Helpful Score: 3
I'm not sure what I was expecting when I read the synopsis for A Certain Wolfish Charm, but whatever my expectations were, they weren't met.
It's billed as paranormal romance, but really it's only marginally paranormal (more like Paranormal Lite). Yes, the hero's a werewolf, but that aspect is treated more like a dirty little secret--> the first half of the book he's referred to as a 'beast' or 'unnatural' and the supernatural shifter stuff is barely touch upon (it was more alluded to, then anything else) so much so that the secret could be almost anything else... the H being a secret agent for the crown or a father who was a traitor, or whatever, the basic story stays the same, no matter what the secret is.
That's not so say A certain Wolfish charm was badly written, it wasn't. It's pretty much on par with your average 3 to 4 star rated Regency. There's just nothing that really stands out. the main characters follow the typical pattern --> She's an aging spinster (with a heart of gold), he's a (kinda sorta) tortured rake of a hero. From their first meeting it goes exactly where you think it will (spoilers ahead) --> Her rep is ruined and made public by a well meaning (matchmaking) friend, the hero saves her by marrying her, but he has a shameful secret that she eventually (i.e. not til the very last few pages) finds out and accepts his secret (the one that's been praying on him for years) fairly quickly.
And the ending is not only fairly obvious, but a bit anticlimactic as well, and I liked the h better then the H. In most PNR, we know why the shifter (or other para breed) gets all hot and bothered for the h (or vice versa): a scent, or just a knowing that this person is his or whatever, but that's not the case here so I spent a good amount of time trying to figure out why this H wanted this h...
As a fan of paranormal romances, the biggest disappointment isn't the predictable plot though, but the potential of a good PNR novel that's never realized...It never quite reaches the heights the plot synopsis (on the back cover) implies it will.
It's no where near the likes of Singh's Psy-Changeling, or Brigg's Alpha and Omega series, but for what it is, a regency with light para elements, it's a decent read.
And if you're new to para's or if you're unsure whether or not you'd be interested, this may be a pretty good place to start :)
It's billed as paranormal romance, but really it's only marginally paranormal (more like Paranormal Lite). Yes, the hero's a werewolf, but that aspect is treated more like a dirty little secret--> the first half of the book he's referred to as a 'beast' or 'unnatural' and the supernatural shifter stuff is barely touch upon (it was more alluded to, then anything else) so much so that the secret could be almost anything else... the H being a secret agent for the crown or a father who was a traitor, or whatever, the basic story stays the same, no matter what the secret is.
That's not so say A certain Wolfish charm was badly written, it wasn't. It's pretty much on par with your average 3 to 4 star rated Regency. There's just nothing that really stands out. the main characters follow the typical pattern --> She's an aging spinster (with a heart of gold), he's a (kinda sorta) tortured rake of a hero. From their first meeting it goes exactly where you think it will (spoilers ahead) --> Her rep is ruined and made public by a well meaning (matchmaking) friend, the hero saves her by marrying her, but he has a shameful secret that she eventually (i.e. not til the very last few pages) finds out and accepts his secret (the one that's been praying on him for years) fairly quickly.
And the ending is not only fairly obvious, but a bit anticlimactic as well, and I liked the h better then the H. In most PNR, we know why the shifter (or other para breed) gets all hot and bothered for the h (or vice versa): a scent, or just a knowing that this person is his or whatever, but that's not the case here so I spent a good amount of time trying to figure out why this H wanted this h...
As a fan of paranormal romances, the biggest disappointment isn't the predictable plot though, but the potential of a good PNR novel that's never realized...It never quite reaches the heights the plot synopsis (on the back cover) implies it will.
It's no where near the likes of Singh's Psy-Changeling, or Brigg's Alpha and Omega series, but for what it is, a regency with light para elements, it's a decent read.
And if you're new to para's or if you're unsure whether or not you'd be interested, this may be a pretty good place to start :)
Susan C. (pages726) reviewed A Certain Wolfish Charm (Westfield Wolves, Bk 1) on + 36 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This was the first book by Lydia Dare I read, so I wasn't sure what to except. I wasn't expecting fabulous but that's what this book was...fab-u-lous!! The story had my interest from chapter 1 and I didn't put the book down til I was finished. Lily was a strong woman not whiney and submissive and Simon is possessive and cursed. The book was written with humor and tenderness. This book has great sub charactors who mettle and advise when not wanted which give the story more depth and make you excited to read Ms.Dare's other books. Which I will.
Kay K. (quaker) reviewed A Certain Wolfish Charm (Westfield Wolves, Bk 1) on + 123 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Though it wasn't the worst book I've read, it sure wasn't the best either!!! the romance was just so so, it didn't make me think about Lily and Simon when I wasn't reading it, Simon was some what boring and I was never convensed he actually loved Lily, I mean LOVED her like a good wolf should!!! and again, I prefer the wares/shifters to like their beasts!!! so, if I come across the others at a yard sale or book sale, I'd get it, but I won't waste another credit!!!
Sara P. (sarap) -
Helpful Score: 1
Like the title, this book has a certain charm. The story was cute if very predictable.
But overall, I wasn't impressed. The romance was the type where by page 60, after the hero and heroine have spent approximately 10 minutes together, she is wondering if she might be in love with him. The author has created no basis for the romance, all of a sudden these characters just have strong feelings for one another, based pretty much on minimal interaction.
I will not be seeking these books out, but I would probably read another if I came across it.
But overall, I wasn't impressed. The romance was the type where by page 60, after the hero and heroine have spent approximately 10 minutes together, she is wondering if she might be in love with him. The author has created no basis for the romance, all of a sudden these characters just have strong feelings for one another, based pretty much on minimal interaction.
I will not be seeking these books out, but I would probably read another if I came across it.
Helpful Score: 1
The writing in this book is good in that sense that it kept me reading and intrigued, but I think it could have been more. I wanted something dramatic to happen rather just a story of Simon accepting his wolf and believing in Lily. For a book just about that, I think Dare could have cut about 100 pages out of it. Towards the end the story lost some steam.
I do love the cast of characters though and I enjoyed Simon and Lily's playfulness. The interaction between the brothers and mom is a lot of fun too. Good light read. Not exactly sexy, although it tries to be but not all together sweet either. If I could find the rest of the series at the library or on credit I would continue to read it, but I don't think it was good enough for me to pay real money for it.
I do love the cast of characters though and I enjoyed Simon and Lily's playfulness. The interaction between the brothers and mom is a lot of fun too. Good light read. Not exactly sexy, although it tries to be but not all together sweet either. If I could find the rest of the series at the library or on credit I would continue to read it, but I don't think it was good enough for me to pay real money for it.
