Monday, June 10, 2024

Review: Christi Caldwell's "The Wolf of Mayfair"

 

THE WOLF OF MAYFAIR
Historical Romance

 

AUTHOR:
Christi Caldwell

RELEASE DATE:
October 22, 2024

PUBLISHER:
Montlake

ISBN/ ASIN NUMBER :
9781662518164

RATING:
5

AUTHOR LINK:
https://christicaldwell.com/

 

Lord Anthony Blofield, future Duke of Talbert, has a reputation as society’s notorious rake with a cold personality. When his parents leave for the countryside, he relishes his time alone. However, Anthony’s peace is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious yet unwanted guest. He has no recourse but to allow her to stay until the snowstorm abates. The freckled-faced waif intends to chip away at his frozen, dead heart. Will Anthony learn the truth about Helia’s connection to his passive mother? Or is it all a lie?

Miss Helia Wallace risks the dangers of a snowstorm to seek out the protection of her godmother. She never expected to encounter the woman’s sensual yet cynical son. Helia would rather deal with Anthony’s cold apathy than marry her villainous cousin. She manages to convince the indifferent lord to allow her to stay until the storm stops. Helia cannot ignore her growing attraction to the aloof man. Will Anthony be Helia’s unwitting savior? Or will she be another one of his conquests?

My heart went out to Anthony for everything he endured, especially from his father. It took me a while to realize he is the marquess that Lady Alexandra (A SURE DUKE) was betrothed too. This book helped explain the reasons for his dastardly behavior. The author masterfully redeemed Anthony. The last redeemable hero that won my heart like Anthony did was Sebastian St. Vincent from Lisa Kleypas’ DEVIL IN WINTER. What I adore the most about Anthony is how the author did not change his personality once he fell for Helia. Instead, she blunted the sharp edges of his disposition.

Helia proves that she is the perfect balance for Anthony. She counteracts all his flaws, the sunshine to his grumpiness. I like how Helia is at first afraid of Anthony. Then, as she starts to interact with him, Helia realizes there is a reason for his churlishness. She understands his aloofness is a defense mechanism. What I adore the most about Helia is that she is no beauty by the ton’s strict standards. She accepts her red-hair, freckles, and waif thin form.

THE WOLF OF MAYFAIR is a standalone historical romance by Christi Caldwell. This book does tie in with the author’s THE MCQUOIDS OF MAYFAIR series. The Blofields play a small role in both A SURE DUKE and THE HEIRESS AT SEA. I am happy that the hated Duke of Talbert finally gets his comeuppance. I despised his high-handedness in ASD and THAS.

I hope the author plans to give Anthony’s sister a happy-ever-after. After reading what the duke put Anthony through, I feel she deserves to find love. Heck, I would cackle in glee if she fell for a McQuoid or one of their family members! What a coup that would be.


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