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Wantons of Waverton #2
The Importance of Being Wanton
USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell turns polite London society on its head in a delightful romance of unguarded hearts, second chances, and a scandalous rivalry between the sexes.
Emma Gately and the Earl of Scarsdale were betrothed as children―less a vow of future happiness than an obligation. Seventeen years later, the independent miss severs the contract with the now notorious libertine in an unprecedented act of independence. And Emma cofounds the Mismatch Society, where like-minded ladies are free of the constraints and inevitable broken hearts that men bring. But Emma’s rejection sparks in her intended a new consideration of the spirited woman he took for granted―and a determination to win her back.
Despite his wicked reputation, misguided and suddenly lovestruck, Charles Hayden is on a mission to gain Emma’s respect, and he has just the idea―one that the daringly unconventional Emma is sure to appreciate. But as Charles takes bold steps and sets tongues wagging, he makes himself an accidental opponent of his former betrothed. Soon, a rivalry is born that has the whole ton abuzz.
Emma never anticipated that with every fiery test of wills, passion would surge. Passion that’s impossible to ignore. In going toe-to-toe with Charles, she risks her heart and pride by falling in love with the one man she vowed to scorn.
Emma Gately and the Earl of Scarsdale were betrothed as children―less a vow of future happiness than an obligation. Seventeen years later, the independent miss severs the contract with the now notorious libertine in an unprecedented act of independence. And Emma cofounds the Mismatch Society, where like-minded ladies are free of the constraints and inevitable broken hearts that men bring. But Emma’s rejection sparks in her intended a new consideration of the spirited woman he took for granted―and a determination to win her back.
Despite his wicked reputation, misguided and suddenly lovestruck, Charles Hayden is on a mission to gain Emma’s respect, and he has just the idea―one that the daringly unconventional Emma is sure to appreciate. But as Charles takes bold steps and sets tongues wagging, he makes himself an accidental opponent of his former betrothed. Soon, a rivalry is born that has the whole ton abuzz.
Emma never anticipated that with every fiery test of wills, passion would surge. Passion that’s impossible to ignore. In going toe-to-toe with Charles, she risks her heart and pride by falling in love with the one man she vowed to scorn.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2021
291 people are currently reading
1652 people want to read
About the author
Christi Caldwell
137 books2,561 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 142 reviews
June 4, 2021
Betrothed by their scheming parents as children, the protagonists have done their respective best to avoid sealing the matrimonial commitment. Charles, the Earl of Scarsdale, has built a reputation of being an irresponsible, hedonistic rake while the serious and cerebral Emma is his opposite, having cofounded an exclusive society for women to engage in, well, feministic pursuits, I guess. After 17 years of resenting the forced engagement to the daughter of his parents' good friends, Charles is shocked when Emma is the one showing enough fortitude to sever their unwanted betrothal. Shocked and very intrigued indeed. He goes from giving little thought to the child or woman she has become to being constantly preoccupied by his ex-fiancee. And therein lies the problem. One of many problems.
The transition to a man obsessed was so sudden and out of the blue and so was his determination to better himself in order to earn her respect. The start was slow and confusing at times with obscure conversations about people and events not very well elucidated. This is not helped by the occasionally strange, long winded sentences that still made little sense upon several re-readings. Some of the writing just did not feel like Caldwell's usual prose and I have read A LOT of her books. It lacks polish at times, definitely lacks her clever bantering and humour. The whole premise of Charles creating a competing social club to her Mismatch Society for women was weak and illogical as a way to impress her. Why not just court her and show his genuine interest, which he never bothered to before? And what the hell was the purpose of her society? They achieved nothing apart from developing a reputation of exclusivity and defiance. Charles made for a weak hero what with his somewhat dim and hitherto unstimulated mind. Emma on the other hand was unlikeable with her air of self-importance and her misguided notion that she was making a difference. Furthermore, at 70% we had two sexual encounters and still no first kiss between them which didn't come until nearing the end. Call me old-fashioned but...
This was an ARC from Netgalley.
The transition to a man obsessed was so sudden and out of the blue and so was his determination to better himself in order to earn her respect. The start was slow and confusing at times with obscure conversations about people and events not very well elucidated. This is not helped by the occasionally strange, long winded sentences that still made little sense upon several re-readings. Some of the writing just did not feel like Caldwell's usual prose and I have read A LOT of her books. It lacks polish at times, definitely lacks her clever bantering and humour. The whole premise of Charles creating a competing social club to her Mismatch Society for women was weak and illogical as a way to impress her. Why not just court her and show his genuine interest, which he never bothered to before? And what the hell was the purpose of her society? They achieved nothing apart from developing a reputation of exclusivity and defiance. Charles made for a weak hero what with his somewhat dim and hitherto unstimulated mind. Emma on the other hand was unlikeable with her air of self-importance and her misguided notion that she was making a difference. Furthermore, at 70% we had two sexual encounters and still no first kiss between them which didn't come until nearing the end. Call me old-fashioned but...
This was an ARC from Netgalley.
June 28, 2021
This review was originally posted on Books of My Heart
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
The Importance of being Wanton is the second book in the Wantons of Waverton series and like most books in a historical romance series can be read without reading other books in the series. It follows two people who were betrothed to each other when they were children. There is a bit of an age gap so Charles, who was not happy to be promised as a teen, was considered an adult long before Emma and in that time he was a bit of a Rogue.
Emma is part of a society of people who all have to common thread of being set to marry someone they don't want to marry. It has given her the confidence to break off the engagement she has been saddled with since she was but six, to a man that seems to know absolutely nothing about her and has avoided her his entire life. You know that old adage, you don't know what you've got until it is gone? Well Charles is forced to see her as the woman she has become in that moment and then sets off trying to figure out how to get her to marry him. What better way than to make his own club to rival her little society?
It took me a little bit of time to really get into this story. I think I took issue with Charles being a bit promiscuous in his rebellious youth, even though he was technically engaged. Emma was someone I grew to like but initially she didn't grab me. Plus there is all of the time that they are competing against each other that felt like it dragged a bit. But once Charles and Emma started sneaking time together, I totally started to enjoy the story a lot and Emma really grew on me. The end was worth some of the build up as two extremely stubborn people figure out how to be together and that their parents might have been right all those years ago when they set up the betrothal in the first place.
Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
3.5 hearts
The Importance of being Wanton is the second book in the Wantons of Waverton series and like most books in a historical romance series can be read without reading other books in the series. It follows two people who were betrothed to each other when they were children. There is a bit of an age gap so Charles, who was not happy to be promised as a teen, was considered an adult long before Emma and in that time he was a bit of a Rogue.
Emma is part of a society of people who all have to common thread of being set to marry someone they don't want to marry. It has given her the confidence to break off the engagement she has been saddled with since she was but six, to a man that seems to know absolutely nothing about her and has avoided her his entire life. You know that old adage, you don't know what you've got until it is gone? Well Charles is forced to see her as the woman she has become in that moment and then sets off trying to figure out how to get her to marry him. What better way than to make his own club to rival her little society?
It took me a little bit of time to really get into this story. I think I took issue with Charles being a bit promiscuous in his rebellious youth, even though he was technically engaged. Emma was someone I grew to like but initially she didn't grab me. Plus there is all of the time that they are competing against each other that felt like it dragged a bit. But once Charles and Emma started sneaking time together, I totally started to enjoy the story a lot and Emma really grew on me. The end was worth some of the build up as two extremely stubborn people figure out how to be together and that their parents might have been right all those years ago when they set up the betrothal in the first place.
October 2, 2021
2 Stars, Accompanied by Growling
Right. So, I will keep this short. Christi Caldwell is by no means a favourite HR writer for me, but I will freely admit to very much enjoying a few of her books, and being pleased that she was moving away from her dark-underbelly-of-London/urchin-turned-lord theme of late. I was pleasantly surprised by the first installment of this series (Someone Wanton His Way Comes) and looked forward to Emma and Charles' story here.
It was the sort of premise I, personally, consider to be Bursting with Potential: an up-tight heroine, a bit of weasel hero. Ambivalently entered childhood engagement gets cancelled and turns into a passionate love story. Illegitimate child etc. etc. Like come on! That sounds great.
I mean, I feel like heroes with weak spines are, obviously, not done often—but I find them a great character study. Rakes and traumatized heroes are overdone—weasels… are not, but no less good for a proper character arc. When done right, I think they are my favourite kind of hero (Desperately Seeking a Scoundrel--yes, I know, the gall of it [PS. I'm re-reading that series and am going to review that book finally]... Between the Devil and Ian Eversea It Happened One Midnight, Married By Morning, Devil's Daughter, Her Prodigal Passion... the list goes on).
At the start of the series, we see Charles getting drunk, whining about his engagement being ended, being beautiful but lacking any other sort of character… So, I was like, “Yes, give me this bluestocking meets pretty weasel Christi, give it to me.” You can imagine my disappointment when Caldwell throws that out the window from about the 15% mark, made Emma a weak Secret-Piner, and just abandoned everything that was going to make this good. In other words, Charles isn’t that Whinging Beau of the Ton—he just puts on a front. He hasn’t been an immoral man about town, begetting a son out of wedlock—.... Blah blah blah. No, Charles is perfect. He just can't show it to anyone like he should! Blah. BLAH. BLAHHHH. Don't even get me started on the immense disservice that was done to Emma.
Add in the fact that we don’t even get to the see the MCs interact very often (I think I counted like 6 conversations in the entire book), in favour of pages of dialogue between the mosaic of secondary and tertiary characters. Then add in the completely nonsensical progression of sexual intimacy (see updates)? Yeah, I was not pleased.
There are moments to enjoy here and there, but its patchy at its best moments, lazy in its execution, and just… dull. I won’t be returning to this series or Caldwell for the foreseeable future. Ah well! Onto the next one.
Right. So, I will keep this short. Christi Caldwell is by no means a favourite HR writer for me, but I will freely admit to very much enjoying a few of her books, and being pleased that she was moving away from her dark-underbelly-of-London/urchin-turned-lord theme of late. I was pleasantly surprised by the first installment of this series (Someone Wanton His Way Comes) and looked forward to Emma and Charles' story here.
It was the sort of premise I, personally, consider to be Bursting with Potential: an up-tight heroine, a bit of weasel hero. Ambivalently entered childhood engagement gets cancelled and turns into a passionate love story. Illegitimate child etc. etc. Like come on! That sounds great.
I mean, I feel like heroes with weak spines are, obviously, not done often—but I find them a great character study. Rakes and traumatized heroes are overdone—weasels… are not, but no less good for a proper character arc. When done right, I think they are my favourite kind of hero (Desperately Seeking a Scoundrel--yes, I know, the gall of it [PS. I'm re-reading that series and am going to review that book finally]... Between the Devil and Ian Eversea It Happened One Midnight, Married By Morning, Devil's Daughter, Her Prodigal Passion... the list goes on).
At the start of the series, we see Charles getting drunk, whining about his engagement being ended, being beautiful but lacking any other sort of character… So, I was like, “Yes, give me this bluestocking meets pretty weasel Christi, give it to me.” You can imagine my disappointment when Caldwell throws that out the window from about the 15% mark, made Emma a weak Secret-Piner, and just abandoned everything that was going to make this good. In other words, Charles isn’t that Whinging Beau of the Ton—he just puts on a front. He hasn’t been an immoral man about town, begetting a son out of wedlock—.... Blah blah blah. No, Charles is perfect. He just can't show it to anyone like he should! Blah. BLAH. BLAHHHH. Don't even get me started on the immense disservice that was done to Emma.
Add in the fact that we don’t even get to the see the MCs interact very often (I think I counted like 6 conversations in the entire book), in favour of pages of dialogue between the mosaic of secondary and tertiary characters. Then add in the completely nonsensical progression of sexual intimacy (see updates)? Yeah, I was not pleased.
There are moments to enjoy here and there, but its patchy at its best moments, lazy in its execution, and just… dull. I won’t be returning to this series or Caldwell for the foreseeable future. Ah well! Onto the next one.
May 12, 2021
This book was really confusing. A lot was going on initially, and I couldn't keep up with all the minor characters. I also feel like when Caldwell writes, she leaves out words and ideas, so the book at times felt unfinished. For instance, two characters will sort of dance around each other but never get directly to the point, and it leaves you wondering what just happened.
Once she finally got to the meat of the relationship between Charles and Emma, it felt like a much more substantial story. Too much time was spent on the conflicting clubs with no real resolution or purpose.
I don't love this series. It's weird, not well explained, and I hate how Emma's issues and Society's purpose become "trite." Also, it took like 30% to establish that Charles was actually chasing Emma. There were so many confusing early interactions where it felt like something was happening but not conveyed on the page. ."
Once she finally got to the meat of the relationship between Charles and Emma, it felt like a much more substantial story. Too much time was spent on the conflicting clubs with no real resolution or purpose.
I don't love this series. It's weird, not well explained, and I hate how Emma's issues and Society's purpose become "trite." Also, it took like 30% to establish that Charles was actually chasing Emma. There were so many confusing early interactions where it felt like something was happening but not conveyed on the page. ."
December 15, 2021
Lost opportunity
This was an unexpected painful read. I expected better from Ms Caldwell but am giving 2 stars for the few good aspects of the plot. None of which have to do with the main plot of two rival “clubs/societies”. The majority of the book was like reading a tween rival story about who had the best after school club…. Very Disappointing!
This was an unexpected painful read. I expected better from Ms Caldwell but am giving 2 stars for the few good aspects of the plot. None of which have to do with the main plot of two rival “clubs/societies”. The majority of the book was like reading a tween rival story about who had the best after school club…. Very Disappointing!
June 24, 2021
Emma Gately and Charles Hayden, the Earl of Scarsdale have been betrothed since childhood. However, a month shy of their wedding, Emma calls the whole thing off. Cofounder of the Mismatch Society, Emma is not afraid to fight for her happiness, even if ending the engagement disappoints her family. What she never expects is to disappoint her ambivalent fiancee, but that is exactly what happens.
Charles is stunned when Emma rejects him and breaks their engagement, especially when he realizes that he loves the woman he has been bound to since childhood. Suddenly, his resentment of the forced marriage turns into a fierce determination to convince Emma that they are meant to be together. Is it too late for Emma and Charles, or can Charles convince Emma that their love is worth fighting for?
Something I really like about this series is that the women stand up for their rights. They don’t buckle to the expectations of society or the men in their lives. Instead, they fight for equality and the freedom to make their own choices. They even create a society for like-minded women. Emma is the perfect example of this.
Unhappy with her upcoming nuptials, for which she had no choice, and fed up with being humiliated by Charles, Emma takes matters into her own hands. She seeks out solicitors to assist her in ending the engagement, and she breaks the news to Charles. I love that Emma seeks her own happiness and doesn’t just conform to her parents’ expectations. Even when Charles tries to woo her back, Emma is strong in her convictions.
The heart of their problem between Emma and Charles is that, as much as they think they do, they don’t truly know each other. She doesn’t realize how different and liberal thinking he is compared to the other men of the ton. She also believes all the rumors about Charles without taking the time to find out if they are all true. She thought she knew everything there was to know about him, but she really only knew the man he presented to society, not the real person he is underneath. She willingly believed the rumors, and she is shocked to learn he isn’t as dastardly a rake as she initially thought.
Charles, in turn, resists their union and never takes the time to really get to know Emma. He took their eventual union for granted without thinking about her wants and feelings, and he is surprised when she is nothing like he imagined. Emma is much more confident and in command of herself. She is capable and intelligent and unwilling to bow to the dictates of men or society. The more Charles gets to know her, the more he respects her and admires her passionate and fiery spirit.
Both characters seem to resist the relationship for different reasons, but it’s plain to see how much they care for and desire each other. He doesn’t like to be pushed into anything, even when it’s for his own good, and she is sick of being ignored. I think both characters went through internal obstacles and a bit of personal growth and had to come to terms with their feelings and hopes for the future before they could ever be together.
They’re both so proud, stubborn, and resentful, and it takes them time to see how well they complement each other. Though Emma holds out hope for a long time, it isn’t until Charles loses her that he realizes how much he really cares. He spends so much time ignoring and resisting the engagement that it seems as if all hope is lost. However, Charles is not to be deterred.
The chemistry between Charles and Emma is fantastic, and I love the whole “will they or won’t they” vibe throughout the story. He is a devoted child and sibling who puts his own life and reputation on the line for those he loves even if it means more difficulties and complications for himself. Because of this, Charles has to work hard to win Emma’s love, and he is a bumbling mess while he tries. I love that this confident, rakish man is so flustered when with Emma. She moves him more than he ever expected. Charles also finds inspiration from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, which is one of the most swoon-worthy moments in the book. I mean, who can resist a man that’s inspired by Jane Austen?
This is a wonderful addition to the Wantons of Waverton series and will appeal to readers who like enemies-to-lovers or second-chance romance. The characters are interesting and well-developed, and the love story is filled with angst, miscommunications, resistance, and passion. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and learn more about the other women from the Mismatch Society. Also, since Charles is friends with Viscount St. John, the hero in the first book, I have a feeling one of their mutual friends might be the love interest in the next book, which will be fabulous! Thanks so much to NetGalley, Montlake, and Christi Caldwell for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
Charles is stunned when Emma rejects him and breaks their engagement, especially when he realizes that he loves the woman he has been bound to since childhood. Suddenly, his resentment of the forced marriage turns into a fierce determination to convince Emma that they are meant to be together. Is it too late for Emma and Charles, or can Charles convince Emma that their love is worth fighting for?
Something I really like about this series is that the women stand up for their rights. They don’t buckle to the expectations of society or the men in their lives. Instead, they fight for equality and the freedom to make their own choices. They even create a society for like-minded women. Emma is the perfect example of this.
Unhappy with her upcoming nuptials, for which she had no choice, and fed up with being humiliated by Charles, Emma takes matters into her own hands. She seeks out solicitors to assist her in ending the engagement, and she breaks the news to Charles. I love that Emma seeks her own happiness and doesn’t just conform to her parents’ expectations. Even when Charles tries to woo her back, Emma is strong in her convictions.
The heart of their problem between Emma and Charles is that, as much as they think they do, they don’t truly know each other. She doesn’t realize how different and liberal thinking he is compared to the other men of the ton. She also believes all the rumors about Charles without taking the time to find out if they are all true. She thought she knew everything there was to know about him, but she really only knew the man he presented to society, not the real person he is underneath. She willingly believed the rumors, and she is shocked to learn he isn’t as dastardly a rake as she initially thought.
Charles, in turn, resists their union and never takes the time to really get to know Emma. He took their eventual union for granted without thinking about her wants and feelings, and he is surprised when she is nothing like he imagined. Emma is much more confident and in command of herself. She is capable and intelligent and unwilling to bow to the dictates of men or society. The more Charles gets to know her, the more he respects her and admires her passionate and fiery spirit.
Both characters seem to resist the relationship for different reasons, but it’s plain to see how much they care for and desire each other. He doesn’t like to be pushed into anything, even when it’s for his own good, and she is sick of being ignored. I think both characters went through internal obstacles and a bit of personal growth and had to come to terms with their feelings and hopes for the future before they could ever be together.
They’re both so proud, stubborn, and resentful, and it takes them time to see how well they complement each other. Though Emma holds out hope for a long time, it isn’t until Charles loses her that he realizes how much he really cares. He spends so much time ignoring and resisting the engagement that it seems as if all hope is lost. However, Charles is not to be deterred.
The chemistry between Charles and Emma is fantastic, and I love the whole “will they or won’t they” vibe throughout the story. He is a devoted child and sibling who puts his own life and reputation on the line for those he loves even if it means more difficulties and complications for himself. Because of this, Charles has to work hard to win Emma’s love, and he is a bumbling mess while he tries. I love that this confident, rakish man is so flustered when with Emma. She moves him more than he ever expected. Charles also finds inspiration from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, which is one of the most swoon-worthy moments in the book. I mean, who can resist a man that’s inspired by Jane Austen?
This is a wonderful addition to the Wantons of Waverton series and will appeal to readers who like enemies-to-lovers or second-chance romance. The characters are interesting and well-developed, and the love story is filled with angst, miscommunications, resistance, and passion. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and learn more about the other women from the Mismatch Society. Also, since Charles is friends with Viscount St. John, the hero in the first book, I have a feeling one of their mutual friends might be the love interest in the next book, which will be fabulous! Thanks so much to NetGalley, Montlake, and Christi Caldwell for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
August 13, 2021
Incredibly engrossing tale of Emma Gately and Charles Hayden, the Earl of Scarsdale, who were betrothed as children, but are now opponents. Understandably, these two grew to resent their parents meddling, but have found they have more in common than imagined. Loved these characters, and found their relationship/struggles very realistic and compelling. This will be a reread for me whenever I'm looking for a pick-me-up.
June 30, 2021
Emma Gately and Charles Hayden, the Earl of Scarsdale were betrothed as children. Seventeen years later, the independent miss severs the contract with the now notorious libertine in an unprecedented act of independence. And Emma co-founds the Mismatch Society, where like-minded ladies are free of the constraints and inevitable broken hearts that men bring. But Emma’s rejection sparks in her intended a new consideration of the spirited woman he took for granted and a determination to win her back. Despite his wicked reputation, misguided and suddenly lovestruck, Charles is on a mission to gain Emma’s respect, but as Charles takes bold steps and sets tongues wagging, he makes himself an accidental opponent of his former betrothed. Soon a rivalry is born that has the whole ton abuzz.
The second in the series & easily read on its own, a well written page turner, which I thoroughly enjoyed. This isn’t my favourite series by the author but it’s still very good. The characters are well portrayed & have plenty of depth. I really liked both Emma & Charles. I admired her for breaking the betrothal & him for realising who he wanted & persevering to win her even though he went about it in all the wrongs way & several times I wanted to hit him. I was drawn into their journey to a HEA
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The second in the series & easily read on its own, a well written page turner, which I thoroughly enjoyed. This isn’t my favourite series by the author but it’s still very good. The characters are well portrayed & have plenty of depth. I really liked both Emma & Charles. I admired her for breaking the betrothal & him for realising who he wanted & persevering to win her even though he went about it in all the wrongs way & several times I wanted to hit him. I was drawn into their journey to a HEA
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 25, 2021
DNF 30%. This book has so much promise. I really liked the idea of a couple betrothed since childhood breaking things off and the male mc realizing he had made a mistake in ignoring the female mc all along. But the dialogue is both boring and difficult to understand, and the concept of this society that the characters belong to isn’t well defined or even seeming that important. I just am not pleased with the writing.
I voluntarily read and reviewed and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 13, 2022
ever since reading book one, i wanted the story on emma and charles. betrothed since they were children, charles resented the match. he didn't want to be tied down to a girl who he doesn't know and be married merely because of their parents's wishes. seventeen years later, emma surprised everyone by severing the betrothal which caught charles's attention.
i don't think i can ever go wrong with a christi caldwell novel. emma and charles's story started with a lot of misunderstanding and lack of communication. though finally free of the betrothal, relief wasn't what charles was feeling. he realised he never cared to get to know emma while emma is extremely over being a mockery of polite society. with this came determination for charles to win back emma's affection but his method might be a little bit wrong. he started a club which generated a whole new rivalry between charles and emma.
it was entertaining watching emma and charles sort out their feelings, and gradually knowing each of them. charles isn't a scoundrel or a player as everyone thinks him to be. he's a sweet father to seamus, a loving brother, and a wonderful man in general. emma struggles to find her footing in the mismatch society when all she worried was the dwindling numbers. she loses confidence but always maintained her spirited and bubbly self.
books in the series:
1. someone wanton his way comes: ✰✰✰✰
2. the importance of being wanton: ✰✰✰✰
3. a wanton for all seasons: ✰✰✰✰
i don't think i can ever go wrong with a christi caldwell novel. emma and charles's story started with a lot of misunderstanding and lack of communication. though finally free of the betrothal, relief wasn't what charles was feeling. he realised he never cared to get to know emma while emma is extremely over being a mockery of polite society. with this came determination for charles to win back emma's affection but his method might be a little bit wrong. he started a club which generated a whole new rivalry between charles and emma.
it was entertaining watching emma and charles sort out their feelings, and gradually knowing each of them. charles isn't a scoundrel or a player as everyone thinks him to be. he's a sweet father to seamus, a loving brother, and a wonderful man in general. emma struggles to find her footing in the mismatch society when all she worried was the dwindling numbers. she loses confidence but always maintained her spirited and bubbly self.
books in the series:
1. someone wanton his way comes: ✰✰✰✰
2. the importance of being wanton: ✰✰✰✰
3. a wanton for all seasons: ✰✰✰✰
May 22, 2021
I just finished The Importance of Being Wanton, and I'm still not sure who was wanton or why it was important. Instead, I'm caught between being happy that Emma and Charles found their HEA after a long 17 years and being frustrated by how they got there.
Betrothed as children and not happy about it, the two spent the intervening years pretty much living separate lives. Charles spent the time being all roguish (though as the trope goes, he had good reason and wasn't really all *that* bad), while Emma became a would-be feminist and silently seethed. Shortly before their wedding, Emma breaks it off with Charles. Charles is equal parts stunned and disappointed. Newly infatuated with Emma, he decides to pursue her.
I'm not entirely sure why Charles thought starting a club to compete with her women's society would impress her. Everyone else saw it as the d*ck move that it was. And all it did for me was make the Mismatched Society seem foolish and misguided, exactly the opposite of what it should have been. I kept waiting for there to be a Grand Gesture on Charles' part where he stood up to the society's critics and pointed out the clear double standards, but that never happened.
As for Emma and Charles' relationship, there is a beauty in watching them slowly discover the good parts of each other's characters. However (and perhaps this is where the wanton part is important), rather than an equally slow unfurling of the physical side of their relationship (which I think Emma deserved), they go from squabbling to fondling in the blink of an eye, long before Emma ever gets a proper kiss.
Christi Caldwell is a very good writer. She builds in humor, which I love, and her writing style flows well, free from the awkward clunkiness found in other novels. That said, with her novels, I always feel as if a lot of the most important action happens off screen. A chapter will end with a cliffhanger, for example, but the subsequent chapter will begin with the issue already resolved. It's frustrating.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
Betrothed as children and not happy about it, the two spent the intervening years pretty much living separate lives. Charles spent the time being all roguish (though as the trope goes, he had good reason and wasn't really all *that* bad), while Emma became a would-be feminist and silently seethed. Shortly before their wedding, Emma breaks it off with Charles. Charles is equal parts stunned and disappointed. Newly infatuated with Emma, he decides to pursue her.
I'm not entirely sure why Charles thought starting a club to compete with her women's society would impress her. Everyone else saw it as the d*ck move that it was. And all it did for me was make the Mismatched Society seem foolish and misguided, exactly the opposite of what it should have been. I kept waiting for there to be a Grand Gesture on Charles' part where he stood up to the society's critics and pointed out the clear double standards, but that never happened.
As for Emma and Charles' relationship, there is a beauty in watching them slowly discover the good parts of each other's characters. However (and perhaps this is where the wanton part is important), rather than an equally slow unfurling of the physical side of their relationship (which I think Emma deserved), they go from squabbling to fondling in the blink of an eye, long before Emma ever gets a proper kiss.
Christi Caldwell is a very good writer. She builds in humor, which I love, and her writing style flows well, free from the awkward clunkiness found in other novels. That said, with her novels, I always feel as if a lot of the most important action happens off screen. A chapter will end with a cliffhanger, for example, but the subsequent chapter will begin with the issue already resolved. It's frustrating.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion. Thanks!
March 31, 2022
This was alright… a second chance romance but it didn’t sit right with me. I have no idea what Charles was thinking when he decided that opening another club that would rival Emma’s would win her heart.
I felt his way of trying to win her back was not good. Needed more flowers, more walks, more talking and the normal courting stuff.
Charles and Emma were alright characters. I didn’t particularly love them because I felt the author didn’t spend much time developing their characters and backstories. Would be nice if they had any traumas or deep back stories that would allow them to bond better together.
An okay read to pass the time but nothing special.
I felt his way of trying to win her back was not good. Needed more flowers, more walks, more talking and the normal courting stuff.
Charles and Emma were alright characters. I didn’t particularly love them because I felt the author didn’t spend much time developing their characters and backstories. Would be nice if they had any traumas or deep back stories that would allow them to bond better together.
An okay read to pass the time but nothing special.
July 11, 2021
Really good read.
Loved these characters!
Don't know if this will make any sense but I felt sometimes the "outside" noise was too much.
Charles and Emma were great..Charles's friends were great but other characters just seemed like Charlie Brown adults.
But I enjoyed the book.
Loved these characters!
Don't know if this will make any sense but I felt sometimes the "outside" noise was too much.
Charles and Emma were great..Charles's friends were great but other characters just seemed like Charlie Brown adults.
But I enjoyed the book.
June 7, 2021
The Importance is Being Wanton ⭐️⭐️
A delightful romance of unguarded hearts, second chances, and a scandalous rivalry between the sexes.
Emma Gately and the Earl of Scarsdale were betrothed as children—less a vow of future happiness than an obligation. Seventeen years later, the independent miss severs the contract with the now notorious libertine in an unprecedented act of independence. And Emma cofounds the Mismatch Society, where like-minded ladies are free of the constraints and inevitable broken hearts that men bring. But Emma’s rejection sparks in her intended a new consideration of the spirited woman he took for granted—and a determination to win her back.
Despite his wicked reputation, misguided and suddenly lovestruck, Charles Hayden is on a mission to gain Emma’s respect, and he has just the idea—one that the daringly unconventional Emma is sure to appreciate. But as Charles takes bold steps and sets tongues wagging, he makes himself an accidental opponent of his former betrothed. Soon a rivalry is born that has the whole ton abuzz.
Emma never anticipated that with every fiery test of wills, passion would surge. Passion that’s impossible to ignore. In going toe-to-toe with Charles, she risks her heart and pride by falling in love with the one man she vowed to scorn.
OK now for the hard truth, this book was pretty bad, it was a challenge to not give a DNF. Seriously there was nothing to like about Emma, she was a spoiled brat, whose own opinion was the only one that mattered. She doesn’t even become remotely likable until your about 70% finished and the story is wrapping up, you finally see your way out and just finish the book out of sheer determination.
This was book 2 in a series, but honestly, as one reviewer stated….book 2 was an improvement over book 1…. Oh good lord this was better?? One and done!
I received this ARC for free in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you NetGalley, Cristi Caldwell and it’s publisher, Montlake.
A delightful romance of unguarded hearts, second chances, and a scandalous rivalry between the sexes.
Emma Gately and the Earl of Scarsdale were betrothed as children—less a vow of future happiness than an obligation. Seventeen years later, the independent miss severs the contract with the now notorious libertine in an unprecedented act of independence. And Emma cofounds the Mismatch Society, where like-minded ladies are free of the constraints and inevitable broken hearts that men bring. But Emma’s rejection sparks in her intended a new consideration of the spirited woman he took for granted—and a determination to win her back.
Despite his wicked reputation, misguided and suddenly lovestruck, Charles Hayden is on a mission to gain Emma’s respect, and he has just the idea—one that the daringly unconventional Emma is sure to appreciate. But as Charles takes bold steps and sets tongues wagging, he makes himself an accidental opponent of his former betrothed. Soon a rivalry is born that has the whole ton abuzz.
Emma never anticipated that with every fiery test of wills, passion would surge. Passion that’s impossible to ignore. In going toe-to-toe with Charles, she risks her heart and pride by falling in love with the one man she vowed to scorn.
OK now for the hard truth, this book was pretty bad, it was a challenge to not give a DNF. Seriously there was nothing to like about Emma, she was a spoiled brat, whose own opinion was the only one that mattered. She doesn’t even become remotely likable until your about 70% finished and the story is wrapping up, you finally see your way out and just finish the book out of sheer determination.
This was book 2 in a series, but honestly, as one reviewer stated….book 2 was an improvement over book 1…. Oh good lord this was better?? One and done!
I received this ARC for free in exchange for my honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you NetGalley, Cristi Caldwell and it’s publisher, Montlake.
Read
December 1, 2021Rating: 3 stars
What I Liked: I quite liked this. It was exactly the kind of historical romance that I enjoy - it had good chemistry, a fun concept, and two likeable main characters. I found myself rooting for both Charles and Emma, despite their different end goals, and I thought their relationship worked really well, too. They had some sweet moments, and the sex scenes were really hot and well-written. I liked how honest their relationship came and how they both trusted and respected each other.
What I Didn’t: I wished we had seen more of Charles’ sister, Camille -
I wasn’t really keen on some of the final bits of drama.
Overall: I liked a lot about this book - it was quite fun and light and it had some well-written steamy moments. I just had a few gripes with some plot choices and the ending of the book.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes, if you want a fun arranged marriage historical romance with a bit of an enemies-to-lovers and some pining.
Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: Yes.
Content Notes:
What I Liked: I quite liked this. It was exactly the kind of historical romance that I enjoy - it had good chemistry, a fun concept, and two likeable main characters. I found myself rooting for both Charles and Emma, despite their different end goals, and I thought their relationship worked really well, too. They had some sweet moments, and the sex scenes were really hot and well-written. I liked how honest their relationship came and how they both trusted and respected each other.
What I Didn’t: I wished we had seen more of Charles’ sister, Camille -
I wasn’t really keen on some of the final bits of drama.
Overall: I liked a lot about this book - it was quite fun and light and it had some well-written steamy moments. I just had a few gripes with some plot choices and the ending of the book.
Would I Recommend It?: Yes, if you want a fun arranged marriage historical romance with a bit of an enemies-to-lovers and some pining.
Would I Read Something By The Author Again?: Yes.
Content Notes:
August 12, 2021
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
After being betrothed to Miss Emma Gately when they were both children, something neither of them wanted, everyone would expect that Charles Hayden, Earl of Scarsdale, would be overjoyed when Emma breaks off the engagement. But instead, seeing Emma in all her glory, ready to fight for what she wants, makes him reconsider everything he had thought about the woman, and see her in a new light. He'll do just about anything to win her back, but his past history and reputation are against him, as is his plans to create a salon similar to the Mismatch Society Emma is a part of. Emma was only 6 when she became engaged to Charles, and her entire life she was moulded to be his perfect bride. She couldn't wait to turn 18, go to London and be presented at court, and be closer to Charles. However, it soon became clear he wanted next to nothing to do with her, and the more she saw and heard about his escapades, the more heartbroken she became, until she ends up co-founding the Mismatch Society, to rebel against the societal norms expected of young ladies. She wants more than a marriage to someone who doesn't want to be with her, and she can't see how Charles, who has an illegitimate son, and two mistresses in a town house, could change. But, have they both misconstrued the actions of the other, and will they manage to prove they are right for each other?
These characters were fantastic! We first met both of them in Someone Wanton His Way Comes, and I for one couldn't wait to learn more about their betrothal, and hoping they would have a romance. Both families had been best friends for years, and once Emma was born, their parents decided she and the eldest Hayden - Charles - should one day marry, and join the families together. Initially, I wasn't as keen on Charles, seeing as how he only really started caring for Emma when she broke off their engagement, but when we learnt more about him - and the truth about his reputation, and son - we see him as a truly good person, doing whatever he can to help people, and that he is the one for Emma. Emma, though, I've loved since we met her in book 1. She was strong on the outside, but the years she's spent waiting for Charles, and the ridicule she's faced from society as Charles' exploits became known, have really hurt her. The rivalry between the couple, and them learning more about each other, was perfect, and I think that was the main issue with their relationship to begin with. They just didn't know each other, and if they had spent any real time together as teens, and then as adults, they would've been happier a lot earlier. Some parts of the book were a little stretched out, like the whole competing societies bit, but the moments between them, and especially with Seamus, really made the whole book.
After being betrothed to Miss Emma Gately when they were both children, something neither of them wanted, everyone would expect that Charles Hayden, Earl of Scarsdale, would be overjoyed when Emma breaks off the engagement. But instead, seeing Emma in all her glory, ready to fight for what she wants, makes him reconsider everything he had thought about the woman, and see her in a new light. He'll do just about anything to win her back, but his past history and reputation are against him, as is his plans to create a salon similar to the Mismatch Society Emma is a part of. Emma was only 6 when she became engaged to Charles, and her entire life she was moulded to be his perfect bride. She couldn't wait to turn 18, go to London and be presented at court, and be closer to Charles. However, it soon became clear he wanted next to nothing to do with her, and the more she saw and heard about his escapades, the more heartbroken she became, until she ends up co-founding the Mismatch Society, to rebel against the societal norms expected of young ladies. She wants more than a marriage to someone who doesn't want to be with her, and she can't see how Charles, who has an illegitimate son, and two mistresses in a town house, could change. But, have they both misconstrued the actions of the other, and will they manage to prove they are right for each other?
These characters were fantastic! We first met both of them in Someone Wanton His Way Comes, and I for one couldn't wait to learn more about their betrothal, and hoping they would have a romance. Both families had been best friends for years, and once Emma was born, their parents decided she and the eldest Hayden - Charles - should one day marry, and join the families together. Initially, I wasn't as keen on Charles, seeing as how he only really started caring for Emma when she broke off their engagement, but when we learnt more about him - and the truth about his reputation, and son - we see him as a truly good person, doing whatever he can to help people, and that he is the one for Emma. Emma, though, I've loved since we met her in book 1. She was strong on the outside, but the years she's spent waiting for Charles, and the ridicule she's faced from society as Charles' exploits became known, have really hurt her. The rivalry between the couple, and them learning more about each other, was perfect, and I think that was the main issue with their relationship to begin with. They just didn't know each other, and if they had spent any real time together as teens, and then as adults, they would've been happier a lot earlier. Some parts of the book were a little stretched out, like the whole competing societies bit, but the moments between them, and especially with Seamus, really made the whole book.
June 25, 2021
ARC received via Netgalley for an honest review
This was my first read by Christi Caldwell, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I loved the precociousness of Emma. I adored that Charles finally sees the light and doesn't give up.
I adored that Emma was a fierce woman who would not do what she is told she had to do, just because she was a woman. I loved that she pushed the boundaries.
It irked me that Charles did things to get her attention, even when he realised that that were affecting his woman.
I was glad that they got their act together, and stopped fighting the attraction.
I was left smiling as I read this book. I need to go back and read the first book, and will definitely read more as they come along.
a>
This was my first read by Christi Caldwell, and one that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I loved the precociousness of Emma. I adored that Charles finally sees the light and doesn't give up.
I adored that Emma was a fierce woman who would not do what she is told she had to do, just because she was a woman. I loved that she pushed the boundaries.
It irked me that Charles did things to get her attention, even when he realised that that were affecting his woman.
I was glad that they got their act together, and stopped fighting the attraction.
I was left smiling as I read this book. I need to go back and read the first book, and will definitely read more as they come along.
a>
June 21, 2021
I actually really enjoyed this book. There are a lot of characters and I do recommend reading the first one first to get to know them. It is absolutely worth it. I am loving the mismatch society!
Emma is a delight. Charles is precocious. I enjoyed both of them. I read the book in one day. Suffice it to say, it kept my interest. I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship. I did not love the Charles is starting his own club aspect. I kept waiting for them to merge the clubs or for Charles to back down in some kind of grand gesture, but nope. There is certainly room in the world for both. I also was left with questions about the articles in the paper about the club. I expected to find out that the villain in the story had been placing them the whole time. I suspect Christi will take this throughout the series. It's possible that we aren't meant to know yet. In any case, my curiosity is peaked.
This book is just full of surprise appearances and mentions of some old Caldworld faves. I won't give it away, but I definitely noticed and loved!
Christi Caldwell's writing is, as always, lovely. The humor is subtle, but excellent. My favorite character in this book was Seamus. I can't help but say, more of him, please! No one writes children like Christi does.
All in all, I did enjoy this book. I am delighted to have the paperback. I am positively thrilled to get Annalee's story next.
Emma is a delight. Charles is precocious. I enjoyed both of them. I read the book in one day. Suffice it to say, it kept my interest. I enjoyed the evolution of their relationship. I did not love the Charles is starting his own club aspect. I kept waiting for them to merge the clubs or for Charles to back down in some kind of grand gesture, but nope. There is certainly room in the world for both. I also was left with questions about the articles in the paper about the club. I expected to find out that the villain in the story had been placing them the whole time. I suspect Christi will take this throughout the series. It's possible that we aren't meant to know yet. In any case, my curiosity is peaked.
This book is just full of surprise appearances and mentions of some old Caldworld faves. I won't give it away, but I definitely noticed and loved!
Christi Caldwell's writing is, as always, lovely. The humor is subtle, but excellent. My favorite character in this book was Seamus. I can't help but say, more of him, please! No one writes children like Christi does.
All in all, I did enjoy this book. I am delighted to have the paperback. I am positively thrilled to get Annalee's story next.
May 28, 2021
"The Importance of Being Wanton" is the second book in the “Wantons of Waverton” series. This book is so much better than the first one in the series but had a few flaws that kept it from making this story amazing.
Charles, Earl of Scarsdale and Emma Gately were betrothed as children, and for the next seventeen years, he proceeds to forget that he even has a betrothed. Emma decides that enough is enough and breaks the engagement, shocking everyone, especially Charles. She starts the Mismatch Society for ladies to be independent but then Charles decides he will start a club of his own to convince her and everyone else that he too can be a responsible adult.
The story was captivating and I liked how Christi Caldwell brought about the redemption of Charles. Frankly, I hated him at the beginning and was hoping that she finds someone else but Charles truly redeemed himself. I liked reading his character development. I went from thinking he is an insensitive jerk to routing for him at the end. Charles and Emma together were really cute in the process of learning about one another.
Coming to the parts I disliked, the storytelling seemed very disjointed and dragged at some places. It felt like certain sections were merged haphazardly which disrupted the flow for me. So at times, I felt the couple had amazing chemistry and then to feeling like they are just good friends. The chemistry seemed to just go off and on depending on the scenario.
But the story was interesting and despite the flaws, I liked reading Charles and Emma's story.
I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Charles, Earl of Scarsdale and Emma Gately were betrothed as children, and for the next seventeen years, he proceeds to forget that he even has a betrothed. Emma decides that enough is enough and breaks the engagement, shocking everyone, especially Charles. She starts the Mismatch Society for ladies to be independent but then Charles decides he will start a club of his own to convince her and everyone else that he too can be a responsible adult.
The story was captivating and I liked how Christi Caldwell brought about the redemption of Charles. Frankly, I hated him at the beginning and was hoping that she finds someone else but Charles truly redeemed himself. I liked reading his character development. I went from thinking he is an insensitive jerk to routing for him at the end. Charles and Emma together were really cute in the process of learning about one another.
Coming to the parts I disliked, the storytelling seemed very disjointed and dragged at some places. It felt like certain sections were merged haphazardly which disrupted the flow for me. So at times, I felt the couple had amazing chemistry and then to feeling like they are just good friends. The chemistry seemed to just go off and on depending on the scenario.
But the story was interesting and despite the flaws, I liked reading Charles and Emma's story.
I received an ARC of this novel from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 14, 2021
I love Ms Caldwell's books usually, but I just cannot get into the ladies from the Mismatch Society. Whilst the writing is good within itself, I find there are so many side characters. that they are throwing me out of the story and I'm unable to concentrate on the central romance between Emma and Charles. There are many unfinished sentences which I found annoying, because a lot of them are broken up with internal narration. You have to read back to see who spoke last and what they said. Not a fan of that style. It is great for a TV drama or movie though.
There's lots of witty banter between friends and relatives and this story is intended to be a lighthearted, entertaining and fun read, but there was something missing for me. It felt very modern in flavour - especially with all the man hating going on. I think the editor could have done more to pull this book together into a tighter format. Mind you, I'm reading an uncorrected ARC, so some things might be different on publication day. I've read quite a few excellent historical romances in the last couple of weeks that are way better than this one, so I have to compare it to them when I rate this one. So, 2.5 stars for an okay read. You may love this book, it just wasn't a favourite for me.
My thanks go to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for giving me the opportunity to read the e-ARC in return for my opinion. I think that I will borrow this book in the future via kindle unlimited and listen to the audio. If so, I may well revise my opinion, as Christi has a fabulous narrator for her books. (Tim Campbell). I just listen to his voice and relax. Same for the previous book - I want to listen to that as well. 🙂
PS - Yes, I will be reading more from this author, I adore her Heart of a Duke series and have read a good chunk of her back list. 💗
There's lots of witty banter between friends and relatives and this story is intended to be a lighthearted, entertaining and fun read, but there was something missing for me. It felt very modern in flavour - especially with all the man hating going on. I think the editor could have done more to pull this book together into a tighter format. Mind you, I'm reading an uncorrected ARC, so some things might be different on publication day. I've read quite a few excellent historical romances in the last couple of weeks that are way better than this one, so I have to compare it to them when I rate this one. So, 2.5 stars for an okay read. You may love this book, it just wasn't a favourite for me.
My thanks go to NetGalley and Montlake Romance for giving me the opportunity to read the e-ARC in return for my opinion. I think that I will borrow this book in the future via kindle unlimited and listen to the audio. If so, I may well revise my opinion, as Christi has a fabulous narrator for her books. (Tim Campbell). I just listen to his voice and relax. Same for the previous book - I want to listen to that as well. 🙂
PS - Yes, I will be reading more from this author, I adore her Heart of a Duke series and have read a good chunk of her back list. 💗
July 2, 2021
Thanks #Netgalley for making this book available to me.
Emma Gately was betrothed to the Earl of Scarsdale when they were children and over the years she has seen him earn his reputation as a rake. He has a bastard son, and he has not paid her any respects at all. But when she calls him in and tells him she wants to break their betrothal he realizes that he feels more for her than he thought.
Emma runs a society for women who want to stand up to the patriarchy and she is more than Charles expected. But when he comes to know her after the broken engagement he realises that he has been a fool all the while. To be an ass he decides to start a club where both respectable men and reputable women can have conversations on politics and literature. Basically stealing Emma's society idea. His club gets more attention from the public and Emma is pissed.
When she confronts him, things end in ecstasy. I will not spoil this book any further but I really enjoyed it.
Emma Gately was betrothed to the Earl of Scarsdale when they were children and over the years she has seen him earn his reputation as a rake. He has a bastard son, and he has not paid her any respects at all. But when she calls him in and tells him she wants to break their betrothal he realizes that he feels more for her than he thought.
Emma runs a society for women who want to stand up to the patriarchy and she is more than Charles expected. But when he comes to know her after the broken engagement he realises that he has been a fool all the while. To be an ass he decides to start a club where both respectable men and reputable women can have conversations on politics and literature. Basically stealing Emma's society idea. His club gets more attention from the public and Emma is pissed.
When she confronts him, things end in ecstasy. I will not spoil this book any further but I really enjoyed it.
May 31, 2021
I had high expectations of this book, the idea that a woman would come forward before her parents and social contracts to say that she did not want to marry and also put before her that it was not only her responsibility to be good and perfect for her future husband and for being a perfect wedding, demanding that she wanted more and something better, it seemed like a brilliant idea
.
Therefore I loved Emma Gately, she is a very well armed character and that her fiancé was awakened by his character and opinions seemed to me to be good condiments for a good love story. But then all that strength is lost a little and many things happen at the same time
.
.
It was a good reading so thanks to Montlake and Netgalley for give me this beautiful book in exchange for my honest opinion
.
Therefore I loved Emma Gately, she is a very well armed character and that her fiancé was awakened by his character and opinions seemed to me to be good condiments for a good love story. But then all that strength is lost a little and many things happen at the same time
.
.
It was a good reading so thanks to Montlake and Netgalley for give me this beautiful book in exchange for my honest opinion
July 23, 2023
Charles, Lord Scarsdale, and Emma Gately were betrothed as children but Emma breaks it up when their wedding is approaching. Charles had been rather resentful about his engagement previously because he was given no choice, but after the breakup he realizes how intriguing Emma is and sets out to get to know her better. Emma is enthusiastic about a women's society she's participating in but London gossip makes a big deal out of Scarsdale's competing enterprise for mixed gender audience. Meanwhile, Emma runs around London alone and nobody really cares.
I liked the characters and Seamus was an interesting addition to the plot. I didn't care about the club rivalry Emma and Charles are involved in. Steam level: some sexual content. I read a Netgalley copy and this is a voluntary review.
I liked the characters and Seamus was an interesting addition to the plot. I didn't care about the club rivalry Emma and Charles are involved in. Steam level: some sexual content. I read a Netgalley copy and this is a voluntary review.
May 22, 2021
This is an awesome story with a laugh around every corner.
Emma and Charles were betrothed as children. It was not a love match but one of obligation.
Despite that Charles finds himself as an adult love struck by the very girl he took for granted years before.
The scenario is laughable and Emma makes for an interesting heroine.
Christi Caldwell has done it once again with a story that makes you want to laugh and cry.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Emma and Charles were betrothed as children. It was not a love match but one of obligation.
Despite that Charles finds himself as an adult love struck by the very girl he took for granted years before.
The scenario is laughable and Emma makes for an interesting heroine.
Christi Caldwell has done it once again with a story that makes you want to laugh and cry.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
July 15, 2021
Another great story highlighting the strong, courageous, a-little-bit-wild young heroine we have come to love and admire in so many of Christi Caldwell’s works. And then, there’s the totally likable hero, handsome, surrounded by layers of secrets, hiding from polite society the true honorable man under the facade he has projected. Beautiful love story with woven emotions of remembrance, regret, discovery, trust, passion, tenderness and love. Many memorable and touching moments in this wonderful book.
July 5, 2021
I really enjoyed the first book in this trilogy (series?), but this one fell flat for me. Emma and Charles have been engaged since they were children but neither one want each other. So when Emma joins the Mismatch Society she gets the courage to break off the engagement. Charles, of course, only sees the value of Emma after this. So he becomes determined to win her back.
I didn’t care for Emma or Charles has a couple. I never felt a spark between them and I thought too much emphasis was placed in both their “clubs”. I wanted more from them, more effort into Charles’s winning of Emma’s hand. Because of this, I thought overall the story was just meh.
I didn’t care for Emma or Charles has a couple. I never felt a spark between them and I thought too much emphasis was placed in both their “clubs”. I wanted more from them, more effort into Charles’s winning of Emma’s hand. Because of this, I thought overall the story was just meh.
July 4, 2024
Charles/Scarsdale- made a name for himself as a scoundrel and avoid his betrothed for 17 yrs
Emma- one of the founders of the Mismatch society, called off her engagement/betrothal of 17 yes and a month before the wedding.
An interesting story, not my favorite of the authors. Did skim the middle, good ending with a loving hea.
KU
Emma- one of the founders of the Mismatch society, called off her engagement/betrothal of 17 yes and a month before the wedding.
An interesting story, not my favorite of the authors. Did skim the middle, good ending with a loving hea.
KU
July 28, 2021
Liked it, not loved it. 3.5☆
June 12, 2021
Let me start this review by first proclaiming that I have thoroughly enjoyed the series thus far; I love the characters including the strong female MCs and the rogues who fall in love, the sexual tension is perfect, the hot as hell bedroom scenes will leave you panting, and the romance is swoon-worthy! So, if you are on the fence about reading this series I encourage you to give it a try, you won’t be disappointed!!
This is the second book in Author Christi Caldwell’s series The Wantons of Waverton and these stories are set in 1829 London specifically Mayfair.
As previously discussed, Mayfair, during this timeframe was a new district in London that was being flocked to by all the fashionable upper class society. The Ton or le bon ton, which directly translates to "good form" or "etiquette." In this case, "good etiquette" means "good breeding," aka the upper crust of high society has made Mayfair their own by this timeframe. There is nothing this group likes more than the latest gossip, there were even gossip sheets printed daily to help spread the word, and this story gives The Ton plenty of fodder! Well, there is gossip galore in this story, and it features none other than our main characters!
In book one, Someone Wanton His Way Comes, we meet the MCs for this story, Miss Emma Gately and the Earl of Scarsdale, Charles Hayden. Although we get their story now I do think this book is best enjoyed AFTER reading book one. There are a lot of characters and sub-plots to keep up with, and while I had no difficulty doing so, I do think it may be confusing if you do not read the series in order and completely.
The Mismatch Society also known as the Wantons of Waverton plays an important part of this story, as Emma was originally the one who suggested a society be formed, we now get a deeper look as to why. Additionally, while the society has continued to shake-up the marriage-mart by encouraging Ladies in breaking betrothals or in refusing marriage offers, in this story the society gets competition and families start fighting back.
As mentioned this is the story of Miss Emma Gately and the Earl of Scarsdale, Charles Hayden. Their story begins when they are both children and their parents who are close friends arrange a betrothal between Charles and Emma. Fast forward seventeen years and we have a couple getting close to their wedding day and a future bride who has decided marriage is not for her. One would think the Earl of Scarsdale would be relieved to avoid marriage, after all it would allow him to keep up his carefree rakish lifestyle. However, Charles is lovestruck once he realizes he really did want to marry Emma and he is determined to make her see that she belongs with him. How will he do this when everyone in Mayfair knows he has a bastard son and at least one kept mistress. Why would Emma want a rogue like him? Society has already judged Charles and it would take a few miracles to salvage his reputation—-not to mention keeping his family’s name from disgrace and wooing Emma. Lost cause, right?
Well the daily gossip sheets heat up as Charles and Emma’s worlds start to collide.
It seems every time Emma goes somewhere, sometimes even in her own home, there is Charles. Yet, the Charles she is seeing now does not match the Earl Scarsdale that has made a name for himself amongst The Ton. Which man is real and why does she even care, she is better off without him, right?
Like I said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Lots of emotional tug-o-war with sexual tension galore. I enjoyed the way Emma went after what she wanted, in more ways than one. I loved that Charles knew when to call her bluff and when to give her room. The plot flowed very smoothly and the tension keeps you engaged from cover to cover. I also liked that we got to see characters from book one and that their stories kept going as well!!
The final cherry on top — a perfect epilogue!!! I cannot wait for the next book in the series although I am sad it won’t be Landon’s story.
5 Stars!!!
Review Copy of The Importance of Being Wanton was provided by Montlake Publishing for an honest review.
This is the second book in Author Christi Caldwell’s series The Wantons of Waverton and these stories are set in 1829 London specifically Mayfair.
As previously discussed, Mayfair, during this timeframe was a new district in London that was being flocked to by all the fashionable upper class society. The Ton or le bon ton, which directly translates to "good form" or "etiquette." In this case, "good etiquette" means "good breeding," aka the upper crust of high society has made Mayfair their own by this timeframe. There is nothing this group likes more than the latest gossip, there were even gossip sheets printed daily to help spread the word, and this story gives The Ton plenty of fodder! Well, there is gossip galore in this story, and it features none other than our main characters!
In book one, Someone Wanton His Way Comes, we meet the MCs for this story, Miss Emma Gately and the Earl of Scarsdale, Charles Hayden. Although we get their story now I do think this book is best enjoyed AFTER reading book one. There are a lot of characters and sub-plots to keep up with, and while I had no difficulty doing so, I do think it may be confusing if you do not read the series in order and completely.
The Mismatch Society also known as the Wantons of Waverton plays an important part of this story, as Emma was originally the one who suggested a society be formed, we now get a deeper look as to why. Additionally, while the society has continued to shake-up the marriage-mart by encouraging Ladies in breaking betrothals or in refusing marriage offers, in this story the society gets competition and families start fighting back.
As mentioned this is the story of Miss Emma Gately and the Earl of Scarsdale, Charles Hayden. Their story begins when they are both children and their parents who are close friends arrange a betrothal between Charles and Emma. Fast forward seventeen years and we have a couple getting close to their wedding day and a future bride who has decided marriage is not for her. One would think the Earl of Scarsdale would be relieved to avoid marriage, after all it would allow him to keep up his carefree rakish lifestyle. However, Charles is lovestruck once he realizes he really did want to marry Emma and he is determined to make her see that she belongs with him. How will he do this when everyone in Mayfair knows he has a bastard son and at least one kept mistress. Why would Emma want a rogue like him? Society has already judged Charles and it would take a few miracles to salvage his reputation—-not to mention keeping his family’s name from disgrace and wooing Emma. Lost cause, right?
Well the daily gossip sheets heat up as Charles and Emma’s worlds start to collide.
It seems every time Emma goes somewhere, sometimes even in her own home, there is Charles. Yet, the Charles she is seeing now does not match the Earl Scarsdale that has made a name for himself amongst The Ton. Which man is real and why does she even care, she is better off without him, right?
Like I said, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Lots of emotional tug-o-war with sexual tension galore. I enjoyed the way Emma went after what she wanted, in more ways than one. I loved that Charles knew when to call her bluff and when to give her room. The plot flowed very smoothly and the tension keeps you engaged from cover to cover. I also liked that we got to see characters from book one and that their stories kept going as well!!
The final cherry on top — a perfect epilogue!!! I cannot wait for the next book in the series although I am sad it won’t be Landon’s story.
5 Stars!!!
Review Copy of The Importance of Being Wanton was provided by Montlake Publishing for an honest review.
May 28, 2021
3.5 magical little stars.
He'd resented her. He'd blamed her. Realising too late how unfair it had been to place any of those sentiments at the young lady's feet.
Betrothed as children by their close families, Charles and Emma have always been expected to marry. The lack of choice in the matter of his future spouse is one Charles has always chafed against and as such he has been a rather indifferent fiance to Emma. Fed up of this treatment and seeking greater freedom in her life Emma breaks off their betrothal. However, suddenly being without the woman he always expected to spend his life with awakens Charles to the reality of his poor treatment of her and he realises how much he wants Emma in his life...
"You Infuriate me."
"You captivate me, so it cancels out."
I adore Christi Caldwell's writing, it is so captivating and easy to read. She always evokes an emotional response in me, hooking me into the story and making me root for her couple. The sexual chemistry practically jumps off the page - and she took such an unconventional approach to, shall we say, the 'order of things' in this book which I both appreciated and raised my eyebrows at!
My absolute favourite part of this book was Emma and Charles' interaction with Seamus (a 10 year old boy related to Charles). They were so incredibly heartwarming and tender, I completely fell in love. The way the interaction exposed Emma and Charles to each other was just stunning.
The little boy nodded vigorously, his glasses slipping down. And then with the tenderest of movements, Emma leaned over and ever so naturally slid those rims back into their proper place.
Unfortunately, alongside beautifully crafted scenes like this that I expect from Christi Caldwell, other parts of the book were... a bit of a mess. I said it in my review of book one (the only CC book I've ever disliked) and I'll say it again here: The Mismatch Society, while a great idea, is an extremely convoluted addition to the plot and generally poorly executed. Instead of adding to the book, it takes away scenes that could be focused on character development and relationship development. Really it just adds confusion. I genuinely don't understand what we're supposed to be gaining from the scenes spent in this society and I honestly found them quite boring.
I also think there is too much going on in the plot of this series and it's making the books overly complicated and less enjoyable. This book could have been great if they just focused on their face value as we have:
- A childhood betrothal between family friends that is ended by the dissatisfied future wife
- A jilted husband-to-be who is realising what he has lost and will do anything to get her back
- Family drama and lies that need unraveling so these two can finally see each other for who they truly are and fall in love
If this book had purely based itself around these core plots I think it would have been so incredible. It would have really allowed Emma and Charles to have proper interactions and slowly open up to one another. The parts of the book that did this are what I loved most.
Instead we got that this plus:
- Pacing that was all over the place
- A very lukewarm, singular attempt from Charles to win back Emma
- Rivalry between the two based on this attempt
- Lots of drama and strategy meetings at the mismatch society
- Danger and intrigue right at the very end of the book
I just... I didn't see the point behind a lot of these. And there were so many plots vying for attention that we hardly got to see true interactions between Emma and Charles - when we did get them they were absolute gold, but then the culmination of this into love was so rushed and lackluster. I understand why Charles wanted Emma, but while I understand why Emma should want Charles (we get his POV after-all so have extra intel), I don't feel that Emma sees enough of Charles to truly fall for him.
I hate having to write these things because I truly adore Christi Cladwell's other works. I'm also sorry if my critique is little all over the place but I think that reflects the chaos of this book - its chaos is its ultimate problem. In my opinion this series not reflect what Christi Caldwell is capable off and I really do recommend trying a different series.
*I recieved an arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
He'd resented her. He'd blamed her. Realising too late how unfair it had been to place any of those sentiments at the young lady's feet.
Betrothed as children by their close families, Charles and Emma have always been expected to marry. The lack of choice in the matter of his future spouse is one Charles has always chafed against and as such he has been a rather indifferent fiance to Emma. Fed up of this treatment and seeking greater freedom in her life Emma breaks off their betrothal. However, suddenly being without the woman he always expected to spend his life with awakens Charles to the reality of his poor treatment of her and he realises how much he wants Emma in his life...
"You Infuriate me."
"You captivate me, so it cancels out."
I adore Christi Caldwell's writing, it is so captivating and easy to read. She always evokes an emotional response in me, hooking me into the story and making me root for her couple. The sexual chemistry practically jumps off the page - and she took such an unconventional approach to, shall we say, the 'order of things' in this book which I both appreciated and raised my eyebrows at!
My absolute favourite part of this book was Emma and Charles' interaction with Seamus (a 10 year old boy related to Charles). They were so incredibly heartwarming and tender, I completely fell in love. The way the interaction exposed Emma and Charles to each other was just stunning.
The little boy nodded vigorously, his glasses slipping down. And then with the tenderest of movements, Emma leaned over and ever so naturally slid those rims back into their proper place.
Unfortunately, alongside beautifully crafted scenes like this that I expect from Christi Caldwell, other parts of the book were... a bit of a mess. I said it in my review of book one (the only CC book I've ever disliked) and I'll say it again here: The Mismatch Society, while a great idea, is an extremely convoluted addition to the plot and generally poorly executed. Instead of adding to the book, it takes away scenes that could be focused on character development and relationship development. Really it just adds confusion. I genuinely don't understand what we're supposed to be gaining from the scenes spent in this society and I honestly found them quite boring.
I also think there is too much going on in the plot of this series and it's making the books overly complicated and less enjoyable. This book could have been great if they just focused on their face value as we have:
- A childhood betrothal between family friends that is ended by the dissatisfied future wife
- A jilted husband-to-be who is realising what he has lost and will do anything to get her back
- Family drama and lies that need unraveling so these two can finally see each other for who they truly are and fall in love
If this book had purely based itself around these core plots I think it would have been so incredible. It would have really allowed Emma and Charles to have proper interactions and slowly open up to one another. The parts of the book that did this are what I loved most.
Instead we got that this plus:
- Pacing that was all over the place
- A very lukewarm, singular attempt from Charles to win back Emma
- Rivalry between the two based on this attempt
- Lots of drama and strategy meetings at the mismatch society
- Danger and intrigue right at the very end of the book
I just... I didn't see the point behind a lot of these. And there were so many plots vying for attention that we hardly got to see true interactions between Emma and Charles - when we did get them they were absolute gold, but then the culmination of this into love was so rushed and lackluster. I understand why Charles wanted Emma, but while I understand why Emma should want Charles (we get his POV after-all so have extra intel), I don't feel that Emma sees enough of Charles to truly fall for him.
I hate having to write these things because I truly adore Christi Cladwell's other works. I'm also sorry if my critique is little all over the place but I think that reflects the chaos of this book - its chaos is its ultimate problem. In my opinion this series not reflect what Christi Caldwell is capable off and I really do recommend trying a different series.
*I recieved an arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
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