Wilde Child

Eloisa James is really a hit or miss author for me. I'll either love her books or fell so-so about them. This one I couldn't care less about. The characters were boring, the plot was boring, and the romance seemed to come out of nowhere. Most of the conflict was that Joan is obviously a child born out of infidelity and at the present time she really wants to act as a man in a play. Thaddeus offers to help her with this. Thaddeus is dealign with his father claiming he was already married before marrying Thaddeus's mother, so he wants his other son to inherit the dukedom over Thaddeus. It sounded interesting enough in the synopsis, but not a whole lot actually happens in this plot. I was pretty bored throughout the whole story and just wanted to finish so that I could read a different book.

ARC provide by Edelweiss and Avon/Harper in exchange for an honest review.<br /><br />Eloisa James books are overall an enjoyable read for me. I'm rarely disappointed and found her to be consistent. <br /><br />But in this instance I found this to more average or a little below. And the main issue was the heroine.I just didn't find her that likable. It could me more me then the character, possibly. <br /><br />Lady Joan's mother was known to society as a scandalous second wife to Duke of Lindow (she had an affair with a Prussian and ran away with him). Joan is very well aware of the gossip and she does look a lot like her father. But Lady Joan lives her life as she pleases, happy and flirty and a little scandalous as well. But she only goes so far or as much as her family allows. Joan has always desired a stage life and her family has indulged her by allowing little performances within the family. But Lady Joan decides to join a traveling theater troupe and play a role in which she gets to wear breaches. <br /><br />The future Duke of Eversly, Thaddeus, Viscount Greywick is looking for a wife that is proper and correct. He's living in the shadows of his father very unconventional and scandalous life. He's worked very hard and being proper and living an upstanding life. Thaddeus has courted two Wilde sister who ending marrying someone else. Lady Joan is nothin like her sister and Thaddus is extremely worried about her flirty and gregarious ways. But then he hears about her new endeavor of joining a traveling theater and is shocked. <br /><br />Thaddeus and Joans relationship has always had an underlining tension or awareness. They work hard at avoiding each other, but find it somewhat difficult and Thaddeus is a long time friend of the family. But when Thaddeus hears about her latest endeavor he decides he needs to step in and save her reputations.<br /><br />And this is where the story gets interesting. Thaddeus accompanies Joan on her journey with the theater performances to be her protector but in exchange she needs to agree to marry who he chooses. <br /><br />This was a wonderful character development for Thaddeus but felt that Joan's fell flat for some reason. I just didn't see her growth or appeal throughout their journey to love. Thaddeus was a gem and I really appreciated his contribution to the relationship, but again Joan just fell short. <br /><br />Writing overall was good as well as pacing. But issue was the development and storyline of the heroine, Joan.

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️<br />Plot/Storyline: ????<br />Feels: ???<br />Emotional Depth: ????<br />Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡<br />Romance: ????<br />Sensuality: ????<br />Sex Scene Length: ???<br />Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): ???<br />Humor: Yes<br />Perspective: Third person from both hero and heroine<br /><br />(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/396707744649325/" rel="nofollow noopener">The Ton and Tartans Book Club</a> )<br /><br /><b>Should I read in order?</b><br />Ideally, yes! This one is okayyyyy as a stand alone but you’ll meet both characters in previous books and the whole family dynamic really flows together throughout the series. (These are a lot more stand alone than her Desperate Duchess series, but flow similarly to Lisa Kleypas’ Ravenels)<br /><br /><b>Basic plot:</b><br />Thaddeus has pursued Joan’s sisters in the past, searching for the perfect duchess – which is definitely not her. Known as the family bastard, informally of course, she’s a walking scandal. But they keep getting thrown together...<br /><br /><b>Give this a try if you want:</b><br />- Bargain (small aspect) – Thaddeus will help Joan perform if she lets him help find a husband<br />- Outgoing actress heroine/quiet duke hero<br />- Children as a part of the story (family members)<br />- Georgian time period (1784)<br />- Tons of focus on the couple<br />- Medium steam – 3 full scenes and plenty of kisses<br /><br /><b>My thoughts:</b><br />There was so much I really loved about this book. I had so many parts I had to quote that just felt so romantic to me (see below). I usually really enjoy books that focus a lot on the couple and they spend tons of time together and this is what I had here. <br /><br />Thaddeus, I just loved him. I didn’t really have an opinion on him in prior books – he seemed quiet and very calm and staid. I wondered what was underneath when I found out he would have his own story. And I loved how his still waters ran deep. He feels deep feelings and Joan just makes them all come out. He’s protective, sweet, playful when he comes out of his shell and I just fell utterly in love with him.<br /><br />Joan is outgoing and unafraid of society’s opinion. Everyone knows shes a bastard, informally of course, since her ‘father’, the Duke of Lindow claims her wholeheartedly. Desiring to be an actress, she’s practicing for Hamlet and ends up roping Thaddeus into her antics. <br /><br />I listened to the audiobook of this one. Susan Duerden is not my favorite narrator but I must admit I just love her male voices. She’s a touch low and raspy and I just adore it. (I could pass on her general narration and her females voices are just okay to me). I tend to be a bit more forgiving on audiobooks in my ratings too.<br /><br />This one didn’t quite have the gut wrenching angst I love, or the smoking sexual tension I crave...and some parts did drag for me. But as I listened to my bookmarked spots and took down my notes I just found myself loving some of the lines so so much, and quoting Thaddeus’ swoon worthy words I just had to move it to 5 stars. I just adore him. I would totally have fallen in love with him too, were I joan. <br /><br />So for the series, Say Yes to the Duke, Wilde Child, and My Last Duchess are my faves. I could pass by North’s story (Too Wilde to Wed) (again, second chance just isn’t my thing!) and would consider rereading the others again someday.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />A few other notes:<br /><input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="51c07ea7-2f0a-456b-b27b-ba2c39321602" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="51c07ea7-2f0a-456b-b27b-ba2c39321602"><br />These were jotted down from audio so mistakes are all my own<br /><br />Yes! I love when the hero is a ridged man that we want to lose control. Love love love.<br /><i><br />Joan never responded to any man, including those who fell on their knees before her, offering rings and adoration. But this man? Whose eyes skated over her as if she were not more interesting than the silk wallpaper on the library walls? This man made her body tingle and her mind began wondering what it would be like if such a ridged man lost control. What if Greywick, Thaddeus, dropped all the rules that had been drilled into him from birth and just let himself do what he wished?<br /></i><br />And I just loved this scene. I love how it shows how strong his emotions are underneath his facade.<br /><i><br />She turned to watch the snake as it tasted the air until she was absolutely certain that she had her expression under control. Then she turned her head and found Thaddeus was looking at her rather than the snake. <br />“So what do you think?” She asked lightly, her tone perfect.<br />“Two minutes left”, the man outside bawled. <br />His eyes bleak, Thaddeus asked, “What do you think of Leviathan or of you?”<br />“We have concluded the discussion of your dislike she stumbled to a halt, feeling like a fool. I mean, your lack of affable feelings towards me, which is absolutely your prerogative because I know that I am...that I irritate people.”<br />A splintering noise drew her eyes and she looked down to find Thaddeus’ hand had cracked the flimsy board topping the fence. <br /></i><br /><br />I love this. He’s a touch naughty underneath<br /><i><br /><br />“The boys used to adore making her giggle long before she could speak a word.”<br />“The nursery would have been much less jolly without her, as polite society will be if anyone catches sight of you in that coat,” Otis said, poking Joan in the back.<br />“I don’t think it’s appropriate. I hadn’t caught sight of you from the rear before.”<br />Joan felt herself turning pink. <br />“Lord Graywick has already expressed his opinion of my coat. I know it’s too short.”<br />“He’s right,” Otis said firmly.<br />“Just think of that scene in which you have to wave a dagger about. Is this a dagger that I see before me?”<br />“Wrong play!”, Joan cried, turning around and walking backward because she felt so self conscious. “That’s Macbeth.”<br />“Hamlet waves around a rapier in act 5 when he’s dueling everyone, right? My point is that the audience is going to be watching your ass instead of the dagger,” Otis said. <br />“You shouldn’t mention private parts in front of ladies,” Aunt Knowe exclaimed. <br />Thaddeus mumbled something. Joan looked up. “What did you say?” <br />Their eyes met and she felt herself growing even pinker. Aunt Knowe was bickering with Otis and not listening. <br />“I don’t read much Shakespeare,” Thaddeus said a shade of apology in his voice. <br />Joan waved her hand. “Most of my family agrees with your poor opinion of the bard.” <br />“I said that your ass might make that wretched play palatable,” he said, his voice low but perfectly clear. <br />Joan mouth fell open. <br />“Not that you will ever wear that coat in public again,” the Viscount decreed. <br /></i><br /><br />Ooooo I love the forfeit demand. This whole scene was so cute and funny and sweet.<br /><br /><br /><i><br />“That bloody goat is in love with you,” Thaddeus said bluntly. “He was marking his territory, letting me know that I’m not welcome. Not unlike the beligerant peacock. I supposed I’m lucky the bird didn’t follow us down here and piss on my wig.” He bent over and picked up his coat on top of the picnic basket and pulled it on. “You’re his owner, you owe me a forfeit.”<br />“Fitzy wouldn’t have done that,” Joan protested. But she broke out into giggles gain as Thaddeus tugged on one side of the stocking hanging on one side of Gulliver’s mouth. She ended up laughing so hard that she bent over. <br />“Forfeit,” a voice repeated just in front of her. She straightened and found herself in Thaddeus’ arms. He was warm and hard, his mouth capturing hers, a sensual hint of pressure telling her to open her mouth to his. <br /></i><br /><br />I love how he’s not described as super tall but stocky.<br /><i><br />She pointed at his chest. “You seem to have grown several inches around since I debuted and not in the waist area. Since your coat is off, Lady Bumtricket is wrong about your valet padding your garment. Have you been working with horses? My brother North complains it made him burly.”<br />He glanced down. “Burly, I take it, is not a positive attribute.”<br />Joan decided not the answer that. <br />-------------------------<br />She stole another look at his legs. There was nothing soft about him. Burly was a definite compliment, not that she had any intention of telling him that.<br /></i><br /><br />Swoon<br /><br /><i><br />“I had only a swallow.” He leaned forward and brushed her mouth with a kiss. “I don’t want to drink anything because I can still taste you on my tongue.”<br /></i><br /><br />So, so romantic. I know, it’s classic – climbing the heroine’s balcony, but I always love it!!!<br /><br /><i><br />A dark head was making its way up the vine covered wall of the gerkin and cheese. A man was climbing silently, his hands moving unerringly from brick to brick. <br />--------------------<br />Thaddeus grunted. He had cleared the first story, but her room was on the third. <br />-------------------<br />He was climbing as easy as if the wall was horizontal, strong fingers reaching up, disappearing in the vines and pulling his body up. It was enthralling, even more so because he wasn’t wearing a coat. His white shirt caught the moonlight as it molded against the muscles of his shoulders and arms. When he almost reached her windowsill, she drew back, in case he tumbled through the frame. But that would be far too ungentlemanly. He reached high enough to swing his legs through and landed with a gentle thump on her bedchamber floor.<br /></i><br /><br /><br />I love it!<br /><i><br />I want all the love letters you write in the future.<br /></i><br /><br />Always love this<br /><i><br />He drew his hand away from her, and lazily licked his fingers, grinning at her.<br /></i><br /><br />So sweet. I love how much he loves her.<br /><i><br />“The island,” he rasped.<br />Joan opened her eyes. “There’s a very nice patch of grass underneath our feet.<br />Thaddeus shook his head. “You told me you would bring your future husband to the island.” He kissed her. “Vixen,” he whispered. “I couldn’t sleep that night.”<br /><br /></i></label><br />Content warnings:<br /><br /><br /><br /><input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="1a4b4fbf-6b6a-4b22-95bf-52d78d0e02d5" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="1a4b4fbf-6b6a-4b22-95bf-52d78d0e02d5"><br />Infidelity discussed on page of hero’s mother, and heroine’s parents<br />Death of a parent on page<br />Fair with animal containment/animal cruelty<br />Minor violence<br />Grief and remembrance of dead brother<br /></label><br /><br />Locations of kisses/intimate scenes – this was from audio and might be off a touch from other formats<br /><input type="checkbox" class="spoiler__control" aria-label="The following text has been marked spoiler. Toggle checkbox to reveal or hide." onchange="this.labels[0].setAttribute('aria-hidden', !this.checked);" id="50c231bc-5b4b-44ec-b612-daf0a25f644d" /><label aria-hidden="true" class="spoiler" for="50c231bc-5b4b-44ec-b612-daf0a25f644d"><br />19% - kiss<br />27% - brief hero masturbation<br />46% - kisses<br />48% - kiss<br />56% - ? kisses, breast play, oral for her (it’s his first time!)<br />72% - ? kisses, fingering for her, missionary<br />78% - kisses<br />89% - ? kisses, missionary<br /></label>

This was GREAT, probably my favorite Eloisa James! It was FUNNY, which usually isn't a thing I associate with James!<br /><br />I'm just so pleased the hero got a book because he wasn't a BAD guy in his previous appearances, just not right!<br /><br />This was also really hot and just--it WORKED.

My re-read about Joan has me revisiting my rating from 4 to 5 stars. Joan is a shining Wilde star! (18/4/22)<br />I love Lady Joan. She’s always been a star. As far as I’m concerned any story involving the Wilde menagerie is a winner. This may not be my absolute fav. addition but I still adore these well loved characters and their interconnected loyalty and care for each other. The true Thaddeus is slowly revealed and that is precious too.<br />Once more my library came through. I love that I can request NG declines. (30/3/21)

<img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1430777274i/14761419.png" width="100" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"><b>Title:</b> Wilde Child<br><b>Series:</b> The Wildes of Lindlow Castle #7<br><b>Author:</b> Eloisa James<br><b>Release date: </b> March 30, 2021<br><b>Cliffhanger:</b> no<br><b>Genre:</b> historical romance<br><br>This had a little bit of a slow start for me and some warming up to the stuffy hero, but Eloisa James brought the charm and fun once again in the latest Wilde installment. This series has been absolutely delightful to read! The Wildes will take up residence in your heart and you'll never want them to leave. Each member, from the Duke and Duchess, to the littlest Wilde hold a unique quality to set them apart and make them special. This installment stars Lady Joan as the heroine and I've been very much looking forward to her story. <br><br>Lady Joan has always intrigued me because she is something of a black sheep due to her mother's scandalous infidelity. While the Duke of Lindow raised her and considers her his daughter in every sense that matters, her appearance makes it clear that she was conceived out of the marriage bed. Rather than hide away in shame at her obvious illegitimacy, she boldly lives her life to the fullest with a total lack of embarrassment. In fact, she sees her circumstances as an excuse to dispose of the strictures of being a lady. If she's to constantly be reminded that she isn't one, she's going to enjoy the freedom of the low expectations of others. No highborn lord would have her, so marriage has never really been a focus or concern. She flits through balls and dazzles any man of her choosing with her beauty for the fun of it. She audaciously kisses lords in full view of everyone in order to force a proposal of marriage-so she can refuse him. In other words, she's a rule breaker with no concern for her reputation. It was almost unheard of for a gentlewoman of that time to live free of worry about their reputation, and she recognizes it for the gift that it is.<br><br>Viscount Greywick (Thaddeus) is a longtime friend of the Wildes. He went to Eton with Jeremy Wilde, his mother is friends with the Duke and Duchess, and he even courted two of the Wilde sisters. He and his mother are more or less treated as one of the family after spending so much time with one another. At first, I wasn't sure that I would care for him. He seemed too uptight for my taste, and very particular about propriety that verged on pompous. His disapproval of Joan seemed excessive-though I must acknowledge that she is Wilde-ly inappropriate at the best of times. (Sorry, pun intended) You can't really blame him for reproaching her attitude, though I wondered how he would be imagined into a romantic figure. I shouldn't have doubted Ms. James, because I came to love him <i>and</i> love him even more coupled with Joan. They were total opposites but once they spent a little time getting to know one another found that they had more things in common than they realized. <br><br><b>She was infuriating, wildly intelligent, better read than anyone he knew—at least in the genre of plays. Headstrong. Stubborn. Reckless to the point of idiocy.</b><br><br>Thaddeus softened fairly quickly after being exposed to Joan's bright, carefree company. She showed him a side of himself that he never expected to see. He let down his defenses and he found himself being dazzled by their intimate picnics. Rather than seeing the false front she put on for the world, her soft side was exposed as well. She seemed younger, more vulnerable than she let on and he was honored that she was allowing him a peek into her true self. My favorite scenes in the book were the picnic scenes. They spent idyllic time lazing around, feasting on delicious food, and speaking from their hearts. They were moments of joy and laughter-which had been almost non-existent in Thaddeus' strict life. <br><br>Although he was raised in privilege, he never knew the love of his father and that hurt him deeply. He always strove to be the best and strongest at everything in the hopes of gaining his father's attention but it was never to be. His appearance of being perfect with the perfect life was artificial. Those who knew anything about his family, knew that his father scandalously chose his mistress over his wife and son. And now, Thaddeus faced the very real threat of his father shocking and embarrassing his mother publicly if he didn't give him what he wanted. One thing that this conflict showed was Thaddeus' devotion to his mother. His only concern was protecting her from public scorn. Although he remained disappointed at his father's antics, he long ago gave up any hope for himself that he would ever grow to care about him. <br><br>The main roadblock between this couple was Joan's "tarnished reputation." Due to his father's behavior, he knew that he needed to find a woman who was suitable to be a Duchess. Someone who might repair the damage to his family name. Joan in all of her headstrong glory was <i>totally</i> out of the question. Wasn't she? The longer he spent around her, the less convinced he became. She may be better at playing a hilarious version of Hamlet than needlework or the pianoforte, but she was the first person who frequently made him laugh. They both bore the brunt of a parent's reckless and selfish behavior, but she flourished, while he retreated within himself. They helped each other grow individually, so even though they seemed to rush headfirst into love, it wasn't entirely unbelievable. They had a long established acquaintance already-they just needed to dig a little deeper under the surface to see what was there all along. <br><br><b>Looking at Thaddeus’s hard jaw and flinty eyes, Joan had the distinct feeling that she had misunderstood the man. He wasn’t cold, but rather explosive. Not uncaring, but caring too much.</b><br><br>I enjoyed Joan and Thaddeus very much! They were overwhelmingly sweet and hilarious to watch fall in love. The banter was on point (as always), and I had a smile on my face all the way through. Sometimes I get frustrated when the main characters' families intrude heavily on the plot as it may take away from the romantic relationship development. I will never complain about that with a Wilde book. I cherish all the time I have with each and every one, and this was no exception. If you haven't started this series yet, I highly recommend you introduce yourself to this very loving and entertaining family. <br><br><b>FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON: <b><br><br><a href="https://twitter.com/BlogSmokin/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><img alt="Twitter" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1461519855i/18876819.png" width="45" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a><a href="http://smokinhotbookblog.blogspot.com/?zx=1f57d632ff8fa1c8" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><img alt="Blog" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1461522483i/18877097.png" width="45" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a><a href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><img alt="Email" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1461674689i/18895342.png" width="45" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6650940-christie-shbbblogger%20target=" rel="nofollow noopener"><img alt="Goodreads" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1461674848i/18895410.png" width="45" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/smokinhotblog/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><img alt="Pinterest" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1461675084i/18895441.png" width="45" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a><a href="http://facebook.com/smokinhotbookblog" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener"><img alt="Facebook" src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1461675084i/18895443.png" width="45" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></a><br><img src="https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/photo.goodreads.com/hostedimages/1461681821i/18896835.jpg" width="400" class="gr-hostedUserImg" loading="lazy"></b></b>

I've been reading Eloisa James books for years but the last few books in her Wildes of Lindow Castle series are among my favorites. I've enjoyed their lightness of spirit, sparkling wit, sizzling chemistry, sense of humor, and feel-good emotion that warms my heart. <br /><br />I really had no idea what to expect from Wilde Child. Both Joan and Thaddeus had appeared in earlier books but I had only come to know them at a surface level. There had been no attachment formed and my first opinions of Thaddeus were not all that favorable. That all began to change as I read their story and the layers behind the masks both presented to society were slowly peeled away. The evolution of Thaddeus's character was significant, and anticipated, but what surprised me more was the evolution of Joan. I had not expected her growth nor the direction it took. Watching both of them discover their true selves as their relationship progressed was pure pleasure. They made me laugh, made me sigh, and filled me with their joy. In these two, James has created interesting, fully-developed, sensual, loyal, caring, multi-layered characters who though, at first glance, seem completely wrong for one another, are actually the missing puzzle pieces that make one another whole. I adored them. <br /><br />This is (possibly) the final book in the Wildes of Lindow Castle series. Fans are still hopeful that eldest brother, Horatius lives. His family believes he died eleven years ago but as his body was never recovered from the bog, that door remains slightly ajar. Whether James will resurrect him remains unknown though there are many tidbits scattered throughout Wilde Child that could be followed if she decides to return him to his family and share his story. Whether that occurs or not, Wilde Child is a fitting conclusion to the series and a tribute to this fiercely loving and unapologetically loyal family. <br /><br />Though Wilde Child is the sixth book of this series, it can absolutely be read on its own. However, once you meet the other family members (and there are many featured in this final book), you'll most likely be eager to read their books as well. <br /><br />*ARC received from publisher via NetGalley for fair and unbiased review<br />(though I also bought a copy for my keeper shelf)<br /><br /><br />

After the humour, passion and drama of the previous books in this series, this one was a surprising let-down for me.<br />Not as interesting or as exciting, no real sexual tension and no drama. The author could have done so much more with the fascinating character of Joan, but it became a bit domestic and bland. And Thaddeus was a bit of a bore, tbh. <br />It was a fine book, I liked it, but it is not one I would read again.

Amazing, as always! I loved the angst and all the sweet witty banter between the hero Thaddeus Shaw, Viscount Greywick, and heroine Lady Joan Wilde. They’re so cute and funny with lots of kissing, sizzling chemistry and conversation in between. I had so much fun reading Lady Joan’s story. It was everything I expected and more. Thaddeus surprised me by being quite charming, and his love for Lady Joan knew no bounds. I loved seeing that. They fit together perfectly and were equal partners in everything. Having her own opinions be heard was most important to Lady Joan. Thaddeus listened and took her opinions to heart. There were sooo many swoon worthy moments. I adored this story.<br /><br />After finishing an Eloisa James Wildes novel I always say that it’s my new favorite because, hands down, this series only gets better and better with each new book. It’s a fantastic HR series that I highly recommend.

Delightful, fun, sexy, horn, hate-to-love tale.<br /><br />Also... I love this family so much.