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Wild Wulfs of London #1
The Dark One
Rosalind Rutherford knows full well the scandal she courts when she attempts to seduce the notorious Armond Wulf--in fact, she's counting on it as a means to escape her sadistic stepbrother's control. Unfortunately, Lord Wulf's better instincts prevail...although not before he gives Rosalind a tantalizing taste of what she's missing. And when the opportunity arises to rescue Armond from a grim fate while changing her own, Rosalind knows she must seize it...
Armond can no more ignore the Rutherford woman than his ancestor could resist the temptress who cursed the Wulf men with a terrifying transformation that occurs at the appearance of the full moon--and is set in motion by love. Now, to save her reputation and his freedom, Armond must marry Rosalind. But he vows that while they may share the pleasures of the marriage bed, she will never have his heart...
Yet as strange and mysterious events bring them closer in body and soul, Armond finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings for his new wife locked away. Especially when the reality of unquenchable desire--and certain danger--burn stronger than ever by the light of a full moon...
Armond can no more ignore the Rutherford woman than his ancestor could resist the temptress who cursed the Wulf men with a terrifying transformation that occurs at the appearance of the full moon--and is set in motion by love. Now, to save her reputation and his freedom, Armond must marry Rosalind. But he vows that while they may share the pleasures of the marriage bed, she will never have his heart...
Yet as strange and mysterious events bring them closer in body and soul, Armond finds it increasingly difficult to keep his feelings for his new wife locked away. Especially when the reality of unquenchable desire--and certain danger--burn stronger than ever by the light of a full moon...
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 1, 2005
29 people are currently reading
2270 people want to read
About the author
Ronda Thompson
26 books135 followersRonda Thompson lived in the great state of Texas. Ronda had been an avid fan of romance for years and was published in several different genres. Paranormal romance is one of her favorite genres to write because anything can happen and usually does!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
February 2, 2010
I've read this author previously (Prickly Pear) and didn't enjoy her writing very much. I remember thinking her heroine very naive and ridiculous. This was a pick by my local reading group so I gave her another go because I usually love wolves or should I say "Wulfs" [groan:] but my hopes weren't high despite the lovely cover.
When I started this I wasn't expecting it to grab me because I've been so hard to please as of late. But once I started it I found it infectious and very difficult to put down.
A curse has befallen the "Wulf" men (wulf? nudge, nudge, get it? none too subtle is this author). A spurned witch apparently hexed them and now Armond and his two sexy brother's fear falling in love and falling victim to the curse that claimed both of their parents. Fortunately, for Armond Wulf, fate has other plans in store for him.
Lady Rosalind is being forced into marrying some old, nasty lecherous man by her nasty, lecherous step-brother (or is he the half-brother? I can't remember.) who has gambled away her fortune and owes the old coot lots of dough. Anyway, in order to thwart his plans, she decides it would be a great idea to scandalize herself by sleeping with a naughty, most unsuitable man. A man accused of murdering women. A man who harbors dark, possibly deadly secrets . . . A man who is, Armond, of course!
This was a dark, sexy book and if the heroine was a tad too naive for my liking I can forgive it because the rest of the book grabbed me and Armond was a terrific hero. I'm looking forward to book #2.
When I started this I wasn't expecting it to grab me because I've been so hard to please as of late. But once I started it I found it infectious and very difficult to put down.
A curse has befallen the "Wulf" men (wulf? nudge, nudge, get it? none too subtle is this author). A spurned witch apparently hexed them and now Armond and his two sexy brother's fear falling in love and falling victim to the curse that claimed both of their parents. Fortunately, for Armond Wulf, fate has other plans in store for him.
Lady Rosalind is being forced into marrying some old, nasty lecherous man by her nasty, lecherous step-brother (or is he the half-brother? I can't remember.) who has gambled away her fortune and owes the old coot lots of dough. Anyway, in order to thwart his plans, she decides it would be a great idea to scandalize herself by sleeping with a naughty, most unsuitable man. A man accused of murdering women. A man who harbors dark, possibly deadly secrets . . . A man who is, Armond, of course!
This was a dark, sexy book and if the heroine was a tad too naive for my liking I can forgive it because the rest of the book grabbed me and Armond was a terrific hero. I'm looking forward to book #2.
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November 25, 2016heroine asked the hero to ruin her. was this really done? I found it hard to believe. am I too naive?
July 22, 2025
With the reputation the hero has among the Ton, the heroine imagines him to be the perfect means in which to succeed in her plan. One night at a function, she approaches him, asking for him to compromise her. Suffering under the abusive control of her step brother, the heroine yearns for a way to the return to the peace of the country. If she manages to convince her brother that he has no use for her any longer, she can be free.
The hero is quite surprised to find this attractive young woman approaching him to begin with let alone openly propositioning him. He's used to being the dark one, the handsome one that all females whisper about and ogle but never is he is be approached. He is perhaps stunned a bit to find himself suddenly in a dark carriage with this female, even more stunned to find themselves engaged in very naughty behavior. But at the end of the day, the hero sets the heroine to the side and forces himself to continue on in his existence of exile. The heroine wakes up the next morning to her step brothers wrath over her actions the night before, actions that have severely endangered his plans to have her married to a much old man.
When the hero discovers the bruises, he is livid. He threatens the brother with physical harm. But the hero is already under the suspicion of many strange deaths occurring in his company and the last thing he needs is more attention brought to himself. The heroine, who has come to feel a great deal for the dark and mysterious hero, is compelled to help him. After spending the night together, the hero is brought in for charges of murder and to save him from being convicted of a crime he didn't commit, she admits to having him alone in her presence. It may have saved the hero but it ruined her. And that's something he is not willing to live with, so he marries her. Breaking the vow between himself and his brothers to never marry in fear the curse would take hold and destroy him.
Now, he must come to terms with his new found love for his wife and all the many dangers that come alone with it.
Wow, never before have I been more distracted reading a book than I was with this one. I can normally power through a book in a day, or 2 days over the weekend. But this read took me a whole 7 days. It's not that it was bad, because in fact it was quite good. It was a bit... we'll say predictable and uneventful most of the time but the characters had good chemistry. The curse premise wasn't fully realized, in my opinion and for the majority of the book, it was barely mentioned. All that was talked about was the hero's reputation and that the fact that his family are known to be insane. And that a few women have turned up dead on his property. He was a kind man despite this exile, and though he made it clear he would never love her, he was very protective of her. The heroine was a sweet women who was caged in the world of her step brother. She was beaten but she was not defeated. I could admire her for that. I liked this book but it was not good enough to keep my attention during this crazy week.
The hero is quite surprised to find this attractive young woman approaching him to begin with let alone openly propositioning him. He's used to being the dark one, the handsome one that all females whisper about and ogle but never is he is be approached. He is perhaps stunned a bit to find himself suddenly in a dark carriage with this female, even more stunned to find themselves engaged in very naughty behavior. But at the end of the day, the hero sets the heroine to the side and forces himself to continue on in his existence of exile. The heroine wakes up the next morning to her step brothers wrath over her actions the night before, actions that have severely endangered his plans to have her married to a much old man.
When the hero discovers the bruises, he is livid. He threatens the brother with physical harm. But the hero is already under the suspicion of many strange deaths occurring in his company and the last thing he needs is more attention brought to himself. The heroine, who has come to feel a great deal for the dark and mysterious hero, is compelled to help him. After spending the night together, the hero is brought in for charges of murder and to save him from being convicted of a crime he didn't commit, she admits to having him alone in her presence. It may have saved the hero but it ruined her. And that's something he is not willing to live with, so he marries her. Breaking the vow between himself and his brothers to never marry in fear the curse would take hold and destroy him.
Now, he must come to terms with his new found love for his wife and all the many dangers that come alone with it.
Wow, never before have I been more distracted reading a book than I was with this one. I can normally power through a book in a day, or 2 days over the weekend. But this read took me a whole 7 days. It's not that it was bad, because in fact it was quite good. It was a bit... we'll say predictable and uneventful most of the time but the characters had good chemistry. The curse premise wasn't fully realized, in my opinion and for the majority of the book, it was barely mentioned. All that was talked about was the hero's reputation and that the fact that his family are known to be insane. And that a few women have turned up dead on his property. He was a kind man despite this exile, and though he made it clear he would never love her, he was very protective of her. The heroine was a sweet women who was caged in the world of her step brother. She was beaten but she was not defeated. I could admire her for that. I liked this book but it was not good enough to keep my attention during this crazy week.
May 4, 2016
The Dark One
4 Stars
Rosalind Rutherford is in a bind as her sadistic stepbrother is intent on selling her to the highest bidder. Determined to ruin herself for marriage, Rosalind propositions society’s most notorious member, Armond Wulf, Lord of Wulfglen. Armond knows the he must resist the temptation posed by Rosalind for his family is under a terrible curse that is triggered by love. Yet the more time they spend together, the more difficult Armond finds it to stem both the physical and emotional desire he feels for Rosalind.
Armond is a fabulous hero with tremendous inner strength and stoicism in the face of the family curse and society’s affront. He also has a profound sense of honor despite the rumors that abound and is kind and solicitous toward Rosalind and the dowager duchess. Rosalind is a courageous and spirited heroine although she does have moments of intense stupidity that tend to undermine her character. Armond and Rosalind have spellbinding chemistry and their romance is sensual and steamy.
Although the murder mystery subplot is predictable, it does lead to some intense moments and exciting action scenes. The villains are truly despicable and it is satisfying to seem them get their well-deserved comeuppance.
While not all that original, the Wulf family curse is an interesting plot device that works well within the storyline. Nevertheless, more detail could have been included regarding the origins and exact effects of the witch’s spell.
The next two books in the series focus on Armond’s brothers - Jackson the playboy and Gabriel the introvert, and I look forward to reading their stories.
4 Stars
Rosalind Rutherford is in a bind as her sadistic stepbrother is intent on selling her to the highest bidder. Determined to ruin herself for marriage, Rosalind propositions society’s most notorious member, Armond Wulf, Lord of Wulfglen. Armond knows the he must resist the temptation posed by Rosalind for his family is under a terrible curse that is triggered by love. Yet the more time they spend together, the more difficult Armond finds it to stem both the physical and emotional desire he feels for Rosalind.
Armond is a fabulous hero with tremendous inner strength and stoicism in the face of the family curse and society’s affront. He also has a profound sense of honor despite the rumors that abound and is kind and solicitous toward Rosalind and the dowager duchess. Rosalind is a courageous and spirited heroine although she does have moments of intense stupidity that tend to undermine her character. Armond and Rosalind have spellbinding chemistry and their romance is sensual and steamy.
Although the murder mystery subplot is predictable, it does lead to some intense moments and exciting action scenes. The villains are truly despicable and it is satisfying to seem them get their well-deserved comeuppance.
While not all that original, the Wulf family curse is an interesting plot device that works well within the storyline. Nevertheless, more detail could have been included regarding the origins and exact effects of the witch’s spell.
The next two books in the series focus on Armond’s brothers - Jackson the playboy and Gabriel the introvert, and I look forward to reading their stories.
May 25, 2010
3 1/2 stars
This is a very good quick read. If you like historical and paranormal this one would be good to try. This book puts high society right on the map with all its betrayals then add a twisted stepbrother, he will make you so mad at how he treats his mom and stepsister Rosalind.
Rosalind finds herself to be wed to a man she knows nothing about. Her step bro. has set this up to pay off his gambling debt. But as you read more you’ll find the step bro has gone deeper than just money with this man and let me say its disgusting. Rosalind has thought up a way to rid herself of this predicament, she is going to rid herself of her virtue. And she knows just who to go to for this, his name is Armond. But what Rosalind finds in Armond is something different and when she leaves him she still has her virtue. The next thing that happens Armond finds himself in jail. Rosalind knows he didn’t do the crime so she helps get him out of jail in return the help ends up twisted on her and she ends up as Armond wife. One thing she doesn’t really know is there is a curse on Armond’s family will she help or hurt the curse.
I like both Rosalind and Armond. You get to read some about Armond brothers so you know they are just as hot as Armond.
This is a very good quick read. If you like historical and paranormal this one would be good to try. This book puts high society right on the map with all its betrayals then add a twisted stepbrother, he will make you so mad at how he treats his mom and stepsister Rosalind.
Rosalind finds herself to be wed to a man she knows nothing about. Her step bro. has set this up to pay off his gambling debt. But as you read more you’ll find the step bro has gone deeper than just money with this man and let me say its disgusting. Rosalind has thought up a way to rid herself of this predicament, she is going to rid herself of her virtue. And she knows just who to go to for this, his name is Armond. But what Rosalind finds in Armond is something different and when she leaves him she still has her virtue. The next thing that happens Armond finds himself in jail. Rosalind knows he didn’t do the crime so she helps get him out of jail in return the help ends up twisted on her and she ends up as Armond wife. One thing she doesn’t really know is there is a curse on Armond’s family will she help or hurt the curse.
I like both Rosalind and Armond. You get to read some about Armond brothers so you know they are just as hot as Armond.
January 29, 2016
This is a charming, fun and well-written regency romance that I enjoyed quite a bit. In fact, I may read the whole series. It’s too bad there aren’t that many more. I was truly sad to hear Ronda passed away at such a young age.
Yet while I really liked this book, I will say I was a bit disappointed about the lack of werewolf story. For me, there just wasn’t enough werewolf lore and wolf changing to please my inner werewolf lover. In fact, I sort of felt like the werewolf part was just added in there as a gimmick.
It’s a charming story though, so if you like romance with a tiny bit of werewolf, you’ll definitely enjoy this book. :D
Yet while I really liked this book, I will say I was a bit disappointed about the lack of werewolf story. For me, there just wasn’t enough werewolf lore and wolf changing to please my inner werewolf lover. In fact, I sort of felt like the werewolf part was just added in there as a gimmick.
It’s a charming story though, so if you like romance with a tiny bit of werewolf, you’ll definitely enjoy this book. :D
May 27, 2019
This was a reread for me after reading it for the first time 8 years ago. I’m a massive sucker for both paranormal romance and historical romance so to get them both in one book? YES PLEASE! Surprisingly there weren’t as many paranormal elements as I remember but it was still such an enjoyable read that I didn’t put it down until I had finished it.
.
Our heroine needs out of her situation at home with a step brother who physically assaults her and is ready to sell her off to the highest bidder. So she decides to approach our hero- known for his rakish ways- to ruin her. However, she didn’t expect him to stop and have morals. Our hero is cursed and is avoiding love at all costs and yet he can’t stay away from the heroine and when she becomes his alibi for a murder he marries her to save her. He can’t give love and she won’t stop for anything less.
.
Even with the darker overtones of abuse this book isn’t wholly dark and also has a great little murder mystery plot in there as well. Yes the heroine is a little naive in some ways yet she held her own and fought for herself and love when she needed to. The hero is so much more than a rogue and underneath it all carries responsibility for his younger brothers. They play off each other’s strengths and make a great love story!
.
Our heroine needs out of her situation at home with a step brother who physically assaults her and is ready to sell her off to the highest bidder. So she decides to approach our hero- known for his rakish ways- to ruin her. However, she didn’t expect him to stop and have morals. Our hero is cursed and is avoiding love at all costs and yet he can’t stay away from the heroine and when she becomes his alibi for a murder he marries her to save her. He can’t give love and she won’t stop for anything less.
.
Even with the darker overtones of abuse this book isn’t wholly dark and also has a great little murder mystery plot in there as well. Yes the heroine is a little naive in some ways yet she held her own and fought for herself and love when she needed to. The hero is so much more than a rogue and underneath it all carries responsibility for his younger brothers. They play off each other’s strengths and make a great love story!
May 8, 2012
Reviewed for THC Reviews
I read the first novella in the late Ronda Thompson's Wild Wulfs of London series quite some time ago and really enjoyed it. I'm not sure why it took me so long to get back to these books, but I'm so glad that I finally did. I have a feeling The Wild Wulfs of London is going to become a new favorite series in the paranormal romance genre for me. Ronda Thompson's writing style is very emotionally engaging. She really makes me care about and relate to her characters. Her love scenes are sweetly sensual and each one builds on the last to propel the story along. The bathtub scene where Armond and Rosalind first share some real intimacy was quite steamy. I also enjoyed the light mystery/suspense portion of the plot too. Although parts of it were rather predictable, I could still feel the air of tension surrounding Armond's investigation of the murders and Rosalind's stepbrother trying to keep her under his thumb. Everything just came together to make this book a perfect read that will definitely be placed on my keeper shelf.
Armond is a man tormented by his family's curse which makes its male members turn into werewolves if they fall in love, so he has vowed never to do that. Of course, he didn't count on the sweet, beautiful Rosalind capturing his heart and stirring his passion from the moment he meets her. Publicly, the ton believes that the Wulf family curse is madness, and because of it, Armond and his brothers have a dark reputation. When the story opens, he is already a suspect in a murder case. In spite of his perceived bad boy image and the beast inside him, it is clear right from the start that Armond is far more honorable and gentlemanly than most human men. Even though Rosalind was throwing herself at him, desperately wanting him to ruin her, he didn't completely debauch her and even gave her a plausible excuse for her absence from the party. Throughout the entire story, Armond exercises incredible self-control which is a quality I love in a hero. It was very sweet how he simply held and comforted Rosalind through the night the second time he secretly came to her room, and even after they were married, he gave her the choice of whether to consummate their union and when. Now that's not to say that he isn't seductive. He told Rosalind up front that he wouldn't play fair, and it was really cute how he asks her every day, "Have I told you I want you today?" I also loved his protectiveness. From the moment Armond met Rosalind that instinct in him came out and only increased as his love for her grew. On the surface, his declaration to Rosalind that he would never love her seemed cruel, but it was really just his determination to protect her from everything, including himself, that made him say it.
Rosalind was my favorite type of heroine, one who is kind, gentle and sweet on the outside, but inside is strong and intelligent. She had been badly abused by her stepbrother and he was now prepared to “sell” her in marriage to a man she found loathsome. In sheer desperation, she thought that being ruined by the most dangerous and shunned man in the ton would be a better option, but she didn't count on Armond having a heart of gold beneath his dark facade. I thought that act alone was a pretty bold move on her part, but time and time again, throughout the story, she shows her bravery. She stood up for Armond when he was wrongly accused of murder and gave him an alibi even though it did ruin her. She willingly married Armond and always saw him for the decent man he was rather than the madman waiting to happen that the ton thought him to be or the monster he saw in himself. She instinctively sensed that he would never harm her no matter what form he took, and he always lived up to her faith in him. Rosalind didn't really want to consummate their marriage until Armond was able to give her his heart, but in the meantime, she could barely resist him. She is very curious and loves sharing intimacies with her handsome husband. Rosalind is also quite intuitive, understanding that Armond's sometimes hurtful words are meant to protect her, and looking beneath the surface to his actions which speak louder than his words. She was very intelligent too, figuring out her brother's schemes on her own and trying to put a stop to them.
There are a number of exciting and colorful secondary characters in The Dark One. Rosalind's stepbrother, Franklin and his accomplice made dastardly villains. The Dowager Duchess of Brayberry was a lively old lady who was a true friend to both Armond and Rosalind. Armond's two brothers, Jackson and Gabriel are introduced as well. Unlike his two brothers who are responsible and hard-working, Jackson is a rake with a wild reputation, but incredibly charming with the ladies. It appears that he is going off on a quest to break the family curse and prove himself by finding and killing a certain witch. His story becomes the next book in the series, The Untamed One. Gabriel is the strong, silent type, a man who is very much tied to the land of the family's country estate. He catches the eye of Rosalind's new friend, Amelia who on the surface is a good girl, but deep down is a very passionate young woman who longs to be scandalous. Gabriel and Amelia's story is the last in the series, The Cursed One.
The Dark One has more of the feel of a Regency-era historical romance with a somewhat lighter paranormal element. Aside from Armond having heightened senses and physical abilities, the supernatural portion of the plot doesn't really come into play until the last quarter or so of the book. The rest of the novel is about the mystery and suspense surrounding the murder investigation, and the emotional turmoil that Armond and Rosalind deal with because of the curse and their gradual growth into realizing how much they love each other. Overall, The Dark One was a well-written, well-plotted, emotionally satisfying story that has definitely left me quite eager to get to the next book in The Wild Wulfs of London series.
I read the first novella in the late Ronda Thompson's Wild Wulfs of London series quite some time ago and really enjoyed it. I'm not sure why it took me so long to get back to these books, but I'm so glad that I finally did. I have a feeling The Wild Wulfs of London is going to become a new favorite series in the paranormal romance genre for me. Ronda Thompson's writing style is very emotionally engaging. She really makes me care about and relate to her characters. Her love scenes are sweetly sensual and each one builds on the last to propel the story along. The bathtub scene where Armond and Rosalind first share some real intimacy was quite steamy. I also enjoyed the light mystery/suspense portion of the plot too. Although parts of it were rather predictable, I could still feel the air of tension surrounding Armond's investigation of the murders and Rosalind's stepbrother trying to keep her under his thumb. Everything just came together to make this book a perfect read that will definitely be placed on my keeper shelf.
Armond is a man tormented by his family's curse which makes its male members turn into werewolves if they fall in love, so he has vowed never to do that. Of course, he didn't count on the sweet, beautiful Rosalind capturing his heart and stirring his passion from the moment he meets her. Publicly, the ton believes that the Wulf family curse is madness, and because of it, Armond and his brothers have a dark reputation. When the story opens, he is already a suspect in a murder case. In spite of his perceived bad boy image and the beast inside him, it is clear right from the start that Armond is far more honorable and gentlemanly than most human men. Even though Rosalind was throwing herself at him, desperately wanting him to ruin her, he didn't completely debauch her and even gave her a plausible excuse for her absence from the party. Throughout the entire story, Armond exercises incredible self-control which is a quality I love in a hero. It was very sweet how he simply held and comforted Rosalind through the night the second time he secretly came to her room, and even after they were married, he gave her the choice of whether to consummate their union and when. Now that's not to say that he isn't seductive. He told Rosalind up front that he wouldn't play fair, and it was really cute how he asks her every day, "Have I told you I want you today?" I also loved his protectiveness. From the moment Armond met Rosalind that instinct in him came out and only increased as his love for her grew. On the surface, his declaration to Rosalind that he would never love her seemed cruel, but it was really just his determination to protect her from everything, including himself, that made him say it.
Rosalind was my favorite type of heroine, one who is kind, gentle and sweet on the outside, but inside is strong and intelligent. She had been badly abused by her stepbrother and he was now prepared to “sell” her in marriage to a man she found loathsome. In sheer desperation, she thought that being ruined by the most dangerous and shunned man in the ton would be a better option, but she didn't count on Armond having a heart of gold beneath his dark facade. I thought that act alone was a pretty bold move on her part, but time and time again, throughout the story, she shows her bravery. She stood up for Armond when he was wrongly accused of murder and gave him an alibi even though it did ruin her. She willingly married Armond and always saw him for the decent man he was rather than the madman waiting to happen that the ton thought him to be or the monster he saw in himself. She instinctively sensed that he would never harm her no matter what form he took, and he always lived up to her faith in him. Rosalind didn't really want to consummate their marriage until Armond was able to give her his heart, but in the meantime, she could barely resist him. She is very curious and loves sharing intimacies with her handsome husband. Rosalind is also quite intuitive, understanding that Armond's sometimes hurtful words are meant to protect her, and looking beneath the surface to his actions which speak louder than his words. She was very intelligent too, figuring out her brother's schemes on her own and trying to put a stop to them.
There are a number of exciting and colorful secondary characters in The Dark One. Rosalind's stepbrother, Franklin and his accomplice made dastardly villains. The Dowager Duchess of Brayberry was a lively old lady who was a true friend to both Armond and Rosalind. Armond's two brothers, Jackson and Gabriel are introduced as well. Unlike his two brothers who are responsible and hard-working, Jackson is a rake with a wild reputation, but incredibly charming with the ladies. It appears that he is going off on a quest to break the family curse and prove himself by finding and killing a certain witch. His story becomes the next book in the series, The Untamed One. Gabriel is the strong, silent type, a man who is very much tied to the land of the family's country estate. He catches the eye of Rosalind's new friend, Amelia who on the surface is a good girl, but deep down is a very passionate young woman who longs to be scandalous. Gabriel and Amelia's story is the last in the series, The Cursed One.
The Dark One has more of the feel of a Regency-era historical romance with a somewhat lighter paranormal element. Aside from Armond having heightened senses and physical abilities, the supernatural portion of the plot doesn't really come into play until the last quarter or so of the book. The rest of the novel is about the mystery and suspense surrounding the murder investigation, and the emotional turmoil that Armond and Rosalind deal with because of the curse and their gradual growth into realizing how much they love each other. Overall, The Dark One was a well-written, well-plotted, emotionally satisfying story that has definitely left me quite eager to get to the next book in The Wild Wulfs of London series.
November 13, 2018
Me ha gustado que, sin ser un mundo "de fantasía", esta novela ambientada en la época victoriana tuviese ese elemento paranormal. Creo que se ha llevado bastante bien el tema.
Ha habido cosillas aquí y allá que no han terminado de gustarme. Por un lado creo que el "malo" de la historia se lleva demasiado al extremo. Pero tengo que admitir, que el hecho de que no sea "el que nunca te viste venir" ha sido un cambio agradable. Así que sobre este tema es un poco 50-50.
Pensaba que Ronda Thompson pecaría de recatada, y aunque no es excesivamente lanzada en cuanto a escenas de cama, le tengo que dar el "okey" porque han estado a la altura.
Con el tema romántico también estoy satisfecha aunque de nuevo le ha faltado alguna cosilla. Frases sueltas que no me encajaban del todo bien, pero en líneas generales la manera de ser y actuar de los personajes compensa bastante por esas cuatro frases.
Confirmo que seguiré con la saga. Me han llamado la atención el resto de los hermanos.
Ha habido cosillas aquí y allá que no han terminado de gustarme. Por un lado creo que el "malo" de la historia se lleva demasiado al extremo. Pero tengo que admitir, que el hecho de que no sea "el que nunca te viste venir" ha sido un cambio agradable. Así que sobre este tema es un poco 50-50.
Pensaba que Ronda Thompson pecaría de recatada, y aunque no es excesivamente lanzada en cuanto a escenas de cama, le tengo que dar el "okey" porque han estado a la altura.
Con el tema romántico también estoy satisfecha aunque de nuevo le ha faltado alguna cosilla. Frases sueltas que no me encajaban del todo bien, pero en líneas generales la manera de ser y actuar de los personajes compensa bastante por esas cuatro frases.
Confirmo que seguiré con la saga. Me han llamado la atención el resto de los hermanos.
November 20, 2012
Avevo da un pò questo libro sulla mia biblioteca virtuale, ma avevo dato la precedenza ad altri libri, poi mi sono imbattuta sul tablet ed ho deciso di leggerlo finalmente!!!
Tralasciando il titolo ( io mi chiedo perchè continuino ad usare sempre gli stessi titoli, cambiare un pò no?? va be, evidentemente sono a corto di immaginazione!) mi è piaciuto davvero molto!
Nelle prime pagine, si trova una poesia, in un certo senso mi ha ricordato la maledizione scagliata dalla strega nella fiaba della "bella e la bestia"
Il libro parla di Rosalind una ragazza che viveva in campagna, quando il padre muore, il fratellastro la costringe ad andare con lui in città, per sposare un uomo viscido e più vecchio di lei.
Il fratellastro ha perso tutta l'eredità della sorella, quindi sta puntando sul matrimonio di Rosalind, per saldare tutti i suoi debiti di gioco.
La protagonista ha molta paura perchè Franklin (il fratellatro)è molto violento con lei, viene picchiata se non ubbidisce, quindi è costretta a sposarsi, per uscire da questa situazione chiede al bel tenebroso Armand Wulf di rovinarle la reputazione, così sarà salva.
Armand è il maggiore di tre fratelli. Su di loro una maledizione, che si tramanda da padre in figlio.
Questa maledizione ha ucciso il padre e ridotto alla pazzia la madre fino alla morte. Da allora i fratelli Wulf, nonostante il titolo nobiliare, vengono trattati con molta diffidenza, la gente li evita come la peste, anche se le signore segretamente ci sbavano dietro!
Su di loro ci sono ogni sorta di pettegolezzi, addirittura li credono assassini, dicono che loro hanno ereditato la maledizione della pazzia, ma non è cosi!!
Se si innamorano diventeranno dei lupi, solo sconfiggendo il proprio nemico riusciranno a spezzare il sortilegio!
Quindi questi fratelli hanno stabilito un patto, nessuno di loro dovrà mai sposarsi e tanto meno innamorarsi, non vogliono commettere lo stesso errore del padre!
Armand ha sempre tenuto fede all'accordo, fino a quando la bella Rosalind, gli chiede di rovinare la sua reputazione.
Lui non riusciva a capire come una cosi bella donna, potesse chiedergli una cosa del genere, sapendo le voci che circolano su di lui.
Quella notte tra i due, nonostante l'attrazione non successe nulla, però la loro scapatella da una festa, non è passata inosservata, e il fratellastro le proibisce a suon di cazzotti, di avvicinarsi di nuovi al Conte Wulf.
Intanto continuano a verificarsi degli omicidi di giovani donne. I corpi vengono ritrovati sempre nel territori di Armand. Qualcuno sta cercando di incastrarlo, e lui vuole scoprire il vero colpevole.
Nel frattempo si accorge che il fratello di Rosalind ( sono vicini di casa) è violento con lei, e vuole proteggerla a tutti i costi. Una notte la sente piangere (con il suo udito finissimo) quindi si reca in camera sua per vedere cosa è successo, e passa tutta la notte con lei, solo per consolarla.
Ma quando rientrarà a casa troverà un altro cadavere, e quindi verrà arrestato per omicidio.
Rosalind venuta a sapere dell'arresto, si reca di nascosto dall'autorità, scagionandolo da tutte le accuse.
Dicendo che Armand ha passato tutta la notte con lei, si è rovinata la reputazione, quindi sono costretti a sposarsi immediatamente per sfuggire alle ire del fratellastro.
Da qui inizieranno le indagini sugli omicidi, Rosalind dovrà salvare la matrigna dalle grinfie di Franklin, scoprire chi vuole incastrare il marito e far capitolare il cuore di quest'ultimo.
Il conte Wulf mi è piaciuto subito forte, bello, intelligente, si sente solo e cerca in ogni modo di non fare del male a sua moglie.
Cerca di non innamorarsi di lei, senza successo.
Rosalind, anche se impaurita, è una donna forte, che non vuole che suo fratello le rovini la vita, sempre per colpa di Franklin ha perso tutto, e non vuole essere trattata e sfruttata come un oggetto.
Una cosa che non mi è piaciuta e che Rosalind cada facilmente in una trappola.
In tutto il libro è stata molto intelligente, poi come un ingenua cade in un trabocchetto.
A me piace quando una donna riesce a uscire dai guai da sola, senza l'aiuto dell'uomo!
VA be.
Nonostante questo è stata una bella lettura.
Tralasciando il titolo ( io mi chiedo perchè continuino ad usare sempre gli stessi titoli, cambiare un pò no?? va be, evidentemente sono a corto di immaginazione!) mi è piaciuto davvero molto!
Nelle prime pagine, si trova una poesia, in un certo senso mi ha ricordato la maledizione scagliata dalla strega nella fiaba della "bella e la bestia"
Il libro parla di Rosalind una ragazza che viveva in campagna, quando il padre muore, il fratellastro la costringe ad andare con lui in città, per sposare un uomo viscido e più vecchio di lei.
Il fratellastro ha perso tutta l'eredità della sorella, quindi sta puntando sul matrimonio di Rosalind, per saldare tutti i suoi debiti di gioco.
La protagonista ha molta paura perchè Franklin (il fratellatro)è molto violento con lei, viene picchiata se non ubbidisce, quindi è costretta a sposarsi, per uscire da questa situazione chiede al bel tenebroso Armand Wulf di rovinarle la reputazione, così sarà salva.
Armand è il maggiore di tre fratelli. Su di loro una maledizione, che si tramanda da padre in figlio.
Questa maledizione ha ucciso il padre e ridotto alla pazzia la madre fino alla morte. Da allora i fratelli Wulf, nonostante il titolo nobiliare, vengono trattati con molta diffidenza, la gente li evita come la peste, anche se le signore segretamente ci sbavano dietro!
Su di loro ci sono ogni sorta di pettegolezzi, addirittura li credono assassini, dicono che loro hanno ereditato la maledizione della pazzia, ma non è cosi!!
Se si innamorano diventeranno dei lupi, solo sconfiggendo il proprio nemico riusciranno a spezzare il sortilegio!
Quindi questi fratelli hanno stabilito un patto, nessuno di loro dovrà mai sposarsi e tanto meno innamorarsi, non vogliono commettere lo stesso errore del padre!
Armand ha sempre tenuto fede all'accordo, fino a quando la bella Rosalind, gli chiede di rovinare la sua reputazione.
Lui non riusciva a capire come una cosi bella donna, potesse chiedergli una cosa del genere, sapendo le voci che circolano su di lui.
Quella notte tra i due, nonostante l'attrazione non successe nulla, però la loro scapatella da una festa, non è passata inosservata, e il fratellastro le proibisce a suon di cazzotti, di avvicinarsi di nuovi al Conte Wulf.
Intanto continuano a verificarsi degli omicidi di giovani donne. I corpi vengono ritrovati sempre nel territori di Armand. Qualcuno sta cercando di incastrarlo, e lui vuole scoprire il vero colpevole.
Nel frattempo si accorge che il fratello di Rosalind ( sono vicini di casa) è violento con lei, e vuole proteggerla a tutti i costi. Una notte la sente piangere (con il suo udito finissimo) quindi si reca in camera sua per vedere cosa è successo, e passa tutta la notte con lei, solo per consolarla.
Ma quando rientrarà a casa troverà un altro cadavere, e quindi verrà arrestato per omicidio.
Rosalind venuta a sapere dell'arresto, si reca di nascosto dall'autorità, scagionandolo da tutte le accuse.
Dicendo che Armand ha passato tutta la notte con lei, si è rovinata la reputazione, quindi sono costretti a sposarsi immediatamente per sfuggire alle ire del fratellastro.
Da qui inizieranno le indagini sugli omicidi, Rosalind dovrà salvare la matrigna dalle grinfie di Franklin, scoprire chi vuole incastrare il marito e far capitolare il cuore di quest'ultimo.
Il conte Wulf mi è piaciuto subito forte, bello, intelligente, si sente solo e cerca in ogni modo di non fare del male a sua moglie.
Cerca di non innamorarsi di lei, senza successo.
Rosalind, anche se impaurita, è una donna forte, che non vuole che suo fratello le rovini la vita, sempre per colpa di Franklin ha perso tutto, e non vuole essere trattata e sfruttata come un oggetto.
Una cosa che non mi è piaciuta e che Rosalind cada facilmente in una trappola.
In tutto il libro è stata molto intelligente, poi come un ingenua cade in un trabocchetto.
A me piace quando una donna riesce a uscire dai guai da sola, senza l'aiuto dell'uomo!
VA be.
Nonostante questo è stata una bella lettura.
December 15, 2009
I am such a sap. The ending of this book was so sweet! I loved it, I read the whole thing right off the bat without putting it down except to tend the children. I am surprised how much I liked it considering I'm pro-wolf, and the "curse" was broken at the end, especially since in the first one, I thought Sterling stayed wolfy. But the ending was great, Rosalind and Armond have their HEA and I think Amelia will get her Wulf as well. and I am very lucky to have the rest of the series on my nightstand so I can tear through it! :) I mean come on, who doesn't love a dashing hero who can turn into a wolf?
February 23, 2008
This is the second book in the Wild Wulfs of London and though I enjoyed them all, this was my favorite. Nice story, nice characters, well written and very entertaining.
Hot!
Recommend the entire series and I don't believe you loose any of the story by not reading them in order. The brothers are each on a crusade to deal with the "family curse." The series is set up in a way that each brother gets his book. I don't remember them crossing paths except in the very last book, but not much.
4 1/2 Stars from This Reader.
Hot!
Recommend the entire series and I don't believe you loose any of the story by not reading them in order. The brothers are each on a crusade to deal with the "family curse." The series is set up in a way that each brother gets his book. I don't remember them crossing paths except in the very last book, but not much.
4 1/2 Stars from This Reader.
December 12, 2011
This book was so good I bought the rest... I got in a box of books I bought on eBay.... I'm very impressed with her writing... my friends can attest to the fact that I'm not a fan of Historical Romance novel... but she caught my interest and kept it...I just finished the 2nd in the set and started the 3rd...
October 5, 2010
This was a great book. It was my first read from RT & I want to read more. Unfortunately she passed away, so my choices are limited.
This was a story of love, a curse, an evil step-mother & murder. What more could you ask for. Plenty of romance ans suspense threaded through! Perfect.
This was a story of love, a curse, an evil step-mother & murder. What more could you ask for. Plenty of romance ans suspense threaded through! Perfect.
September 22, 2014
I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. I was hooked from page one. Plenty of action and drama. A few brooding men, strong women and some serious sick twisted men. What more can you want? Oh well there are one or two spicy scenes as well.
April 22, 2020
Zum Inhalt:
"Liebe ist der Fluch, der dich bezwingt, doch auch der Schlüssel, der dich befreit."
INHALT: London, 1821. Armond Wulf, Marquis von Wulfglen, ist durch den Fluch einer Hexe zur Einsamkeit verdammt. Mit seinen Brüdern hat er den Pakt geschlossen, dass keiner von ihnen je sein Herz an eine Frau verlieren würde - denn nur so können sie verhindern, sich bei Vollmond in Werwölfe zu verwandeln. Doch als die junge Lady Rosalind ihn um Hilfe bittet, ist es um ihn geschehen. Ihr verkommener Stiefbruder will sie mit dem Meistbietenden verheiraten, und deshalb möchte sie sich entehren lassen. So dauert es nicht lange, bis sich Lady Rosalind als Armonds Frau in seinem Bett wiederfindet. Doch ahnt sie nicht, dass hinter seinem attraktiven Äußeren Gefahr lauert ...
Cover:
Da ich mir die Weltbildversion gekauft habe, unterscheidet sich mein Cover von den gängigen Büchern. Bei mir ist ein dunkelhaariger, leicht bekleideter Mann zu sehen, welcher in die Ferne blickt. Im Unteren Teil befindet sich ein altes Gutshaus, was schon fast wie eine Burg wirkt. Das Cover erscheint mir recht düster, aber trifft voll und ganz meinen Geschmack, auch wenn der hier abgebildete Mann kaum Ähnlichkeit mit dem Protagonisten hat, diesen aber wahrscheinlich darstellen soll. Naja, man kann nicht alles haben. Für die Trilogie betrachtet sind die Cover aber stimmig.
Eigener Eindruck:
Die Familie der Wulfs ist in der feinen Gesellschaft Londons nicht gern gesehen und wird von der Gesellschaft regelmäßig geschnitten, seit das Gerücht die Runde gemacht hat, dass die Eltern von Armond Wulf verflucht gewesen sind und dem Wahnsinn verfielen, wobei sie sich schließlich selbst töteten. Um diesem Fluch nicht anheim zu fallen, an dem durchaus etwas wahr ist, haben die Brüder Armond, Gabriel und Jackson beschlossen sich nie zu verlieben und nicht zu heiraten, denn die Liebe würde ihr Verderben bedeuten. Alles hätte so einfach sein können, bis Lady Rosalind in Armonds Leben auftaucht und versucht mit seiner Hilfe einen Skandal auszulösen. Was für Armond zu Beginn wie ein dummer Mädchenstreich wirkt, wird für ihn bald zu der Erkenntnis, dass Lady Rosalind Hilfe braucht und sich in Gefahr befindet. Doch noch ist er nicht bereit ihr wirklich zu helfen, denn die Gefühle die sie in ihm weckt sind viel zu gefährlich für ihn und den Fluch. Als in Armonds Stallungen eine Leiche gefunden wird und sich das Leben von Lady Rosalind scheinbar mehr in Gefahr befindet denn je, muss Armond sich entscheiden welchen Weg er gehen will…
Das war nach all den Flops die ich in der letzten Zeit gelesen habe wieder einmal ein richtig gutes Buch und Balsam für die Seele. Die Autorin schreibt so schön und detailreich, dass man sich sehr schnell in die Geschichte hineinfinden kann. Sie versteht es bereits nach nur wenigen Sätzen zu fesseln und in eine völlig fremde Welt zu entführen. Dabei schafft sie es auch, dass man sich sehr schnell in der Epoche zurecht findet und die Charaktere sehr schnell vor sich sehen kann. Einzig was mir schlussendlich an der Geschichte nicht so gefallen hat waren ein paar Reaktionen von Rosalind, besonders in Zusammehang mit ihrer Zofe Lydia und schlussendlich auch wegen ihren teilweise dummen und lemmingartigen Taten und Entscheidungen. Auch das Finale, bei dem es noch einmal um den Fluch ging, war mir dann doch etwas zu schnell abgehandelt und hat mich enttäuscht. Trotzdem sind die Charaktere der Autorin aber einzigartig und man fiebert regelrecht mit ihnen mit oder verabscheut sie, halt abhängig davon, um wen es sich an der erzählten Stelle handelt. Auch macht es Spaß mit zu rätseln, wer denn der Mörder ist und warum er das tut. Dabei greift die Autorin in menschliche Abgründe, die einen selbst, nur als Leser, das Blut in den Adern gefrieren lässt. Einfach richtig klasse gemacht. Auch schafft die Autorin es sehr geschickt immer mehr Charaktere zu erschaffen und diese Geschickt in die Geschichte einzubinden. Und zwar so, dass man natürlich wissen möchte, wie es diesen Charakteren wohl ergehen wird, sind sie wahrscheinlich die neuen Haupthelden der anderen Bände.
Fazit:
Auf jeden Fall lesenswert für alle Freunde der Dark-Romance-Kultur und jene, die Werwölfe lieben. Toll geschrieben und absolut fesselnd. Ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Band.
Idee: 5/5
Charaktere: 4/5
Logik: 4/5
Spannung: 4/5
Emotionen: 4/5
Gesamt: 4/5
Daten:
Gebundene Ausgabe: 1124 Seiten
Verlag: Lizenzausgabe für Weltbild Verlag (2010)
ISBN-10: 3868004513
ISBN-13: 978-3868004519
Verpackungsabmessungen: 19,5 x 13 x 9,5 cm
Für geneigte Leser auch unter diesen Daten zu haben:
ISBN: 9783732563531
Sprache: Deutsch
Ausgabe: E-Buch Text
Umfang: 399 Seiten
Verlag: Lübbe
Erscheinungsdatum: 11.09.2018
"Liebe ist der Fluch, der dich bezwingt, doch auch der Schlüssel, der dich befreit."
INHALT: London, 1821. Armond Wulf, Marquis von Wulfglen, ist durch den Fluch einer Hexe zur Einsamkeit verdammt. Mit seinen Brüdern hat er den Pakt geschlossen, dass keiner von ihnen je sein Herz an eine Frau verlieren würde - denn nur so können sie verhindern, sich bei Vollmond in Werwölfe zu verwandeln. Doch als die junge Lady Rosalind ihn um Hilfe bittet, ist es um ihn geschehen. Ihr verkommener Stiefbruder will sie mit dem Meistbietenden verheiraten, und deshalb möchte sie sich entehren lassen. So dauert es nicht lange, bis sich Lady Rosalind als Armonds Frau in seinem Bett wiederfindet. Doch ahnt sie nicht, dass hinter seinem attraktiven Äußeren Gefahr lauert ...
Cover:
Da ich mir die Weltbildversion gekauft habe, unterscheidet sich mein Cover von den gängigen Büchern. Bei mir ist ein dunkelhaariger, leicht bekleideter Mann zu sehen, welcher in die Ferne blickt. Im Unteren Teil befindet sich ein altes Gutshaus, was schon fast wie eine Burg wirkt. Das Cover erscheint mir recht düster, aber trifft voll und ganz meinen Geschmack, auch wenn der hier abgebildete Mann kaum Ähnlichkeit mit dem Protagonisten hat, diesen aber wahrscheinlich darstellen soll. Naja, man kann nicht alles haben. Für die Trilogie betrachtet sind die Cover aber stimmig.
Eigener Eindruck:
Die Familie der Wulfs ist in der feinen Gesellschaft Londons nicht gern gesehen und wird von der Gesellschaft regelmäßig geschnitten, seit das Gerücht die Runde gemacht hat, dass die Eltern von Armond Wulf verflucht gewesen sind und dem Wahnsinn verfielen, wobei sie sich schließlich selbst töteten. Um diesem Fluch nicht anheim zu fallen, an dem durchaus etwas wahr ist, haben die Brüder Armond, Gabriel und Jackson beschlossen sich nie zu verlieben und nicht zu heiraten, denn die Liebe würde ihr Verderben bedeuten. Alles hätte so einfach sein können, bis Lady Rosalind in Armonds Leben auftaucht und versucht mit seiner Hilfe einen Skandal auszulösen. Was für Armond zu Beginn wie ein dummer Mädchenstreich wirkt, wird für ihn bald zu der Erkenntnis, dass Lady Rosalind Hilfe braucht und sich in Gefahr befindet. Doch noch ist er nicht bereit ihr wirklich zu helfen, denn die Gefühle die sie in ihm weckt sind viel zu gefährlich für ihn und den Fluch. Als in Armonds Stallungen eine Leiche gefunden wird und sich das Leben von Lady Rosalind scheinbar mehr in Gefahr befindet denn je, muss Armond sich entscheiden welchen Weg er gehen will…
Das war nach all den Flops die ich in der letzten Zeit gelesen habe wieder einmal ein richtig gutes Buch und Balsam für die Seele. Die Autorin schreibt so schön und detailreich, dass man sich sehr schnell in die Geschichte hineinfinden kann. Sie versteht es bereits nach nur wenigen Sätzen zu fesseln und in eine völlig fremde Welt zu entführen. Dabei schafft sie es auch, dass man sich sehr schnell in der Epoche zurecht findet und die Charaktere sehr schnell vor sich sehen kann. Einzig was mir schlussendlich an der Geschichte nicht so gefallen hat waren ein paar Reaktionen von Rosalind, besonders in Zusammehang mit ihrer Zofe Lydia und schlussendlich auch wegen ihren teilweise dummen und lemmingartigen Taten und Entscheidungen. Auch das Finale, bei dem es noch einmal um den Fluch ging, war mir dann doch etwas zu schnell abgehandelt und hat mich enttäuscht. Trotzdem sind die Charaktere der Autorin aber einzigartig und man fiebert regelrecht mit ihnen mit oder verabscheut sie, halt abhängig davon, um wen es sich an der erzählten Stelle handelt. Auch macht es Spaß mit zu rätseln, wer denn der Mörder ist und warum er das tut. Dabei greift die Autorin in menschliche Abgründe, die einen selbst, nur als Leser, das Blut in den Adern gefrieren lässt. Einfach richtig klasse gemacht. Auch schafft die Autorin es sehr geschickt immer mehr Charaktere zu erschaffen und diese Geschickt in die Geschichte einzubinden. Und zwar so, dass man natürlich wissen möchte, wie es diesen Charakteren wohl ergehen wird, sind sie wahrscheinlich die neuen Haupthelden der anderen Bände.
Fazit:
Auf jeden Fall lesenswert für alle Freunde der Dark-Romance-Kultur und jene, die Werwölfe lieben. Toll geschrieben und absolut fesselnd. Ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Band.
Idee: 5/5
Charaktere: 4/5
Logik: 4/5
Spannung: 4/5
Emotionen: 4/5
Gesamt: 4/5
Daten:
Gebundene Ausgabe: 1124 Seiten
Verlag: Lizenzausgabe für Weltbild Verlag (2010)
ISBN-10: 3868004513
ISBN-13: 978-3868004519
Verpackungsabmessungen: 19,5 x 13 x 9,5 cm
Für geneigte Leser auch unter diesen Daten zu haben:
ISBN: 9783732563531
Sprache: Deutsch
Ausgabe: E-Buch Text
Umfang: 399 Seiten
Verlag: Lübbe
Erscheinungsdatum: 11.09.2018
August 11, 2021
Questo romanzo fa parte della serie Wild Wulfs of London che vede protagonisti cinque fratelli colpiti da un'antica maledizione che li trasforma in lupi mannari. Vi consiglio di leggerli in ordine di pubblicazione.
È la prima volta che leggo un romance in cui uno dei protagonisti è un licantropo e posso dire con assoluta certezza che questo stile mi piace.
Sicuramente non è un romanzo horror infatti l'autrice relega alle ultime pagine del romanzo la trasformazione e la violenza della "bestia" (una violenza tutta concentrata sui cattivi) preferendo la storia d'amore dei due protagonisti e il mistero delle strane morti. Proprio per quest'ultimo motivo definirei il romanzo un thriller storico con risvolto romantico.
La trama è scorrevole, intrigante e piena di colpi di scena e sono rimasta così entusiasta che sono riuscita a leggerlo in un giorno senza annoiarmi mai.
Il libro comincia con una strana poesia scritta dal primo dei Wulf colpito dalla maledizione e che nasconde la chiave per rompere la maledizione.
Siamo nel 1821 a Londra, Armond pur essendo un marchese e dotato di un certo patrimonio viene tenuto alla larga dalla buona società perché creduto colpevole di omicidio facendolo sentire molto solo. Inoltre essendo i Wulf degli allevatori di cavalli sembrano molto richiesti in tal senso.
Rosalind è una ragazza che ha vissuto in campagna da quando è nata ed ora a causa di un violento fratellastro è costretta ad un matrimonio con un vizioso vecchio che potrebbe essere suo padre. Per evitare questo destino decide di farsi compromettere dall'uomo che tutta la società non osa avvicinare. Immediatamente tra i due scatta una certa attrazione che poi si trasformerà in amore e non sarà una cosa facile.
Anche la protagonista femminile è molto diversa dalle eroine a cui sono abituata: coraggiosa ma consapevole dei propri limiti e della propria condizione sociale.
I personaggi secondari sono davvero interessanti: Gabriel il fratello di Armond è un tipo poco incline a fare amicizia infatti vive in campagna lontano dalla società, Jackson invece è un donnaiolo con il senso dell'humor ma che ama bere non avendo molto da fare, Amanda è l'unica amica di Rosalind una ragazza pratica e che non crede nell'amore viene costretta dai genitori ad un matrimonio d'interesse ma che accetta per farli felici anche se in cuor suo pensa solo a Gabriel.
Anche nelle descrizioni fisiche c'è ben poco di tetro infatti i tre fratelli maledetti sono biondi con gli occhi azzurri sembrano angeli per cui un bel contrasto.
Per quanto riguarda i "cattivi" sono una coppia molto particolare il padrone e il servo anche se questo rapporto non è subito palese. L'identità del servo è palese al lettore quasi a metà del libro anche se mancano le prove per inchiodarlo, l'identità del secondo è facilmente individuabile man mano che si procede con la lettura ma non per questo annoia perché ci sono colpi di scena che non avrei mai immaginato.
Naturalmente già in questo primo libro della serie si scopre quale sia il modo per spezzare la maledizione ma se sperate di scoprire quale sia l'origine rimarrete delusi.
Un romanzo bello nonostante il livello di sensualità dettagliato e molto presente.
È la prima volta che leggo un romance in cui uno dei protagonisti è un licantropo e posso dire con assoluta certezza che questo stile mi piace.
Sicuramente non è un romanzo horror infatti l'autrice relega alle ultime pagine del romanzo la trasformazione e la violenza della "bestia" (una violenza tutta concentrata sui cattivi) preferendo la storia d'amore dei due protagonisti e il mistero delle strane morti. Proprio per quest'ultimo motivo definirei il romanzo un thriller storico con risvolto romantico.
La trama è scorrevole, intrigante e piena di colpi di scena e sono rimasta così entusiasta che sono riuscita a leggerlo in un giorno senza annoiarmi mai.
Il libro comincia con una strana poesia scritta dal primo dei Wulf colpito dalla maledizione e che nasconde la chiave per rompere la maledizione.
Siamo nel 1821 a Londra, Armond pur essendo un marchese e dotato di un certo patrimonio viene tenuto alla larga dalla buona società perché creduto colpevole di omicidio facendolo sentire molto solo. Inoltre essendo i Wulf degli allevatori di cavalli sembrano molto richiesti in tal senso.
Rosalind è una ragazza che ha vissuto in campagna da quando è nata ed ora a causa di un violento fratellastro è costretta ad un matrimonio con un vizioso vecchio che potrebbe essere suo padre. Per evitare questo destino decide di farsi compromettere dall'uomo che tutta la società non osa avvicinare. Immediatamente tra i due scatta una certa attrazione che poi si trasformerà in amore e non sarà una cosa facile.
Anche la protagonista femminile è molto diversa dalle eroine a cui sono abituata: coraggiosa ma consapevole dei propri limiti e della propria condizione sociale.
I personaggi secondari sono davvero interessanti: Gabriel il fratello di Armond è un tipo poco incline a fare amicizia infatti vive in campagna lontano dalla società, Jackson invece è un donnaiolo con il senso dell'humor ma che ama bere non avendo molto da fare, Amanda è l'unica amica di Rosalind una ragazza pratica e che non crede nell'amore viene costretta dai genitori ad un matrimonio d'interesse ma che accetta per farli felici anche se in cuor suo pensa solo a Gabriel.
Anche nelle descrizioni fisiche c'è ben poco di tetro infatti i tre fratelli maledetti sono biondi con gli occhi azzurri sembrano angeli per cui un bel contrasto.
Per quanto riguarda i "cattivi" sono una coppia molto particolare il padrone e il servo anche se questo rapporto non è subito palese. L'identità del servo è palese al lettore quasi a metà del libro anche se mancano le prove per inchiodarlo, l'identità del secondo è facilmente individuabile man mano che si procede con la lettura ma non per questo annoia perché ci sono colpi di scena che non avrei mai immaginato.
Naturalmente già in questo primo libro della serie si scopre quale sia il modo per spezzare la maledizione ma se sperate di scoprire quale sia l'origine rimarrete delusi.
Un romanzo bello nonostante il livello di sensualità dettagliato e molto presente.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2022
Me gustó el principio de este libro, a partir del segundo tercio se me hizo bastante cuesta arriba porque no era lo que esperaba. El final me reconcilió con esta historia y me convenció para darle una oportunidad a esta trilogía.
Primero hay que tener en cuenta que ya conozco esta saga porque he leído todas las historias cortas que forman parte de ella. La verdad, me gustan casi que más que la trilogía propiamente dicha. Por lo menos por el momento, llevando leído solo este primer libro.
¿Por qué me estaba decepcionando? Incluso llegando a enfadarme y todo 😅
Pues porque, para empezar, esperaba que fuese una novela romántica paranormal sobre hombres lobo y no lo es. Tiene mucho más de Romántica histórica e incluso de cuento de hadas romántico que de Romántica paranormal al uso. Por eso creo que, si eres lectora habitual de este subgénero sobre cambiantes y demás, no se debe leer con esas expectativas. Frustra bastante.
En mi opinión, la ambientación está bien conseguida. Y desde luego, una vez que caí en la cuenta de lo que acabo de explicar, pude disfrutar mucho más de la historia y los personajes.
En cuanto a los protagonistas, se puede caer en la tentación de "odiar" con pasión a la protagonista femenina. Es bastante ingenua y, a veces, llega a rozar el ridículo. Sin embargo, creo que su carácter es bastante consecuente con la psicología del personaje y la historia que hay detrás de él. Al final, siempre en mi opinión, se redime y crece como personaje. Solo hay que ser paciente. Se podría decir lo mismo de Wulf, aunque en su caso es lo deprimente que es (otra vez, es consecuente con el personaje) y lo cabezota que se pone con eso de saber lo que tiene que hacer para que la prota "sea feliz". Cómo odio este cliché. Él también se redime al final.
Resumiendo: es un bonito cuento de hadas romántico con mucha Histórica de por medio. No te cambia la vida pero, desde luego, si te gustan este tipo de historias, es entretenido y te deja con las ganas de leer los siguientes libros.
Así lo haré.
Creo que la cita que he elegido es un poco spoiler, no sé. Creo que todo el mundo sabe que una novela romántica termina bien, ¿no?
Primero hay que tener en cuenta que ya conozco esta saga porque he leído todas las historias cortas que forman parte de ella. La verdad, me gustan casi que más que la trilogía propiamente dicha. Por lo menos por el momento, llevando leído solo este primer libro.
¿Por qué me estaba decepcionando? Incluso llegando a enfadarme y todo 😅
Pues porque, para empezar, esperaba que fuese una novela romántica paranormal sobre hombres lobo y no lo es. Tiene mucho más de Romántica histórica e incluso de cuento de hadas romántico que de Romántica paranormal al uso. Por eso creo que, si eres lectora habitual de este subgénero sobre cambiantes y demás, no se debe leer con esas expectativas. Frustra bastante.
En mi opinión, la ambientación está bien conseguida. Y desde luego, una vez que caí en la cuenta de lo que acabo de explicar, pude disfrutar mucho más de la historia y los personajes.
En cuanto a los protagonistas, se puede caer en la tentación de "odiar" con pasión a la protagonista femenina. Es bastante ingenua y, a veces, llega a rozar el ridículo. Sin embargo, creo que su carácter es bastante consecuente con la psicología del personaje y la historia que hay detrás de él. Al final, siempre en mi opinión, se redime y crece como personaje. Solo hay que ser paciente. Se podría decir lo mismo de Wulf, aunque en su caso es lo deprimente que es (otra vez, es consecuente con el personaje) y lo cabezota que se pone con eso de saber lo que tiene que hacer para que la prota "sea feliz". Cómo odio este cliché. Él también se redime al final.
Resumiendo: es un bonito cuento de hadas romántico con mucha Histórica de por medio. No te cambia la vida pero, desde luego, si te gustan este tipo de historias, es entretenido y te deja con las ganas de leer los siguientes libros.
Así lo haré.
Creo que la cita que he elegido es un poco spoiler, no sé. Creo que todo el mundo sabe que una novela romántica termina bien, ¿no?
"I've decided to come into the sunshine, Rosalind."
July 18, 2020
Lupi in Italia solo grazie alla Mondadori da edicola
Sconcertante che visto il bum dei maghi risalenti ad Harry Potter e a quello odierno (ringraziando o maledicendo qualcuno a seconda dei racconti che ci vengono pubblicati) dei Vampiri per la Meyer, i "lupi mannari" debbano poter accedere sul nostro suolo solo per caso fortuito e solo in edizione da edicola...ma vale accontentarsi.....
La storia, a parte l'interesse principale per la trama soprannaturale riguardante la specie canina in questione, è piacevole e intraprendente ed ingrana se non proprio dalle prime pagine da quelle successive. E' un bum di azione e di scandalo dove la normale scena di intraprendenza di una ragazza di campagnia intenta ad ammaliare ed ad assoggettare per qualche buono un losco giovane di dubbia reputazione perde il passo d'avanti al proseguirsi del racconto. Una ricerca dell'amore come chiave e soluzione per dare il via alla maledizione a cui è soggetta la famiglia Wulf e che dimostra che in secoli e secoli di esperienza maschile al contatto con la bestia gli uomini non riescono a risolvere nemmeno gli enigmi più banali solo perché non capiscono cosa voglia dire l'intensità dei propri sentimenti!!!
E' una storia che da il via ad un passato ed un futuro di quattro fratelli, meno uno allontanatosi da tempo e scomparso, che assoggetta di seme in seme i componenti della famiglia Wulf e che in questo episodio vedono protagonista del "La" iniziale Armond il maggiore dei fratelli maledetti per nulla pronto (a mio dire) a quello a cui andrà in contro quando Rosalind entra nel suo campo visivo.
Le tre stelline e non quattro, se le merita per l'originalità ma non le conquista totalmente per la parte finale del riconoscimento del Maschio Maledetto dell'accettazione dei propri sentimenti, che smorzano di molto l'intensità dell'intreccio....peccato ma se compariamo il tutto alle scene di violenza e di amore di Rosalind e la presenza di Jakson che nella sua poca presenza è riuscito quasi da angelo custode castigato a dare coraggio alla ragazza il tutto è accettabile. Il prossimo sarà il Suo momento, e vedremo cosa ha in servo il giovanotto.
Sconcertante che visto il bum dei maghi risalenti ad Harry Potter e a quello odierno (ringraziando o maledicendo qualcuno a seconda dei racconti che ci vengono pubblicati) dei Vampiri per la Meyer, i "lupi mannari" debbano poter accedere sul nostro suolo solo per caso fortuito e solo in edizione da edicola...ma vale accontentarsi.....
La storia, a parte l'interesse principale per la trama soprannaturale riguardante la specie canina in questione, è piacevole e intraprendente ed ingrana se non proprio dalle prime pagine da quelle successive. E' un bum di azione e di scandalo dove la normale scena di intraprendenza di una ragazza di campagnia intenta ad ammaliare ed ad assoggettare per qualche buono un losco giovane di dubbia reputazione perde il passo d'avanti al proseguirsi del racconto. Una ricerca dell'amore come chiave e soluzione per dare il via alla maledizione a cui è soggetta la famiglia Wulf e che dimostra che in secoli e secoli di esperienza maschile al contatto con la bestia gli uomini non riescono a risolvere nemmeno gli enigmi più banali solo perché non capiscono cosa voglia dire l'intensità dei propri sentimenti!!!
E' una storia che da il via ad un passato ed un futuro di quattro fratelli, meno uno allontanatosi da tempo e scomparso, che assoggetta di seme in seme i componenti della famiglia Wulf e che in questo episodio vedono protagonista del "La" iniziale Armond il maggiore dei fratelli maledetti per nulla pronto (a mio dire) a quello a cui andrà in contro quando Rosalind entra nel suo campo visivo.
Le tre stelline e non quattro, se le merita per l'originalità ma non le conquista totalmente per la parte finale del riconoscimento del Maschio Maledetto dell'accettazione dei propri sentimenti, che smorzano di molto l'intensità dell'intreccio....peccato ma se compariamo il tutto alle scene di violenza e di amore di Rosalind e la presenza di Jakson che nella sua poca presenza è riuscito quasi da angelo custode castigato a dare coraggio alla ragazza il tutto è accettabile. Il prossimo sarà il Suo momento, e vedremo cosa ha in servo il giovanotto.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2018
Historische Liebesgeschichte mit einem Hauch Fantasy und Krimi
The Dark One - Versuchung der Finsternis ist ein eine historisch erotisch angehauchte Liebesgeschichte die im London des 19. Jahrhunderts spielt. Die junge Lady Rosalind stürzt sich in die Arme des verrufenen Armond Wulf, der sie ehelicht, obwohl ein Fluch auf seiner Familie liegt und er schwor, nie zu heiraten.
Das Cover des Buches ist mir persönlich etwas zu kitschig, aber das ist Geschmackssache. Die Autorin hat einen guten und flüssigen Schreibstil und wechselt zwischen Armond und Rosalind beim Erzählen. Trotz der Liebes- und Fantasyelemente, schafft sie es auch humorvolle Elemente elegant einzubauen. Auch die Nebencharaktere kommen nicht zu kurz und sind interessant gestaltet. Die Darstellung des Fluches war jedoch etwas verwirrend und die Auflösung ging mir zu schnell. Ich hätte mir mehr Fantasy gewünscht und auch erwartet. Leider war dies nicht der Fall. Trotz kleinerer Schwächen ist die Geschichte spannend und man möchte einfach weiterlesen.
Wer auf historische Liebesgeschichten mit einem Hauch Erotik und etwas Fantasy, sowie Krimi steht, ist hier genau richtig.
The Dark One - Versuchung der Finsternis ist ein eine historisch erotisch angehauchte Liebesgeschichte die im London des 19. Jahrhunderts spielt. Die junge Lady Rosalind stürzt sich in die Arme des verrufenen Armond Wulf, der sie ehelicht, obwohl ein Fluch auf seiner Familie liegt und er schwor, nie zu heiraten.
Das Cover des Buches ist mir persönlich etwas zu kitschig, aber das ist Geschmackssache. Die Autorin hat einen guten und flüssigen Schreibstil und wechselt zwischen Armond und Rosalind beim Erzählen. Trotz der Liebes- und Fantasyelemente, schafft sie es auch humorvolle Elemente elegant einzubauen. Auch die Nebencharaktere kommen nicht zu kurz und sind interessant gestaltet. Die Darstellung des Fluches war jedoch etwas verwirrend und die Auflösung ging mir zu schnell. Ich hätte mir mehr Fantasy gewünscht und auch erwartet. Leider war dies nicht der Fall. Trotz kleinerer Schwächen ist die Geschichte spannend und man möchte einfach weiterlesen.
Wer auf historische Liebesgeschichten mit einem Hauch Erotik und etwas Fantasy, sowie Krimi steht, ist hier genau richtig.
October 13, 2018
“Wild Wulfs of London“ Band 1: interessante Mischung zweier Genre
Dieses Buch ist, soweit ich weiß, die (ebook) Neuauflage eines bereits 2009 erschienen Taschenbuchs und das erste von drei Büchern. Im Original gibt es anscheinend noch zwei Kurzgeschichten zu der Reihe, die jedoch nicht ins Deutsche übersetzt wurden.
Nachdem ich die Beschreibung gelesen hatte, wusste ich nicht so genau, was ich von diesem Roman erwarten kann. Der Roman ähnelt größtenteils anderen historischen Liebesromanen (im 19. Jahrhundert spielend), die ich gelesen habe, nur dass hier noch ein paar Fantasy Elemente hinzukommen. Das Buch behandelt ein wichtiges Thema, das auch heutzutage noch aktuell ist und hat, meiner Meinung nach, dadurch eine gewisse Tiefe. Die Handlung ist ein wenig vorhersehbar, hat aber durch den fantastischen Aspekt doch ein paar überraschende Wendungen. Obwohl der Roman eine normale Länge hat (laut Verlag 399 Seiten), hatte ich ihn ziemlich schnell durch und fand das Ende ein bisschen kurz. Jedem, der nichts gegen ein bisschen Fantasy in einem historischen Liebesroman hat, könnte dieses Buch gut gefallen.
Dieses Buch ist, soweit ich weiß, die (ebook) Neuauflage eines bereits 2009 erschienen Taschenbuchs und das erste von drei Büchern. Im Original gibt es anscheinend noch zwei Kurzgeschichten zu der Reihe, die jedoch nicht ins Deutsche übersetzt wurden.
Nachdem ich die Beschreibung gelesen hatte, wusste ich nicht so genau, was ich von diesem Roman erwarten kann. Der Roman ähnelt größtenteils anderen historischen Liebesromanen (im 19. Jahrhundert spielend), die ich gelesen habe, nur dass hier noch ein paar Fantasy Elemente hinzukommen. Das Buch behandelt ein wichtiges Thema, das auch heutzutage noch aktuell ist und hat, meiner Meinung nach, dadurch eine gewisse Tiefe. Die Handlung ist ein wenig vorhersehbar, hat aber durch den fantastischen Aspekt doch ein paar überraschende Wendungen. Obwohl der Roman eine normale Länge hat (laut Verlag 399 Seiten), hatte ich ihn ziemlich schnell durch und fand das Ende ein bisschen kurz. Jedem, der nichts gegen ein bisschen Fantasy in einem historischen Liebesroman hat, könnte dieses Buch gut gefallen.
September 29, 2020
The Dark One
The story gets 5 stars; I just love it. I own this as a paperback but bought the Ebook for convenience. However, I rate this 3 stars due to the following:
1: pathetic front cover compared to the paperback.
2: the lack of proper proofreading; regardless of whether they used the published paperback manuscript or not.
And 3: the stupidly high price. Just because it can be set that high, doesn’t mean it should. I mean, the ebook is almost the same price as the paperback when it doesn’t cost anywhere near a paperback to publish.
These points would instantly crucify a self-publishing author, so a publishing house shouldn’t be allowed to get away with it either.
Dear future reader, if you can tolerate those three points, then get the ebook as the story is enjoyable. Otherwise, it’s not worth the high cost.
The story gets 5 stars; I just love it. I own this as a paperback but bought the Ebook for convenience. However, I rate this 3 stars due to the following:
1: pathetic front cover compared to the paperback.
2: the lack of proper proofreading; regardless of whether they used the published paperback manuscript or not.
And 3: the stupidly high price. Just because it can be set that high, doesn’t mean it should. I mean, the ebook is almost the same price as the paperback when it doesn’t cost anywhere near a paperback to publish.
These points would instantly crucify a self-publishing author, so a publishing house shouldn’t be allowed to get away with it either.
Dear future reader, if you can tolerate those three points, then get the ebook as the story is enjoyable. Otherwise, it’s not worth the high cost.
September 26, 2019
Now whilst there are some points in this book that made me roll my eyes and think how stupid the heroine was at points, I still class this as one of my favourite books.
The story just struck a cord with me and I fell in love with it, and the characters.
Armond is a brilliatn hero and I absolutely loved him. Tall, dark, sexy and very passionate <3
I loved the idea of the story and how well it was written, and enjoyed every moment of this book.
I've read this book numerous times, and whilst I do love the other 2 books in the series, Armond is by far my favourite.
I of course recommend this to any paranormal, or beauty and the beast fans :)
The story just struck a cord with me and I fell in love with it, and the characters.
Armond is a brilliatn hero and I absolutely loved him. Tall, dark, sexy and very passionate <3
I loved the idea of the story and how well it was written, and enjoyed every moment of this book.
I've read this book numerous times, and whilst I do love the other 2 books in the series, Armond is by far my favourite.
I of course recommend this to any paranormal, or beauty and the beast fans :)
July 13, 2023
Rosalind wächst beschaulich auf dem Land auf. Bis ihr Vater stirbt und sie zu ihrem Bruder nach London geht. Hier erlebt sie die wahren Schrecken. Um ihrem Bruder und den für sie vorgesehenen Ehemann zu entkommen, lässt sie sich mit ihrem fragwürdigen Nachbarn Armond Wulf ein.
Ihr Bruder verbirgt noch viel furchtbarere Dinge als Rosalind ahnt, aber auch Armond hat Geheimnisse, die für sie gefährlich werden könnten.
Die Geschichte ist toll geschrieben und liest sich in einem Rutsch durch. Nicht nur die Hauptcharaktere beschäftigen einem, sondern auch die Nebencharaktere gewinnt man lieb.
Das Ende kommt etwas schnell und ist nicht ganz ausgearbeitet, aber ansonsten ein tolles Buch.
Ihr Bruder verbirgt noch viel furchtbarere Dinge als Rosalind ahnt, aber auch Armond hat Geheimnisse, die für sie gefährlich werden könnten.
Die Geschichte ist toll geschrieben und liest sich in einem Rutsch durch. Nicht nur die Hauptcharaktere beschäftigen einem, sondern auch die Nebencharaktere gewinnt man lieb.
Das Ende kommt etwas schnell und ist nicht ganz ausgearbeitet, aber ansonsten ein tolles Buch.
April 9, 2018
This is what happens when you go into a book already expecting something -
What I expected: 50% historical 50% werewolves
What I got: 99% historical 1% & then suddenly there’s a wolf....
Unfortunately this book didn’t live up to my expectations. Our heroines family is horrid and the “mystery” was lackluster. I was really rooting for some great characters in the hero/heroine but I found their romance pretty plain and lacking depth for how angst ridden the whole novel was.
Maybe I just need to find a good pnr to tide me over
What I expected: 50% historical 50% werewolves
What I got: 99% historical 1% & then suddenly there’s a wolf....
Unfortunately this book didn’t live up to my expectations. Our heroines family is horrid and the “mystery” was lackluster. I was really rooting for some great characters in the hero/heroine but I found their romance pretty plain and lacking depth for how angst ridden the whole novel was.
Maybe I just need to find a good pnr to tide me over
September 23, 2020
Oh did this book have so many twists and turns. A horrible stepbrother, a murder and a family curse. Rosalind is at the disadvantage of having a horrible stepbrother. He is the worst of the worst. But she also now as a next door neighbor that is someone she will turn to for help even though the rumors about him and his family seem worse then her situation she is already in. Armond is a man to keep to himself thanks to his family curse. But when he first lays eyes on Rosalind things will change for both of them. They don’t call him Wolf just because it is short for his title.
January 4, 2026
An interesting take on a family's sons cursed by a witch to turn into shifter wolves if they find love. This first book in the series brings Armond Wulf, the eldest brother of three male siblings, into the forefront as he becomes involved with a young woman being terrorized by her stepbrother. No more summary here and instead I note the writing was clear, easily read and just enough suspense to maintain my engagement with well drawn characters. Since this is an HEA, the ending is assured. Also, beware of some fairly spicy scenes.
September 22, 2019
I mostly felt misled.
The excerpt that introduced this book to me and made me buy it had me expecting a snarky regency romance-comedy with werewolfs on top.
The reality was much much darker and angstier.
Abuse, rape, murders, schemes and crimes pinned on others...too much angst that prevented me from looking for elements I might have actually enjoyed in this book.
The excerpt that introduced this book to me and made me buy it had me expecting a snarky regency romance-comedy with werewolfs on top.
The reality was much much darker and angstier.
Abuse, rape, murders, schemes and crimes pinned on others...too much angst that prevented me from looking for elements I might have actually enjoyed in this book.
January 2, 2020
I was promised Regency Werewolves, and I was disappointed. Apparently, they only become cursed as a werewolf when they fall in love, so the majority of the book he is fine and just has some super senses. There are some pacing issues, and inconsistencies, but what I really wanted was 50:50 Regency-werewolf, and it ended up being closer to 80:20.
June 3, 2017
I am so bummed out. After reading 2 strong and sassy heroines from previous books, it's back to the spineless/naive virginal heroine... *sigh*
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