What do you think?
Rate this book
Wolfhaven: A Gothic Historical Romance
This Love Leaves ScarsEveryone in England believes that Lord Gareth Lucan, the Duke of Wolfhaven, is responsible for the untimely death of his father’s ward and - disgracefully - his intended bride. The scandal was so shocking that even the servants fled his decaying castle on the moors. Now he’s returned to his childhood home to dismantle his tainted family legacy once and for all - only to discover an unexpected tenant living on his property.
Miss Evaine Ballard doesn’t care about rumors. All she wants is a roof over her sick grandmother’s head, even if it means renting a cottage on cursed land. She doesn’t expect to ever meet the infamous duke—until one fateful day when she accidentally knocks a stranger from his horse. The moment their eyes meet, Evaine feels something awaken—something she’s never dared to feel before.
Drawn to his mystery, she seeks him out in secret. But passion burns quickly in the shadows of Wolfhaven, and when Evaine discovers the truth of who he is and what he’s done, it’s already far too late.
Because she’s fallen for the wicked duke everyone fears…
And now, she must wonder—has she given her heart to a murderer?
Wolfhaven is a lush gothic historical romance for lovers of dark fairy tales. Preorder now.
Miss Evaine Ballard doesn’t care about rumors. All she wants is a roof over her sick grandmother’s head, even if it means renting a cottage on cursed land. She doesn’t expect to ever meet the infamous duke—until one fateful day when she accidentally knocks a stranger from his horse. The moment their eyes meet, Evaine feels something awaken—something she’s never dared to feel before.
Drawn to his mystery, she seeks him out in secret. But passion burns quickly in the shadows of Wolfhaven, and when Evaine discovers the truth of who he is and what he’s done, it’s already far too late.
Because she’s fallen for the wicked duke everyone fears…
And now, she must wonder—has she given her heart to a murderer?
Wolfhaven is a lush gothic historical romance for lovers of dark fairy tales. Preorder now.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
October 13, 2026
Everyone in England believes that Lord Gareth Lucan, the Duke of Wolfhaven, is responsible for the untimely death of his father’s ward and - disgracefully - his intended bride. The scandal was so shocking that even the servants fled his decaying castle on the moors. Now he’s returned to his childhood home to dismantle his tainted family legacy once and for all - only to discover an unexpected tenant living on his property. Miss Evaine Ballard doesn’t care about rumours. All she wants is a roof over her sick grandmother’s head, even if it means renting a cottage on cursed land. Drawn to his mystery, she seeks him out in secret.
The first book in a new series & slightly different from the author’s usual books. I really liked the book but didn’t love it. I liked both Gareth & Evaine & enjoyed their journey to a HEA but whilst there was chemistry it didn’t sizzle. Maybe it was because of their backstories, which were horrid. I felt they weren’t fully committed to each other especially Evaine. That said I enjoyed it & will certainly read more in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The first book in a new series & slightly different from the author’s usual books. I really liked the book but didn’t love it. I liked both Gareth & Evaine & enjoyed their journey to a HEA but whilst there was chemistry it didn’t sizzle. Maybe it was because of their backstories, which were horrid. I felt they weren’t fully committed to each other especially Evaine. That said I enjoyed it & will certainly read more in the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
October 20, 2026
Wolfhaven is not for the faint of heart. I mean, the duke even hates the place so there’s that. Evaine and her grandmother don’t care about that, they need a place to stay. Well, they don’t have the funds to be picky, so here is where the fun begins. Cue meet-cute by chestnut attack! This story is well-paced and I adore the characters. Our tortured MMC remained faithful to his character type and it allowed me to appreciate any growth he made throughout the story. This book with its gothic atmosphere, ghosts a-haunting, and a little slow-burn for added flavor, was an excellent use of my afternoon.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 22, 2026
Carrie Lomax ventures into new territory with Wolfhaven, the first in her Gothic Historical romance series, and she does it with an eerie elegance that is just as engaging as her usual work. While romance remains at the heart of the tale, the shadowy corridors and ghostly whispers of Wolfhaven Castle create a chilling, suspenseful backdrop that had me hooked from the first page.
The story follows Lord Gareth Lucan, the Duke of Wolfhaven, haunted by the tragic fire that claimed the life of his father’s ward—his intended bride—and left him physically and emotionally scarred. Returning to his decaying ancestral home with the intent to dismantle it and the legacy that torments him, Gareth instead finds Miss Evaine Ballard and her grandmother quietly living in a cottage on his land. Their fateful meeting sparks a passion that smolders as dark secrets and supernatural happenings stir in the shadows.
Lomax crafts an atmosphere thick with tension and mystery—ghostly touches, missing objects, and the lingering sense that the spirits of the past are not yet at rest. I loved the unpredictable dance between Gareth and Evaine, from their first charged encounter to the moments where Gareth’s cold, beastly exterior gives way to a heart he long believed was unworthy of love. Evaine’s determination to uncover the truth about the brooding duke had me rooting for their love even through doubt, heartbreak, and spine-tingling suspense.
From eerie corridors to unexpected twists, Wolfhaven offers an experience that is haunting, romantic, and wonderfully atmospheric. Carrie Lomax may have stepped outside her usual genre, but she has delivered a gothic romance that is both chilling and deeply captivating. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next haunting tale in this series.
I received a free advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story follows Lord Gareth Lucan, the Duke of Wolfhaven, haunted by the tragic fire that claimed the life of his father’s ward—his intended bride—and left him physically and emotionally scarred. Returning to his decaying ancestral home with the intent to dismantle it and the legacy that torments him, Gareth instead finds Miss Evaine Ballard and her grandmother quietly living in a cottage on his land. Their fateful meeting sparks a passion that smolders as dark secrets and supernatural happenings stir in the shadows.
Lomax crafts an atmosphere thick with tension and mystery—ghostly touches, missing objects, and the lingering sense that the spirits of the past are not yet at rest. I loved the unpredictable dance between Gareth and Evaine, from their first charged encounter to the moments where Gareth’s cold, beastly exterior gives way to a heart he long believed was unworthy of love. Evaine’s determination to uncover the truth about the brooding duke had me rooting for their love even through doubt, heartbreak, and spine-tingling suspense.
From eerie corridors to unexpected twists, Wolfhaven offers an experience that is haunting, romantic, and wonderfully atmospheric. Carrie Lomax may have stepped outside her usual genre, but she has delivered a gothic romance that is both chilling and deeply captivating. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I’m eagerly awaiting the next haunting tale in this series.
I received a free advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I very much enjoy Carrie Lomax's books... Great stories, characters, and writing. I've read many and this was the first of her books that didn't love. I did like the gothic style of the narrative, as well as some aspects of the characters. After much thought to determine why I didn't love the book, I think there wasn't enough of a HEA to make up for all the awful things that had happened to everyone. The MMC grew up with a nightmarish father, his mother was unjustly institutionalized for decades, and he fell victim to a tragic, scarring accident. The FMC was driven from school and impoverished, and her grandmother was poorly treated by family, ill, and impoverished. The long-dead girl in the story was repeatedly sexually abused as a child and died in a terrible fire. Then they were all victimized by the estate caretakers. Really horrific stuff all around! Especially for the tragic, abused girl in the backstory - I found her situation heartbreaking and very unsettling. I really needed significant redemption to make up for all the calamitous occurrences and the backstory, and for me, that didn't come through. Perhaps if the FMC was fully committed to the MMC, rather than him having to woo her over time after the truth came to light at the end of the narrative. In spite of not loving this first book in the series, I will still seek out the next books when they are published. Thank you for great stories, Ms. Lomax.
(I am grateful for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review).
(I am grateful for the ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2026
What an excellent historical romance in true Gothic style!
It moved between freezing the blood with tension and boiling it with passion.
The main characters (Evaine & Gareth) are strong, complex individuals and delivering the story from their two viewpoints really works. Both can deliver dry humour as well as cutting criticism (and both struggle with desire for the other).
I also like Hazel (Evaine's grandmother). She is great in her own attitude and really knows how to sort out both Evaine & Gareth in theirs!
The atmosphere of the setting really comes across, mostly through the excellent descriptive passages but also with clever use of "the diary".
Loved the attic sequence: absolutely in the best Gothic tradition (especially the little red wagon!).
Can't say much more without risking spoilers but I really recommend this to anyone who enjoys their historical romance set with a dark, dusty, tragedy-struck house.
(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)
It moved between freezing the blood with tension and boiling it with passion.
The main characters (Evaine & Gareth) are strong, complex individuals and delivering the story from their two viewpoints really works. Both can deliver dry humour as well as cutting criticism (and both struggle with desire for the other).
I also like Hazel (Evaine's grandmother). She is great in her own attitude and really knows how to sort out both Evaine & Gareth in theirs!
The atmosphere of the setting really comes across, mostly through the excellent descriptive passages but also with clever use of "the diary".
Loved the attic sequence: absolutely in the best Gothic tradition (especially the little red wagon!).
Can't say much more without risking spoilers but I really recommend this to anyone who enjoys their historical romance set with a dark, dusty, tragedy-struck house.
(I was fortunate to receive an ARC however the above is, as ever, my own opinion.)
October 20, 2026
Rumours and gossip surround Gareth Lucan, Duke of Wolfhaven. Elaine Ballard is in dire straits and has rented a cottage on the estate. Their initial interactions are prickly but over time they come to realise there is an underlying attraction. A series of inexplicable events unsettle the pair who seek to find the reason where there appears to be none. How all is resolved is engaging reading and makes for a satisfying story in this genre. I highly recommend this book.
October 13, 2026
A spooky but exciting story unlike the author’s usual writing. You can feel the duke’s anger and smile at Evaine’s flirtation but also spend time guessing as to who is doing all the creepy, scary stuff! Very engaging as you try to solve a mystery but also determine if there really are ghosts. Couldn’t put it down once I got going.
October 19, 2026
I loved the spooky ghost feeling of this book! The characters are very interesting. The pace moves nicely. The ghosts are scary enough with a strong feel of finding justice. The story is well written. This was a very enjoyable book!
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews