Ianthe Wynn is weary of life as a courtesan and longs for quiet green pastures to raise horses. Her biggest problem is her distinct lack of cash and a chilling new patron. There's also the matter of the youth lounging in her parlour with his feet on the furniture and the promises in his gaze that she can never accept.
Quinn Muir might be the only wolf unable to shift, but he knows his mate when he spies her. He just needs to break through the wall she has constructed around her heart. Winning a bet and moving into her house for a week should do it, one kiss at a time.
But demons lurk in the shadows and they are reaching for Ianthe. Quinn must rescue her before her heart and life are lost forever...
Tilly writes whimsical historical fantasy books, set in a bygone time where magic is real. With a quirky and loveable cast, her books combine vintage magic and gentle humour. Through fierce friendships her characters discover that in an uncertain world, the most loyal family is the one you create.
I said it for the first book and I'll say it again. I love these wolves. There is so much friendship and banter between them all that it is a delight to read about them. And yet again the heroine is an intelligent woman who thinks through all of her actions before she does anything (although one of her decisions was sadly a case of need, rather than choice).
Once again, the story immediately drew me in, and the love story running alongside felt natural. Despite the events of the book occurring over 10 days or so, it didn't feel forced or rushed, everything moves along at a good pace so it keeps you engaged from start to finish.
I also enjoyed the villain of this one. In the first book, multiple villains are established (I assume in preparation for later books) but in this one, the bad guy is very clear, and he is a truly horrid creature. It raised the stakes for the characters because Ianthe was directly threatened, whereas it was (mostly) vague threats towards Aster in book.1.
I liked meeting Alice, who is due to appear in the 4th book. She is sweet and lovely and I look forward to seeing her story play out. I also appreciated the small glimpse of Isabel as she is the next lady to meet.
An excellent second instalment of this series, I look forward to reading the next.
Please note: the first book had a "fade to black" for the sex scenes. That does not happen in this one, although they are not particularly explicit.
DNF About 1/3 of the way through I started skimming, then DNF about half to 2/3 the way through the book. I listened to this on Audible (amazing narrator!!) This series obviously was popular with many other readers, however, even though I loved the Manners & Monster series, the Highland Wolves series just didn't hit the mark for me. I like the characters introduced in Book 1, but here, in Quinn and Ianthe's story the plot was... Can I say, a bit incipid? Shallow? A bit more world building, a bit more fleshing-out with certain characters would have gone a long way. The sexual attraction was primary, plot secondary. Points to the author for creating Ianthe, a character who is not the typical Regency story heroine. (You are also introduced to the next two ladies who join The Wolves in book 3 and 4.) I will explore other books by Tilly Wallace, but will not revisit the Highland Wolves.
Ah! Quinn's story was equally enjoyable as Hamish's was! Another lovely fun romp through the Regency era, starring werewolves and their mates. I can't think of a single thing that really bothered me in this book, compared to the scenes I mentioned in my review of Secrets to Reveal. Ianthe was charming and lovely, and Quinn was just...a huge puppy dog of a leading man. Loved this. Can't wait to read the next!
Fun and insightful. An adventure and mystery that flows throughout the story, without over powering the characters, but enhancing their journey. Can't wait to read the next book, and will be eager for the release of the one after. Best enjoyed in order, with an underlying story, but each has it's own tale to share.
Still liking this Regency/Urban fantasy series! Delightful Bet!
Fur flies in book two when the young "unable to turn" member of the highland Wolves wins a bet with a beautiful courtesan for a kiss a day through the end of the month. Seductive courting aside, the Wolves are seeking a soul eater and spy in this delightful follow up!
Very cute addition to the Highland Wolves series. Of the three I’ve read this is my favourite so far. The villain felt more real and sinister than in the other ones (book 1 and 3), and I appreciate that the female love interest is an “experienced” courtier/mistress yet isn’t shamed for her life choices.
In part two of this unique Napoleon’s-wars-and-romance-with-unnaturals series, you get an insight in the life of a courtesan. Her wall of indifference protects her from her bleak prospects. So young she is in the autumn of her life. I sympathize for her fear of feeling. She is afraid of her feelings breaking lose and the wave of sadness overwhelming her. After s draught of feelings of a lifetime.
And there you have Quinn, with enough feelings for the both of them. Truly a puppy out to steal your heart. Andddd to unravel the plot of some traitors to the English crown. With the help of brilliant Aster from book 1, the other Wolves, and some new characters who will make you smile - and will try to tame your hair, simultaneously.
I had a blast reading this. Somehow it had it all: romance, treason, betrayal, horses, gowns, nobels and a loyal wolf pack. And a touch of smut.
N.B. Please be aware that if you suffered from sexual assault, there might be some scenes that could be triggering.
This is a paranormal Regency romance where 'unnaturals' walk among humans. Some unnaturals, like the Highland Wolves, are enlisted in the war against Napoleon; this is an ongoing storyline that began in book 1. This story follows Quinn, the youngest Highland Wolf, who is seeking information on Viscount Holt from a demi-monde connection, Ianthe Wynn. Ianthe has lost her patron and is dreading the thought of accepting Viscount Holt as her next patron, as he is known as The Reaper, but she needs his patronage and finances to keep her home and build her dream. Quinn knows Ianthe is his life mate and he suspects there is more to Viscount than meets the eye. But how does a poor Highland Wolf convince the demi-monde to leave the life she's known when he only has a few kisses to steal? For my clean-read friends there is some sensuality, a few sexual scenes, (Ianthe is demi-monde), and some mild violence. Definitely a different take on Regency romance!
Frankly I enjoyed this much more than the previous one. I think the female lead was much more interesting and the dynamic between the main characters was sweeter and more fun. I liked the playful earnestness of Quinn and the practical confidence of Ianthe. I definitely am more interested in the next book as Alick is my kind of dude and I've been curious about him since book one. I wish there was more world building around the creatures in the world, like are Soul Eaters born? Are they all evil? What a horrible existence if they're not. I like the episodic nature of this series but honestly could use more of the world development.
Another good book from Tilly Wallace in The Highland Wolves series, this one involving a courtesan whose protector just died and a young lycanthrope who is unable to shift as of yet. The ongoing storyline regarding the French spies and unknown but impending treasonous plots continues to move forward, this time involving a soul eater who is in pursuit of our heroine. This series is much more open door than other series of Wallace’s that I’ve read (not a complaint at all, just something to note.)
Marian Hussey is great again at narration. I’ve already begun number 3 in the series.
I didn't quite enjoy this book as much as the first one, but it was still good. I really enjoy the mix of supernaturals with Victorian England. And I love how the author creates these unconventional heroine's. I definitely recommend this romance.
I just want to know more backstory but it seems the author has decided to focus almost entirely on romance. I will read the rest of them but it’s disappointing this series has taken such a different turn
This book was phenomenal. I’m so happy Quinn and Ianthe came together so beautifully and the poetic justice to Septimus was genius. I cannot wait to see what happens for Alice and Ewan in the next book!
I stopped reading the audiobook at 70% because I went to follow / newsletter sign-up and discovered this author's IG is covered in AI slop. I don't trust or respect any creative who uses gen-AI, even when it's "just" marketing images, because where is the line? YMMV.
A great stand alone, but an even better part of the bigger arc. Quinn is one of the best characters I have seen in the last year!!! (Loving the Wolves!)
A very entertaining paranormal historical romance read, Ianthe and Quinn had great on page chemistry and I look forward to reading the next instalment.
I would have possibly given this a higher rating if Ianthe weren’t so annoying. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens with the other members of the Highland Wolves.