What do you think?
Rate this book
Regency Duo #2
The Rebellious Ward
Only a girl as captivating as Catriona MacIan could have overcome the scandal of her birth to shine as the most sought-after lady of the London season.
Only a girl as daring as Catriona would have played with the fiery attentions of suitors as different as the eminently eligible, handsome and proper Lord Wareham and the notoriously worldly and wicked Marquis of Hampton.
Only a girl as stubborn as Catriona would have persisted in adoring the one man she could not have--the brilliant and iron-willed Duke of Burford, the guardian who saw her every fault and was blind to all else.
Only a girl as daring as Catriona would have played with the fiery attentions of suitors as different as the eminently eligible, handsome and proper Lord Wareham and the notoriously worldly and wicked Marquis of Hampton.
Only a girl as stubborn as Catriona would have persisted in adoring the one man she could not have--the brilliant and iron-willed Duke of Burford, the guardian who saw her every fault and was blind to all else.
220 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 7, 1984
26 people are currently reading
245 people want to read
About the author
Joan Wolf
104 books368 followersJoan Wolf is a USA TODAY bestselling American writer, whose acclaimed Regency romances have earned her national recognition as a master of the genre. Her many historical and contemporary romances, some of which have been chosen as Literary Guild selections, have been highly praised by reviewers and authors alike.
Joan was born in 1951 and she grew up in the Bronx, New York. A former English teacher, she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Mercy College and Master in English and Comparative Literature at Hunter College. An avid rider and horse owner, Joan lives in Connecticut with her husband Joe and two grown children, Jay and Pam.
Joan was born in 1951 and she grew up in the Bronx, New York. A former English teacher, she obtained a Bachelor's degree in Mercy College and Master in English and Comparative Literature at Hunter College. An avid rider and horse owner, Joan lives in Connecticut with her husband Joe and two grown children, Jay and Pam.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 11, 2016
The reader is hammered on the head with the proposition that heroine is a speshul snowflake that every man, woman, child, and a couple of squirrels think is incomparable, witty, wonderful, kind, honest, perfect, sexy,loyal, etc. though she is also a wee bit too rambunctious, headstrong and hyper to really be the perfect Regency Mary Sue.
In truth, I found her to be a sniveling, annoying coward who actively deceived a poor reformed rake into believing she loved him, made him give up all his mistresses to devote himself to her, and propose marriage, then went ahead and cheated on him with the dull guardian she has been in love with all her life. Seriously? H and h were villains and I hope, in some other dimensional world, the alleged rake gets his HEA with a woman who is worthy of him.
In truth, I found her to be a sniveling, annoying coward who actively deceived a poor reformed rake into believing she loved him, made him give up all his mistresses to devote himself to her, and propose marriage, then went ahead and cheated on him with the dull guardian she has been in love with all her life. Seriously? H and h were villains and I hope, in some other dimensional world, the alleged rake gets his HEA with a woman who is worthy of him.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 3, 2017
After some clunkers I read lately and being on the verge of a reading slump, I took the only remedy I know - re-reading some of the authors I loved/liked in the past. Reading/re-reading Joan Wolf’s earlier traditional regencies is such a cure for me. Her character-driven stories don’t rely on inner monologues and there is more tell than show but somehow it works beautifully in bringing undercurrent tension and emotional buildup.
This guardian-ward story is no exception. It was fun to watch awakening of love, slow realization of changed dynamic of the characters’ relationship. It would be actually a 5-star read if not for.... the other man. I never thought I would say this but I was actually sadden that the OM who I would consider a hero in his own rights was left to be disappointed. I’m off now to search if the author made him a hero in one of her other stories. I want to see his HEA as well.
Update: No, there is no OM story and since I kept thinking how shabby his treatment was at the end, I'm lowering my rating from 4 to 3 stars now.
This guardian-ward story is no exception. It was fun to watch awakening of love, slow realization of changed dynamic of the characters’ relationship. It would be actually a 5-star read if not for.... the other man. I never thought I would say this but I was actually sadden that the OM who I would consider a hero in his own rights was left to be disappointed. I’m off now to search if the author made him a hero in one of her other stories. I want to see his HEA as well.
Update: No, there is no OM story and since I kept thinking how shabby his treatment was at the end, I'm lowering my rating from 4 to 3 stars now.
January 11, 2022
Trope: Guardian/ward, age gap
What a gem! This was my first book of Ms Wolf and definitely won’t be my last. I adore her style of writing. She is the type of author that can put a wealth of meaning in a few words - succinct without sacrificing the language.
This is not a long book (at only 133 pages on kindle) but it doesn’t feel like it and that’s saying something. It even has an epilogue (10 years after the MCs wedding).
Some might be bothered since Kate was Edmund’s ward from such a young age. However, I feel differently as Edmund was never really around that much due to his responsibilities as a duke. Kate was taken care of by her grandmother and a governess. So, sexual grooming was never a factor. Some readers also think that she treated the OM quite shabbily but the other man was a known rake, I guess this was his comeuppance for breaking a lot of hearts (yeah, I know, I’m perverse that way). She was also only 17 so she didn’t really handle the ending of the betrothal all that well.
This was a delightful read and I’m really looking forward to her other books for a short read and wonderful escapism.
Steam factor: Nil. Clean romance. Kisses only. Very chaste (not even a hint of tongue).
What a gem! This was my first book of Ms Wolf and definitely won’t be my last. I adore her style of writing. She is the type of author that can put a wealth of meaning in a few words - succinct without sacrificing the language.
This is not a long book (at only 133 pages on kindle) but it doesn’t feel like it and that’s saying something. It even has an epilogue (10 years after the MCs wedding).
Some might be bothered since Kate was Edmund’s ward from such a young age. However, I feel differently as Edmund was never really around that much due to his responsibilities as a duke. Kate was taken care of by her grandmother and a governess. So, sexual grooming was never a factor. Some readers also think that she treated the OM quite shabbily but the other man was a known rake, I guess this was his comeuppance for breaking a lot of hearts (yeah, I know, I’m perverse that way). She was also only 17 so she didn’t really handle the ending of the betrothal all that well.
This was a delightful read and I’m really looking forward to her other books for a short read and wonderful escapism.
Steam factor: Nil. Clean romance. Kisses only. Very chaste (not even a hint of tongue).
February 10, 2015
I should give this one star for the terrible prologue! It made me nervous and didn't fit the book at all! Eh, I'll spoiler-cut the reasons, but it's probably safe to read.
I wasn't super-into the book as a whole either. Everyone is in love with the heroine, of course, and she treats one of them rather badly.
I wasn't super-into the book as a whole either. Everyone is in love with the heroine, of course, and she treats one of them rather badly.
July 13, 2011
Contains spoilers!
Catriona has always known her own heart.
Her guardian knows his, but denies his desire -- as it is totally inappropriate.
Catriona meets a handsome rake (immensely wealthy, desirable, attractive, young...).
She agrees to marry the rake (who has fallen deeply in love with her).
Then her guardian confesses his love.
Catriona ditches the rake.
Poor rake.
Catriona has always known her own heart.
Her guardian knows his, but denies his desire -- as it is totally inappropriate.
Catriona meets a handsome rake (immensely wealthy, desirable, attractive, young...).
She agrees to marry the rake (who has fallen deeply in love with her).
Then her guardian confesses his love.
Catriona ditches the rake.
Poor rake.
February 13, 2017
I love how Joan Wolf does intense connection between her hero/heroine. I've said this about this author before but she packs a lot of story in a relatively short word count. The romantic connection just jumps off the pge.
February 9, 2017
This story is surprisingly vivid for its lack of length. It was an engaging and satisfying read - except that it ends without dealing with the supposed main issue between the couple: we're told they marry, without anyone mentioning her possible illegitimacy as a roadblock once they've declared their love. I'll admit the opening drove me nuts and I went looking for spoilers before I could continue. Found this intriguing review: http://sycoraxpine.blogspot.ca/2010/0...
Anyway...I also felt crushed for the rake-fiance left alone at the end. Did he get a book?! I guess since this is Joan Wolf writing in 1984, probably not :(
Anyway...I also felt crushed for the rake-fiance left alone at the end. Did he get a book?! I guess since this is Joan Wolf writing in 1984, probably not :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2014
The problem with not realizing this was the second book of a series, is not understanding the significance of when a past character is introduced, so I felt characters were placed in the plot for no real reason, thus dimming my enjoyment of the book. overall it was a simple read, the book was written simply, the characters acted a little simply. I think the author was going for suppressed emotions, but they just came out a little wooden. It was a little weird, that the heroine was so young when the hero falls for her. also it was annoying that they obviously loved one another (and the family support was a little too good to be true and she isn't the flirt the back cover describes her to be) but the main characters wouldn't express their feelings so the heroine thinks she HAS to marry someone else, while the hero thinks she WANTS to marry someone else, I really liked the reformed rake, I wish he had his own book and HEA
November 17, 2013
You know a book is really good when you read it more than once, and every time you feel all those strong emotions you did the first time. This happens to me here. Edmund and Catriona only declare their love and kiss just at the end of the book, before the epilogue, but to me, this doesn't take anything away from the story. Facts speak aloud here and every scene is full of undercurrent love, emotion, desperation . This is an example of what I love to read and a reason of why I cherish deeply some Joan Wolf's books.
December 16, 2013
Amazing!!!! Short and sweet regency novel!!! Reminisce of Georgette Heyer!! Highly recommend escapism!!!!
September 20, 2014
The girl on the cover looks like no seventeen year old I've ever seen, but the book was very good!
August 12, 2021
The Rebellious Ward was ecstatically amazing. Why? It was everything to me. It even had an epilogue. I love a book that includes an epilogue. It’s like the cherry on top. It’s an imperative ingredient necessary to create a long lasting book glow.
The main characters in The Rebellious Ward are Catriona and Edmund. They actually were twelve years apart in age but Catriona was mature beyond her years. I didn’t have an issue with the age gap especially since their romance was sweet and innocent. I found their relationship to be be heartwarming, fun and entertaining. The cast of characters were well developed and relatable. I felt bad for Marquis of Hampton and would love to see him have a book of his own. I really enjoyed the guest appearance of Ian and Frances.
The writing, pace, and plot were all spot on. I can’t think of any constructive criticism of any kind regarding this novel. I loved how the story started and ended at the same scene. The book began with a prologue and consisted of twenty three chapters with a Part One and a Part two and ended with an epilogue. It all hit my feel good spots. The whole story was engaging, riveting, and original.
I’m starting to think that Joan Wolf is eclipsing all my other favorite authors. If you have never heard of Joan Wolf then I can’t impress enough to give her a chance. If you love historical romance like me then The Rebellious Ward is one I confidently recommend.
The main characters in The Rebellious Ward are Catriona and Edmund. They actually were twelve years apart in age but Catriona was mature beyond her years. I didn’t have an issue with the age gap especially since their romance was sweet and innocent. I found their relationship to be be heartwarming, fun and entertaining. The cast of characters were well developed and relatable. I felt bad for Marquis of Hampton and would love to see him have a book of his own. I really enjoyed the guest appearance of Ian and Frances.
The writing, pace, and plot were all spot on. I can’t think of any constructive criticism of any kind regarding this novel. I loved how the story started and ended at the same scene. The book began with a prologue and consisted of twenty three chapters with a Part One and a Part two and ended with an epilogue. It all hit my feel good spots. The whole story was engaging, riveting, and original.
I’m starting to think that Joan Wolf is eclipsing all my other favorite authors. If you have never heard of Joan Wolf then I can’t impress enough to give her a chance. If you love historical romance like me then The Rebellious Ward is one I confidently recommend.
September 24, 2018
Love this author
Joan Wolf writes clearly and her characters are enjoyable and real with flaws and strengths. Her books are about being kind to others, the importance of family, and having honor. When I pick up one of her books, I know I will enjoy it and reading it will put me in a good mood.
Joan Wolf writes clearly and her characters are enjoyable and real with flaws and strengths. Her books are about being kind to others, the importance of family, and having honor. When I pick up one of her books, I know I will enjoy it and reading it will put me in a good mood.
July 4, 2018
Sweet, clean regency which nonetheless permitted its heroine to kiss multiple men. The back cover copy is wildly misleading but the story itself is engaging with a little more of an edge than some regency romances have. (It seems not implausible that the heroine will end up with The Wrong Man.)
February 1, 2023
Romance, don't you love them!
Ms. Wolf I love her stories. Sane, romantic, no profanity, and heartwarming. Cartoons and Edmund, simply makes you just sigh. Good story, developed characters, good dialogue, and a happy ending can't ask for more in good book.
Ms. Wolf I love her stories. Sane, romantic, no profanity, and heartwarming. Cartoons and Edmund, simply makes you just sigh. Good story, developed characters, good dialogue, and a happy ending can't ask for more in good book.
August 24, 2017
The cover is deceptive. It's not THAT kind of romance novel
February 27, 2018
I loved this story. The older Regency romances have more of a story line. They weren’t made to add sex wherever possible. More intrigue and a good plot. I liked that it was shorter also. A good read.
October 20, 2019
3.4 stars
April 15, 2023
Always will be a re-read.
July 5, 2024
Es de los pocos libros donde me gustaron ambos intereses amorosos, cada uno tenía algo que me hace querer escogerlo. Y esta chica es literalmente la definición de sunshine, la adoro.
March 15, 2018
Clean & Sweet Romance
This was such a sweet romance. Nothing flashy, or even very original, but sometimes a delightfully typical regency romance is just what I need. I loved the prologue, I thought it was very clever to give the reader a glimpse of what the future might hold for Catriona. My one complaint is that the reader is given none of Edmunds thoughts or perspectives. Edmund was a rigid, strong, manly hero. Catriona was a sweet, fun, vivacious, and wholly likeable heroine. Their romance was slow moving with only the “Disney kiss at the end.” Usually I prefer a more physical romance, but this book was so engaging that it didn’t bother me. I recommend this book to fans of the genre looking for a classic.
This was such a sweet romance. Nothing flashy, or even very original, but sometimes a delightfully typical regency romance is just what I need. I loved the prologue, I thought it was very clever to give the reader a glimpse of what the future might hold for Catriona. My one complaint is that the reader is given none of Edmunds thoughts or perspectives. Edmund was a rigid, strong, manly hero. Catriona was a sweet, fun, vivacious, and wholly likeable heroine. Their romance was slow moving with only the “Disney kiss at the end.” Usually I prefer a more physical romance, but this book was so engaging that it didn’t bother me. I recommend this book to fans of the genre looking for a classic.
February 26, 2017
Whoever has designed the cover for this book has done the author a tremendous disservice. One would believe this to be a tawdry romance but it's wholly sweet and tame. Not the best regency romance I've read, I prefer Georgette Heyer, but this was a nice story with a sweet heroine and was a delightful way to spend a couple of hours.
May 18, 2016
4.75stars - Lovely!!!, September 28, 2008
This review is from: The Rebellious Ward (Signet) (Mass Market Paperback)
My thoughts: Synopsis is the hero who is a cousin and also the guardian of the heroine, is in charge of making sure the heroine will marry and have a secure future despite her illegitimacy. But the heroine is in love with someone else - him ^_^ Yes, as the previous reviewer said, the prologue made me do something evil - skip to the ending!!! But they were right, I was not able to find out what the heck the story so I had to read the book correctly. I'm glad I did! The book was absolutely charming. The heroine was cute, spunky and full of fire and life. I thought it was funny and nice that she didn't shy away from kisses from other guys hahaha! The hero was also nice but I couldn't really imagine him as a mathematican, etc. And gosh, even though he wasn't the hero, the hero's rival was just so sweet! I felt SO bad that the heroine couldn't choose him =( I was hoping there was a sequel, that maybe he would have his own romance. Alas there wasn't. My only complaint is that I don't think there was enough "romantic" time between the hero and the heroine. I thought maybe there were stolen kisses or something but such was not the case. But despite all that, this book was REALLY good. That is why I gave it almost 5 stars. If you are semi disgusted by the fact that they are related, don't be. As mentioned by a previous reviewer, this was quite common in the olden days. I don't think they are first cousins. Heroine's father and hero were cousins. There is an 11 years age gap between them. Anyway, this book is highly recommended!
This review is from: The Rebellious Ward (Signet) (Mass Market Paperback)
My thoughts: Synopsis is the hero who is a cousin and also the guardian of the heroine, is in charge of making sure the heroine will marry and have a secure future despite her illegitimacy. But the heroine is in love with someone else - him ^_^ Yes, as the previous reviewer said, the prologue made me do something evil - skip to the ending!!! But they were right, I was not able to find out what the heck the story so I had to read the book correctly. I'm glad I did! The book was absolutely charming. The heroine was cute, spunky and full of fire and life. I thought it was funny and nice that she didn't shy away from kisses from other guys hahaha! The hero was also nice but I couldn't really imagine him as a mathematican, etc. And gosh, even though he wasn't the hero, the hero's rival was just so sweet! I felt SO bad that the heroine couldn't choose him =( I was hoping there was a sequel, that maybe he would have his own romance. Alas there wasn't. My only complaint is that I don't think there was enough "romantic" time between the hero and the heroine. I thought maybe there were stolen kisses or something but such was not the case. But despite all that, this book was REALLY good. That is why I gave it almost 5 stars. If you are semi disgusted by the fact that they are related, don't be. As mentioned by a previous reviewer, this was quite common in the olden days. I don't think they are first cousins. Heroine's father and hero were cousins. There is an 11 years age gap between them. Anyway, this book is highly recommended!
August 15, 2015
Have you ever started a novel and understood the entire plot after 3 pages?
Thats what happened to me after I finished reading the prologue.
Gah!!!!
Joan, please understand - people like me have read tooo many romances not to understand that the heroine will always always always be with the hero by the end of it.
So when you start a prologue by saying how George noticed Kate's eyes lighting up hearing Edmund's name and then show a scene where she is happy to see her husband and kids - well, duh! If Kate loves and loved Edmund, definitely they have ended up together!
Dont run away with the impression that this book is not enjoyable.
It definitely is.
Its just that I wished Kate and Edmund had more romantic moments in this novel that the ever-building anticipation.
Kate is free spirited and lovely. Edmund is definitely a strong hero.
Hampton - who is supposed to be a rake of the 1st water - kinda comes off as a wishy washy person who falls for a pretty face - not a "rake" thing to do!
Overall, I liked the novel but it is tooo "safe" :)
Thats what happened to me after I finished reading the prologue.
Gah!!!!
Joan, please understand - people like me have read tooo many romances not to understand that the heroine will always always always be with the hero by the end of it.
So when you start a prologue by saying how George noticed Kate's eyes lighting up hearing Edmund's name and then show a scene where she is happy to see her husband and kids - well, duh! If Kate loves and loved Edmund, definitely they have ended up together!
Dont run away with the impression that this book is not enjoyable.
It definitely is.
Its just that I wished Kate and Edmund had more romantic moments in this novel that the ever-building anticipation.
Kate is free spirited and lovely. Edmund is definitely a strong hero.
Hampton - who is supposed to be a rake of the 1st water - kinda comes off as a wishy washy person who falls for a pretty face - not a "rake" thing to do!
Overall, I liked the novel but it is tooo "safe" :)
October 16, 2007
Was very good. There was a nice depth to the characters and there was a bit of a surprise. I couldn't decided between 3 or 4 stars really. As I did wish that the story had been a bit longer as I was left with some questions regarding some of the other characters in the book. Perhaps i the story had been about three characters and was 3 times as long. The main characters were very nicely rounded out however. And there wasn't any of that horrid, going around in circles and hypocrisies as some novels have.
December 28, 2012
Hilary summarized it very well. Reproducing below her review for convenience :
Jul 13, 2011
Hilary rated it 2 of 5 stars false
Shelves: romance, historical-fiction
Contains spoilers!
Catriona has always known her own heart.
Her guardian knows his, but denies his desire -- as it is totally inappropriate.
Catriona meets a handsome rake (immensely wealthy, desirable, attractive, young...).
She agrees to marry the rake (who has fallen deeply in love with her).
Then her guardian confesses his love.
Catriona ditches the rake.
Poor rake.
July 29, 2014
I really enjoyed how this was written in a different style than other regency romances, starting from Catriona's arrival in England as a nine year old, then following her throughout the years as she grows into a lovely young lady. I just found it a bit off that she lusts after her "older brother/benefactor/guardian." but otherwise a sweet story.
October 13, 2010
For a non-native english speakek like myself, Joan Wolf is an easy, breezy read. Her style is straightforward, simple proses with not so much embellishment. Her story is entertaining enough. I don't remember much afterward, but hey that it's fun while it lasts is what counts.
April 3, 2023
4.5 stars.
Always a sucker for ward-guardian and cross generational romance. Very clean romance but so heart wrenchingly tender. I could feel the ecstasy and the misery, of Catriona's love for Edmund. Very satisfying read.
Always a sucker for ward-guardian and cross generational romance. Very clean romance but so heart wrenchingly tender. I could feel the ecstasy and the misery, of Catriona's love for Edmund. Very satisfying read.
August 12, 2024
Almost a 5, a four-and-a-half.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews