

I read this book and it isn't at all my normal fare. I think I read it because it was free on kindle and had good reviews. Even though I am not normally a big fan of historical romance I'll try one from time to time. There have been a couple I have liked alright.

The biggest surprise for me about this book is the way the author got me to like and care about a guy who's type I usually don't like very well in books. The hero starts off as an immature spoiled man/boy. He dabbles in nearly all the vi...more I read this book and it isn't at all my normal fare. I think I read it because it was free on kindle and had good reviews. Even though I am not normally a big fan of historical romance I'll try one from time to time. There have been a couple I have liked alright.

The biggest surprise for me about this book is the way the author got me to like and care about a guy who's type I usually don't like very well in books. The hero starts off as an immature spoiled man/boy. He dabbles in nearly all the vices of the day, is generally irresponsible and spends most of his time with a group of other like minded man/boys. The things is that he only lives up to what others seem to expect from him. As a child he was a mischievous playful prankster type who lived life to its fullest. He was generally so full of light and charming that his Mom adored him and perhaps spoiled him just a little. Unfortunately both his parents die while he is still relatively young and they were the only people who believed him capable of being much of anything. So pretty much he is just living up to the low expectations of those around him.

This is a story about that hero becoming a man and becoming all that he can be. The process was interesting. The author takes the whole book for the hero to fully develop. We get to see his good intentions but we also see him blunder along the way. We also get to see his sunshiney personality and how he never holds a grudge. He is quick to love and ends up being very loyal. He ended up winning me over in spite of my normal dislike for his type.

The heroine was a good counterpoint. She was much more serious as she had lived a much harder life. The pairing of these two made me believe in them and root for them as a couple.

This book still isn't my favorite genre so I won't give it an actual star rating since it doesn't seem fair to punish a book for being exactly what it is supposed to be. But I will say that I enjoyed the book more than I had anticipated and am glad I read it.

I doubt some of the historical accuracy but that doesn't bother me in the least. If that will hang you up than you might want to read up a little further to see if this one will bother you in that regard.(less)

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Feb 17, 2013 Bukcrz rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

To any historical reader, especially those that leans to regency books, we always read about this handsome, rich, jobless (gasp, how dare you suggest?) playboy aristocrat that no other woman can tame. Then he met this virgin beauty, he seduced her, they marry/engage, they fight, the ton gossips, they came together again and they live HEA.
This book, for once, took the main characters in the front, get the ton barely visible, and concentrate on SHOWING us how this bored and irresponsible rake get...more

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Nov 25, 2012 Elizabeth rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, romance

Scooby-doo syndrome nearly ruins an otherwise well-paced romantic romp. (The rating should be a 3.5 but I rounded up)

Did you ever watch Scooby Doo? Remember how Velma has this penchant for stating the obvious and telling the audience how the mystery wraps up, in case we’re too stupid to figure it out? Sometimes authors do that too. Providing an information dump through the words of a character instead of letting the actions and story details show us. Or worse yet, dumping this information on us...more Scooby-doo syndrome nearly ruins an otherwise well-paced romantic romp. (The rating should be a 3.5 but I rounded up)

Did you ever watch Scooby Doo? Remember how Velma has this penchant for stating the obvious and telling the audience how the mystery wraps up, in case we’re too stupid to figure it out? Sometimes authors do that too. Providing an information dump through the words of a character instead of letting the actions and story details show us. Or worse yet, dumping this information on us when we’ve already figured it out. THat’s Scooby Doo Syndrome.

The Wild One is the first in a series about the de Montforte family. The current Duke, Lucien, was elevated to that role with the premature deaths of his parents and was forced to mature and take care of his siblings. So of course that makes him the devil (does every prematurely elevated Duke become this stern jerk towards his siblings. Popular Trope) .

His beloved brother Charles escapes the family by enlisting and heading to the colonies where he fights for the Crown in the American War of Independence. He meets a shop keeper’s daughter, gets her pregnant, and then gets killed, but not before sending a letter to his brother the Duke, asking him to take care of his fiance, Juliet

After traveling across the ocean with her newborn Charlotte she heads off to Lucien’s country estate in a carriage, but highway men hold them up and begin shooting the passengers. Gareth de Montforte, the wild brother of Charles and Lucien sees this unfolding and races to the rescue but is injured in the process. Juliet helps save his life.

Juliet and Gareth are brought back to Lucien’s home, where Juliet’s identify and relationship to the family are revealed. As Juliet helps nurse him to health, an attraction grows between them but Juliet dismisses it as purely physical attraction.

Meanwhile Lucien is trying to decide what to do about Juliet and his niece and how to put his wild brother on the straight and narrow path so that he does not end up dead. Lucien threatens Gareth that if he misbehaves again, he’ll turn Juliet and Charlotte out. We can see where that is heading.

After Gareth plays another foolish prank, Lucien frightens Juliet into leaving with Gareth shortly in chase. Impulsively, Gareth marries her and they try to survive without help from Gareth’s family. I don’t want to spoil the rest, but they face fights, rain and other trials. Some of the action is over the top, but it all advances the story well and is entertaining.

The more the characters get to know each other, they more they appreciate each other, including their faults. Juliet realizes that she never would have been happy with Charles because she and he were too much alike. She needs Gareth in her life to bring happiness and light. I loved how the characters developed and how their appreciation for each other grew as the story progressed.

What I didn’t need was the scooby do syndrome. Shortly after Gareth rides off after Juliet, Lucien explains to Fox, a lawyer friend of his, his entire grand scheme that will result in Gareth growing up while providing Juliet and Charlotte a home. He plots by using his knowledge of Gareth’s impulsive but noble personality. Seriously, the author needed to have a character spell this out for us? Thanks Velma! I’d already figured it out before that conversation as most readers I am sure must have done. The Fox character seems to exist solely to serve as a sounding board for Lucien. Why not give the reader more credit, and assume we can see the plot device without such an explicit statement?

Despite that flaw, I enjoyed the story. I especially enjoyed the fact that the heroine is a colonialist (i.e., American). It adds an interesting dimension to the story, if you can suspend your disbelief that one of the richest Duke’s in England would not only allow, but would actively encouraging the pairing of the next in the DUcal line with a colonialist of no social standing.

Rated on my 5 star scale. (less)

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Nov 07, 2012 Kate rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, regency-romance, romance

This was probably my second favorite of this series. I liked a lot of things about this book. I thought the background cast was well drawn, which made me eager to read the rest of the books in the series. The start of the book did a great job of setting up these characters and their story and SHOWING me tons about them.I really liked Juliet and appreciated the struggle that she was going through being a fish out of water with a baby to care for. I ESPECIALLY liked that they didn't make a big dea...more

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Oct 16, 2012 Spanglemaker9 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: period-romance

Well. I think I picked this up on Amazon because it was free or really cheap, and with those kind of reads, I always go in with little to no expectations.

That said, this blew me away. While perhaps not the very best romance novel I've ever read, it was pretty damned good. The hero broke the typical mold a little bit. Yes, he's a rake and a wastrel, but he's not dark, brooding, and commanding. He's actually kind of a worthless git. He's handsome and charming, but at the outset of the book, that's...more

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Aug 16, 2012 Books Mom rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

What an unusual, entertaining and truly touching historical romance. We don't get ballrooms or displays from the ton, despite the blue-blooded hero. No ... we have a chance to see the dregs of London and its outskirts instead, and this made for some fascinating reading.

The best part of this romance is that Juliet's conflicted feelings are so realistically portrayed. While Gareth falls head over arse for the beautiful, brave American almost at once, she is still in love with his dead brother, Cha...more What an unusual, entertaining and truly touching historical romance. We don't get ballrooms or displays from the ton, despite the blue-blooded hero. No ... we have a chance to see the dregs of London and its outskirts instead, and this made for some fascinating reading.

The best part of this romance is that Juliet's conflicted feelings are so realistically portrayed. While Gareth falls head over arse for the beautiful, brave American almost at once, she is still in love with his dead brother, Charles, the father of her young daughter.

Certainly, she's attracted to Gareth ... but it is it because of his uncanny likeness to Charles? Their demeanors couldn't be more different, but every time she looks, is it Gareth she sees? Or the beloved, dead Charles?

Gareth had lead a life of debauchery: drinking, women, pranks ... he couldn't live up to his perfect brother, Charles, so he became the opposite. Yet, after meeting Juliet and heroically saving her life and the lives of the other coach passengers, his former life begins to lose its appeal. Suddenly and unexpectedly, he begins to mature. He has much learning to do, though, and stumbles along during the process making more than one error.

I think I fell in love with him, utterly, however, when he finds his brother's ring on Juliet's finger at a very inopportune time. Despite the pain it assuredly must have given him, his behavior is most honorable and showed the depth of this man who seemed so shallow to the world.

Juliet is often impetuous, sometimes acting foolishly out of pride. Gareth is frequently clueless about real life, and occasionally makes poor choices. This makes them so human and easy to relate to.

I thoroughly enjoyed this very well-written, lusciously descriptive and truly romantic story. The real characters with their flaws, the unusual story and setting all came together to make one of the best historical romances I've read in some time.

Now... I need to get The Beloved One loaded onto my Nook immediately. Because the end of The Wild One will allow for no other task.(less)

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Aug 06, 2012 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, non-erotic

Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

Something old is new again. Welcome to the rerelease of the de Montforte series; about four brothers who are as different as night and day.

Lord Gareth de Montforte is known in the town of Ravenscombe as the Wild One, and is always out to have a good time with his fellow troublemakers from the Den of Debauchery. They are men who are rakes and wastrels. But Lord Gareth’s view of life changes when he intercedes during a robbery, saving a...more Originally posted at: http://www.longandshortreviews.blogsp...

Something old is new again. Welcome to the rerelease of the de Montforte series; about four brothers who are as different as night and day.

Lord Gareth de Montforte is known in the town of Ravenscombe as the Wild One, and is always out to have a good time with his fellow troublemakers from the Den of Debauchery. They are men who are rakes and wastrels. But Lord Gareth’s view of life changes when he intercedes during a robbery, saving a little boy's life and becoming a hero. He's deeply affected by the courage of one of the other passengers, a woman. That fateful night, he became smitten. Then he discovers his angel is none other than his dead brother’s fiancée, Juliet Paige from America. Enraged by his brother Lucien’s decision not to honor his dying brother’s last wish, Gareth will do what needs to be done. He will protect this woman who has captured his heart. He only hopes he can become all she needs and desires.

Juliet knew coming to England was a bad decision, but she was determined to follow her fiancé’s last wish for his child to be raised with his family and to carry his name. She has never been one to accept charity, so believing herself to be unwelcome, she departs Blackheath Castle. She decides to leave and make a better life for her and her daughter Charlotte. She may be running away from her daughter’s family, but she is also running away from the feelings she is beginning to have for Lord Gareth. Feelings she should not be having, while in mourning for her beloved Lord Charles.

Unknown to these two people, their lives are not in their own hands. While their feelings may seem real; can they have a life together when their futures are being manipulated by another?

I enjoyed this story. Juliet was a true American with strength, courage and determination and Lord Gareth was noble, fun and had a heart of gold. Ms. Harmon drew me in with the plot, characters and her great writing. I fell in love with these two people. They had to battle their feelings and discover that, maybe just maybe, they are perfect for each other. But it wasn’t just this couple that riveted me. The community of Ravenscombe, the Den of Debauchery and especially the rest of the de Montforte family is what captured my heart. They, as a whole, had me turning the pages nonstop and wanting to pick up the next book, The Beloved One.

I think for me the most delightful thing about The Wild One is that the other books in the de Montforte series have already been written. This series is being rereleased in eBook format and I can’t be happier. There is no waiting to discover what wonderful things are going to happen to the other brothers. I will admit that I devoured the whole series in a matter of days. While the novels individually are great, the series as a whole is much better. I would highly recommend getting all the books, because when you are done with one, I can pretty much bet you are going to want the others!

On a side note for readers, there is also a sister in the de Montforte family, Nerissa. When the books were originally written, over a decade ago, her story had not yet been told. I am happy to report Ms. Harmon is writing her tale as of spring 2012. I am officially one very happy camper!

The Wild One is classic historical romance. While this novel maybe over fifteen years old, it is timeless with its tale and shouldn’t be missed. It is filled with history, love and a splash of sexual heat. The Wild One is a very good story and the de Montforte Brothers series is remarkable.(less)

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Jun 07, 2012 C.L. Bevill rated it 3 of 5 stars

Okay. What to say. Colonial girl with baby comes to England to throw herself on the mercy of her deceased fiancee's family. However, the baby is a bastard, the head of the family is a prink, one of the brothers (the wild one) is a playboy rake. Everyone's got an issue. But the playboy rake decides he must marry the colonial girl because she's cute and he has to do the right thing. The colonial girl fights her urges because she really luvs the dead guy. Historical romantic entanglements proceed.

G...more

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Danelle Harmon Hi C.L.,
May I ask what e-reader you're using? The formatting is coming across fine on my Kindle, but it pains me to hear that perhaps it's not "transl...more
Jun 07, 2012 12:43pm

C.L. Bevill Okay, color me embarrassed. I did like your novel. In fact I bought the rest of the series. I added the little postscript on the review so people woul...more
Jun 07, 2012 01:15pm

Danelle Harmon Oh, C.L., please, not to worry! On my Facebook page, I've begged people to please let me know if they encounter anything bizarre with regard to format...more
Jun 07, 2012 02:47pm

Jun 02, 2012 Tam B. rated it 4 of 5 stars

Another recommendation via SBTB. This e-book was only a 99c buy so I took a chance and have been thoroughly entertained.

This story is the opener in a series about the de Montforte brothers. We start with a letter from the second eldest (Charles) to the eldest, The Duke (Lucien) asking him to care for his fiancee and child should anything happen to him. What we don't know at that point and not for some time is that Lucien is a master manipulator of his family and likely others. Enter Juliette, ou...more

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Aug 07, 2011 Tishke rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: georgian-or-regency-era

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 30, 2012 Honour rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: re-readable-books, reviewed-by-moi, interesting-heroes-heroines, regency-georgian-era

Garreth is not the hero you would want when you are alone in the world and have a six month old child dependent on you. You would not be able to trust him to take care of you, this laughing, good-hearted young man who still plays childish pranks and defies his brother in anger without thinking through the consequences.

But Juliet is just the woman to see what you and I might not in this man.

Juliet has traveled from a war-torn Boston to the home of her fiance, a deceased British army officer and t...more

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Jun 02, 2012 Jonetta rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, favorites

Juliet Paige is on her way to England to meet the family of her deceased fiance, Charles de Monteforte. She's arrived from war-torn Boston with her 6-month old daughter, Charlotte, the product of her relationship with Charles, and it's been a year since his death. When her stage coach is attacked by highwaymen not far from the de Monteforte estate, as fate would have it, Gareth de Monteforte comes to the rescue of the travelers but is injured in the process. It's not long before they realize eac...more Juliet Paige is on her way to England to meet the family of her deceased fiance, Charles de Monteforte. She's arrived from war-torn Boston with her 6-month old daughter, Charlotte, the product of her relationship with Charles, and it's been a year since his death. When her stage coach is attacked by highwaymen not far from the de Monteforte estate, as fate would have it, Gareth de Monteforte comes to the rescue of the travelers but is injured in the process. It's not long before they realize each other's identity.

Gareth is also called The Wild One for his cavorting ways. It's a well-deserved title and he and his group of friends are called the Den of Debauchery. I'm not normally a fan of these type characters but Gareth is hard to dislike. He has a big heart and kind soul, even if he is a screw up. Coming to Julie's rescue was a turning point for him after experiencing what it feels like to do something right. Even with his oldest brother, Lucien's manipulation, Gareth is determined to do the right thing by marrying Juliet and giving his niece a name and a father. While he has good intentions, he has no idea of how to carry this off.

Juliet also tries to put her love for Charles behind her and accept Gareth as her husband, as is. Gareth has lived his whole life being compared to Charles and it's hard for Juliet to not do so as well. The journey they take to create a bond is directly linked with his efforts to grow up, become a responsible man who can take care of his new family and find self-respect. When they reach that pivotal point, you've been to hell and back with them and it is so satisfying. I was so taken in by Gareth's charm and Juliet's grit and determination and loved the story, which is very well written, in keeping with the voice and style of the period (circa 1775-76). It isn't predictable in the least and there are highs and lows I never anticipated. I had a wonderful time with this book and didn't want to let go when I reached the last page.

I'm definitely continuing this series, which seems to be a diamond in the rough. Harmon is my new favorite author in this genre.(less)

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May 23, 2012 Greeneyes Belle28 rated it 5 of 5 stars

Excellent

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Jul 11, 2012 Melanie rated it 4 of 5 stars

THE WILD ONE opens the de Montforte series which is about four brothers and a sister.
Gareth’s story is filled with humor and heart break, but what I liked best was this heroin’s story and the way she handled herself (although at times she did get my goat up!) despite the situations Gareth put her into.

Gareth is the third son of a Duke, and current Duke’s spare heir. He is not exactly a black sheep of the family, even though he is described as such, but a twenty-three year old scoundrel whose rep...more THE WILD ONE opens the de Montforte series which is about four brothers and a sister.
Gareth’s story is filled with humor and heart break, but what I liked best was this heroin’s story and the way she handled herself (although at times she did get my goat up!) despite the situations Gareth put her into.

Gareth is the third son of a Duke, and current Duke’s spare heir. He is not exactly a black sheep of the family, even though he is described as such, but a twenty-three year old scoundrel whose reputation is well-deserved. He is the leader of the Den of Debauchery, a group of lazy and mostly mischievous young-bloods of the county.

Gareth’s immaturity is evident to all and everyone is forgiving of it only because of his good heartedness and happy disposition to every situation he finds himself in, from an midnight debauchery stunt gone awry to the accidental run in with the highwaymen in which he almost ends up killed. It was really hard not to like a man like that! Yes, his immaturity gets him in hot water with all and saundry, but deep down all this man needed was the right woman to give him love and support, and this is where our heroine comes in handy.

Juliet Paige is in England for one reason only: to request help of Lucien, Duke of Blackheath who is the brother of her deceased fiancé, Charles de Monteforte. It has been more than a year since she last saw her beloved Charles, and now that she's left the war-torn Boston with Charlotte, her and Charles’ little girl, she is weary and apprehensive about meeting this formidable family. The uncertainty of their future is weighing heavily on her shoulders, but she is determined to make their acquaintance and introduce them to Charlotte.

As she nears the home of the family, her stage coach is stopped by vicious band of highwaymen.

Gareth de Monteforte is on his way home from yet another night of debauchery and while racing his friends, he comes upon the grisly scene, and it never occurs to him to abandon it, but comes to the rescue of the travelers, especially when he witnesses the heroic stance of Juliet.

There’s so much to recommend this story, but what I liked the best was the family dynamic between all the brothers and their little sister. The story doesn’t falter in pace and for the most part is humorous, with some tender moments, especially the romantic ones between Juliet and Gareth. The sensuality of their first union is really touching and hot at the same time. Most of the story is predictable, yet I still found it interesting and entertaining. My only complaint, if you can call it that since I thoroughly enjoyed the read, is that I wished the author made it longer, and with it delved more into the relationship of all the characters.

All in all, very enjoyable if short read, with plenty of angst, humor and action. This one’s a four quill and I’d say hot and sweet romance.

Melanie for http://rcjrezine.com/ website(less)

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Mar 04, 2013 Brita rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: could-not-finish

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I've struggled with this book for over a week, mostly with apathy to be honest. I wanted to like Gareth and Juliet but couldn't muster anything more than benign meh. Hated Lucien and Gareth's buddies, but wished to know the dead Charles a lot better. (am I to suppose that Charles isn't really dead? Bummer that.)

Gareth has few redeeming qualities and those he does have, he questions in himself. Juliet is wishy-washy and though I'm halfway through, I won't finish, because I don't care about either...more I've struggled with this book for over a week, mostly with apathy to be honest. I wanted to like Gareth and Juliet but couldn't muster anything more than benign meh. Hated Lucien and Gareth's buddies, but wished to know the dead Charles a lot better. (am I to suppose that Charles isn't really dead? Bummer that.)

Gareth has few redeeming qualities and those he does have, he questions in himself. Juliet is wishy-washy and though I'm halfway through, I won't finish, because I don't care about either of the main characters enough to see what happens.

I am bothered by the writing, in that the story takes place in the Revolutionary War era, yet very much reads as though that is an affectation. The casual way folks speak in this belies the fact that these people are supposedly born of nobility. They curse in front of the lady and not a one of them seems to care about honor or integrity.

The childish antics of Gareth and his posse got old very quickly. Gareth recovers from a gunshot wound in a day. Juliet travels unannounced, with her illegitimate child, to England, where she ends up on her dead fiance's brother's doorstep, and he, the duke, acts a fool from the start, all with an ulterior motive. To my mind, take the money away, and the immature Gareth would shape up. Machinations of Machiavellian proportions seemed a bit convenient.

Does a duke really ride out at all times of the night to follow his brother, who at one point he catches painting the genitals of a statue purple? Doesn't he have minions for that?

The omniscient POV is prevalent, telling us about someone lurking in the shadows,etc. There is a lot of "someone did this, but Juliet didn't see it...." I always thought I liked omniscient, but in reading many older books, I find that I don't at all. I much prefer the clear cut POV, where the reader discovers things as the characters do.

This is "vintage" in that it was written in the late '90s. Everyone has a POV, which was the fashion in writing then, but it is distracting, particularly when I didn't give a flip for most of the characters.

Massmarket or not, I didn't enjoy what I read. My rating is strictly based upon the likability of the characters, which for me, was next to nothing. I trudged on in the hopes that it would improve, but at 50% on my Kindle, I concluded that it wouldn't.

I did buy the second book re: Charles and will read that one, as he seems to be the only one of this group that had any sense at all, and that was to leave the family home and join the army. Maybe getting away was the best thing. (less)

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Dec 15, 2012 Amber Peart Peart rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Charles de Montforte has died in the colonies, leaving his American fiance, Juliet, heartbroken and in dire straights. She’s pregnant with his child. He’s always told her to return to his home in England, Blackheath Castle, if anything ever happened to him, and his family would take care of her. Branded a Royalist sympathiser she has no choice, and makes the crossing with baby Charlotte in tow. Nearing the castle, her stagecoach is held up at gunpoint. Enter Gareth de Montforte, or The Wild One....more Charles de Montforte has died in the colonies, leaving his American fiance, Juliet, heartbroken and in dire straights. She’s pregnant with his child. He’s always told her to return to his home in England, Blackheath Castle, if anything ever happened to him, and his family would take care of her. Branded a Royalist sympathiser she has no choice, and makes the crossing with baby Charlotte in tow. Nearing the castle, her stagecoach is held up at gunpoint. Enter Gareth de Montforte, or The Wild One. He’s no hero. In fact he’s fond of whiskey, whores and gambling. But he’s in the right place at the right time, and also in possession of a pistol. In the process of saving the passengers, he’s shot in the side. Juliet administers first aid, and on the journey to the castle, realises he’s the brother of her dear Charles, and confesses to him who she is. Gareth is delighted. But at Blackheath, not all are delighted as Gareth is by Juliet’s arrival. The eldest, Lucien, gives Juliet a cold reception. The other siblings, Andrew and Nerissa, are delighted and saddened to meet their tiny niece and her mother. While outwardly disagreeable, Lucien is a master manipulator, and has plans for Juliet. Plans that concern his brother Gareth.

The original 1997 cover from Avon.

LOVED this book. Beautifully written and with excellent characterisation and a gripping plot. It’s so rare to find all three. I go through about ten samples a day looking for writing that doesn’t make me want to stab my eye out with a fork. But there’s nothing disappointing about the writing, or anything else, in The Wild One. Harmon has created a complex and unpredictable story. I particularly loved the ending. Gripping!

Lord Gareth is described as being a tearaway, 23 going on 15, and he certainly behaves that way. I was shaking my head at him for the first part of the book, incredulous. Such a child! So irresponsible! Which is, of course, the point. It’s so rare for the heroine (and other characters) to find fault with the hero and for the faults to actually be true. Usually he’s misunderstood. But no. Gareth, to begin with, is kind of a twat.

My one tiny, tiny gripe is to do with Lucien. He’s described as a master manipulator. As “one of the most dangerous men in England”. I was gunning for him to be truly evil. Almost irredeemable. Because these books are a series and all the brothers get their romance. Who could fall in love with such a man, not merely a rake, but damnable. But his character was a little exaggerated in the beginning. He’s certainly got irregular ways, but … well, I won’t go on as it’s getting into spoiler territory. I’m still super keen to read his book, The Wicked One. Mmm … *delicious shivers*

The de Montforte brothers books have been rereleased by Harmon with new almost-as-chesty covers. I’m so glad they have been too. And best of all, The Wild One is FREE on Kindle! Get into them today. Highly recommended.(less)

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Feb 19, 2013 Sabrina Guthrie rated it 4 of 5 stars

It's been a good while since I read a good historical romance. This was a great one to jump back into the swing of things. The book started out with a bang. There was no time to be bored as one scene jumped into another. The flow of the book went well. In sweeps Juliet, a young woman from the colonies that is traveling to England to the meet with her dead fiance's (Lord Charles) family to aid her in the care of his baby girl. In steps Lord Gareth (who happens to be Lord Charles' brother), who sa...more

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Nov 07, 2012 Nubia Sanchez rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: colonial-romance, historical-romance, georgian-romance

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I really like this story!! I like how Gareth de Montforte "Wild One" had changed from an immature young boy at 23 years old to an extraordinary mature and responsible young man. Quite an exceptional story about a boy who became a man for the love of a woman and her daughter.
After meeting Juliet and her baby daughter Charlotte in a carriage's robbery incident,it was love at first sight for Gareth toward the lovely colonial young woman that led him to not think through over responsibility he had o...more I really like this story!! I like how Gareth de Montforte "Wild One" had changed from an immature young boy at 23 years old to an extraordinary mature and responsible young man. Quite an exceptional story about a boy who became a man for the love of a woman and her daughter.
After meeting Juliet and her baby daughter Charlotte in a carriage's robbery incident,it was love at first sight for Gareth toward the lovely colonial young woman that led him to not think through over responsibility he had overtake to take care Juliet and her child.
He learn that she was the fiancé/widow of his older brother Charles who was always been compare with through his childhood as Charles the Beloved one who behave ld and was a good child while Gareth the wild one was always looking for trouble though Gareth wanted to prove to his older brother Lucian that he can man up and take up the responsibility w/o his help. At first Gareth did show his true color of being a berated fool towards Juliet after they got married but with all the trouble they got through he would do everything to set things straight and provide his new family with a good life.
Juliet was desperate to get help and seek out for her decease fiancé's family for support so she can give a good living for her daughter that she leaves colonies to England. When she met Gareth de Montforte in the robbery incident and learn that he was Charles's young brother she thought he was going to be like his older brother but it all a false assumption on her part. After she married him he saw true side and was disappoint that she created him as the image of his dead brother. Then after hearing all the comparison between this two brother from acquaintances and family's friends she understood why Gareth wanted to show everyone that he can too be responsible and take of her and child even if it means to take up a job that can kill him.
Awesome story I really recommend to read it and as for me to read this whole series of the Montforte brothers.(less)

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Oct 22, 2012 Jennifer Westall rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: challenge-impaired-group

This was a pretty good read, despite the fact that I don't usually go for historical romances involving rich aristocrats. It didn't surprise me or wow me, but it was fairly enjoyable most of the time. I was a little uncomfortable with the overt sexual language, but I don't believe it was out of bounds for this particular genre. That's one of the main reasons I don't typically read these types of books.

As for the story development, it was solid. The latter part of the book reminded me a lot of t...more

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Jan 04, 2013 Steve Greatrex rated it 4 of 5 stars

Juliet is quite a resolute woman, crossing the ocean to meet her (dead) fiance's family, with her baby daughter in tow. She is a plucky American who loved a British officer in 1776, and follows his advice to go to his family if something happens to him. He is killed without knowing she is pregnant. She arrives in England and is travelling by post coach--in a rainstorm--when the coach is stopped by murderous bandits.

An inebriated gentleman racing down the same road with his friends, comes on the...more

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Oct 12, 2012 Lola4 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Did I like The Wild One? To tell you the truth--I don't know. I loved the concept behind the series, I loved Lucien and felt the way his character was handled in the book was an absolute masterpiece, and the book had many charms. On the other hand there were some things I felt made no sense and just didn't work for me. My biggest problem was the main characters--I just didn't like them (I adored Lucien). Gareth was my least favorite of the brothers and Andrew also seemed like an immature jerk (b...more

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Oct 15, 2012 Tonileg rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, kindle, romance, second-chances

How far does a person go to protect the honor of a family? Should you sacrifice your own personal happiness for your family? Would you?
Well, this is the situation that Lord Gareth de Montforte finds himself when the fiance of his dead brother shows up in this story set in historical England. Juliet Paige is a well raised American woman, but she can't have been that well watched because she had a child out of wedlock, a big no-no at that time. She is looking out for her infant daughter like any g...more

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Apr 02, 2013 Bethany rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance-novel, ebooks

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Oct 07, 2012 Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

You know how, in historical romances, the culmination of the romance of the two main characters is the wedding? That has always kinda irked me. A wedding is a beginning, not an ending. This book is for me and others like me who say "What about after the wedding, when they start to annoy each other, when they find out that their 'perfect mate' actually has flaws?"
I LOVE these two main characters, Juliet and Gareth. Juliet is what you would expect of a young woman whose love has died and left he...more

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The Wild One (The de Montforte Brothers #1)

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