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The Wolf of Mayfair
USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell weaves a sensuous tale of innocence lost in this blistering romance about a young woman on the run and the lecherous cad she can't seem to resist.
I don't want visitors. But when the butler says the caller is a she, I spring to attention. The night just got a lot more interesting.
Alas, my wicked hopes are dashed the moment I note her delicate, freckled face and Scottish brogue. Too chaste for my taste. And probably just looking for a handout.
I was hoping for a hand job.
Her parents dead, young Helia Wallace has come to see my mother, her godmother, for help with a dastardly cousin after her dowry. A likely story. But there's a snowstorm brewing, and she begs me to let her stay the night. I reluctantly agree.
It's her reputation at stake, not mine.
With the duke and duchess wintering elsewhere, I have Horace House all to myself. Free to do whatever I want. And what I want is Helia. The Marquess of Wingrave and virgins don't typically mix, but this one is different-too bad I could ruin her forever.
I don't want visitors. But when the butler says the caller is a she, I spring to attention. The night just got a lot more interesting.
Alas, my wicked hopes are dashed the moment I note her delicate, freckled face and Scottish brogue. Too chaste for my taste. And probably just looking for a handout.
I was hoping for a hand job.
Her parents dead, young Helia Wallace has come to see my mother, her godmother, for help with a dastardly cousin after her dowry. A likely story. But there's a snowstorm brewing, and she begs me to let her stay the night. I reluctantly agree.
It's her reputation at stake, not mine.
With the duke and duchess wintering elsewhere, I have Horace House all to myself. Free to do whatever I want. And what I want is Helia. The Marquess of Wingrave and virgins don't typically mix, but this one is different-too bad I could ruin her forever.
255 pages, Paperback
First published October 22, 2024
854 people are currently reading
5405 people want to read
About the author
Christi Caldwell
136 books2,556 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Judith McNaught's "Whitney, My Love!" for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well deserved happily ever after!
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
July 2, 2024
I had a difficult time engaging with the story in the first half, and I’m not exactly sure why. Something just felt disjointed for me and I had to push myself to continue.
By the time I got to the second half of the book, though, and got to know the characters better, I felt pulled into the story and interested to find out how things would turn out.
What I Loved
Helia – Loveable right from the start, she’s my favorite kind of FMC. Equal parts strong and sweet, with an indomitable spirit. She had such an air of sadness about her. All alone in the world, she had many reasons to feel sorry for herself and give in to her despair, but she always tried to rise above. The scene when she was out in the snowstorm, heartbroken, and spied the rowan tree was magical and one of my favorite scenes in the book.
I also loved the way she saw the real Anthony. The Anthony that even he didn’t realize existed. I don’t know that he was the perfect man for her, but she was definitely the perfect woman for him. Her faith in his goodness, her refusal to let him go on as he had been, believing and acting as if he had no heart, as if no one but himself mattered, was chef’s kiss.
What I Liked
The sexytimes were very hot, with an intense physical attraction juxtaposed with Anthony’s arrogance and callousness. Poor man tried so hard not to want, not to desire, not to need, but the more time he spent with Helia, the more I knew he was going to be completely gone for her.
He slanted his lips over hers again and again, plundering, punishing. Her? Or himself, for wanting her? She rather suspected it was both.
He caught her wrists between one of his larger, powerful hands, and stretched them high above her head. Using them as if to steer her, he guided her so that her back collided with the wall, so that his punishing grip and muscle-hewn frame kept her upright.
“Like that, do you, sweetheart?” he purred between each kiss. Words failed, and she could offer him nothing more than a whimper in return. A pleased sounding, triumph-filled, husky laugh rumbled in his chest.
What I Was On the Fence About
Anthony… ooh I despised him at first. He was so utterly mean and cold and unlikeable that for a large part of the book I thought, there is nothing I’m going to like about this character. Once he caught the feels and found the courage to do and be more than a cruel, heartless jerk, I kind of liked him, but always in the back of my mind was that he wasn’t who I would have chosen for Helia. He has his reasons, but they came too late for me to fall for him.
Like a shark who’d got a scent of its prey, he continued his slow circle around her. […] How was it possible for one man to ooze such malevolence, contempt, and indifference, all at the same time?
Their hard-won happily ever after was believable and well-deserved, but I think the fact that I just couldn’t connect with the MMC dampened my enjoyment of the story. Two stars for the first half of the book, four stars for the second half, so I’m rating three stars.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
By the time I got to the second half of the book, though, and got to know the characters better, I felt pulled into the story and interested to find out how things would turn out.
What I Loved
Helia – Loveable right from the start, she’s my favorite kind of FMC. Equal parts strong and sweet, with an indomitable spirit. She had such an air of sadness about her. All alone in the world, she had many reasons to feel sorry for herself and give in to her despair, but she always tried to rise above. The scene when she was out in the snowstorm, heartbroken, and spied the rowan tree was magical and one of my favorite scenes in the book.
I also loved the way she saw the real Anthony. The Anthony that even he didn’t realize existed. I don’t know that he was the perfect man for her, but she was definitely the perfect woman for him. Her faith in his goodness, her refusal to let him go on as he had been, believing and acting as if he had no heart, as if no one but himself mattered, was chef’s kiss.
What I Liked
The sexytimes were very hot, with an intense physical attraction juxtaposed with Anthony’s arrogance and callousness. Poor man tried so hard not to want, not to desire, not to need, but the more time he spent with Helia, the more I knew he was going to be completely gone for her.
He slanted his lips over hers again and again, plundering, punishing. Her? Or himself, for wanting her? She rather suspected it was both.
He caught her wrists between one of his larger, powerful hands, and stretched them high above her head. Using them as if to steer her, he guided her so that her back collided with the wall, so that his punishing grip and muscle-hewn frame kept her upright.
“Like that, do you, sweetheart?” he purred between each kiss. Words failed, and she could offer him nothing more than a whimper in return. A pleased sounding, triumph-filled, husky laugh rumbled in his chest.
What I Was On the Fence About
Anthony… ooh I despised him at first. He was so utterly mean and cold and unlikeable that for a large part of the book I thought, there is nothing I’m going to like about this character. Once he caught the feels and found the courage to do and be more than a cruel, heartless jerk, I kind of liked him, but always in the back of my mind was that he wasn’t who I would have chosen for Helia. He has his reasons, but they came too late for me to fall for him.
Like a shark who’d got a scent of its prey, he continued his slow circle around her. […] How was it possible for one man to ooze such malevolence, contempt, and indifference, all at the same time?
Their hard-won happily ever after was believable and well-deserved, but I think the fact that I just couldn’t connect with the MMC dampened my enjoyment of the story. Two stars for the first half of the book, four stars for the second half, so I’m rating three stars.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2025
Likes
This is a little steamy than most books by Christi Caldwell. However, that won’t happen until the 70% mark.
The heroine has a fever and the hero stays by her side.
Dislikes
The hero is rude and cold to the heroine and servants for no reason until later when it’s revealed he had a controlling, cold Duke of a father. His behavior got irritating. I’m not sure how she fell in love with him.
The story was slow and nothing really interesting happens.
This is a little steamy than most books by Christi Caldwell. However, that won’t happen until the 70% mark.
The heroine has a fever and the hero stays by her side.
Dislikes
The hero is rude and cold to the heroine and servants for no reason until later when it’s revealed he had a controlling, cold Duke of a father. His behavior got irritating. I’m not sure how she fell in love with him.
The story was slow and nothing really interesting happens.
July 29, 2024
I thought this would be a Gothic romance with beauty and the beast vibes, but I found nothing romantic about this story. It has a cruel and condescending hero and there’s no reason for the heroine to be attracted to him. Helia is incredibly naive but she still deserves better than this guy. He’s just a predator.
Aside from that, there’s a lot of introspection from her and I wish we knew earlier why the cousin wanted Helia. There was too much of a “I can fix him” vibe for me. And in the end, he has no reckoning, no grovelling, we see none of his thought process on how he even chose to marry Helia let alone lover her and treat her like a human being.
I received an arc from NetGalley
Aside from that, there’s a lot of introspection from her and I wish we knew earlier why the cousin wanted Helia. There was too much of a “I can fix him” vibe for me. And in the end, he has no reckoning, no grovelling, we see none of his thought process on how he even chose to marry Helia let alone lover her and treat her like a human being.
I received an arc from NetGalley
October 20, 2024
Well, this one had a lot of things I like. It kinda edged up against a Dark Romance while also having the charm of a Historical Romance.
Our heroine is a woman on the run and is looking for help from her godmother she's never met, who is a duchess. But when she arrives at the duchess' home, the only one there is the roguish and grumpy son. He is Lord of the castle at this time and he has no interest in a maiden in distress besides her body.
Hellia tries to go about convincing Anthony to render her aid, but he doesn't believe his mother is her godmother and he also doesn't care if she dies in the elements. Or so he says. There is a battle of wills and a lot of heated exchanges between the two.
There were moments I really enjoyed, but I was missing a few key moments to make me believe they jumped to love so quickly, but the book is also pretty short. I was just missing some more sweet moments from Anthony. He deflected feelings into sexual innuendo at every turn and I didn't see everything I wanted to. I liked the heroine just fine though. She was strong and did her best to stand up to Anthony even though she is wildly attracted to him.
I listened to the audio book and I appreciated the narration of Will Thorne & Paula Nederhorst.
3.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
CW: attempted SA, death of a family member, grief, abusive parent
Our heroine is a woman on the run and is looking for help from her godmother she's never met, who is a duchess. But when she arrives at the duchess' home, the only one there is the roguish and grumpy son. He is Lord of the castle at this time and he has no interest in a maiden in distress besides her body.
Hellia tries to go about convincing Anthony to render her aid, but he doesn't believe his mother is her godmother and he also doesn't care if she dies in the elements. Or so he says. There is a battle of wills and a lot of heated exchanges between the two.
There were moments I really enjoyed, but I was missing a few key moments to make me believe they jumped to love so quickly, but the book is also pretty short. I was just missing some more sweet moments from Anthony. He deflected feelings into sexual innuendo at every turn and I didn't see everything I wanted to. I liked the heroine just fine though. She was strong and did her best to stand up to Anthony even though she is wildly attracted to him.
I listened to the audio book and I appreciated the narration of Will Thorne & Paula Nederhorst.
3.5 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
CW: attempted SA, death of a family member, grief, abusive parent
March 17, 2025
I found this book slow to the point of flipping through it. At 70% came the smut scene’s and more flipping.
I have read other books of CC and enjoyed the books.
This one was not for me.
I have read other books of CC and enjoyed the books.
This one was not for me.
February 9, 2025
What steamy, naughty historical shenanigans are afoot? Narrator Will Thorne is, in fact, Alex Wyndham + naughty words. And a talented female Scottish narrator? Swoon! [Beware the copious amounts of smut]
October 13, 2024
4.5 Stars
Recently orphaned Helia Wallace has travelled to London to seek shelter with her godmother, the Duchess of Talbot to avoid her dowry-chasing cousin. The duke and duchess are wintering elsewhere, but their son The Marquis of Wingrave is in residence & doesn’t believe Helia’s story, then Helia becomes ill.
A well written interesting romance I loved the feisty Helia from the start but thoroughly disliked Wingrave, he was crude, dour & rude. I loved how Helia stood up to him & gradually whittled away at the ice walls around his heart. The chemistry between them sizzled, the banter was delicious, he fell in lust but then was so gentle & caring when Helia was ill. I loved their journey to a HEA, which made for an engrossing read
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Recently orphaned Helia Wallace has travelled to London to seek shelter with her godmother, the Duchess of Talbot to avoid her dowry-chasing cousin. The duke and duchess are wintering elsewhere, but their son The Marquis of Wingrave is in residence & doesn’t believe Helia’s story, then Helia becomes ill.
A well written interesting romance I loved the feisty Helia from the start but thoroughly disliked Wingrave, he was crude, dour & rude. I loved how Helia stood up to him & gradually whittled away at the ice walls around his heart. The chemistry between them sizzled, the banter was delicious, he fell in lust but then was so gentle & caring when Helia was ill. I loved their journey to a HEA, which made for an engrossing read
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 13, 2024
3.5⭐️
This had a promising beginning- our heroine, Helia, has fled her home in Scotland, running from the cruel new lord, who will force her to marry him for her dowry. She arrives at the ducal townhouse of the Duchess of Talbot, who her mother always told her was a dear friend. However the duchess isn't home- her son, notorious rake the Marquess of Wingrave, is the lord in residence. He reluctantly allows her to stay, to shelter from the raging snowstorm outside.
We see them interact around the house, Helia slowly getting under his skin and Wingrave doing his best to unsettle Helia. He wants her to leave him in peace but also can't help but feel a pull towards him. I wish we got to see these two actually talk about things? Their likes and dislikes, mindless chatter, just life? But it's mostly just arguing about whether Helia can stay. Then she gets sick with fever, and he's there to nurse her back to health. However once she's better, he reverts back to his closed-off, bitter self.
There's a moment when she sneaks out to a festival (even thought she's 'sheltering' from the storm and just got over a near-dealthly fever?!) and her evil cousin catches up with her. Wingrave snaps and nearly beats him to a pulp. Then him and Helia return back to his townhouse, and still they barely talk.
Wingrave is better and hard RIGHT up until the moment he professes his feelings. Helia walks away and goes to pack up her room, and he runs to her because he finally realizes that she's the one for him. But we never get to see him make this conclusion? He's basically an ass the entire time, refusing to allow Helia past his walls to avoid getting hurt. Then he flips a switch and is promising eternal love and lifelong faithfulness, out of nowhere. I wish we had got to see this transition come on more gradually.
We also never found out how their mothers knew each other? It's such a huge point- Wingrave never believes her, because he has legit never even heard of her or her family. He thinks she's lying basically the entire time. Then she's proven correct when he finds letters from her mother, but we never get an explanation as to how his mother was secretly good friends with an unknown Scottish countess.
Thank you to Netgalley and publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
"If you think for one moment I intend to let you leave me, I will track you down to the ends of the earth, and claw my way to heaven and snatch you back from the hands of God himself.
This had a promising beginning- our heroine, Helia, has fled her home in Scotland, running from the cruel new lord, who will force her to marry him for her dowry. She arrives at the ducal townhouse of the Duchess of Talbot, who her mother always told her was a dear friend. However the duchess isn't home- her son, notorious rake the Marquess of Wingrave, is the lord in residence. He reluctantly allows her to stay, to shelter from the raging snowstorm outside.
We see them interact around the house, Helia slowly getting under his skin and Wingrave doing his best to unsettle Helia. He wants her to leave him in peace but also can't help but feel a pull towards him. I wish we got to see these two actually talk about things? Their likes and dislikes, mindless chatter, just life? But it's mostly just arguing about whether Helia can stay. Then she gets sick with fever, and he's there to nurse her back to health. However once she's better, he reverts back to his closed-off, bitter self.
There's a moment when she sneaks out to a festival (even thought she's 'sheltering' from the storm and just got over a near-dealthly fever?!) and her evil cousin catches up with her. Wingrave snaps and nearly beats him to a pulp. Then him and Helia return back to his townhouse, and still they barely talk.
Wingrave is better and hard RIGHT up until the moment he professes his feelings. Helia walks away and goes to pack up her room, and he runs to her because he finally realizes that she's the one for him. But we never get to see him make this conclusion? He's basically an ass the entire time, refusing to allow Helia past his walls to avoid getting hurt. Then he flips a switch and is promising eternal love and lifelong faithfulness, out of nowhere. I wish we had got to see this transition come on more gradually.
We also never found out how their mothers knew each other? It's such a huge point- Wingrave never believes her, because he has legit never even heard of her or her family. He thinks she's lying basically the entire time. Then she's proven correct when he finds letters from her mother, but we never get an explanation as to how his mother was secretly good friends with an unknown Scottish countess.
Thank you to Netgalley and publishing team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2025
I have to admit, I wasn't at all sure about this book for the first half. It was a distraction on a long car ride, but I was definitely thinking Anthony would be a hero I could not get behind, more of an antihero really. Helia also came off as impossibly young and naive, insipid really and their dynamic of him just being rude and callous was off-putting.
Yet, somehow, as the story developed and Helia continued to face Anthony and refused to be cowed by him, the dynamic between them shifted in a way I really appreciated. Somehow this became a rather delicious snowed in story with a touch her and d-- hero and I was very much here for that, not to mention the elevated steam level that was not only hot, but also really worked to advance the relationship development between these two. I loved how steadfast Anthony was once he realized his feelings for Helia and my only real complaint is that the villainous elements here were dealt with in a rather abrupt manner. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this slightly darker and steamier Christi Caldwell novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Yet, somehow, as the story developed and Helia continued to face Anthony and refused to be cowed by him, the dynamic between them shifted in a way I really appreciated. Somehow this became a rather delicious snowed in story with a touch her and d-- hero and I was very much here for that, not to mention the elevated steam level that was not only hot, but also really worked to advance the relationship development between these two. I loved how steadfast Anthony was once he realized his feelings for Helia and my only real complaint is that the villainous elements here were dealt with in a rather abrupt manner. Otherwise, I really enjoyed this slightly darker and steamier Christi Caldwell novel.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 8, 2024
⁀➷ 2 ★ ´ˎ˗
i don’t really think this book was for me. i was excited initially because i was getting massive beauty and the beast vibes from the beginning of the book, but the more i read, the more my interest waned. the mmc was extremely unlikeable and borderline abusive. there was zero chemistry between the two main characters, and wingrave spent a majority of the book acting cruel toward helia. due to that fact, the few spicy scenes sprinkled in between felt completely off and gave me the ick due to some of the terms the author used.
this book wasn’t even that long, but i felt like it dragged on for ages. the overall level of substance and romance was lacking entirely for me.
thank you to netgalley, montlake, and christi caldwell for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
i don’t really think this book was for me. i was excited initially because i was getting massive beauty and the beast vibes from the beginning of the book, but the more i read, the more my interest waned. the mmc was extremely unlikeable and borderline abusive. there was zero chemistry between the two main characters, and wingrave spent a majority of the book acting cruel toward helia. due to that fact, the few spicy scenes sprinkled in between felt completely off and gave me the ick due to some of the terms the author used.
this book wasn’t even that long, but i felt like it dragged on for ages. the overall level of substance and romance was lacking entirely for me.
thank you to netgalley, montlake, and christi caldwell for this arc in exchange for my honest review.
January 1, 2025
Another great historical romance by Christi Caldwell! I adored this fantastic grumpy/ sunshine romance. It was steamy and a little angsty, and I couldn't get enough of it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
November 14, 2024
3.5 “Do ye ken?!” Scottish Lass Stars
So, yeah, the FMC was a Scot and the author was sure to heavily write her brogue into all the dialogue. 🗣️
She was also a virgin
and an orphan, 🪦👧
but even after fully reading the story I couldn’t tell you if both her parents died together or if they died years apart, let alone the manner in which they passed away. I can confidently say that at the beginning of the story they were both gone and she was fleeing the evil clutches of her cousin who had inherited her father’s estate and was dead set on her marrying him (even if he had to SA her and use her “ruination” to force her hand into accepting his proposal). He really just wanted her dowry, as the condition in which the estate was left in did not really offer any financial benefits. This is what brings her literally to the MMC’s doorstep since she was looking for aid from her godmother which just so happens to be the MMC’s mother. He doubts the validity of her story, but because of a raging snowstorm building in strength outside, he is reluctantly persuaded to let her stay the night. This is how the story of Helia and Wingrave is born.
This book had moments of brilliancy,
but
it also had moments where it lagged and essentially went nowhere. 🤷♀️
Very little actually happened. And the more and more I read, the more that I’m painfully aware of how much I desperately need for things to HAPPEN for me to thoroughly enjoy a story. There has to be movement. It can’t stay stagnant in one room, in one situation, for pages on end. And it would seem that the author did occasionally get a little caught up in the nuances of events that didn’t particularly make a difference to the story. This caused it to drag.
But like I said, when the author hit her stride you could definitely tell and you could certainly appreciate the potency of how well she could write and convey emotion. If it had not been for the outrageous amount of lulls between these scenes happening, this would have probably been a 5 star read. The only other thing I found a little fault in was how quickly/abruptly the MMC changed towards the end of the story. I mean, you could obviously tell that was the direction he was going in, but instead of adding little by little to a gradually building change in the character, it felt more like the author carefully took two blocks off the top of the Jenga tower, then in one swift motion swiped the rest of them right off the table and was like, “Tid-dah!” It just felt awkward and unnatural, which then made a lot of his “heartfelt” declarations seem a little cringy.
It wasn’t awful by no means, though, and I feel like this author could potentially craft a truly beautifully stirring story if they took the time to develop it. However, what we were given with this one was just mid. If you like regency romance (that’s admittedly a little more unconventional) then you should give this one a try and see what you think! ❤️
So, yeah, the FMC was a Scot and the author was sure to heavily write her brogue into all the dialogue. 🗣️
She was also a virgin
and an orphan, 🪦👧
but even after fully reading the story I couldn’t tell you if both her parents died together or if they died years apart, let alone the manner in which they passed away. I can confidently say that at the beginning of the story they were both gone and she was fleeing the evil clutches of her cousin who had inherited her father’s estate and was dead set on her marrying him (even if he had to SA her and use her “ruination” to force her hand into accepting his proposal). He really just wanted her dowry, as the condition in which the estate was left in did not really offer any financial benefits. This is what brings her literally to the MMC’s doorstep since she was looking for aid from her godmother which just so happens to be the MMC’s mother. He doubts the validity of her story, but because of a raging snowstorm building in strength outside, he is reluctantly persuaded to let her stay the night. This is how the story of Helia and Wingrave is born.
This book had moments of brilliancy,
but
it also had moments where it lagged and essentially went nowhere. 🤷♀️
Very little actually happened. And the more and more I read, the more that I’m painfully aware of how much I desperately need for things to HAPPEN for me to thoroughly enjoy a story. There has to be movement. It can’t stay stagnant in one room, in one situation, for pages on end. And it would seem that the author did occasionally get a little caught up in the nuances of events that didn’t particularly make a difference to the story. This caused it to drag.
But like I said, when the author hit her stride you could definitely tell and you could certainly appreciate the potency of how well she could write and convey emotion. If it had not been for the outrageous amount of lulls between these scenes happening, this would have probably been a 5 star read. The only other thing I found a little fault in was how quickly/abruptly the MMC changed towards the end of the story. I mean, you could obviously tell that was the direction he was going in, but instead of adding little by little to a gradually building change in the character, it felt more like the author carefully took two blocks off the top of the Jenga tower, then in one swift motion swiped the rest of them right off the table and was like, “Tid-dah!” It just felt awkward and unnatural, which then made a lot of his “heartfelt” declarations seem a little cringy.
It wasn’t awful by no means, though, and I feel like this author could potentially craft a truly beautifully stirring story if they took the time to develop it. However, what we were given with this one was just mid. If you like regency romance (that’s admittedly a little more unconventional) then you should give this one a try and see what you think! ❤️
November 10, 2024
"We are going to be fine."
Emotion blazed from within his eyes; an understanding passed between them.
They knew one another's thoughts. They knew one another's souls.
it was fine. I think I wasn't in the right mood to read this, thought about rating it two stars but towards the end I enjoyed it more.
I only care about possessive men when they're completely dedicated to their wives, I love fictional men who live and breath for their wives that's the only men who are permitted to be clingy and borderline pathetic.
it was quite fast paced, I even felt they fell in love too quickly but idk it was weird because there was also quite a lot of development and.. such good details?? like I didn't expect a prose like that I was captivated.
anyway, was good, and I feel like trading more of this author so.
Emotion blazed from within his eyes; an understanding passed between them.
They knew one another's thoughts. They knew one another's souls.
it was fine. I think I wasn't in the right mood to read this, thought about rating it two stars but towards the end I enjoyed it more.
I only care about possessive men when they're completely dedicated to their wives, I love fictional men who live and breath for their wives that's the only men who are permitted to be clingy and borderline pathetic.
it was quite fast paced, I even felt they fell in love too quickly but idk it was weird because there was also quite a lot of development and.. such good details?? like I didn't expect a prose like that I was captivated.
anyway, was good, and I feel like trading more of this author so.
February 9, 2025
2.5/5
I wasn’t too invested in the characters and felt like there was a very quick switch-up in the relationship of the characters. I feel like nothing really happened in this book and it could’ve benefited from extra scenes and more plot development as well.
I wasn’t too invested in the characters and felt like there was a very quick switch-up in the relationship of the characters. I feel like nothing really happened in this book and it could’ve benefited from extra scenes and more plot development as well.
June 23, 2024
*ARC received from Netgalley - all opinions are my own*
TLDR: For a straight up Romance book, the spice was pretty weak and the emotional side of things was very hit or miss. It’s a quick and easy read if that’s what you’re looking for and this book is nearby but I wouldn’t recommend it personally.
This wasn’t an overly enjoyable read for me at all. Our female lead is what I expected from, all innocence with a bit of spark to her, not super likeable or notable, but what you would expect. Our male lead Wingrave however, is supposed to be the “morally grey, tough nut to crack” but he’s actually just a horrible person to Helia and I didn’t feel like there was a whole lot of chemistry between them.
The only time I found Wingrave to be likeable and for there to be any sign that he likes Helia is when he is taking care of her but afterwards just goes straight back to insulting her and supposedly not caring.
Considering most, if not all, who will want to read Wolf of Mayfair is for the romance, I just don't think there’s much romance here to satisfy you.
Also note the big sex scene uses the terms “Muff”, “Honey pot”, “sodden”, “sweet puss weeps”, and “cunny” which for me really ruined the mood that was trying to be set so be warned, it might get cringy for you like it did for me.
TLDR: For a straight up Romance book, the spice was pretty weak and the emotional side of things was very hit or miss. It’s a quick and easy read if that’s what you’re looking for and this book is nearby but I wouldn’t recommend it personally.
This wasn’t an overly enjoyable read for me at all. Our female lead is what I expected from, all innocence with a bit of spark to her, not super likeable or notable, but what you would expect. Our male lead Wingrave however, is supposed to be the “morally grey, tough nut to crack” but he’s actually just a horrible person to Helia and I didn’t feel like there was a whole lot of chemistry between them.
The only time I found Wingrave to be likeable and for there to be any sign that he likes Helia is when he is taking care of her but afterwards just goes straight back to insulting her and supposedly not caring.
Considering most, if not all, who will want to read Wolf of Mayfair is for the romance, I just don't think there’s much romance here to satisfy you.
Also note the big sex scene uses the terms “Muff”, “Honey pot”, “sodden”, “sweet puss weeps”, and “cunny” which for me really ruined the mood that was trying to be set so be warned, it might get cringy for you like it did for me.
October 28, 2024
A very erotic romance of a marquess bitter over the life he's had to live. Master of himself and those around him, he takes what he wants with no conscience, until a young woman with a Scottish brogue shows up at the door. Alone in the house, he reminds her that staying with him will ruin her reputation. With no where else to go and a snow storm, she has no choice but to stay. It's safer than going back to Scotland. What they discover is passion and a lasting connection. Caldwell never disappoints in writing a gripping romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.
July 9, 2024
Christi Caldwell has always been a hit or miss author for me, and this one was definitely a miss. The hero’s villainy was completely over the top. The book felt very disjointed, and the tone was off. For example, the heroine is in peril and experiencing trauma, yet she’s having sex with the hero on the very next page. It’s not believable, and it’s not enjoyable as a reader, either. I really like the book that this book follows (the one about the hero’s ex), but this one was a real disappointment.
October 24, 2024
Will you believe me if I tell you that I didn't even see that The Wolf of Mayfair is historical romance? I looked at the cover and the title and I grabbed the ARC. This is my first book by the author and my oh my, what an introduction! This book is sinful and emotional and beautifully romantic. Usually I have a hard time reading historical romance because of the language but this book was really different. I read it so fast and I couldn't put it down. A womanizing tortured Marques, a feisty Scot heroine and their amazing love story...
❤️ Enemies to lovers
❤️ forced proximity
❤️ grumpy - sunshine
❤️ opposites attract
After death of her parents, Helia Wallace ran to London to seek help from her mother's friend, the Duchess of Talbot. But she faces Lord Wingrave instead. An arrogant, rude, cynical, gorgeous, sexy and jaded man who has a reputation for his womanizing rakish days. He doesn't want her here but has to relent because of a massive snow storm. The temporary shelter turns into something else as Helia finds the many contradictory faces of the lord and Wingrave finds himself to be fascinated with the fierce beauty nothing like any lady he has met.
First, this book is spicy. Extremely so. Wingrave has such a dirty mouth and filthy ways. He comes across pretty abrasive and cruel at the beginning. Then you slowly get to see the reasons those turned him into an apparently heartless monster. He has suffered through so much grief and trauma and pain that he doesn't want to get hurt again. And the only way is to keep everyone away. But Helia is different. She isn't scared of his behavior. She has a soft heart that hurts for his pain. But she also has a sassy part that refuses to let the lord humiliate her or push her away. Wingrave fought hard against his obsession with Helia. The push and pull was so enticing and sexy. But ultimately he lost the battle and let Helia in. She didn't stop showing her unconditional love for him till it healed him and he could accept his love too. Their humor and banter was equally entertaining as their scorching hot chemistry.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
❤️ Enemies to lovers
❤️ forced proximity
❤️ grumpy - sunshine
❤️ opposites attract
After death of her parents, Helia Wallace ran to London to seek help from her mother's friend, the Duchess of Talbot. But she faces Lord Wingrave instead. An arrogant, rude, cynical, gorgeous, sexy and jaded man who has a reputation for his womanizing rakish days. He doesn't want her here but has to relent because of a massive snow storm. The temporary shelter turns into something else as Helia finds the many contradictory faces of the lord and Wingrave finds himself to be fascinated with the fierce beauty nothing like any lady he has met.
First, this book is spicy. Extremely so. Wingrave has such a dirty mouth and filthy ways. He comes across pretty abrasive and cruel at the beginning. Then you slowly get to see the reasons those turned him into an apparently heartless monster. He has suffered through so much grief and trauma and pain that he doesn't want to get hurt again. And the only way is to keep everyone away. But Helia is different. She isn't scared of his behavior. She has a soft heart that hurts for his pain. But she also has a sassy part that refuses to let the lord humiliate her or push her away. Wingrave fought hard against his obsession with Helia. The push and pull was so enticing and sexy. But ultimately he lost the battle and let Helia in. She didn't stop showing her unconditional love for him till it healed him and he could accept his love too. Their humor and banter was equally entertaining as their scorching hot chemistry.
I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
August 10, 2025
It's difficult for me to root for a very rich person who's mean to his servants, no matter how much he suffered in childhood. Very likely every single one of his servants had it the same or worse - with childhood mortality and domestic violence what it was back then - with the added issue of being poor and having to work for a living. I get a teenager being that self-centered and wrapped in his own pain but a grown man? Geesh!
For a book with over 250 pages, there was little detail. The heroine abandons her home in Scotland in the dead of winter to run away from her cousin, who just inherited her father's title and want her to marry by force. You mean to tell me her father -who was supposedly very loving, didn't arrange for somebody he trusted to care for his daughter upon his death? You mean to tell me that if the daughter hadn't known she was supposedly the secret goddaughter of a Duchess, she wouldn't have had any where to go?
Helia arrives to the Duke's household looking for the Duchess but alas, only her son the Marquess, is in residence. After a long protracted conversation where he scares the butler and almost throws her out in the middle of a blizzard, he condescends to give her shelter against the storm. You see, Helia is a bit mouthy and some part of him likes him - nobody has ever treated him like a human being!
There's a lot of back and forth where he's perfectly nasty, insisting over and over he doesn't care about anything but wouldn't say no, if she were to give him some. Then Helia gets sick, offers to befriend him and melts his cold heart. How he got so attached to her seemed too fast, after all, she spent most of the time in the house, delirious with a fever.
The love scenes happened in the third act of the book and where steamy enough. That man liked to be on his knees!!
The best part of the book was the narration. Both narrators had great Scottish accents and the male voice narrator's voice for the hero was *chef's kiss*. I'm definitely listening more books by Will Thorne.
For a book with over 250 pages, there was little detail. The heroine abandons her home in Scotland in the dead of winter to run away from her cousin, who just inherited her father's title and want her to marry by force. You mean to tell me her father -who was supposedly very loving, didn't arrange for somebody he trusted to care for his daughter upon his death? You mean to tell me that if the daughter hadn't known she was supposedly the secret goddaughter of a Duchess, she wouldn't have had any where to go?
Helia arrives to the Duke's household looking for the Duchess but alas, only her son the Marquess, is in residence. After a long protracted conversation where he scares the butler and almost throws her out in the middle of a blizzard, he condescends to give her shelter against the storm. You see, Helia is a bit mouthy and some part of him likes him - nobody has ever treated him like a human being!
There's a lot of back and forth where he's perfectly nasty, insisting over and over he doesn't care about anything but wouldn't say no, if she were to give him some. Then Helia gets sick, offers to befriend him and melts his cold heart. How he got so attached to her seemed too fast, after all, she spent most of the time in the house, delirious with a fever.
The love scenes happened in the third act of the book and where steamy enough. That man liked to be on his knees!!
The best part of the book was the narration. Both narrators had great Scottish accents and the male voice narrator's voice for the hero was *chef's kiss*. I'm definitely listening more books by Will Thorne.
September 17, 2024
In an attempt to escape the vile fortune-hunting cousin who just inherited her father’s title, Miss Helia Wallace seeks the aid of her mother’s old friend, the Duchess of Talbert. When she shows up at Lady Talbert’s London home during a snow storm, she is instead greeted by the Marquess of Wingrave, a renowned rake and as*hole.
Anthony became the heir to the dukedom after a tragic accident that claimed his brother’s life and left him with partial hearing loss. On top of both physical and verbal abuse from his father, the loss of his brother, and a disability, he was the recent victim of a runaway bride. Needless to say, he is a massive curmudgeon.
When a bedraggled Scottish woman shows up at his front door claiming to be his mother’s god daughter, Anthony wants nothing more than to toss her into the storm and nope out of this situation. But Helia’s fiery spirit and lack of fear intrigue him enough to allow her to stay.
This was my first novel by Christi Caldwell and a SUPER quick read clocking in at less than 300 pages. However, I think particular story could have used a few more chapters to flesh out a more satisfying redemption arc for our friend Tony. He was the definition of an alpha hero, and while I personally prefer my alphas to be super babygirl on the inside, this one was just a real crumb up until the minute he was not. It would have been great to see him become a bit more undone. I adored Helia, though! Her character was a dynamic spitfire who also possessed really lovely softness. She understood exactly why Anthony was a crab and her empathy allowed her to consider this when he behaved badly, but she also wasn’t afraid to tell him he was being a jerk right to his face.
Overall a solid read, and I’ll definitely be checking out some more of Caldwell’s books.
3.5/5 ⭐️s rounded up to 4
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this eARC via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.
Anthony became the heir to the dukedom after a tragic accident that claimed his brother’s life and left him with partial hearing loss. On top of both physical and verbal abuse from his father, the loss of his brother, and a disability, he was the recent victim of a runaway bride. Needless to say, he is a massive curmudgeon.
When a bedraggled Scottish woman shows up at his front door claiming to be his mother’s god daughter, Anthony wants nothing more than to toss her into the storm and nope out of this situation. But Helia’s fiery spirit and lack of fear intrigue him enough to allow her to stay.
This was my first novel by Christi Caldwell and a SUPER quick read clocking in at less than 300 pages. However, I think particular story could have used a few more chapters to flesh out a more satisfying redemption arc for our friend Tony. He was the definition of an alpha hero, and while I personally prefer my alphas to be super babygirl on the inside, this one was just a real crumb up until the minute he was not. It would have been great to see him become a bit more undone. I adored Helia, though! Her character was a dynamic spitfire who also possessed really lovely softness. She understood exactly why Anthony was a crab and her empathy allowed her to consider this when he behaved badly, but she also wasn’t afraid to tell him he was being a jerk right to his face.
Overall a solid read, and I’ll definitely be checking out some more of Caldwell’s books.
3.5/5 ⭐️s rounded up to 4
Thank you to the publisher for a copy of this eARC via NetGalley! All opinions are my own.
October 23, 2024
This is my 90th book by Christi Caldwell. I read 2 of her books in 2013 but didn’t pick her up again faithfully until 2015. She is such a good author and I love her writing. She always has great stories and depending on the book, well written sex scenes. Except I have to say lately, her new Seven Deadly Sins books have been super freakin' hot.
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. Since it pretty much took place in the house and no where else, I think that made it a bit, dare I say, boring. Also I didn't feel Helia and Anthony as a couple. I didn't get their vibe. It almost felt like, at least at first, like she was just a convenience. I also didn't feel there was much depth in either the story or the characters. I've read 90 of her books so obviously I like her and her newest series Seven Deadly Sins is SUPER hot so not sure what's up with this one. Sex was hot but I just wasn't feeling this one.
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. Since it pretty much took place in the house and no where else, I think that made it a bit, dare I say, boring. Also I didn't feel Helia and Anthony as a couple. I didn't get their vibe. It almost felt like, at least at first, like she was just a convenience. I also didn't feel there was much depth in either the story or the characters. I've read 90 of her books so obviously I like her and her newest series Seven Deadly Sins is SUPER hot so not sure what's up with this one. Sex was hot but I just wasn't feeling this one.
November 2, 2024
ehmmmm it wasn’t the easiest book to get into at first. personally, i didn’t like lord wingrave when he was first introduced. he felt sleazy and unbecoming and the ego wasn’t a selling point. however, getting to know him as anthony was another story. he took helia in when he knew she had nowhere to go. ultimately, helia will discover the true anthony and fall in love with him. meanwhile, anthony was intrigued by this young lady who appeared in the middle of the night seeking shelter and mentioning that her mother told her to seek refuge from the duchess, anthony’s mother. overall, i thought it was okay. anthony grew on me after i knew his story and when he softened up with helia's presence.
October 20, 2024
I don't think I've read anything else by Christi Caldwell, but I enjoyed the strong characterization in this book. Both our hero and heroine had well flushed out backstrories that motivated their actions and moved the plot forward. The pacing was a bit slow but overall very well done.
November 26, 2024
Beautiful Love Story!
What a beautiful and powerful love story! Anthony is known as the wolf of Mayfair because he is a cold and brooding man soon to inherit his father’s Dukedom.
Helia is a beautiful Scottish orphan on the run to escape her cruel cousin who inherited her father’s Earldom.
When she dares to show up at his estate claiming to be his mother’s godchild he doesn’t believe her.
She is sweet but feisty and does not let his cold and cruel demeanor upset her. But, he is attracted to her but would never confess it to her. As the story progresses they learn alot about each other and she falls in love with him first.
I loved this book so much and the male narrator performance was excellent! I loved his voice and played his part well! I look forward to reading more books by this talented author!
What a beautiful and powerful love story! Anthony is known as the wolf of Mayfair because he is a cold and brooding man soon to inherit his father’s Dukedom.
Helia is a beautiful Scottish orphan on the run to escape her cruel cousin who inherited her father’s Earldom.
When she dares to show up at his estate claiming to be his mother’s godchild he doesn’t believe her.
She is sweet but feisty and does not let his cold and cruel demeanor upset her. But, he is attracted to her but would never confess it to her. As the story progresses they learn alot about each other and she falls in love with him first.
I loved this book so much and the male narrator performance was excellent! I loved his voice and played his part well! I look forward to reading more books by this talented author!
November 2, 2024
back on my christi caldwell bullshit after having withdrawals from not reading one of her books since august
December 9, 2024
It was two disjointed stories. Helios was one dimensional, Arthur was one dimensional in another way. We learned little of his thought processes which moved him from preditor to loving person.
October 22, 2024
Thank you #NetGalley for the advanced copy of #TheWolfofMayfair by Christi Caldwell in exchange for an honest review.
I have read a number of Caldwell's books and have enjoyed them so I expected to like this one but I had no idea the direction that Ms. Caldwell would take with this book. I expected the hero to be gone for the heroine and I got that but I didn't expect him to be feral and sooooo possessive of her. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED IT! I am used to seeing it in older historical romances but the more recently published ones tend to have heroes who are gone for the heroine and maybe slightly possessive but not this much. It was a really great change. The chemistry between Anthony and Helia was so thick and tense and the burn was incredibly slow which all made for a book that I didn't want to put down. So, if you like a possessive alpha hero, check this book out, you won't be disappointed.
I have read a number of Caldwell's books and have enjoyed them so I expected to like this one but I had no idea the direction that Ms. Caldwell would take with this book. I expected the hero to be gone for the heroine and I got that but I didn't expect him to be feral and sooooo possessive of her. Don't get me wrong, I LOVED IT! I am used to seeing it in older historical romances but the more recently published ones tend to have heroes who are gone for the heroine and maybe slightly possessive but not this much. It was a really great change. The chemistry between Anthony and Helia was so thick and tense and the burn was incredibly slow which all made for a book that I didn't want to put down. So, if you like a possessive alpha hero, check this book out, you won't be disappointed.
October 20, 2024
I'm giving this book 4 stars. While it was a great read I expected more of a Beauty and the Beast mixed heavily with spice as I extracted from the blurb. Instead, it was just a little more intense but not as high on the spice scale as I would want.
ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
ARC was provided via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 19, 2024
Dnf. H is just too unlikeable.
February 13, 2025
4 stars. Highly recommend if you like a grumpy-sunshine vibe and a MMC with a filthy mouth. I would've loved an epilogue....
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