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Westfield Wolves #1
A Certain Wolfish Charm
The rules of Society can be beastly-especially when you're a werewolf and it's that irritating time of the month. Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoor, is rich, powerful, and sinfully handsome, and has spent his entire life creating scandal and mayhem. It doesn't help his wolfish temper at all that Miss Lily Rutledge seems not the least bit afraid of him, and in fact, may be as untamable as he is...
A woman whose charm is stronger than the moon...
When Lily's beloved nephew's behavior becomes inexplicably wild, she turns to Simon, the boy's cousin and guardian, for help. But Simon's idea of assistance is far different than hers, and Lily finds herself ensconced in his house and engaged to the rogue.
They both may have bitten off more than they can chew when each begins to discover the other's darkest secrets...
A woman whose charm is stronger than the moon...
When Lily's beloved nephew's behavior becomes inexplicably wild, she turns to Simon, the boy's cousin and guardian, for help. But Simon's idea of assistance is far different than hers, and Lily finds herself ensconced in his house and engaged to the rogue.
They both may have bitten off more than they can chew when each begins to discover the other's darkest secrets...
375 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2010
About the author
Lydia Dare
12 books668 followersLydia Dare is the pseudonym for the writing team of Tammy Falkner and Jodie Pearson. Both are active members of the Heart of Carolina Romance Writers and have sat on the organization's Board of Directors. Their writing process involves passing a manuscript back and forth, each one writing 1500 words after editing the other's previous installment. Jodie specializes in writing the history and Tammy in writing the paranormal. Both live near Raleigh, NC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 292 reviews
March 2, 2012
Dear Lydia Dare: Arousal is not the same as consent.
Before we get into that, let me summarize: Lily is raising her nephew after a tragic accident killed his parents. As he hits puberty, he's behaving very oddly indeed. She is desperate for help from his uncle-and-guardian, so desperate that she travels to his house alone to confront him.
Twist/semi spoiler: Simon and Oliver (the nephew) are werewolves. Simon has decided to keep his Dark Secret from Lily, because otherwise there would not be sufficient dramatic tension for a whole book.
That said, I spent almost the whole book in a seething rage. Because of his "wolfish nature", or possibly because he's a jerk, Simon will NOT take Lily's no seriously. I realize that the history of romance novels is full of books where the pirate rapes the virgin and she likes it. But I thought we had shed our virgin/whore dichotomy and allowed women to be in charge of their own sexuality, at least a bit. This book is a total throwback in that context.
So let’s review that. He overwhelms her with physical strength, picks her up, and she is HITTING him to let her go. Let’s go ahead and assume that she is not consenting at this point.
Then he spends some time turning her on.
He knows that she doesn’t have the context to consent:
Then when she has had an orgasm and he thinks it’s his turn, they have this exchange:
I really liked what she said. I hoped it meant that she would take him to task for raping her. She runs away in tears:
Then Simon uses her affection for her dependent child to coerce her into coming back to his house with him.
Simon, the eternal romantic, decides that she is going to marry him.
She is strangely reluctant to take him up on this, but that’s ok, he has societal pressure on his side.
This is a definitional problem. He penetrated her with his fingers, not his penis. As far as she’s concerned, they had sex. But he’s evidently going with some definition where the penis is the only thing that counts.
Lily is much more tender of his feelings on coercion than he is about hers:
They continue in this pattern, where he can smell her arousal, but is deaf to her verbal statements declining his sexual attention.
Anyway, then they get married, and she gets chased all over the house. It’s ok now, though, because she’s his wife and his property. Everyone in the book agrees, including his brother Will:
The second half of the story still involves him chasing her skirt, but also making her crazy by keeping an obvious secret from him.
Such love, such affection! She must be protected from ever understanding his true nature, while he gives her no credit for what she is capable of understanding or enduring. She is such a frail delicate woman, you know. She can’t handle the truth. Even though his mom did.
He never actually tells her, by the way. She is forced to sleuth it out and make all the overtures to convince him that she is ok with his wolfish nature. He never makes himself tell her the truth, never trusts her. He doesn’t trust her with the delicate parts of his correspondence, or the difficult parts of his life, or even picking out her own clothes. He protects her and shields her so thoroughly as to make her nothing but a toy for his pleasures.
As you can guess, I violently disagree with this relationship model. I kept reading, hoping for him to have moment of realization about what a giant dick he is being, but he never does, and for his bad behavior, she makes all the changes and he doesn’t have to do anything. As for her love for him, perhaps it is just Stockholm Syndrome for the man who raped and coerced her.
Until proven otherwise, Lydia Dare is going to join Julia Quinn on my list of romance authors who have uncriticized rapists. I don’t buy from these authors. I think you should consider whether you want to, either.
Before we get into that, let me summarize: Lily is raising her nephew after a tragic accident killed his parents. As he hits puberty, he's behaving very oddly indeed. She is desperate for help from his uncle-and-guardian, so desperate that she travels to his house alone to confront him.
Twist/semi spoiler: Simon and Oliver (the nephew) are werewolves. Simon has decided to keep his Dark Secret from Lily, because otherwise there would not be sufficient dramatic tension for a whole book.
That said, I spent almost the whole book in a seething rage. Because of his "wolfish nature", or possibly because he's a jerk, Simon will NOT take Lily's no seriously. I realize that the history of romance novels is full of books where the pirate rapes the virgin and she likes it. But I thought we had shed our virgin/whore dichotomy and allowed women to be in charge of their own sexuality, at least a bit. This book is a total throwback in that context.
"Do be quiet, Lily love. Or you'll draw a crowd. I'm sure you don't want that, since I'm about to have my way with you."
"You will do no such thing," she gasped.
"Watch and see, Lily." He chuckled to himself as he slipped his hand beneath her skirt and clutched the back of her thigh. She hit at his back with her fists. The blows were more annoying than painful, like a bug that flies in your face but never stings you. He strode further down the darkened garden path.
So let’s review that. He overwhelms her with physical strength, picks her up, and she is HITTING him to let her go. Let’s go ahead and assume that she is not consenting at this point.
Then he spends some time turning her on.
Her legs spread of their own accord when he touched her. He trailed one finger through her slit, feeling how wet she was. He groaned, "So sweet, Lily."
He knows that she doesn’t have the context to consent:
She probably had no idea what she was even asking for, but even an innocent knew there had to be some release from the sweet torment he was trying to inflict upon her.
Then when she has had an orgasm and he thinks it’s his turn, they have this exchange:
"That's not all there is, love," he said, tugging her hand to bring her back down.
"Are you happy, Simon?" she asked quietly. Before he could even answer, she said, "You certainly should be. Because, despite my desire not to be your mistress, you made me your whore instead.
I really liked what she said. I hoped it meant that she would take him to task for raping her. She runs away in tears:
When [Emory] noticed her tears, he dropped the cup and raced toward her. "My God, Lily, are you all right?"
She doubted she'd ever be right again. Lily managed to shake her head.
Then Simon uses her affection for her dependent child to coerce her into coming back to his house with him.
She'd never leave Oliver, not if she had a say in it. Lily brushed her cheeks and stepped away from Emory. "Excuse me."
"Lily." Simon started toward her. She shook her head. She didn't have a choice.
Simon, the eternal romantic, decides that she is going to marry him.
"I won't be your mistress, Simon. I can't. It's time for me to leave."
"No," he said, his voice strained. "Not my mistress, Lily. You're going to marry me."
She is strangely reluctant to take him up on this, but that’s ok, he has societal pressure on his side.
Simon shook his head. "If you don't marry me, Lily, you're as good as ruined."
"I am ruined," she reminded him with a whisper.
Simon closed the distance between them and tipped her chin back, forcing her to look at him. "Lily love, you are far from ruined. Last night I gave you pleasure; I didn't take your innocence.
This is a definitional problem. He penetrated her with his fingers, not his penis. As far as she’s concerned, they had sex. But he’s evidently going with some definition where the penis is the only thing that counts.
Lily is much more tender of his feelings on coercion than he is about hers:
"I can't imagine forcing you into something you don't want to do." She turned away from him.
Then she spun back quickly. "Will you hate me?"
They continue in this pattern, where he can smell her arousal, but is deaf to her verbal statements declining his sexual attention.
"You go too far, Simon," she said, her voice a throaty whisper.
"Yet you want me to go farther," he countered. He certainly hoped she did.
....
"Simon," she nearly shrieked, pushing his arms from beneath her dress. Or trying to. She wasn't very successful. Thank God, she was such a little thing, he thought, or she could win by sheer strength of will.
Anyway, then they get married, and she gets chased all over the house. It’s ok now, though, because she’s his wife and his property. Everyone in the book agrees, including his brother Will:
"She is his territory, Maberley, and you will respect that."
The second half of the story still involves him chasing her skirt, but also making her crazy by keeping an obvious secret from him.
Such love, such affection! She must be protected from ever understanding his true nature, while he gives her no credit for what she is capable of understanding or enduring. She is such a frail delicate woman, you know. She can’t handle the truth. Even though his mom did.
He never actually tells her, by the way. She is forced to sleuth it out and make all the overtures to convince him that she is ok with his wolfish nature. He never makes himself tell her the truth, never trusts her. He doesn’t trust her with the delicate parts of his correspondence, or the difficult parts of his life, or even picking out her own clothes. He protects her and shields her so thoroughly as to make her nothing but a toy for his pleasures.
As you can guess, I violently disagree with this relationship model. I kept reading, hoping for him to have moment of realization about what a giant dick he is being, but he never does, and for his bad behavior, she makes all the changes and he doesn’t have to do anything. As for her love for him, perhaps it is just Stockholm Syndrome for the man who raped and coerced her.
Until proven otherwise, Lydia Dare is going to join Julia Quinn on my list of romance authors who have uncriticized rapists. I don’t buy from these authors. I think you should consider whether you want to, either.
November 28, 2010
My entire family drove to a place called Wagga Wagga on Saturday. For the first part of the trip I ditched my son with my husband and my brother in their car and slept in the back of the car my parents were driving. Yes, for an hour I got to relive my childhood and have my parents all to myself stuck in the car with me so that they couldn't escape.
My dad passed over his iPad when I woke up and said he'd downloaded some books for me to read. It was either reading the first book of this series or the many, many Kathleen E. Woodiwiss novels, or Wilbur Smith novels.
Now this probably looks like my dad was being considerate and thought that since his daughter reads paranormal trash, that all paranormal trash is the same so he chose this series to download and decided to throw in some chic lit as well to keep me happy.
Actually, my dad loves romance novels and he has read all of this series and almost every Kathleen Woodiwiss novel there is. He's also read Twilight and the Sookie Stackhouse series! If that isn't scary then I don't know what is. (Okay, yes I do, my dad also does the best damn rendition of The Rocky Horror Show's I'm Just a Sweet Transvestite that I've ever heard. It makes me seek therapy every time he does it.)
So I started reading this one on his recommendation. I can't say I read it for long. It was pretty much like every other historical romance. You know, the hero is a cad, the heroine is a fiery minx with sweet eyes and creamy orbs for breats.
This one just had werewolves.
They were just posing for a book cover, guys!
My dad passed over his iPad when I woke up and said he'd downloaded some books for me to read. It was either reading the first book of this series or the many, many Kathleen E. Woodiwiss novels, or Wilbur Smith novels.
Now this probably looks like my dad was being considerate and thought that since his daughter reads paranormal trash, that all paranormal trash is the same so he chose this series to download and decided to throw in some chic lit as well to keep me happy.
Actually, my dad loves romance novels and he has read all of this series and almost every Kathleen Woodiwiss novel there is. He's also read Twilight and the Sookie Stackhouse series! If that isn't scary then I don't know what is. (Okay, yes I do, my dad also does the best damn rendition of The Rocky Horror Show's I'm Just a Sweet Transvestite that I've ever heard. It makes me seek therapy every time he does it.)
So I started reading this one on his recommendation. I can't say I read it for long. It was pretty much like every other historical romance. You know, the hero is a cad, the heroine is a fiery minx with sweet eyes and creamy orbs for breats.
This one just had werewolves.
They were just posing for a book cover, guys!
October 6, 2016
el otro día fui a una tienda de segunda maño y encontré estos libros. Al leer que tenia licántropos y regencia no pude dejar pasar la oportunidad de leerlo porque me encantan las dos cosas. y la verdad que no me arrepiento. La historia es fácil de leer y la verdad tiene bastantes momentos eróticos. Lily me ha encantado por su forma de ser y Simón habia momentos que me hubiese gustado pegarle algún que otro golpe. Jajaja
Aun que la verdad leer cosas como húmeda por el rocío de la pasión....ha sido como morir xD
espero poder leer pronto el 2 para saber mas de Benjamín.
Aun que la verdad leer cosas como húmeda por el rocío de la pasión....ha sido como morir xD
espero poder leer pronto el 2 para saber mas de Benjamín.
November 5, 2010
What I really liked was the secondary character William and his relationship with Prica. I am so intrigued that I may have to skip book 2 and dive into book 3 Williams story. The banter between the two reminded me of the dashing and witty Lord Leo Hathaway and his Catherine Marks!
The characters are fun and the romance sweet but in fact A Certain Wolfish Charm lacks any true character depth and angst. The hero Simon is extremely Alpha and I did enjoy his possessiveness. Lily is likable but I just didn't fall in love with them.
The paranormal aspect is very minimal, the wolfish world building is nil and the Lycan just becomes a vice to torment the heroine. In conjunction with his rakish ways he also hides his Lycan being. The PN aspect makes this otherwise common HR a bit more interesting and unusual but having read many PNR I would classify this as a light and fluffy PNR.
I did think the use of Historic language was lacking and overall the novel could have been a bit more tight at times it felt as if the story would never end.
3.5 Although this one is not a complete winner I do have hopes for this series.
The characters are fun and the romance sweet but in fact A Certain Wolfish Charm lacks any true character depth and angst. The hero Simon is extremely Alpha and I did enjoy his possessiveness. Lily is likable but I just didn't fall in love with them.
The paranormal aspect is very minimal, the wolfish world building is nil and the Lycan just becomes a vice to torment the heroine. In conjunction with his rakish ways he also hides his Lycan being. The PN aspect makes this otherwise common HR a bit more interesting and unusual but having read many PNR I would classify this as a light and fluffy PNR.
I did think the use of Historic language was lacking and overall the novel could have been a bit more tight at times it felt as if the story would never end.
3.5 Although this one is not a complete winner I do have hopes for this series.
March 29, 2016
A Certain Wolfish Charm caught my attention almost as soon as I saw the title. I didn't expect it to be about a werewolf family in Regency England--I thought it merely was a statement of the male lead's personality. The description hooked me however and I eagerly awaited the chance to read this. Then I began reading it and I eagerly sacrificed my sleep in order to read it all in one sitting.
The premise isn't a new one, but the way that Dare handles the Lycan side of Simon (and the other family members afflicted with the genetics) was certainly interesting. Apparently in order to keep the Beast at bay Simon perfected a routine that involved sleeping women, gambling and carousing (to be fair so did his two brothers William and the absent Benjamin). He is also rather thick-headed when it comes to what will make a woman happy. His original solution to the predicament of Lily wanting to stay near Oliver, Simon wanting to stay near Lily and keeping the secret that he was afraid would repulse her is one of his stupidest mistakes. Which everyone is more than happy to tell him, but he's so excited about that stupid mistake its hard to fault him for it.
Lily is not shrinking violet and doesn't let Simon (or Oliver, or anyone for that matter) make her feel as if she doesn't have a right to what she has to say. Her moments of vulnerability are understandable, given Simon's initial hot/cold/passionate/scared treatment of her as well as her fear of becoming what her sister became after marrying Simon's cousin David. She can come across as being entirely too nosy at times however. Simon...well Simon is hard to resist. I can't imagine too many men would offer to give the girl they want to bed (badly) a dowry and then offer to practically tear an old friend's arm off for even thinking of marrying her all in the same breath.
The two of them are entirely too blind to what's going on between them and it sometimes makes mountains out of molehills. There are definite trust issues involved, but Dare doesn't explore them as deeply as I wanted and Lily's attempts at wheedling information out of Simon (or anyone else) were more annoying then anything else.
Oliver, Lily's nephew by her late sister Emma (who married David, Simon's cousin), is the most surly, obstinate and aggravating child I have ever read about. Lily mentions how sweet and amiable the child was before he hit twelve, but I can't see it. And neither can any other character quite frankly--almost every single character either mentions or thinks that Lily is a Saint for being able to put up with him the last six years. Certainly the fact he is undergoing the transformation for the first time and is scared of what's happening to him explains some of it, but the kid was just this side of being a complete jerk to everyone--including Lily.
As this is the first in the trilogy, there is a lot more set up that will come to fruition in the latter two books. William's past relationship with Prisca (the girl next door) and Benjamin's disappearance for instance. The trilogy is slated to have back to back releases--which by the way, I love when publishers do that, just saying--with A Certain Wolfish Charm due in April, Tall, Dark and Wolfish due out in May (Benjamin) and The Wolf Next Door due out in June (William).
This is Dare's debut novel and is well worth reading and enjoying. The in-jokes between Simon and William (about being wolves), the banter between any of the characters is amusing and witty and the heat is high. I can't possibly recommend this book more, though I'm sure I could fangirl a bit more if anyone would like.
The premise isn't a new one, but the way that Dare handles the Lycan side of Simon (and the other family members afflicted with the genetics) was certainly interesting. Apparently in order to keep the Beast at bay Simon perfected a routine that involved sleeping women, gambling and carousing (to be fair so did his two brothers William and the absent Benjamin). He is also rather thick-headed when it comes to what will make a woman happy. His original solution to the predicament of Lily wanting to stay near Oliver, Simon wanting to stay near Lily and keeping the secret that he was afraid would repulse her is one of his stupidest mistakes. Which everyone is more than happy to tell him, but he's so excited about that stupid mistake its hard to fault him for it.
Lily is not shrinking violet and doesn't let Simon (or Oliver, or anyone for that matter) make her feel as if she doesn't have a right to what she has to say. Her moments of vulnerability are understandable, given Simon's initial hot/cold/passionate/scared treatment of her as well as her fear of becoming what her sister became after marrying Simon's cousin David. She can come across as being entirely too nosy at times however. Simon...well Simon is hard to resist. I can't imagine too many men would offer to give the girl they want to bed (badly) a dowry and then offer to practically tear an old friend's arm off for even thinking of marrying her all in the same breath.
The two of them are entirely too blind to what's going on between them and it sometimes makes mountains out of molehills. There are definite trust issues involved, but Dare doesn't explore them as deeply as I wanted and Lily's attempts at wheedling information out of Simon (or anyone else) were more annoying then anything else.
Oliver, Lily's nephew by her late sister Emma (who married David, Simon's cousin), is the most surly, obstinate and aggravating child I have ever read about. Lily mentions how sweet and amiable the child was before he hit twelve, but I can't see it. And neither can any other character quite frankly--almost every single character either mentions or thinks that Lily is a Saint for being able to put up with him the last six years. Certainly the fact he is undergoing the transformation for the first time and is scared of what's happening to him explains some of it, but the kid was just this side of being a complete jerk to everyone--including Lily.
As this is the first in the trilogy, there is a lot more set up that will come to fruition in the latter two books. William's past relationship with Prisca (the girl next door) and Benjamin's disappearance for instance. The trilogy is slated to have back to back releases--which by the way, I love when publishers do that, just saying--with A Certain Wolfish Charm due in April, Tall, Dark and Wolfish due out in May (Benjamin) and The Wolf Next Door due out in June (William).
This is Dare's debut novel and is well worth reading and enjoying. The in-jokes between Simon and William (about being wolves), the banter between any of the characters is amusing and witty and the heat is high. I can't possibly recommend this book more, though I'm sure I could fangirl a bit more if anyone would like.
March 28, 2010
A brief description of this book’s main female character caught my attention. She was only 24, but considered herself “on the shelf,” was devoted to raising her dead sister’s adolescent son, and seem to have spunk. I had to know more.
Lily Rutledge needed help with her 12-year-old nephew and who better to turn to than the boy’s guardian even though he hadn’t shown any interest in the lad in six years. She was still mystified why her brother-in-law had chosen his cousin as guardian. He wouldn’t even answer her letters.
Little did Lily know that a simple, quick trip to see the Duke of Blackmoor at Westfield Hall would turn her life and the world as she knew it upside down.
Thus begins the tantalizing adventure of “A Certain Wolfish Charm” by debut romance author Lydia Dare.
Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoor, has a scandalous reputation. He is rich, powerful, charming, and devilishly sexy. He keeps the gossip busy with his latest indulgence. He has no time for tedious things like correspondence.
Lily arrives on Simon’s doorstep demanding his help with young Oliver. The once sweet and gentle boy is fast becoming unruly, often given to burst of temper, and growing more rapidly than most youngsters his age. Simon quickly sends Lily away without considering what is troubling the boy. Once he fully realizes the boy’s predicament, he races after Lily to return her to his home and send for the boy.
Lily, glad Simon will finally show Oliver some attention, returns with him. Simon now wants to keep Oliver with him, but Lily will not abandoned her nephew and is determined to stay. Despite his outrageous behavior and scandalous lifestyle, she finds herself drawn to Simon.
Trying to keep his instincts under control, Simon is instantly pulled to Lily. Her strength and resolve stirs him and he vows to protect her from others and himself at all cost.
The attraction between the two is felt immediately. The push and pull between them only entices the reader in deeper. Add in Simon’s sinfully charming brother, Will, along with the handsome men next door and the pot begins to boil. To top it off, Lily is befriended by Prisca Hawthorne of Langley Downs who loves to stir up trouble for the Westfield men.
This isn’t a murder mystery, even though murder is threaten numerous times and you think on occasion it might happen. The book does have a mysterious element even though it’s billed as a historical romance set in Regency England. “A Certain Wolfish Charm” is oh, so much more.
While the attraction between Simon and Lily heats up, the reader is beguiled as a mystery unfolds surrounding the Westfield men, including Oliver. Lily finds a Lycan family tree and the pieces begin to fall in place.
You’ll be laughing out loud one minute, ready to choke one of the Westfield men the next, all the while loving the relationship that is growing between Simon and Lily. By the time the mystery is revealed, you’ll be a believer already fallen under the spell of “A Certain Wolfish Charm.”
Author Lydia Dare captures the feel of 1816 England while stimulating the readers romantic side and arousing curiosity about a mystery tied to the moon. “A Certain Wolfish Charm” is the first in a trilogy with “Tall, Dark and Wolfish” next and “The Wolf Next Door” to follow.
Lily Rutledge needed help with her 12-year-old nephew and who better to turn to than the boy’s guardian even though he hadn’t shown any interest in the lad in six years. She was still mystified why her brother-in-law had chosen his cousin as guardian. He wouldn’t even answer her letters.
Little did Lily know that a simple, quick trip to see the Duke of Blackmoor at Westfield Hall would turn her life and the world as she knew it upside down.
Thus begins the tantalizing adventure of “A Certain Wolfish Charm” by debut romance author Lydia Dare.
Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoor, has a scandalous reputation. He is rich, powerful, charming, and devilishly sexy. He keeps the gossip busy with his latest indulgence. He has no time for tedious things like correspondence.
Lily arrives on Simon’s doorstep demanding his help with young Oliver. The once sweet and gentle boy is fast becoming unruly, often given to burst of temper, and growing more rapidly than most youngsters his age. Simon quickly sends Lily away without considering what is troubling the boy. Once he fully realizes the boy’s predicament, he races after Lily to return her to his home and send for the boy.
Lily, glad Simon will finally show Oliver some attention, returns with him. Simon now wants to keep Oliver with him, but Lily will not abandoned her nephew and is determined to stay. Despite his outrageous behavior and scandalous lifestyle, she finds herself drawn to Simon.
Trying to keep his instincts under control, Simon is instantly pulled to Lily. Her strength and resolve stirs him and he vows to protect her from others and himself at all cost.
The attraction between the two is felt immediately. The push and pull between them only entices the reader in deeper. Add in Simon’s sinfully charming brother, Will, along with the handsome men next door and the pot begins to boil. To top it off, Lily is befriended by Prisca Hawthorne of Langley Downs who loves to stir up trouble for the Westfield men.
This isn’t a murder mystery, even though murder is threaten numerous times and you think on occasion it might happen. The book does have a mysterious element even though it’s billed as a historical romance set in Regency England. “A Certain Wolfish Charm” is oh, so much more.
While the attraction between Simon and Lily heats up, the reader is beguiled as a mystery unfolds surrounding the Westfield men, including Oliver. Lily finds a Lycan family tree and the pieces begin to fall in place.
You’ll be laughing out loud one minute, ready to choke one of the Westfield men the next, all the while loving the relationship that is growing between Simon and Lily. By the time the mystery is revealed, you’ll be a believer already fallen under the spell of “A Certain Wolfish Charm.”
Author Lydia Dare captures the feel of 1816 England while stimulating the readers romantic side and arousing curiosity about a mystery tied to the moon. “A Certain Wolfish Charm” is the first in a trilogy with “Tall, Dark and Wolfish” next and “The Wolf Next Door” to follow.
August 24, 2010
A charming sexy wolf story to make you howl at the moon, that I really enjoyed. The characters are all enjoyable. After reading a few historical romance I found this one felt like a historical read than most. At least the author used words from that time period and made sure she added the slang, it made it more enjoyable for me to read.
Now as I said this book is charming its not like most shape-shifter books. You get no fighting action or any more paranormal creatures. What you get is a charming love story between one wolf Simon, that thinks he has to hide the fact he can change during the moon phases. Then you get one strong woman Lily that has had enough of the duke’s not answering his mail about his nephew and goes to confront him. From there things gets really heated between them, but Simon still wants to hide the fact of his changing.
Both Simon and Lily are great to read. I really liked Will, Simons brother and can’t wait to get to his book.
The only thing I didn’t like was the book was very predictable, but with all of its charm the book has I can easily overlook it. I would suggest if your going to read the series do not skip this one, it has a lot of information for future books.
Now as I said this book is charming its not like most shape-shifter books. You get no fighting action or any more paranormal creatures. What you get is a charming love story between one wolf Simon, that thinks he has to hide the fact he can change during the moon phases. Then you get one strong woman Lily that has had enough of the duke’s not answering his mail about his nephew and goes to confront him. From there things gets really heated between them, but Simon still wants to hide the fact of his changing.
Both Simon and Lily are great to read. I really liked Will, Simons brother and can’t wait to get to his book.
The only thing I didn’t like was the book was very predictable, but with all of its charm the book has I can easily overlook it. I would suggest if your going to read the series do not skip this one, it has a lot of information for future books.
October 17, 2017
It is painful to read what is supposed to be Regency era romance and "hear" dialogue that has such a modern structure and cadence. I am never fond of the story line in which the hero keeps "the big secret" from the heroine to protect her...because she couldn't possibly have a brain to decide for herself! Really a shame because this could have been so much better...
September 2, 2021
4 Howling ⭐️’s!
This was such a sexy, fun, sweet romance! I was in the mood for historical paranormal’s, so when I found this wolf shifter series I was thrilled - and my library had it! Score!
I loved Simon and lily. His struggle over whether to tell her his secret or not felt very real and his reservations made a lot of sense. My one issue was that it got a bit repetitive toward the end when Simon kept agonizing over it.
Other than that, it was a great start to a series that kept me interested throughout. I look forward to book two to see what the deal is with Benjamin and why he’s disappeared up in Scotland.
Highly recommend to lovers of historical and paranormal romances alike! ❤️
This was such a sexy, fun, sweet romance! I was in the mood for historical paranormal’s, so when I found this wolf shifter series I was thrilled - and my library had it! Score!
I loved Simon and lily. His struggle over whether to tell her his secret or not felt very real and his reservations made a lot of sense. My one issue was that it got a bit repetitive toward the end when Simon kept agonizing over it.
Other than that, it was a great start to a series that kept me interested throughout. I look forward to book two to see what the deal is with Benjamin and why he’s disappeared up in Scotland.
Highly recommend to lovers of historical and paranormal romances alike! ❤️
May 23, 2010
The first book in Lydia Dare's new trilogy, A Certain Wolfish Charm, we are swept into regency England and introduced to Lily Ruthledge and Simon Westridge.
Lily is an "on the shelf" spinster who has faithfully raised her young nephew, Oliver, since birth. But Lily has noticed that Oliver has begun to change over the last year. Becoming bigger, stronger, and more volatile, Lily is concerned and has been trying to contact Simon for help though no avail.
Simon, The Duke Of Blackmoor, is your above average Duke. Handsome, rich, and much in demand amongst the ladies...he has been avoiding Lily and his responsibilities as Oliver's guardian. But Lily has had enough and shows up at Simon's home and demands to be heard. Once Simon realizes what is going on he has Lily and Oliver relocated to his estate and begins to try and "help" Oliver.
Simon wants Lily. And Lily wants Simon. But will Lily want Simon once she knows his secret?
I was intrigued from page one of this story. You know what the plot is from the first few pages; but Ms Dare's wonderful way with words wrap you up and demand you see how it all plays out. I found myself less the reader and more a participant. I really wouldn't call this a Paranormal Romance. It's more of a historical romance with some paranormal intrigue.
Lily and Simon are delightful. The chemistry between them is delicious and intense. You can't help but root for them to make it. Simon is very much the alpha in charge; though it is funny to watch everyone who loves him ignore him. He's like an errant child who is lovingly hushed at times. While Lily is a proper young English miss; she is strong, opinionated, and not one to be swept under the rug.
I will be honest, this is one of those books I "talked" to. You know, the one where your reading and exclaiming out loud...
"OMG!!"
"Oh no, I KNOW he did'nt..."
"Well, if your going to wear stilettos in the woods at night, you deserve to die".
I called Simon an cranky idiot pretty much through out the book. But he's a cranky idiot you'll love. Simon's secret involves Oliver and the whole Westridge family. Due to past history, Simon truly feels that Lily will hate him once she learns of his secret and will leave him. And being a man he tries to pull the wool over Lily's eyes and rule her life through passion. And boy, are there some interesting passionate scenes. He pushes her away while at the same time keeping her close; thus almost destroying their relationship before it even starts.
It was interesting to watch Simon try and keep his his dual life a secret. Especially when Lily is very much in tune with Simon and his moods. Lily knows something is going on and while the rest of Simon's family is giving her clues...they are making her find out for herself. There is some humor in the book which plays nicely into the story line. Will, Simon's brother, is the mischievous sort who delights in driving Simon crazy. His attempts at helping the romance along are not met well by Simon. We also meet Lady Prisca Hawthorne (Prissy to those who don't value their lives). She takes Lily under her wing and helps force Simon's hand along. There is a tangible tension between Will and Prisca and you sense an interesting story that begs to be told. And it will be in her next book-The Wolf Next Door-which comes out in June.
The only part I didn't like about the story was how stubborn Simon was. Honestly, I wanted to smack the man more than once. He is given so many examples of how to fix things but chooses to focus on one instance where it didn't work. I really felt the story could have gone deeper if so much time hadn't been spent on "convincing" Simon. The HEA ending is a bit of a surprise in how it's played out; but a nice one that got the juices flowing a little.
All in all I enjoyed A Certain Wolfish Charm. I will definitely read the next in the series.
Lily is an "on the shelf" spinster who has faithfully raised her young nephew, Oliver, since birth. But Lily has noticed that Oliver has begun to change over the last year. Becoming bigger, stronger, and more volatile, Lily is concerned and has been trying to contact Simon for help though no avail.
Simon, The Duke Of Blackmoor, is your above average Duke. Handsome, rich, and much in demand amongst the ladies...he has been avoiding Lily and his responsibilities as Oliver's guardian. But Lily has had enough and shows up at Simon's home and demands to be heard. Once Simon realizes what is going on he has Lily and Oliver relocated to his estate and begins to try and "help" Oliver.
Simon wants Lily. And Lily wants Simon. But will Lily want Simon once she knows his secret?
I was intrigued from page one of this story. You know what the plot is from the first few pages; but Ms Dare's wonderful way with words wrap you up and demand you see how it all plays out. I found myself less the reader and more a participant. I really wouldn't call this a Paranormal Romance. It's more of a historical romance with some paranormal intrigue.
Lily and Simon are delightful. The chemistry between them is delicious and intense. You can't help but root for them to make it. Simon is very much the alpha in charge; though it is funny to watch everyone who loves him ignore him. He's like an errant child who is lovingly hushed at times. While Lily is a proper young English miss; she is strong, opinionated, and not one to be swept under the rug.
I will be honest, this is one of those books I "talked" to. You know, the one where your reading and exclaiming out loud...
"OMG!!"
"Oh no, I KNOW he did'nt..."
"Well, if your going to wear stilettos in the woods at night, you deserve to die".
I called Simon an cranky idiot pretty much through out the book. But he's a cranky idiot you'll love. Simon's secret involves Oliver and the whole Westridge family. Due to past history, Simon truly feels that Lily will hate him once she learns of his secret and will leave him. And being a man he tries to pull the wool over Lily's eyes and rule her life through passion. And boy, are there some interesting passionate scenes. He pushes her away while at the same time keeping her close; thus almost destroying their relationship before it even starts.
It was interesting to watch Simon try and keep his his dual life a secret. Especially when Lily is very much in tune with Simon and his moods. Lily knows something is going on and while the rest of Simon's family is giving her clues...they are making her find out for herself. There is some humor in the book which plays nicely into the story line. Will, Simon's brother, is the mischievous sort who delights in driving Simon crazy. His attempts at helping the romance along are not met well by Simon. We also meet Lady Prisca Hawthorne (Prissy to those who don't value their lives). She takes Lily under her wing and helps force Simon's hand along. There is a tangible tension between Will and Prisca and you sense an interesting story that begs to be told. And it will be in her next book-The Wolf Next Door-which comes out in June.
The only part I didn't like about the story was how stubborn Simon was. Honestly, I wanted to smack the man more than once. He is given so many examples of how to fix things but chooses to focus on one instance where it didn't work. I really felt the story could have gone deeper if so much time hadn't been spent on "convincing" Simon. The HEA ending is a bit of a surprise in how it's played out; but a nice one that got the juices flowing a little.
All in all I enjoyed A Certain Wolfish Charm. I will definitely read the next in the series.
May 18, 2012
How much fun was THIS?!?!
Well, perhaps not that much fun, but certainly very lively. And, while there aren't usually werewolves on roller-coasters, this book was almost that fast-paced. I've been wanting to read it since it came out a couple of years ago but never got around to it. Lucky for me, I found it on a rack at the library while waiting for my kids the other night.
It was quick, it was naughty, it was light, it was entertaining, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one. I picked it up on Tuesday night and was finished by bedtime Wednesday. I had trouble putting it down, it was so engaging. Of course the downside to reading a book that quickly is that I won't remember a thing about it 3 weeks from now, but the upside is it'll be like a brand new book to me by Christmas.
I had one bad moment, where I was afraid that LD was going to
*Goes over to GoodReads to add trilogy to my TBR* Wait, what? This was supposed to be a trilogy. Why are there six books? And a Regency Vampyre series that kicks in and spins off after book 5? Regency England must have been a very strange decade, what with the ton overrun with werewolves, vampyres, Dukes, rakes, on-the-shelf spinsters and that chubby guy, Prinny.
Might have to adjust my hopes for this series.
For now, 3.5 stars. Lots of fun with plenty of steam and a slightly campy feel with engaging characters and a charming dash of the paranormal. I'm finding I enjoy historical PNRs much more than contemporary; I'm tired of all the first person kick-ass tough grrrl heroines.
Well, perhaps not that much fun, but certainly very lively. And, while there aren't usually werewolves on roller-coasters, this book was almost that fast-paced. I've been wanting to read it since it came out a couple of years ago but never got around to it. Lucky for me, I found it on a rack at the library while waiting for my kids the other night.
It was quick, it was naughty, it was light, it was entertaining, and I'm looking forward to reading the next one. I picked it up on Tuesday night and was finished by bedtime Wednesday. I had trouble putting it down, it was so engaging. Of course the downside to reading a book that quickly is that I won't remember a thing about it 3 weeks from now, but the upside is it'll be like a brand new book to me by Christmas.
I had one bad moment, where I was afraid that LD was going to
*Goes over to GoodReads to add trilogy to my TBR* Wait, what? This was supposed to be a trilogy. Why are there six books? And a Regency Vampyre series that kicks in and spins off after book 5? Regency England must have been a very strange decade, what with the ton overrun with werewolves, vampyres, Dukes, rakes, on-the-shelf spinsters and that chubby guy, Prinny.
Might have to adjust my hopes for this series.
For now, 3.5 stars. Lots of fun with plenty of steam and a slightly campy feel with engaging characters and a charming dash of the paranormal. I'm finding I enjoy historical PNRs much more than contemporary; I'm tired of all the first person kick-ass tough grrrl heroines.
February 20, 2015
Not deep, but this light and sexy historical paranormal has - I gotta say it - a certain wolfish charm :)
Desperate because her young nephew's entry into puberty has turned him into a 'monster' and with her written pleas for assistance being ignored by her nephew's 'official' guardian, Lily decides to travel to confront Simon, Duke of Blackmore, in person. And quickly finds her life spinning out of control as Lily can't seem to avoid succumbing to the beastly noble's seduction.
The stubborn and supposedly intellegent Lily puts her brain on hold for the first half of the book while she succumbs to the overwhelming animal attraction to the rakish Duke of Blackmore, so it's not surprising that Lily quickly finds herself 'ruined' and married to the moody, seductive, possessive, and secretive Simon. But even though it took Lily longer than it should have to question whether marriage to a man with a scandalous reputation was really a good idea, I found myself enjoying this meandering, light and sexy read. It probably helped that Simon is just as helpless to avoid his attraction Lily - a man who'd had enough experience to gain his reputation, would have likely developed excellent skills at avoiding entanglements, but then again Simon wasn't using his brain either.
A Certain Wolfish Charm is the first in a trilogy, and with two more wolfish brothers to go, I'll be checking out brother Ben's book, Tall, Dark and Wolfish, (Ben's offscreen in this one) and waiting anxiously for charming William to get his book, The Wolf Next Door, and to see how work things out between Will and the intriguing Prisca - Dare's already got the sparks flying between those two.
Desperate because her young nephew's entry into puberty has turned him into a 'monster' and with her written pleas for assistance being ignored by her nephew's 'official' guardian, Lily decides to travel to confront Simon, Duke of Blackmore, in person. And quickly finds her life spinning out of control as Lily can't seem to avoid succumbing to the beastly noble's seduction.
The stubborn and supposedly intellegent Lily puts her brain on hold for the first half of the book while she succumbs to the overwhelming animal attraction to the rakish Duke of Blackmore, so it's not surprising that Lily quickly finds herself 'ruined' and married to the moody, seductive, possessive, and secretive Simon. But even though it took Lily longer than it should have to question whether marriage to a man with a scandalous reputation was really a good idea, I found myself enjoying this meandering, light and sexy read. It probably helped that Simon is just as helpless to avoid his attraction Lily - a man who'd had enough experience to gain his reputation, would have likely developed excellent skills at avoiding entanglements, but then again Simon wasn't using his brain either.
A Certain Wolfish Charm is the first in a trilogy, and with two more wolfish brothers to go, I'll be checking out brother Ben's book, Tall, Dark and Wolfish, (Ben's offscreen in this one) and waiting anxiously for charming William to get his book, The Wolf Next Door, and to see how work things out between Will and the intriguing Prisca - Dare's already got the sparks flying between those two.
July 6, 2011
I really, really, really enjoyed this book! It was like a Lisa Kleypas historical, except with werewolves!!
I've read so many werewolf books, you'd think I'd be sick of them by now, but Lydia Dare made it feel brand new with her regency-type setting. I loved Simon, our beastly hero, who falls in love so quickly with Lily, but is so afraid to tell her his secret. I'm usually not a fan of the whole keeping secrets theme, but here it is completely understandable why Simon is so reluctant to tell her. He's seen a brutal end in the past with his cousin and Lily's sister, and fears Lily will have the same reaction upon finding out. The dialogue is witty and their banter sparkles. Lily was an endearing heroine who really did not have one annoying trait. Oliver, Lily's nephew, was a fantastic addition to the cast with his growing pains (the furry kind) and his utter devotion and protectiveness for the aunt who has basically raised him. The end of the book was such perfection that I honestly don't know if I'd change a thing!
I fell in love with Simon's brother Will, who is off to find the other brother Benjamin, who has gone missing. Benjamin's book is next and is set in Scotland....I hope to find him just as lovable as his siblings. Seriously looking forward to the next books, and may not be able to wait very long to read them!
I've read so many werewolf books, you'd think I'd be sick of them by now, but Lydia Dare made it feel brand new with her regency-type setting. I loved Simon, our beastly hero, who falls in love so quickly with Lily, but is so afraid to tell her his secret. I'm usually not a fan of the whole keeping secrets theme, but here it is completely understandable why Simon is so reluctant to tell her. He's seen a brutal end in the past with his cousin and Lily's sister, and fears Lily will have the same reaction upon finding out. The dialogue is witty and their banter sparkles. Lily was an endearing heroine who really did not have one annoying trait. Oliver, Lily's nephew, was a fantastic addition to the cast with his growing pains (the furry kind) and his utter devotion and protectiveness for the aunt who has basically raised him. The end of the book was such perfection that I honestly don't know if I'd change a thing!
I fell in love with Simon's brother Will, who is off to find the other brother Benjamin, who has gone missing. Benjamin's book is next and is set in Scotland....I hope to find him just as lovable as his siblings. Seriously looking forward to the next books, and may not be able to wait very long to read them!
August 15, 2015
The book started all really well. The pages almost turn themselves. Simon and Lily are both good characters, especially in the beginning.
Sadly the book never really took off for me. It scratches the surface of a relationship that could have been deeper. I have the imrepssion that this book was written with a younger audience in mind. The tone is light and the feelings superficial. The fact that Simon is written to be a duke only takes the ridicule to the next level. It is all a little too.........Cinderella for me.
I do like the younger brother Will and his lady love Prisca. I am also intrgued about the youngest brother Benjamin. But I am reluctant to continue the series. it would quite a shame to see another 2 perfectly good stories being turned into a 5 year old's fantasy.
Sadly the book never really took off for me. It scratches the surface of a relationship that could have been deeper. I have the imrepssion that this book was written with a younger audience in mind. The tone is light and the feelings superficial. The fact that Simon is written to be a duke only takes the ridicule to the next level. It is all a little too.........Cinderella for me.
I do like the younger brother Will and his lady love Prisca. I am also intrgued about the youngest brother Benjamin. But I am reluctant to continue the series. it would quite a shame to see another 2 perfectly good stories being turned into a 5 year old's fantasy.
July 27, 2019
ชื่อเรื่อง – ดยุคหมาป่าเจ้าเสน่ห์ (A Certain Wolfish Charm) ชุดหมาป่ายอดรัก 1 (Westfield Wolves 1)
ผู้แต่ง – ลิเดีย แดร์ (Lydia Dare) เขียน กัญชลิกา แปล
ตัวละคร
ลิลลี่ รัทเลดจ์ อายุ 23 ปี
ไซม่อน เวสต์ฟิลด์
รีวิวหลังอ่าน
เคยอ่านเมื่อนานมาแล้ว ก็คือตามนี้เลย อ่านถึงหน้า 78 (Wed 7 Aug 2013) โดยเริ่มอ่าน Tue 6 Aug 2013 ฮ่าๆ 6 ปีผ่านไปถึงได้หยิบมาเริ่มอ่านใหม่อีกรอบ เคยอ่านเพราะเจอใน TK Park ไง ก็อ่านไม่จบแล้วก็ดองไว้หกปีเลยนะ ยาวนานจริงๆ เลย
อ่านเพลินๆ ดี จริงๆ เราไม่เคยอ่านแนวนิยายแปลโรมานซ์ของแก้วกานต์เลย เคยอ่านแต่พวกคุณยายยอดนักสืบไรงี้ และอ่านแล้วแปลกๆ เพราะนางเอกชื่อเหมือนเราไง กร๊ากกก เลยแบบว่าไม่นะ นิสัยเธอช่างอินโนเซ้นท์เหลือเกิน
จริงๆ อาจจะขัดใจว่าทำไมพระเอกไม่บอกนางเอกว่าตัวเองเป็นมนุษย์หมาป่า แต่เพราะเรื่องราวและเหตุผลที่พระเอกบอกนั้น ก็ทำให้เราคิดว่าเป็นเหตุผลที่หนักแน่นพอว่าทำไมถึงไม่กล้าบอก ความกลัวที่จะสูญเสียเธอไปตลอดกาล เพราะอดีตที่เคยเจอทำให้ไม่กล้าที่จะบอกด้วยแหละนะ จุดนี้เลยรู้สึกว่าเออ อ่านแล้วไม่ขัดอะไร
นางเอกจะรักพระเอกง่ายไปป่ะหว่า ฮ่าๆ คืออ่านแล้วไม่ค่อยอินตรงนี้เลย แต่สุดท้ายมันก็เพลินๆ ดีนะ จนอยากอ่านเรื่องของวิลเลียมกับพริสซี่เลยแหละ คิดว่าคงนี้ เพราะชุดนี้มียาวไปอีกหลายเล่มเลย ถ้าไม่ดอง อาจจะได้อ่านต่อในเร็วๆ นี้ ฮ่าๆๆๆ
[สปอยล์]
Start 19.56 น. Mon 15 Jul 2019
End 8.20 น. Fri 19 Jul 2019
Review Date 17.44 น. Sat 27 Jul 2019
ผู้แต่ง – ลิเดีย แดร์ (Lydia Dare) เขียน กัญชลิกา แปล
ตัวละคร
ลิลลี่ รัทเลดจ์ อายุ 23 ปี
ไซม่อน เวสต์ฟิลด์
รีวิวหลังอ่าน
เคยอ่านเมื่อนานมาแล้ว ก็คือตามนี้เลย อ่านถึงหน้า 78 (Wed 7 Aug 2013) โดยเริ่มอ่าน Tue 6 Aug 2013 ฮ่าๆ 6 ปีผ่านไปถึงได้หยิบมาเริ่มอ่านใหม่อีกรอบ เคยอ่านเพราะเจอใน TK Park ไง ก็อ่านไม่จบแล้วก็ดองไว้หกปีเลยนะ ยาวนานจริงๆ เลย
อ่านเพลินๆ ดี จริงๆ เราไม่เคยอ่านแนวนิยายแปลโรมานซ์ของแก้วกานต์เลย เคยอ่านแต่พวกคุณยายยอดนักสืบไรงี้ และอ่านแล้วแปลกๆ เพราะนางเอกชื่อเหมือนเราไง กร๊ากกก เลยแบบว่าไม่นะ นิสัยเธอช่างอินโนเซ้นท์เหลือเกิน
จริงๆ อาจจะขัดใจว่าทำไมพระเอกไม่บอกนางเอกว่าตัวเองเป็นมนุษย์หมาป่า แต่เพราะเรื่องราวและเหตุผลที่พระเอกบอกนั้น ก็ทำให้เราคิดว่าเป็นเหตุผลที่หนักแน่นพอว่าทำไมถึงไม่กล้าบอก ความกลัวที่จะสูญเสียเธอไปตลอดกาล เพราะอดีตที่เคยเจอทำให้ไม่กล้าที่จะบอกด้วยแหละนะ จุดนี้เลยรู้สึกว่าเออ อ่านแล้วไม่ขัดอะไร
นางเอกจะรักพระเอกง่ายไปป่ะหว่า ฮ่าๆ คืออ่านแล้วไม่ค่อยอินตรงนี้เลย แต่สุดท้ายมันก็เพลินๆ ดีนะ จนอยากอ่านเรื่องของวิลเลียมกับพริสซี่เลยแหละ คิดว่าคงนี้ เพราะชุดนี้มียาวไปอีกหลายเล่มเลย ถ้าไม่ดอง อาจจะได้อ่านต่อในเร็วๆ นี้ ฮ่าๆๆๆ
[สปอยล์]
Start 19.56 น. Mon 15 Jul 2019
End 8.20 น. Fri 19 Jul 2019
Review Date 17.44 น. Sat 27 Jul 2019
April 23, 2020
No me puedo creer que antes de llegar a mitad de libro Vero me preguntara que me parecía, El encanto de un lobo y yo le respondiera: "divertido, entretenido, con salseo". Simplemente me avergüenza no haber sido capaz de ver todas las señales rojas, todos los límites que la autora traspasa con la relación entre Simon y Lily, y no importa que transcurra en 1816 o 2020, hablamos de mucho más que de machismo, hablamos de relación de maltrato, hablamos de relación de engaño, hablamos de disfrazarte de príncipe encantador y de manipularla y ser amo y señor de una mujer, hablamos de relación tóxica, hablamos de tener la sensación de haberte metido de cabeza en una relación de abuso consentido. Sólo que Lily nunca se da cuenta de que está dentro de una relación de este tipo, pero que el personaje femenino no lo perciba no quiere decir que nosotras como lectoras debamos romantizar estas relaciones abusivas. De verdad que cuando empecé a darme cuenta de las señales que había dejado pasar sentí asco de lo que había leído y sentí vergüenza, pero también me pregunté ¿por qué tantas personas apoyan y favorecen a un protagonista que abusa de una mujer? La autora no paraba, no daba de darle munición y cosas asquerosas a la novela, así que esa sensación de asco me persiguió durante la mitad final porque allí si era consciente de cada pequeña cosa que hacía para manipular a Lily, sobre todo de cómo usaba el sexo para manipularla, porque Lily se ha caído de un higo, básicamente.
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March 8, 2010
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I read the synopsis for “A Certain Wolfish Charm”, but whatever my expectations were, they weren't met.
It's billed as paranormal romance, but really it's only marginally paranormal (more like Paranormal Lite). Yes, the hero's a werewolf, but that aspect is treated more like a dirty little secret--> the first half of the book he's referred to as a 'beast' or 'unnatural' and the supernatural shifter stuff is barely touch upon (it was more alluded to, then anything else) so much so that the secret could be almost anything else... the H being a secret agent for the crown or a father who was a traitor, or whatever, the basic story stays the same, no matter what the secret is.
That's not so say A certain Wolfish charm was badly written, it wasn't. It's pretty much on par with your average 3 to 4 star rated Regency. There's just nothing that really stands out. the main characters follow the typical pattern --> She's an aging spinster (with a heart of gold), he's a (kinds sorta) tortured rake of a hero. from their first meeting it goes exactly where you think it will (spoilers ahead) --> her rep is ruined and made public by a well meaning (matchmaking) friend, the hero saves her by marrying her, but he has a shameful secret that she eventually (i.e. not til the very last few pages) finds out and accepts his secret (the one that's been praying on him for years) fairly quickly.
And the ending is not only fairly obvious, but a bit anticlimactic as well, and I liked the h better then the H. In most PNR, we know why the shifter (or other para breed) gets all hot and bothered for the h (or vice versa): a scent, or just a knowing that this person is his or whatever, but that's not the case here So I spent a good amount of time trying to figure out why this H wanted this h, and not someone else.
Now, as a fan of paranormal romances, the biggest disappointment isn't the predictable plot, but the potential of a good PNR novel that's never realized...It never quite reaches the heights the plot synopsis (on the back cover) implies it will.
It's no where near the likes of Singh's Psy changeling, or Brigg's Alpha and Omega series, but for what it is, a regency with light para elements, it's a decent read.
And if you're new to para's or if you're unsure whether or not you'd be itnerested, this may be a pretty good place to start :)
October 20, 2013
Lily Rutledge has been raising her nephew ever since her sister and her husband dies in a accident. But then her sweet nephew at the age of twelve starts to dramatically change in ways that doesn't seem very normal. After trying to reach his guardian the Duke of Blackmoor, she decides she is tired of waiting for him to reply to her endless supply of letters that she is sending him. She comes up with a plan in which he won't be able to ignore her any longer, she show up on his very doorstep. Simon, the Duke of Blackmoor has spent his life trying to keep his beast in control. In his mind his nephew is a young boy and he has more pressing concerns. When Miss Lily shows up and starts making demands of him with no fear in her eyes it sets his beast on edge and he knows she is his downfall. When he hears that his nephew is showing dangerous signs he must step in and take full responsibility. Which will put him in close proximity to the lovely Lily and he wonders how he will be able to stop himself from fully claiming her as his mate.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I am very impressed. There is nothing more I love than my two favorite sub genres mixing together in a marvelous blend of historical and a bit of paranormal that is written in a way that brings out a sensual mix of danger and passion. I felt from the first few pages, that the authors style was so captivating I had the hardest time putting it down. I really enjoyed seeing Simon and Lily spar, very amusing. Simon is fully Alpha Male type of hero, dark and brooding and wants control at all times. Lily has a gentle nature but has a spine of Steele, she is much tougher than she appears to be on the surface. She is like a mama bear when it comes to her nephew despite the danger she senses when she is around Simon. There is quite a bit of involvement of Simons family which made me excited to read the rest of the series. Overall I found this one to be a good start to the series, and sets the stage for the plot quite well. There was quite a few elements to the story that made it more exciting than I imagined it would be. I loved the edge of danger that remained steadily throughout the story all the way to the end. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I got a thrill on seeing the development of their relationship. Definitely had a thrill of a ride reading this one and I can hardly wait to read the next installment in the series.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I am very impressed. There is nothing more I love than my two favorite sub genres mixing together in a marvelous blend of historical and a bit of paranormal that is written in a way that brings out a sensual mix of danger and passion. I felt from the first few pages, that the authors style was so captivating I had the hardest time putting it down. I really enjoyed seeing Simon and Lily spar, very amusing. Simon is fully Alpha Male type of hero, dark and brooding and wants control at all times. Lily has a gentle nature but has a spine of Steele, she is much tougher than she appears to be on the surface. She is like a mama bear when it comes to her nephew despite the danger she senses when she is around Simon. There is quite a bit of involvement of Simons family which made me excited to read the rest of the series. Overall I found this one to be a good start to the series, and sets the stage for the plot quite well. There was quite a few elements to the story that made it more exciting than I imagined it would be. I loved the edge of danger that remained steadily throughout the story all the way to the end. It kept me on the edge of my seat and I got a thrill on seeing the development of their relationship. Definitely had a thrill of a ride reading this one and I can hardly wait to read the next installment in the series.
March 14, 2011
Miss Lily Rutledge is the aunt and surrogate mother to twelve year old, orphaned Oliver who is Lycan (unbeknownst to Lily). Miss Rutledge is twenty three, unmarried and has been Oliver's caretaker for the last six years. But, Oliver has become difficult to handle. He has hit a major growth spurt, and eats like a horse. Something is going on with him which she does not entirely understand and she attempts to reach out to Oliver's guardian and cousin, Simon Westfield who is known as the Duke of Blackmoor and known is society as a rake. She cannot get him to respond to her written pleas to the Duke; so, she decides to visit him personally to circumvent him ignoring her pleas for assistance with Oliver.
From the time Lily meets up with Simon in his home, the romantic adventure begins. Simon is inexplicably drawn to Lily and she to him. The first half of the story deals with their courtship. The last half of the book deals with Oliver's need to protect Lily from the fact that he, his brother (Will) and Oliver are were-wolves. He is a victim to the full-moon and his circumstance. He is very worried about the Lycan in him hurting Lily irrevocably. Another worry for him is that she will look upon him with disgust. It is the last half of the book that brought the story from a four star read to a three star read. I grew very frustrated with long-drawn out angst Simon caused from keeping his secret from Lily. His ommission created a lot hurt to Lily. And by proxy, Oliver was hurt since he asked Lily to keep the Lycan secret from his adored aunt, as well. I felt the author made the conflict in the second half of the book too drawn out and made the story bog down.
The story was cute; but, I don't feel the driving need to continue with the series. I am not saying I won't read the series eventually - just not in the near future.
Happy Reading from Bona Fide Reflections!
From the time Lily meets up with Simon in his home, the romantic adventure begins. Simon is inexplicably drawn to Lily and she to him. The first half of the story deals with their courtship. The last half of the book deals with Oliver's need to protect Lily from the fact that he, his brother (Will) and Oliver are were-wolves. He is a victim to the full-moon and his circumstance. He is very worried about the Lycan in him hurting Lily irrevocably. Another worry for him is that she will look upon him with disgust. It is the last half of the book that brought the story from a four star read to a three star read. I grew very frustrated with long-drawn out angst Simon caused from keeping his secret from Lily. His ommission created a lot hurt to Lily. And by proxy, Oliver was hurt since he asked Lily to keep the Lycan secret from his adored aunt, as well. I felt the author made the conflict in the second half of the book too drawn out and made the story bog down.
The story was cute; but, I don't feel the driving need to continue with the series. I am not saying I won't read the series eventually - just not in the near future.
Happy Reading from Bona Fide Reflections!
October 30, 2014
Spoil Free Review
Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It
Genre: Historical/Paranormal Romance
Heat: Hot ~ Fan Yourself
Source: Bought
A Certain Wolfish Charm is a nice take on historical/paranormal romance with a moody-alpha-hero I just adored. It has a perfect blend of both themes. Simon was delicious even when he had his cranky moments and was wickedly delicious when he was trying to court Lily. His inner thoughts when he gets a little jealous leave for a giggle moment.
I admire Lily devotion to her nephew Oliver. She will do what ever it takes to make sure he is taken care of. She even has to put up with Simon. Loved that she can hold her own with him and his over growling alpha male attitude. Yes he is cranky but Lily has a way of bringing out the playful side of him. Loved them as a couple. She is such a mother hen when it comes to Oliver. Lily and Simon actions were well played out when it came to Oliver. He is a big part of the plot and Lydia Dare did a wonderful job with his character.
The family was an added bonus to Simon and Lily story. I am a huge fan of family and secondary characters in my novels. Has to be done right with just enough to let readers get to know them with out taking away from the story. Lydia Dare weaving family into their story was perfect for me. His family is adorable. You see how they truly love one another. The mother is a hoot. The brothers I adore as they love to bicker and pester each other. Will (Simon Brother) and Prisca (their neighbor and childhood friend) caught my attention with their witty comments. I hope I get more of them or they have to have their own book.
Instantly fell in love with Lydia Dare writing voice. Her storytelling is smooth and fun. I look forward to continuing her Westfield Wolves series as looks to be an interesting series with all likable characters.
Originally posted at Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
Rating: 4 Stars - Loved It
Genre: Historical/Paranormal Romance
Heat: Hot ~ Fan Yourself
Source: Bought
A Certain Wolfish Charm is a nice take on historical/paranormal romance with a moody-alpha-hero I just adored. It has a perfect blend of both themes. Simon was delicious even when he had his cranky moments and was wickedly delicious when he was trying to court Lily. His inner thoughts when he gets a little jealous leave for a giggle moment.
I admire Lily devotion to her nephew Oliver. She will do what ever it takes to make sure he is taken care of. She even has to put up with Simon. Loved that she can hold her own with him and his over growling alpha male attitude. Yes he is cranky but Lily has a way of bringing out the playful side of him. Loved them as a couple. She is such a mother hen when it comes to Oliver. Lily and Simon actions were well played out when it came to Oliver. He is a big part of the plot and Lydia Dare did a wonderful job with his character.
The family was an added bonus to Simon and Lily story. I am a huge fan of family and secondary characters in my novels. Has to be done right with just enough to let readers get to know them with out taking away from the story. Lydia Dare weaving family into their story was perfect for me. His family is adorable. You see how they truly love one another. The mother is a hoot. The brothers I adore as they love to bicker and pester each other. Will (Simon Brother) and Prisca (their neighbor and childhood friend) caught my attention with their witty comments. I hope I get more of them or they have to have their own book.
Instantly fell in love with Lydia Dare writing voice. Her storytelling is smooth and fun. I look forward to continuing her Westfield Wolves series as looks to be an interesting series with all likable characters.
Originally posted at Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
March 29, 2010
I usually save the were stories for the back of the pack as I have so many other loves but this one really stood out. I started reading wondering in the first few chapters about how well an author could pull off a were story in Regency England. I must say I was quite delighted to be immediately caught up in a story that pulled me in with such force to keep me entirely entertained from the beginning to the end and still wanting more. To be honest I can's wait for the stories dealing with the Duke's two younger brothers.
The Duke of Blackmoor is a temperamental lout if you ask me. How Lily comes to love this man without wanting to bop him off the head is remarkable and quite cute. Thank goodness for Lily having the patience of a saint and a mighty good stiff back to deal with a man that has the temperament of a teenager.
Oh I know I shouldn't pick on our poor Duke so much as he does have a pre-existing condition that would make even the strongest of us crabby. But I do have to say I think it is divine justice that our hero has to go though some inconvenient painful monthly changes of his own. Hopefully this will make him more sympathetic to the delicate female cycles.
The author has done a wonderful job with giving our hero a personality that we can love and hate equally. She also gives him a guilty conscience so that when he is very bad he knows he is bad and tries like the Devil to make amends in the most lovable of ways.
Our heroine is a true lady of the time but with much courage and compassion. Lily knows something is not right and will not stop until she uncovers what is being kept from her by her charge, the man she loves and all those others around her that must obey or be destroyed.
A delightful story that is a quick read will most assuredly have you wanting the rest of the series in short order.
The Duke of Blackmoor is a temperamental lout if you ask me. How Lily comes to love this man without wanting to bop him off the head is remarkable and quite cute. Thank goodness for Lily having the patience of a saint and a mighty good stiff back to deal with a man that has the temperament of a teenager.
Oh I know I shouldn't pick on our poor Duke so much as he does have a pre-existing condition that would make even the strongest of us crabby. But I do have to say I think it is divine justice that our hero has to go though some inconvenient painful monthly changes of his own. Hopefully this will make him more sympathetic to the delicate female cycles.
The author has done a wonderful job with giving our hero a personality that we can love and hate equally. She also gives him a guilty conscience so that when he is very bad he knows he is bad and tries like the Devil to make amends in the most lovable of ways.
Our heroine is a true lady of the time but with much courage and compassion. Lily knows something is not right and will not stop until she uncovers what is being kept from her by her charge, the man she loves and all those others around her that must obey or be destroyed.
A delightful story that is a quick read will most assuredly have you wanting the rest of the series in short order.
February 23, 2020
Pues bueno... un libro de época que aborda el tema de la licantropía.
No ha estado mal, pero me ha resultado bastante básica.
Había momentos en los que he encontrado detalles positivos. No es un libro con toxicidad, ni con exceso de dramas. Los personajes tienen una construcción adecuada y los secundarios no son mero atrezzo. Es de agradecer.
Lo que más flojea:
1. La licantropía apenas se explica. Por qué, dónde empezó, a causa de qué, qué implica realmente... Me ha faltado mucha información teniendo en cuenta que no es que estemos hablando de tener talasemia o asma, digo yo.
2. La relación de amor entre los protagonistas está cogida con pinzas. Es muy "porque sí" porque no aparecen demasiados elementos en la novela que justifiquen su amor, cuando sí su matrimonio. Además, él está super convencido de no contarle nada, ella va pillando cosas y al final se lo cuenta y como que no pasa nada. No digo que tenga que suicidarse -como la mujer del tio- pero no es que sea algo que en pleno siglo XVII tú te vayas a tomar en plan: pues mira tú que bien. Yo te amo, tómate como una fiera. (personalmente la escena de sexo rollo animalesca me sobró lo más grande)
No creo que la mayoría de libros que quieren unir paranormal y romántica tengan mucha lógica escribirlos en clave histórica. Y sí se hace, hay que tener en cuenta el entorno social de la época. No es lo mismo como te tomas hoy en día que tu novio sea un vampiro/lobo/marciano, que que te lo digan hace siglos cuando a la mínima que algo era "raro" te pegaban fuego en la hoguera :)
No ha estado mal, pero me ha resultado bastante básica.
Había momentos en los que he encontrado detalles positivos. No es un libro con toxicidad, ni con exceso de dramas. Los personajes tienen una construcción adecuada y los secundarios no son mero atrezzo. Es de agradecer.
Lo que más flojea:
1. La licantropía apenas se explica. Por qué, dónde empezó, a causa de qué, qué implica realmente... Me ha faltado mucha información teniendo en cuenta que no es que estemos hablando de tener talasemia o asma, digo yo.
2. La relación de amor entre los protagonistas está cogida con pinzas. Es muy "porque sí" porque no aparecen demasiados elementos en la novela que justifiquen su amor, cuando sí su matrimonio. Además, él está super convencido de no contarle nada, ella va pillando cosas y al final se lo cuenta y como que no pasa nada. No digo que tenga que suicidarse -como la mujer del tio- pero no es que sea algo que en pleno siglo XVII tú te vayas a tomar en plan: pues mira tú que bien. Yo te amo, tómate como una fiera. (personalmente la escena de sexo rollo animalesca me sobró lo más grande)
No creo que la mayoría de libros que quieren unir paranormal y romántica tengan mucha lógica escribirlos en clave histórica. Y sí se hace, hay que tener en cuenta el entorno social de la época. No es lo mismo como te tomas hoy en día que tu novio sea un vampiro/lobo/marciano, que que te lo digan hace siglos cuando a la mínima que algo era "raro" te pegaban fuego en la hoguera :)
November 25, 2011
A Certain Wolfish Charm
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoor, is rich, powerful and devastatingly handsome but he has a secret that causes him to keep women at arm’s length. That is until Lily Rutledge arrives on his doorstep to ask for help with her nephew whose behavior is becoming increasingly wild and inexplicable. Can Simon withstand the call of his own nature or will he give in to the desire he feels for Lily?
Review:
A successful amalgamation of my two of my favorite genres - historical and paranormal romance.
The writing flows smoothly and the pages almost turn themselves. The story is completely charming and the characters engaging.
The main characters have a captivating chemistry and make a wonderful couple. Simon is a typical alpha who finds it difficult to control is true nature and keeps himself at a distance out of fear. Lily is strong willed and stubborn but with a sweet and loving nature.
I found the dynamic between the secondary characters, Simon’s brother Will and Lily’s friend Prisca, to be particularly compelling and look forward to reading their book.
Overall, this is an extremely entertaining read for lovers of light and sexy romances.
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Simon Westfield, the Duke of Blackmoor, is rich, powerful and devastatingly handsome but he has a secret that causes him to keep women at arm’s length. That is until Lily Rutledge arrives on his doorstep to ask for help with her nephew whose behavior is becoming increasingly wild and inexplicable. Can Simon withstand the call of his own nature or will he give in to the desire he feels for Lily?
Review:
A successful amalgamation of my two of my favorite genres - historical and paranormal romance.
The writing flows smoothly and the pages almost turn themselves. The story is completely charming and the characters engaging.
The main characters have a captivating chemistry and make a wonderful couple. Simon is a typical alpha who finds it difficult to control is true nature and keeps himself at a distance out of fear. Lily is strong willed and stubborn but with a sweet and loving nature.
I found the dynamic between the secondary characters, Simon’s brother Will and Lily’s friend Prisca, to be particularly compelling and look forward to reading their book.
Overall, this is an extremely entertaining read for lovers of light and sexy romances.
April 20, 2010
YAY for this series! The first book in Dare's para. werewolf series was excellent!!!
The characters in this one are just awesome and the men are hot. The "intimate" scenes are steamy but not overdone. I think they were on the perfect level for that time in history.
I was worried that the dialogue would be difficult to understand as sometimes I do have trouble with historicals. (they worry me) Lydia Dare's "A Certain Wolfish Charm" was a breeze to read though! It was perfect IMO!
I really truly have nothing but praise for it and thank goodness I had the next two in the series sitting in my review pile! I might have gone bonkers waiting for them to come out.....and yes, I've already read them. (and I can't review 'em on the blog yet but I'll be sneaky and say I loved those also!)
So I give 'A Certain Wolfish Charm' two thumbs up! I, as a paranormal romance fan, love this series and love the brothers in each book. I hope you'll pick this one up and enjoy it as much as I did!
The characters in this one are just awesome and the men are hot. The "intimate" scenes are steamy but not overdone. I think they were on the perfect level for that time in history.
I was worried that the dialogue would be difficult to understand as sometimes I do have trouble with historicals. (they worry me) Lydia Dare's "A Certain Wolfish Charm" was a breeze to read though! It was perfect IMO!
I really truly have nothing but praise for it and thank goodness I had the next two in the series sitting in my review pile! I might have gone bonkers waiting for them to come out.....and yes, I've already read them. (and I can't review 'em on the blog yet but I'll be sneaky and say I loved those also!)
So I give 'A Certain Wolfish Charm' two thumbs up! I, as a paranormal romance fan, love this series and love the brothers in each book. I hope you'll pick this one up and enjoy it as much as I did!
May 20, 2010
This was a sweet Regency Romance where Lily is the aunt of a boy who hit 12 and turned into a lycan overnight. The only problem? She doesn't know what he is, and neither does he. So she goes to the Duke of Blackmoor, Oliver's legal guardian, to see if a man might have moor success in dealing with 12 yr old and almost 6 ft tall Oliver. Well, Blackmoor hates what/who he is, so he hides it from Lily. But he falls in love, and marries her, and still hides it from Lily. It was cute, sweet, and I loved all the characters. I'll definitely be continuing on with this series.
March 16, 2010
I've never been much of a paranormal fan, but throw werewolves into the Regency and I'm a fan for life! Lydia Dare has a fun, light writing style, but she's certainly not without depth. I loved her characters - they were totally relatable. And I just zipped through the book, unable to put it down. Don't miss out on this awesome book, and what I assume will be an awesome series!
September 15, 2010
I am pleasantly surprised with this book. 2 of my favorite genre's together in one book? I didn't think it could be possible but the author pulled it off nicely!! You get the best of both worlds in this book. A little regency with a nice twist of paranormal that leaves me wanting for more!!! This will definetely be a series that I continue with!
April 12, 2011
Thank the gods and little demons that's over with. I'll try to get a review up, but I might not be able to relive the fail.
August 11, 2011
Oh dear! I read this one while on vacation but forgot to catalogue it. I remember I really liked it but can't recall enough to give it a comprehensive review now, my apologies!
October 12, 2022
Al inicio no le tenía tanta fe, pero sí curiosidad, cuando lo leí me atrapó. Pero luego la U me consumió tiempo y lo dejé, pensé que al retomarlo no me iba a enganchar, pero me equivoqué, creo que casi devoré el libro. 😅
Lily tiene carácter y justo lo que necesita para plantarle cara a Simon y también paciencia, no sé cómo se aguantaba para no voltearle la cara.
Simón es un testarudo y aunque sus miedos son comprensibles, sí me hubiera gustado que tuviera más confianza con Lily, pero se entiende.
Por un momento que el reclamar a Lily tendría que ver con un acto de zoofilia y medio me asusté. 😂😂
Aunque me encantó su historia quiero llegar a la de Will y Prisca, siento que la de ellos será una cosa tremenda. 👀
Lily tiene carácter y justo lo que necesita para plantarle cara a Simon y también paciencia, no sé cómo se aguantaba para no voltearle la cara.
Simón es un testarudo y aunque sus miedos son comprensibles, sí me hubiera gustado que tuviera más confianza con Lily, pero se entiende.
Por un momento que el reclamar a Lily tendría que ver con un acto de zoofilia y medio me asusté. 😂😂
Aunque me encantó su historia quiero llegar a la de Will y Prisca, siento que la de ellos será una cosa tremenda. 👀
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