What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wildes of Lindow Castle #2
Too Wilde to Wed - Wilde Sang Penawan Hati
Lord Roland Northbridge Wilde—atau yang lebih dikenal sebagai North—meninggalkan Inggris dua tahun lalu, setelah dicampakkan oleh Diana Belgrave. Namun saat kembali dari perang, ia mendapati reputasinya sebagai jentelmen tercemar. Diana tidak pernah bermaksud menghancurkan reputasi North, atau hati pria itu, tapi dalam ketergesaannya menyelamatkan sang keponakan, tidak ada waktu untuk mempertimbangkan konsekuensi bekerja sebagai governess di Lindow Castle. Sekarang semua orang menyimpulkan hal terburuk tentang ayah sang anak, dan yang tertinggal bagi Diana hanya penyesalan. Ketika North menyatakan dengan jelas bahwa ia masih menginginkan Diana, ada atau tanpa ada skandal, Diana harus berjuang untuk memjaga hatinya dari pria yang masih tidak ingin dia jadikan suami. Namun kini North adalah prajurit tangguh—dan ini adalah peperangan yang ingin dia menangi. Dia menginginkan Diana, dan dia akan mempertaruhkan segalanya untuk menjadikan wanita itu miliknya.
448 pages, Paperback
First published May 29, 2018
1334 people are currently reading
3285 people want to read
About the author
Eloisa James
123 books9,542 followersNew York Times bestselling author Eloisa James writes historical romances for HarperCollins Publishers. Her novels have been published to great acclaim. A reviewer from USA Today wrote of Eloisa's very first book that she "found herself devouring the book like a dieter with a Hershey bar"; later People Magazine raved that "romance writing does not get much better than this." Her novels have repeatedly received starred reviews from Publishers' Weekly and Library Journal and regularly appear on the best-seller lists.
After graduating from Harvard University, Eloisa got an M.Phil. from Oxford University, a Ph.D. from Yale and eventually became a Shakespeare professor, publishing an academic book with Oxford University Press. Currently she is an associate professor and head of the Creative Writing program at Fordham University in New York City. Her "double life" is a source of fascination to the media and her readers. In her professorial guise, she's written a New York Times op-ed defending romance, as well as articles published everywhere from women's magazines such as More to writers' journals such as the Romance Writers' Report.
Eloisa...on her double life:
When I'm not writing novels, I'm a Shakespeare professor. It's rather like having two lives. The other day I bought a delicious pink suit to tape a television segment on romance; I'll never wear that suit to teach in, nor even to give a paper at the Shakespeare Association of America conference. It's like being Superman, with power suits for both lives. Yet the literature professor in me certainly plays into my romances. The Taming of the Duke (April 2006) has obvious Shakespearean resonances, as do many of my novels. I often weave early modern poetry into my work; the same novel might contain bits of Catullus, Shakespeare and anonymous bawdy ballads from the 16th century.
When I rip off my power suit, whether it's academic or romantic, underneath is the rather tired, chocolate-stained sweatshirt of a mom. Just as I use Shakespeare in my romances, I almost always employ my experiences as a mother. When I wrote about a miscarriage in Midnight Pleasures, I used my own fears of premature birth; when the little girl in Fool For Love threw up and threw up, I described my own daughter, who had that unsavory habit for well over her first year of life.
So I'm a writer, a professor, a mother - and a wife. My husband Alessandro is Italian, born in Florence. We spend the lazy summer months with his mother and sister in Italy. It always strikes me as a huge irony that as a romance writer I find myself married to a knight, a cavaliere, as you say in Italian.
One more thing...I'm a friend. I have girlfriends who are writers and girlfriends who are Shakespeare professors. And I have girlfriends who are romance readers. In fact, we have something of a community going on my website. Please stop by and join the conversation on my readers' pages.
After graduating from Harvard University, Eloisa got an M.Phil. from Oxford University, a Ph.D. from Yale and eventually became a Shakespeare professor, publishing an academic book with Oxford University Press. Currently she is an associate professor and head of the Creative Writing program at Fordham University in New York City. Her "double life" is a source of fascination to the media and her readers. In her professorial guise, she's written a New York Times op-ed defending romance, as well as articles published everywhere from women's magazines such as More to writers' journals such as the Romance Writers' Report.
Eloisa...on her double life:
When I'm not writing novels, I'm a Shakespeare professor. It's rather like having two lives. The other day I bought a delicious pink suit to tape a television segment on romance; I'll never wear that suit to teach in, nor even to give a paper at the Shakespeare Association of America conference. It's like being Superman, with power suits for both lives. Yet the literature professor in me certainly plays into my romances. The Taming of the Duke (April 2006) has obvious Shakespearean resonances, as do many of my novels. I often weave early modern poetry into my work; the same novel might contain bits of Catullus, Shakespeare and anonymous bawdy ballads from the 16th century.
When I rip off my power suit, whether it's academic or romantic, underneath is the rather tired, chocolate-stained sweatshirt of a mom. Just as I use Shakespeare in my romances, I almost always employ my experiences as a mother. When I wrote about a miscarriage in Midnight Pleasures, I used my own fears of premature birth; when the little girl in Fool For Love threw up and threw up, I described my own daughter, who had that unsavory habit for well over her first year of life.
So I'm a writer, a professor, a mother - and a wife. My husband Alessandro is Italian, born in Florence. We spend the lazy summer months with his mother and sister in Italy. It always strikes me as a huge irony that as a romance writer I find myself married to a knight, a cavaliere, as you say in Italian.
One more thing...I'm a friend. I have girlfriends who are writers and girlfriends who are Shakespeare professors. And I have girlfriends who are romance readers. In fact, we have something of a community going on my website. Please stop by and join the conversation on my readers' pages.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 876 reviews
May 30, 2018
Okay, I'll admit that I probably should stop reviewing (actually, stop 'reading') Eloisa James. Everything she writes lately is a 3- or 2-star book for me. It's a nostalgia thing partly. I miss the earlier, cleverer James. Now her books seem to be written for 20-something readers. Hah! I barely remember my 20s. So perhaps I should just shut up and leave the enjoyment of these new stories to the young'uns. But, no, not just yet. I read this one. I'm reviewing it.
This is the second in James's new Wilde series. Heaven knows how many there will be because the patriarch duke, now on his third wife (figuratively and literally b/c they keep having babies), has numerous progeny. And the older of his children are adults with friends, so the sky's the limit on how many books could be written.
In Book One, about third son Alaric, we learned about the earlier death of first son Horatius, lost in the treacherous bog on the estate. This put second son Roland, aka North, into position as heir to the duchy. At the moment of the first book, his betrothal to Diana was in the works. But things didn't go as planned. She ran off from the engagement party and disappeared. The book ends with a teaser that has us (and North) thinking she had had an out-of-wedlock child prior to meeting North.
Well, this book clears up all that and gives North a chance to reboot his courtship of Diana, which had been tone-deaf previously. For example, North had actually fallen, "coup de foudre", for Diana from afar at seeing her and hearing her laugh. To woo her he makes himself into something he's not and doesn't show her his true feelings. Bad move on his part but he gets a chance for a do-over now that he's back from his 2-year stint as a British soldier in the American Revolution.
And Diana also gets to show North her true self, which she had felt compelled previously to keep hidden away. So it all sounds simple, doesn't it? Well, it should be, except for dithery, dithering Diana. Sorry, but I wasn't excessively fond of her or her actions throughout this and the previous book. Nor was the story here very interesting.
This started out rather well. I enjoyed seeing Diana and North reacquainting themselves and their relationship reboot. North is an appealing character, trying to find himself, cope with PTSD from the war, and convince Diana to marry him. There are several touching and romantic moments.
But the story quickly becomes tedious. Too much about children, peacocks, and family members. Yes, Godfrey (the little boy believed to be Diana's love child) and Artemesia (North's youngest half-sister) are adorable, but, really, I wasn't interested in reading so very much about them. Give me a really good love story, not a rambling story that, for me, had little cohesion. For example, that barmaid scene towards the end. Oh, please. Ridiculous. A showcase of why I did not like Diana.
Well, North loves her. There's an HEA. He deserves it. She lucked into it.
This is the second in James's new Wilde series. Heaven knows how many there will be because the patriarch duke, now on his third wife (figuratively and literally b/c they keep having babies), has numerous progeny. And the older of his children are adults with friends, so the sky's the limit on how many books could be written.
In Book One, about third son Alaric, we learned about the earlier death of first son Horatius, lost in the treacherous bog on the estate. This put second son Roland, aka North, into position as heir to the duchy. At the moment of the first book, his betrothal to Diana was in the works. But things didn't go as planned. She ran off from the engagement party and disappeared. The book ends with a teaser that has us (and North) thinking she had had an out-of-wedlock child prior to meeting North.
Well, this book clears up all that and gives North a chance to reboot his courtship of Diana, which had been tone-deaf previously. For example, North had actually fallen, "coup de foudre", for Diana from afar at seeing her and hearing her laugh. To woo her he makes himself into something he's not and doesn't show her his true feelings. Bad move on his part but he gets a chance for a do-over now that he's back from his 2-year stint as a British soldier in the American Revolution.
And Diana also gets to show North her true self, which she had felt compelled previously to keep hidden away. So it all sounds simple, doesn't it? Well, it should be, except for dithery, dithering Diana. Sorry, but I wasn't excessively fond of her or her actions throughout this and the previous book. Nor was the story here very interesting.
This started out rather well. I enjoyed seeing Diana and North reacquainting themselves and their relationship reboot. North is an appealing character, trying to find himself, cope with PTSD from the war, and convince Diana to marry him. There are several touching and romantic moments.
But the story quickly becomes tedious. Too much about children, peacocks, and family members. Yes, Godfrey (the little boy believed to be Diana's love child) and Artemesia (North's youngest half-sister) are adorable, but, really, I wasn't interested in reading so very much about them. Give me a really good love story, not a rambling story that, for me, had little cohesion. For example, that barmaid scene towards the end. Oh, please. Ridiculous. A showcase of why I did not like Diana.
Well, North loves her. There's an HEA. He deserves it. She lucked into it.
June 4, 2018
4 stars!
Review at Of Pens and Pages.
Too Wilde to Wed was my first Eloisa James read and definitely not the last. I knew I’d love the story the moment I saw the blurb. A second chance romance between one of the most eligible bachelors in England and the woman who jilted him? I am here for it! There’s some great dynamic between the hero and heroine, the heroine and her charges, the hero and his family, and many more.
When Miss Diana Belgrave jilts her fiancé Lord Rolan Northbirdge Wilde out of nowhere, North goes off to war to forget her. Two years later, he comes back, a different man than he was before he left, and is surprised to see the very woman who left him living under his roof. To make things more interesting, she is employed as a governess of his sibling and has unwittingly spread rumors about him, giving the ton enough reason to believe North is ‘too wild to wed’.
He doesn’t care about his reputation, not really, and he shouldn’t care about Diana living in Lindow Castle. But she left him without reason, and he at least deserves an explanation. After that, he’ll leave her be. Besides, even if he pursues her again, nothing can come out of it. Not with Diana’s reputation in tatters.
But when the heart wants what it wants, they can’t really do anything to stop it.
This is such a romantic story! It was interesting to see their perspectives of the past and present, and to see what happened to make Diana leave North. I love second chance romances, so this one was a winner. From pretenses and false airs to dropping their facades, it was definitely a treat to watch them find love with each other again.
I have to admit Diana frustrated me at times—especially when she did things without thinking of the consequences, but other than that, I liked her enough. She did a selfless act to protect a person she loves, even if it was at her expense. It showed how strong she was and loyal to the people most important to her. Her relationship with her charges Artie and Godfrey was adorable, too!
North is wonderful. He made me swoon so much! The war obviously changed him from a dandy to a man who couldn’t care one wit about his appearance, but his feelings for Diana and his love for his family was still there. He’s intense, relentless in his pursuit of Diana, and very much in love with her. I want someone to love me like North loves Diana!
The dynamic of the Wilde family was a delight to see, and I’m excited to read the first and third book in the series. This is a standalone, but I would recommend reading the first one first as Too Wilde to Wed makes references to what I can assume happens in the first book. Again, it’s not necessary to read the first book, but hey, it sounds wonderful anyway so read away!
Tropes: Second Chance, Peers
POV:Third Person, Female POV
Standalone: Yes
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Review at Of Pens and Pages.
It made it clear that the woman who jilted him was still the woman of his heart.”
Too Wilde to Wed was my first Eloisa James read and definitely not the last. I knew I’d love the story the moment I saw the blurb. A second chance romance between one of the most eligible bachelors in England and the woman who jilted him? I am here for it! There’s some great dynamic between the hero and heroine, the heroine and her charges, the hero and his family, and many more.
When Miss Diana Belgrave jilts her fiancé Lord Rolan Northbirdge Wilde out of nowhere, North goes off to war to forget her. Two years later, he comes back, a different man than he was before he left, and is surprised to see the very woman who left him living under his roof. To make things more interesting, she is employed as a governess of his sibling and has unwittingly spread rumors about him, giving the ton enough reason to believe North is ‘too wild to wed’.
He doesn’t care about his reputation, not really, and he shouldn’t care about Diana living in Lindow Castle. But she left him without reason, and he at least deserves an explanation. After that, he’ll leave her be. Besides, even if he pursues her again, nothing can come out of it. Not with Diana’s reputation in tatters.
But when the heart wants what it wants, they can’t really do anything to stop it.
This is such a romantic story! It was interesting to see their perspectives of the past and present, and to see what happened to make Diana leave North. I love second chance romances, so this one was a winner. From pretenses and false airs to dropping their facades, it was definitely a treat to watch them find love with each other again.
I have to admit Diana frustrated me at times—especially when she did things without thinking of the consequences, but other than that, I liked her enough. She did a selfless act to protect a person she loves, even if it was at her expense. It showed how strong she was and loyal to the people most important to her. Her relationship with her charges Artie and Godfrey was adorable, too!
North is wonderful. He made me swoon so much! The war obviously changed him from a dandy to a man who couldn’t care one wit about his appearance, but his feelings for Diana and his love for his family was still there. He’s intense, relentless in his pursuit of Diana, and very much in love with her. I want someone to love me like North loves Diana!
The dynamic of the Wilde family was a delight to see, and I’m excited to read the first and third book in the series. This is a standalone, but I would recommend reading the first one first as Too Wilde to Wed makes references to what I can assume happens in the first book. Again, it’s not necessary to read the first book, but hey, it sounds wonderful anyway so read away!
Tropes: Second Chance, Peers
POV:Third Person, Female POV
Standalone: Yes
*ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
October 7, 2020
From the start of this audiobook, I was swooning over this romance. It's a second chance romance because Diana and North were engaged before it was broken off, North went into the military, and Diana became the governess for North's family. Two years later, North is back. It was fun how it was a romance between two people in different social classes and Diana was finally able to be herself instead of the Duchess-to-be that her mother was trying to mold her into. I loved the little kids in this book and how much family we get with the Wildes. I definitely enjoyed this better than book one and can't wait to read the next book!
May 25, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I just loved Diana and North! I have been looking forward to reading their story since finishing the first book in the series, Wilde in Love. This book would work perfectly well as a stand alone but the ending of the first book really had me eager to read this second installment. I went into this book with pretty high expectations and they were all surpassed. I really had a fantastic time reading this book.
Diana and North were previously betrothed until Diana left without warning. When Diana left, North decided to join the military and went off to war. Diana had reasons for leaving the way she did and has paid a steep price for her decision. When she runs out of options, Diana takes a job as a governess at Lindow Castle with North's family. Things get really interesting when North returns home and learns all of the rumors surrounding his relationship with Diana.
I loved the characters in this book. In the first book, we were introduced to the Diana and North that were for show but in this book we finally get to meet their true selves. I liked getting to know the real Diana and North and enjoyed watching both of them really get to know each other. It was interesting to watch them both realize that they really knew very little of each other when they had plans to marry. Diana and North both prove to be strong people who will sacrifice to do what is right. I thought that the chemistry between them was extremely well done.
It was really interesting to learn about all of the things that happened that brought both Diana and North to their current life situation. North has fought a war and takes his responsibility as heir very seriously. Diana's story was very interesting and I loved the fact that she was willing to give up so much in order to protect someone she loves. They are both very responsible people who tend to put the needs of others above their own. I had a great time watching them both get their happily ever after.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical romance. This was such a smartly written romance filled with character you couldn't help but cheer on. I can't wait to read more of this fantastic series.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Avon Books via Edelweiss.
Initial Thoughts
I just loved Diana and North. I was really excited to read their story after the way that the previous book ended and it was even better than I had hoped it would be. I liked both of their characters so much more in this book since they finally were acting like themselves instead of playing a part. Their chemistry was off the charts and I liked that they were honest with each other.
I just loved Diana and North! I have been looking forward to reading their story since finishing the first book in the series, Wilde in Love. This book would work perfectly well as a stand alone but the ending of the first book really had me eager to read this second installment. I went into this book with pretty high expectations and they were all surpassed. I really had a fantastic time reading this book.
Diana and North were previously betrothed until Diana left without warning. When Diana left, North decided to join the military and went off to war. Diana had reasons for leaving the way she did and has paid a steep price for her decision. When she runs out of options, Diana takes a job as a governess at Lindow Castle with North's family. Things get really interesting when North returns home and learns all of the rumors surrounding his relationship with Diana.
I loved the characters in this book. In the first book, we were introduced to the Diana and North that were for show but in this book we finally get to meet their true selves. I liked getting to know the real Diana and North and enjoyed watching both of them really get to know each other. It was interesting to watch them both realize that they really knew very little of each other when they had plans to marry. Diana and North both prove to be strong people who will sacrifice to do what is right. I thought that the chemistry between them was extremely well done.
It was really interesting to learn about all of the things that happened that brought both Diana and North to their current life situation. North has fought a war and takes his responsibility as heir very seriously. Diana's story was very interesting and I loved the fact that she was willing to give up so much in order to protect someone she loves. They are both very responsible people who tend to put the needs of others above their own. I had a great time watching them both get their happily ever after.
I would recommend this book to fans of historical romance. This was such a smartly written romance filled with character you couldn't help but cheer on. I can't wait to read more of this fantastic series.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Avon Books via Edelweiss.
Initial Thoughts
I just loved Diana and North. I was really excited to read their story after the way that the previous book ended and it was even better than I had hoped it would be. I liked both of their characters so much more in this book since they finally were acting like themselves instead of playing a part. Their chemistry was off the charts and I liked that they were honest with each other.
January 24, 2018
ARC provided by Edelweiss and Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I loved the first half of this book/romance. But the second half was disappointing, the heroine evolved into someone different from the first half. The first half was sweet, with chemistry between the two MC. Second half it's like this modern woman took her place. Very sexual and not sure of her feelings for the hero, determined to do her own thing (I love strong woman but she came across as muddled/confused and wishy washy) even though she wasn't sure what her "own thing" was.
And I have to agree with one reviewer, it was a very explicit and erotic second half of the book. I don't mind hot and sexy, it's just didn't meld/mesh with the first half of the book and characters IMHO. Also the ending seemed rushed and forced for me, thought the epilogue was sweet and satisfying.
I'm still digesting the book and my feelings on this love story. I have to say it was a disappointment at this point.
Full review closer to publication.
I loved the first half of this book/romance. But the second half was disappointing, the heroine evolved into someone different from the first half. The first half was sweet, with chemistry between the two MC. Second half it's like this modern woman took her place. Very sexual and not sure of her feelings for the hero, determined to do her own thing (I love strong woman but she came across as muddled/confused and wishy washy) even though she wasn't sure what her "own thing" was.
And I have to agree with one reviewer, it was a very explicit and erotic second half of the book. I don't mind hot and sexy, it's just didn't meld/mesh with the first half of the book and characters IMHO. Also the ending seemed rushed and forced for me, thought the epilogue was sweet and satisfying.
I'm still digesting the book and my feelings on this love story. I have to say it was a disappointment at this point.
Full review closer to publication.
not-my-cuppa
January 9, 2018After reading the "excerpt" on Cosmopolitan's website with the cover reveal, I am done with Eloisa James. The teaser was just a long sex scene. No romance, just sex amped up for contemporary readers with pussy, balls, and cocks galore. I'm not hating here, but that isn't for me.
This is a note to myself that I won't be reading her newer work. I draw the line at that level of steam. I read more for the romance and sex scenes are just secondary. It's just my preference.
All that said, the covers for this series have been lovely :)
This is a note to myself that I won't be reading her newer work. I draw the line at that level of steam. I read more for the romance and sex scenes are just secondary. It's just my preference.
All that said, the covers for this series have been lovely :)
May 29, 2018
okay, so like.... for the most part, eloisa james has really good, breezy romance novel prose that doesn't often throw you out of the time period, which i appreciate. her banter is very charming and her familial relationships are believable and cute.
i was a little frustrated with both the hero and the heroine at points, where it felt like if they just talked and were honest with each other the book would have been over a lot faster. still, i could have overlooked this.
my other quibble was the kids. like a lot of novelists i feel like they weren't portrayed true to their age? artie was supposed to be two, but sounded like she was six half of the time. godfrey was supposed to be four-ish, and he was still in diapers occasionally? idk, it really took me out of the book and didn't seem real or accurate. the artie stuff was handwaved as her being unusually smart for her age but there's only so smart you can be and that wasn't it.
however. we need to discuss this sex scene.
i was a little frustrated with both the hero and the heroine at points, where it felt like if they just talked and were honest with each other the book would have been over a lot faster. still, i could have overlooked this.
my other quibble was the kids. like a lot of novelists i feel like they weren't portrayed true to their age? artie was supposed to be two, but sounded like she was six half of the time. godfrey was supposed to be four-ish, and he was still in diapers occasionally? idk, it really took me out of the book and didn't seem real or accurate. the artie stuff was handwaved as her being unusually smart for her age but there's only so smart you can be and that wasn't it.
however. we need to discuss this sex scene.
February 16, 2019
Better then the 1st book in the series!
December 18, 2018
Audio: 5 STARS!
Story: 4 STARS!
While this installment of the Wildes wasn't a borderline farce like the first one, I still really enjoyed it. James' sense of humor and romance matches up nicely with mine, and best of all, she writes a lot of in-depth dialogue to convey it. There's nothing I like more than an author who shows me rather than tells me.
I'll definitely be continuing with the Wildes of Lindow.
Story: 4 STARS!
Blinding joy swirled through Diana, mixing with desire and trust and love.A really satisfying read, filled with quite a few swoon-worthy moments!
While this installment of the Wildes wasn't a borderline farce like the first one, I still really enjoyed it. James' sense of humor and romance matches up nicely with mine, and best of all, she writes a lot of in-depth dialogue to convey it. There's nothing I like more than an author who shows me rather than tells me.
I'll definitely be continuing with the Wildes of Lindow.
November 25, 2019
2nd read: July 2019
I couldn't remember how much I loved this book the 1st time I read it.
1st read: May 2018
I love Eloisa James. Saying that, I think she has outdone herself with this series. It's fun, funny, the characters are relatable and well rounded, the secondary characters are to die for! Also, I think she played so well with the governess trope.
I couldn't remember how much I loved this book the 1st time I read it.
1st read: May 2018
I love Eloisa James. Saying that, I think she has outdone herself with this series. It's fun, funny, the characters are relatable and well rounded, the secondary characters are to die for! Also, I think she played so well with the governess trope.
July 24, 2018
Sigh, yet another dismal disappointment from Eloisa James. If the first wilde was tedious, this one was ludicrous. The story has so little connection with the realities of Georgian era it would have been better as a contemporary. But then, the romance wasn't all that special. I think the time has come to give up on the Wildes; I am clearly not the target audience.
September 24, 2020
A completely absurd tale of a a woman who prefers working as a governess instead of marrying a duke, who is kind, handsome, rich and loves her very much. He asked her repeatedly to marry him and she refused just because he is a duke. In 18th century. You cannot be seriuos man!!! I could not feel any chemistery between the two and there were so many useless parts regarding other people that I skip half the book...
May 13, 2018
I am in LOVE with the Wildes!!! The first book in the series wasn't a favorite, but Eloisa James has made me fall head over heels for this amazing family. North and Diana's romance was utterly sweet and heartwarming – I love it when a hero has to win the heroine's heart.
Review to come!
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Review to come!
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
September 22, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Too Wilde To Love is the second book in James' latest series "The Wildes of Lindow
Castle" and reading this was a risk because I had picked up the first book in Audio and yeah I had to DNF that one and it was really disappointing. But when I saw this book on the shelf of my public library, I knew I had to pick it up if I could. And I am so happy that I did because this book was a PAGE TURNER and man I was surprised by how easily I had gotten into it.
Our story sets off wiht our hero and heroine North and Diana who are betrothed to be married. When Diana breaks off the engagement, North is shocked and hurt and when he goes to find her, he sees her with a child and leaves England to fight in the colonies. When North returns home he sees that his reputation has become tarnished and his ex betrothed is working as a governess in his home. Tensions rise between them as they both figure out where they stand with each other, secrets are revealed and a friendship between them is reconnected but there is still a conflict in Diana not being willing to be a Duchess, that is not the kind of life she wants for herself or her future.
I truly adored this book in so many ways and even though there were a couple aspects in the story that didn't seem "realistic" to me for example North visiting her bedchamber frequently with his station and how he upheld himself, it honestly just didn't feel like that would actually happen in regency times without a big scandal erupting and forcing them to marry which was typical back in that era. But I did love the friendship that builds between them. There is a unrequited love trope aspect introduced into this story as the hero has been in love with Diana for quite a long time here. I didn't fully understand Diana's hesistance to be with North. You can see how much she cares and even loves him but not enough to be his duchess? I felt like he was willing to sacrifice more for her than she was for him so I did struggle at times with the heroine. But I did end up happy with the ending and seeing how they find their way to their HEA.
Overall I found this book to be quite a charming read and it was very easy to get into, and I really adored the way North and Diana come together in this story and the intimacy that builds between them is beautiful. The sexual tension is lighter than I expected but still solid and true to the characters. Quite had a blast I had with this one and getting familarwith this family and can't wait to continue on with the series and seeing more of them. Too Wilde To Wed is a delightfully light and fun romance that delves into friendship and unrequited love in a lovely manner which I embraced!!
Too Wilde To Love is the second book in James' latest series "The Wildes of Lindow
Castle" and reading this was a risk because I had picked up the first book in Audio and yeah I had to DNF that one and it was really disappointing. But when I saw this book on the shelf of my public library, I knew I had to pick it up if I could. And I am so happy that I did because this book was a PAGE TURNER and man I was surprised by how easily I had gotten into it.Our story sets off wiht our hero and heroine North and Diana who are betrothed to be married. When Diana breaks off the engagement, North is shocked and hurt and when he goes to find her, he sees her with a child and leaves England to fight in the colonies. When North returns home he sees that his reputation has become tarnished and his ex betrothed is working as a governess in his home. Tensions rise between them as they both figure out where they stand with each other, secrets are revealed and a friendship between them is reconnected but there is still a conflict in Diana not being willing to be a Duchess, that is not the kind of life she wants for herself or her future.
I truly adored this book in so many ways and even though there were a couple aspects in the story that didn't seem "realistic" to me for example North visiting her bedchamber frequently with his station and how he upheld himself, it honestly just didn't feel like that would actually happen in regency times without a big scandal erupting and forcing them to marry which was typical back in that era. But I did love the friendship that builds between them. There is a unrequited love trope aspect introduced into this story as the hero has been in love with Diana for quite a long time here. I didn't fully understand Diana's hesistance to be with North. You can see how much she cares and even loves him but not enough to be his duchess? I felt like he was willing to sacrifice more for her than she was for him so I did struggle at times with the heroine. But I did end up happy with the ending and seeing how they find their way to their HEA.
Overall I found this book to be quite a charming read and it was very easy to get into, and I really adored the way North and Diana come together in this story and the intimacy that builds between them is beautiful. The sexual tension is lighter than I expected but still solid and true to the characters. Quite had a blast I had with this one and getting familarwith this family and can't wait to continue on with the series and seeing more of them. Too Wilde To Wed is a delightfully light and fun romance that delves into friendship and unrequited love in a lovely manner which I embraced!!
April 4, 2024
4.5 stars, rounded down because Diana
Before I get to Diana, though, I would first like to address North. North, who is everything right and good and yummy and heart-stopping in historical romance-land. North, who fell in love with an illusion because the part of Diana he fell in love with wasn’t an illusion at all. North, who turned himself into a ridiculous fop to appeal to her. North, who grieved over her loss after she jilted him in the most disrespectful way possible. North, who still loves the genuine Diana after he returns from war a bit bent and broken and needing protection himself even as he is struggling to protect her and her nephew Godfrey.
Diana is the unwilling recipient of all that delicious devotion. Granted, she had been so emotionally damaged by her conniving mother that she truly believes that no one could love the real, unvarnished version of herself that would eventually come to the fore. As the book opens, she is finding her feet for the first time and enjoying the feeling of self-reliance employment is giving her. I feel for her, and understand her, thanks to the skillful writing of Eloisa James. But to understand her doesn’t make her entirely sympathetic. I spent the first half of the book watching her hurt North with the truth without any thought for his feelings, and almost the entire second half of the book hurting them both with the push-pull of her emotions. I’m not saying that speaking her truth is bad or she didn’t have a right to choose her own destiny. She is just so self-absorbed with her own journey that she is careless with North, never considers his feelings, never tries to see from his perspective. Even when they become intimate and she realizes her feelings are deeper for him than she had previously acknowledged:
This time she couldn’t hold the tears back, because she was selfish. The man she loved—and she did love him—was trapped in a duchy, and she was refusing to join him. Refusing to be his partner.
And that made me sad for North’s sake for most of the book, which lessened my enjoyment of what was otherwise a brilliantly written, deeply emotional romance.
Before I get to Diana, though, I would first like to address North. North, who is everything right and good and yummy and heart-stopping in historical romance-land. North, who fell in love with an illusion because the part of Diana he fell in love with wasn’t an illusion at all. North, who turned himself into a ridiculous fop to appeal to her. North, who grieved over her loss after she jilted him in the most disrespectful way possible. North, who still loves the genuine Diana after he returns from war a bit bent and broken and needing protection himself even as he is struggling to protect her and her nephew Godfrey.
Diana is the unwilling recipient of all that delicious devotion. Granted, she had been so emotionally damaged by her conniving mother that she truly believes that no one could love the real, unvarnished version of herself that would eventually come to the fore. As the book opens, she is finding her feet for the first time and enjoying the feeling of self-reliance employment is giving her. I feel for her, and understand her, thanks to the skillful writing of Eloisa James. But to understand her doesn’t make her entirely sympathetic. I spent the first half of the book watching her hurt North with the truth without any thought for his feelings, and almost the entire second half of the book hurting them both with the push-pull of her emotions. I’m not saying that speaking her truth is bad or she didn’t have a right to choose her own destiny. She is just so self-absorbed with her own journey that she is careless with North, never considers his feelings, never tries to see from his perspective. Even when they become intimate and she realizes her feelings are deeper for him than she had previously acknowledged:
This time she couldn’t hold the tears back, because she was selfish. The man she loved—and she did love him—was trapped in a duchy, and she was refusing to join him. Refusing to be his partner.
And that made me sad for North’s sake for most of the book, which lessened my enjoyment of what was otherwise a brilliantly written, deeply emotional romance.
March 28, 2022
So much better than book one but instill can't with this wardrobe...I laughed every time it was described..
May 27, 2018
4.5 stars
It has been two years since Miss Diana Belgrave jilted Lord Roland Northbridge Wilde, and those two years have changed everything. North went off to fight in the Colonies and has returned whole in body, though not in spirit. And after being tossed out by her mother for breaking her engagement in favor of raising her orphaned nephew, Diana has taken a position as governess to North’s sister in Wilde family household. When North returns to England, the two come face-to-face and the sparks immediately begin to fly. Even though she broke his heart and damaged his reputation, North still wants Diana. And Diana is just realizing she never truly knew the man beneath the elegant mask North had put on to impress her during their engagement. Is it possible for two outcasts who both want different things in life to find their way to a happily ever after together?
Too Wilde to Wed is such a fun book! It’s fun, sensual, and in the Wilde family Eloisa James has created a host of bright, endearing characters who grab your heart and don’t let go.
Unlike most of the young women she knows, Diana has never wanted to be raised to the ranks of the upper aristocracy. In fact, she positively panics at the thought. I liked that Diana was unconventional, that she didn’t quite fit into the mold her mother tried to forcibly stuff her in. After falling from society’s good graces, she finally finds her true self. It’s a self that North has never seen. He fell for her when he first heard her laugh (cue me melting when reading this), but he proposed to an elegant creation he only later realizes was not the true Diana. My heart broke for North in the first Wildes of Lindow Castle book, Wilde in Love, as he tried to turn himself into a veritable peacock to attract Diana’s notice. The North in Too Wilde to Wed is a hardened warrior with no patience for fripperies. This North, the real North, is the man who ultimately captures Diana’s heart and one of my favorite things about this story was watching them talk openly and truly learn one another. Diana and North are clearly made for one another, but it isn’t easy for North to win over Diana. But being in Lindow Castle, away from society’s judgmental eyes, frees them to be honest. The resulting romance is by turns sweet and sexy and I was rooting for these two to find a way to get that perfectly happily ever after.
Too Wilde to Wed is the second book in Ms. James’s Wildes of Lindow Castle series and if you don’t mind some spoilers from the first book it can be read on its own. My favorite thing about this series is the Wilde family as a unit. They’re welcoming, loving, and incredibly funny. I’m so glad North has a bunch of siblings because I don’t think I’ll ever tire of reading about their wild (pun intended) antics. I finished Too Wilde to Wed a well-satisfied reader and I cannot wait to see what adventures Ms. James has in store for the Wilde family next!
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
It has been two years since Miss Diana Belgrave jilted Lord Roland Northbridge Wilde, and those two years have changed everything. North went off to fight in the Colonies and has returned whole in body, though not in spirit. And after being tossed out by her mother for breaking her engagement in favor of raising her orphaned nephew, Diana has taken a position as governess to North’s sister in Wilde family household. When North returns to England, the two come face-to-face and the sparks immediately begin to fly. Even though she broke his heart and damaged his reputation, North still wants Diana. And Diana is just realizing she never truly knew the man beneath the elegant mask North had put on to impress her during their engagement. Is it possible for two outcasts who both want different things in life to find their way to a happily ever after together?
Too Wilde to Wed is such a fun book! It’s fun, sensual, and in the Wilde family Eloisa James has created a host of bright, endearing characters who grab your heart and don’t let go.
Unlike most of the young women she knows, Diana has never wanted to be raised to the ranks of the upper aristocracy. In fact, she positively panics at the thought. I liked that Diana was unconventional, that she didn’t quite fit into the mold her mother tried to forcibly stuff her in. After falling from society’s good graces, she finally finds her true self. It’s a self that North has never seen. He fell for her when he first heard her laugh (cue me melting when reading this), but he proposed to an elegant creation he only later realizes was not the true Diana. My heart broke for North in the first Wildes of Lindow Castle book, Wilde in Love, as he tried to turn himself into a veritable peacock to attract Diana’s notice. The North in Too Wilde to Wed is a hardened warrior with no patience for fripperies. This North, the real North, is the man who ultimately captures Diana’s heart and one of my favorite things about this story was watching them talk openly and truly learn one another. Diana and North are clearly made for one another, but it isn’t easy for North to win over Diana. But being in Lindow Castle, away from society’s judgmental eyes, frees them to be honest. The resulting romance is by turns sweet and sexy and I was rooting for these two to find a way to get that perfectly happily ever after.
Too Wilde to Wed is the second book in Ms. James’s Wildes of Lindow Castle series and if you don’t mind some spoilers from the first book it can be read on its own. My favorite thing about this series is the Wilde family as a unit. They’re welcoming, loving, and incredibly funny. I’m so glad North has a bunch of siblings because I don’t think I’ll ever tire of reading about their wild (pun intended) antics. I finished Too Wilde to Wed a well-satisfied reader and I cannot wait to see what adventures Ms. James has in store for the Wilde family next!
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
August 21, 2024
One of my favorites by this author! Really great plot and characters!
June 1, 2022
Het verhaal is best wel onwaarschijnlijk eigenlijk maar het is zo leuk geschreven in E.J. stijl dat ik het niet erg vond . Op het gebied van seks is deze schrijfster steeds minder verlegen .
June 5, 2018
This book droned on and on and on and on and on....
Honestly, I’ve never been more bored with one of EJ’s books. I used to love her writing - fun, silly and sexy... and I don’t know where *that* author went.
I didn’t particularly like the previous book in the series, but I didn’t hate it either. So I figured that like all of her books, they were worth preordering. I’m kind of reconsidering having her on my preorder list, as her writing and books as of late doesn’t really do anything for me.
I didn’t mind the book as it began, it was actually interesting and pulled me in. But as the story progressed... it felt like two different books being merged together?
I also didn’t mind Diana at first, but then I grew to hate her as the book went on. She blamed her mother for all the horrific things that happened, yet literally took advantage of a man who loved her and would do anything for her. And then that scene with the “I’ll give up the dukedom for you” man, North my dear, you deserve better. He deserved someone who would give up anything (even her own selfishness) to be with the man she loved. A woman who would accept him and his title. And then the barmaid scene? Absurd. It’s like Diana just can’t decide what she wants in life and has to drag everyone down with her.
Then the children. Artie is supposed to be two. Two years olds don’t talk like that. Godfrey is supposed to be four. And he doesn’t act his age either.
THEN THE ANIMALS? What is with EJ with crazy eccentric animals in her books lately? It’s literally not humorous and/or interesting. It’s getting old. First skunks and now peacocks. Just absurd.
If one gets around the meaningless sex scenes, a h who can’t decide what she wants and takes advantage of the H’s feelings, the sheer length of the book with the same conversations said over and over and over again (“I’m sorry North I had to” “north I don’t love you” “north I can’t marry you” - these conversations were all had so many times it became exhausting) then you might enjoy the novel.
Honestly, I’ve never been more bored with one of EJ’s books. I used to love her writing - fun, silly and sexy... and I don’t know where *that* author went.
I didn’t particularly like the previous book in the series, but I didn’t hate it either. So I figured that like all of her books, they were worth preordering. I’m kind of reconsidering having her on my preorder list, as her writing and books as of late doesn’t really do anything for me.
I didn’t mind the book as it began, it was actually interesting and pulled me in. But as the story progressed... it felt like two different books being merged together?
I also didn’t mind Diana at first, but then I grew to hate her as the book went on. She blamed her mother for all the horrific things that happened, yet literally took advantage of a man who loved her and would do anything for her. And then that scene with the “I’ll give up the dukedom for you” man, North my dear, you deserve better. He deserved someone who would give up anything (even her own selfishness) to be with the man she loved. A woman who would accept him and his title. And then the barmaid scene? Absurd. It’s like Diana just can’t decide what she wants in life and has to drag everyone down with her.
Then the children. Artie is supposed to be two. Two years olds don’t talk like that. Godfrey is supposed to be four. And he doesn’t act his age either.
THEN THE ANIMALS? What is with EJ with crazy eccentric animals in her books lately? It’s literally not humorous and/or interesting. It’s getting old. First skunks and now peacocks. Just absurd.
If one gets around the meaningless sex scenes, a h who can’t decide what she wants and takes advantage of the H’s feelings, the sheer length of the book with the same conversations said over and over and over again (“I’m sorry North I had to” “north I don’t love you” “north I can’t marry you” - these conversations were all had so many times it became exhausting) then you might enjoy the novel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2021
second chance romance is AT ITS BEST when the hero works his ass off to win the heroine's heart back. my first Eloisa James is a success!
June 5, 2018
5 ☆ I love the Wilde’s and this series!!!
In Book #2 the story focuses on North and Diana. Their relationship is full of spicy heat behind the scenes while dealing with their previous relationship + broken engagement. Also added to the story is the new addition of a little guy Diana brings back with her to Lindow Castle (where she’s now employed as a governess). It proves to be a REAL scandal for North as he’s perceived to of fathered the child! An all around wonderful fun story, I enjoyed every bit of this delicious book! Looking forward to Book 3 releasing July 31.
In Book #2 the story focuses on North and Diana. Their relationship is full of spicy heat behind the scenes while dealing with their previous relationship + broken engagement. Also added to the story is the new addition of a little guy Diana brings back with her to Lindow Castle (where she’s now employed as a governess). It proves to be a REAL scandal for North as he’s perceived to of fathered the child! An all around wonderful fun story, I enjoyed every bit of this delicious book! Looking forward to Book 3 releasing July 31.
January 20, 2019
Audiobook Review:
This second in the series is the story of North, heir to the Dukedom, and jilted by his bethrothed Miss Diana Belgrave. Not knowing the circumstances surrounding her untimely departure, he buys a commission and prior to leaving finds her in a cottage with a young child believing he had been deceived and she is with another. Upon his return from service, rumour has it that she has had a son by him and her family has taken her in at the castle.
North soon learns that Diana is now the governess to his sister Artie, and the child she cares for is her nephew. Diana is convinced that she is not successful as duchess material and North has convinced himself that he has the makings to be a duke. There is much passion and affection between the two characters and plenty of convincing on each end for their obvious reasons. In the end, they realize that titles are just what they are and that the love they have for one another trumps the circumstances they would face in society as long as they are together. Their ineptness at becoming a duke and duchess are just minor flaws they can overcome.
This was a very interesting story and a first where I've read an aristocrat renouncing a titled for the one he loves. Elisa James is one of my all time favorite authors and this story was well well-written, enjoyable, entertaining with its HEA. Again the narration by Susan Duerden is excellent. I am enjoying this series so far and look forward to the next.
4-Stars
This second in the series is the story of North, heir to the Dukedom, and jilted by his bethrothed Miss Diana Belgrave. Not knowing the circumstances surrounding her untimely departure, he buys a commission and prior to leaving finds her in a cottage with a young child believing he had been deceived and she is with another. Upon his return from service, rumour has it that she has had a son by him and her family has taken her in at the castle.
North soon learns that Diana is now the governess to his sister Artie, and the child she cares for is her nephew. Diana is convinced that she is not successful as duchess material and North has convinced himself that he has the makings to be a duke. There is much passion and affection between the two characters and plenty of convincing on each end for their obvious reasons. In the end, they realize that titles are just what they are and that the love they have for one another trumps the circumstances they would face in society as long as they are together. Their ineptness at becoming a duke and duchess are just minor flaws they can overcome.
This was a very interesting story and a first where I've read an aristocrat renouncing a titled for the one he loves. Elisa James is one of my all time favorite authors and this story was well well-written, enjoyable, entertaining with its HEA. Again the narration by Susan Duerden is excellent. I am enjoying this series so far and look forward to the next.
4-Stars
June 17, 2020
3,5⭐️
September 23, 2018
4.5 stars.
I love this book. Not for any fancy reason. Or really any discernible reason. It's a well-crafted, trick-free, perfectly paced love story between two odd people. Eloisa James is a paragon for a reason. And I adore most of her books.
I was very so-so on the first book in this series. Wilde in Love. (See my review here). Despite less-than-intense feelings for WIL I was excited for the rest of the series. And TWtW was better than I'd expected. I'm thrilled for what's coming in this series.
I love this book. Not for any fancy reason. Or really any discernible reason. It's a well-crafted, trick-free, perfectly paced love story between two odd people. Eloisa James is a paragon for a reason. And I adore most of her books.
I was very so-so on the first book in this series. Wilde in Love. (See my review here). Despite less-than-intense feelings for WIL I was excited for the rest of the series. And TWtW was better than I'd expected. I'm thrilled for what's coming in this series.
March 15, 2020
4.5 stars. This might have been better than Born to be Wilde if not for how the ending completely fizzled out. For the most part, I loved this story of a couple whose betrothal falls apart due to a rash decision on the heroine's part, as well as the fact that they don't really know each other. After years of separation North comes home from war to discover Diana working as a governess in his father's home. Sparks fly, old feelings emerge, and the fight for North to win Diana is on!
As a hero, North carried this entire book for me. I adored him and was captivated by his determination and unwavering faith in his love for Diana.
Diana could be frustrating at times though this was mainly because the pretext keeping her from North was so poorly executed. It was drawn out too long and by the end even Diana was like "why did I put us.through this. I love you and that's what matters." There isn't a dark moment or any real catalyst that pushes them together, the characters simply throw up their hands and pretend none of the angst and separation never happened.this makes the ending fall flat.
I love this series, and felt this.book could have easily been 5 stars with a stronger ending.
As a hero, North carried this entire book for me. I adored him and was captivated by his determination and unwavering faith in his love for Diana.
Diana could be frustrating at times though this was mainly because the pretext keeping her from North was so poorly executed. It was drawn out too long and by the end even Diana was like "why did I put us.through this. I love you and that's what matters." There isn't a dark moment or any real catalyst that pushes them together, the characters simply throw up their hands and pretend none of the angst and separation never happened.this makes the ending fall flat.
I love this series, and felt this.book could have easily been 5 stars with a stronger ending.
May 10, 2018
Four plus. Absolutely delightful. Lots of meaningful conversations between North and Diana clearing up misunderstandings of the past and allowing them to get to know one another better. I love that North fell for Diana because of her laughter. I love that Diana takes care of North as no one else can.
I particularly liked the seamless inclusion of the household staff in the story in a way that is natural a la Downton Abbey. Prism, Mabel, even Boodle provide not only comic relief, but also bring realism to this fictional work.
As always with EJ’s books, Too Wilde to Wed has a cast of hundreds, all of them with distinct personalities. The kids Artie and Godfrey especially, are adorable. Ms. James is hard on the mothers, though - Mrs. Belgrave and Lady Gray will not win any Mother-of-the-Year awards.
This series is turning out to be quite enjoyable. I’m looking forward to Lavinia and Parth’s romance in Born to be Wilde.
Note: I requested and received TWTW from Avon through Edelweiss for review purposes.
I particularly liked the seamless inclusion of the household staff in the story in a way that is natural a la Downton Abbey. Prism, Mabel, even Boodle provide not only comic relief, but also bring realism to this fictional work.
As always with EJ’s books, Too Wilde to Wed has a cast of hundreds, all of them with distinct personalities. The kids Artie and Godfrey especially, are adorable. Ms. James is hard on the mothers, though - Mrs. Belgrave and Lady Gray will not win any Mother-of-the-Year awards.
This series is turning out to be quite enjoyable. I’m looking forward to Lavinia and Parth’s romance in Born to be Wilde.
Note: I requested and received TWTW from Avon through Edelweiss for review purposes.
April 17, 2022
This is my second reading and once again loved it
August 28, 2018
I came to this with low expectations, but I'm positively surprised. It was a little bit repetitive in the middle, and the story didn't seem to be going anywhere, but I'm happy I stuck with it because in the end it proved quite enjoyable. I'm still a little mad with North for his highhandedness with Diana's possessions, but he did redeem himself later on in the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 876 reviews