Charles the Earl of Scarsdale and Emma Gately were betrothed as children, now seventeen years later Emma has decided she doesn’t want to have a rogue for a husband. Charles has never shown any kind of interest into really getting to know her. Emma being a member of the Mismatch Society ladies society for the empowerment of women. Charles doesn’t take the rejection well, he see a new spirited side to Emma he likes. A captivating story as Emma leads Charles on a merry chase as he tries to win her back and prove he’s the only man for her! Emma wants a man to want her, who fight for her and loves her. I love their witty banter and they’re antics and Charles’s bold moves has London society fascinated to see what will happen next. I voluntarily read and reviewed this extraordinary story.

The Importance of Being Wanton is the second book in the Wantons of Waverton series and like most books in a historical romance series can be read without reading other books in the series. It follows two people who were betrothed to each other when they were children. There is a bit of an age gap so Charles, who was not happy to be promised as a teen, was considered an adult long before Emma and in that time he was a bit of a Rogue.

Emma is part of a society of people who all have to common thread of being set to marry someone they don’t want to marry. It has given her the confidence to break off the engagement she has been saddled with since she was but six, to a man that seems to know absolutely nothing about her and has avoided her his entire life. You know that old adage, you don’t know what you’ve got until it is gone? Well Charles is forced to see her as the woman she has become in that moment and then sets off trying to figure out how to get her to marry him. What better way than to make his own club to rival her little society?

It took me a little bit of time to really get into this story. I think I took issue with Charles being a bit promiscuous in his rebellious youth, even though he was technically engaged. Emma was someone I grew to like but initially she didn’t grab me. Plus there is all of the time that they are competing against each other that felt like it dragged a bit. But once Charles and Emma started sneaking time together, I totally started to enjoy the story a lot and Emma really grew on me. The end was worth some of the build up as two extremely stubborn people figure out how to be together and that their parents might have been right all those years ago when they set up the betrothal in the first place.

Thanks #Netgalley for making this book available to me.

Emma Gately was betrothed to the Earl of Scarsdale when they were children and over the years she has seen him earn his reputation as a rake. He has a bastard son, and he has not paid her any respects at all. But when she calls him in and tells him she wants to break their betrothal he realizes that he feels more for her than he thought.

Emma runs a society for women who want to stand up to the patriarchy and she is more than Charles expected. But when he comes to know her after the broken engagement he realises that he has been a fool all the while. To be an ass he decides to start a club where both respectable men and reputable women can have conversations on politics and literature. Basically stealing Emma's society idea. His club gets more attention from the public and Emma is pissed.

When she confronts him, things end in ecstasy. I will not spoil this book any further but I really enjoyed it.

London 1829
She was ending their upcoming nuptials? After seventeen years of waiting? Granted they were children when they were forced to sign the agreement and he had not wanted it any more than her.

The unexpected part was now he was suddenly finding her attractive and he did not want to end their betrothal. Yes it had been his fault not trying to get to know her better.

Humor, witty dialogue, intrigue, a little groveling and a determined female all make this tale keep you on your toes wondering what will happen next!

Another great addition to this series and looking forward to more!

My favorite in the series so far.
What do you do when you realize that the women you want is the women you let get away. This is what happens with Charles when Emma breaks their betrothal.
Charles and Emma were great characters and I loved all their scenes together. I also loved the light-heartedness of their story and meeting a beloved more grown up character.

Emma Gately and Charles Hayden, the Earl of Scarsdale were betrothed as children. Seventeen years later, the independent miss severs the contract with the now notorious libertine in an unprecedented act of independence. And Emma co-founds the Mismatch Society, where like-minded ladies are free of the constraints and inevitable broken hearts that men bring. But Emma’s rejection sparks in her intended a new consideration of the spirited woman he took for granted and a determination to win her back. Despite his wicked reputation, misguided and suddenly lovestruck, Charles is on a mission to gain Emma’s respect, but as Charles takes bold steps and sets tongues wagging, he makes himself an accidental opponent of his former betrothed. Soon a rivalry is born that has the whole ton abuzz.
The second in the series & easily read on its own, a well written page turner, which I thoroughly enjoyed. This isn’t my favourite series by the author but it’s still very good. The characters are well portrayed & have plenty of depth. I really liked both Emma & Charles. I admired her for breaking the betrothal & him for realising who he wanted & persevering to win her even though he went about it in all the wrongs way & several times I wanted to hit him. I was drawn into their journey to a HEA
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

A riotous good story. Charles and Emma have been betrothed as children. The story tells of what happens when Emma decides to kick him to the curb. It becomes really interesting when he realizes that he is losing a great woman. There are secrets to uncover and a fun rivalry that gets really heated. The parents are hilarious and provide lots of comic relief. Charles and Emma make a lot of growth as characters and comes full circle in the end.

When you are betrothed a children it is assumed that you will marry sometime after both children have grown. Now, 1 month before the wedding, Emma has decided that she didn't want to marry Charles, Lord Scarsdale. After ignoring her for over 17 years she's had enough of his rakish ways. Of course, as soon as she says she doesn't want him, then he decides he wants her.
The two work through their issues, actually getting to know each other after all this time. He is kinder and more considerate than she imagined and she is smart and funny once he gets to know her. As the come to know each other they find that they might have been mistaken over the years and now that the engagement is broken they begin to fall in love.
This is an entertaining story of finding love better late than never and you can't help but want to see these two people find their way back to each other.
I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.

You know when you’re looking for a romance novel and nothing but a romance novel will suffice? Well, that was me a few days ago, and I picked up Christi Caldwell’s The Importance of Being Wanton, which did not disappoint. It’s the second book in the Wantons of Waverton series, and I did not read the first book before this, but as is typical with these kind of novels, that wasn’t really necessary.

Now, I wouldn’t say this is my favorite romance novel ever, but it fulfilled most of my romance novel quotas, and I don’t actually like to stack up things I enjoy vs other things I enjoy. The one thing I will say is that the book didn’t particularly make me care about any of the secondary characters in a way that leaves me wanting to go read the first book, or desperate for a third, something series like Bridgerton do very well, but as far as the couple in this book, I have no real complaints.

And, it has to be said, at least this book didn’t make some of the secondary characters so unlikeable that just the thought of them getting their own book – even if that book implies a redemption arc – makes me shake my head. That’s also a thing that’s happened.

Back to Emma and Charles, though, because that’s where this book excels. They were both kinda interesting in their own way, because it wasn’t easy for me to do that thing where I just compare them to previous heroes/heroines. This is kind of an unconscious thing, but the genre does have its stereotypes, so sometimes your brain goes oh, so she’s like so and so, and he’s like so and so.

Charles, in particular, was a joy, as he very quickly became the kind of hero I want to root for. A little too quickly, perhaps, because dude did go from I do not care to Okay, I care an then to OMG I love this woman more than life itself, but this is a romance novel, so all in all, that didn’t really bother me all that much. I don’t actually love romance novels that drag out the reveal of feelings till the last twenty pages and give me a ton of angst in between.

Emma’s feelings were easier to follow from A to B, especially because, despite the fact that she gets her own OMG moment, it’s clear she was already in love before, and her journey isn’t the same as his. Despite that, there was a good balance between her feelings and his feelings and how they were both changing as things happened, which I really enjoyed.

Another thing I really appreciated were their scenes together, which is really the thing a romance novel hinges on. You gotta believe these two people want to be together, and you gotta want them to be together too, otherwise what’s even the point? And considering I started reading this book around midnight, bad decisions, I know, and couldn’t put it down till I finished, completely wrecking my sleep schedule, you can say I ended up invested in where this was going.

Romance, as a genre, is something I read for that aww moment, and to make me happy. It’s as simple as that. Some people look down on books that are just meant to give you pleasure, but I like to side eye those people. There’s no loftier goal in art than making people feel things, and if something makes you happy, then what’s better than that? Christi Caldwell’s The Importance of Being Wanton was a fun, easy read, that didn’t go where I thought it was going to go, even when it did, and that entertained me enough that I didn’t want to put it down.

Probably not one I’d be desperate to re-read, like some others, but still worth a read, if you ask me. Like a good cup of tea in a cold afternoon, this is good comfort, and we could all use some of that.

He only wants her when she dissolved their betrothal.

Charles decides, seventeen years after becoming betrothed to Emma when they were children, that he wants her. I guess the saying is true. Thanks, Passenger, he only wants her after she lets him go.

Emma has successfully looked for a legal way to end her unwanted, seventeen year long, engagement. Now, she's released Charles from the betrothal contract does he even attempt to get to know her.
I liked Emma, she was smart and crafty, Charles just sort of went along with things.
Recommend.

4.5

I can never get enough of a new book by Christi Caldwell! She brings to life the most interesting and beloved characters that share marvelous dialogue and witty banter. They then share a slow burn romance that culminates in fireworks, exploding off the page! Emma and Charles, the Earl of Scarsdale, are one such couple. They were betrothed to one another as children. Then seventeen years later, Emma, being the strong, gutsy girl that she is, decides to sever the agreement. She is tired of the lack of regard she is shown by her notorious scoundrel betrothed. After Charles is so soundly rejected, he sees Emma in a whole new light, for the beautiful and fiery spitfire that she has become. He is entranced and determined to win her back. Not an easy task, since she can’t stand him!

3.5 stars
This story seems to be a case of not wanting something until it’s no longer available and then wanting it! Charles, Earl of Scarsdale, rebelled against his childhood betrothal, understandably so. He did earn himself quite a reputation and he did have a charming personality. However, there is much more to Charles than people realise. Emma, had a poor opinion of Charles and she wanted more freedom for women. I did like that Charles was able to accept Emma as she was and her beliefs. They are attracted to each other but can Emma get past her opinion of Charles’ previous behaviour. Although this was an enjoyable read, I didn’t think it was up to the author’s usual standard. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Christi Caldwell delivers a romantic story with sharp and witty dialogue. The Earl of Scarsdale and Miss Gately have been betrothed since childhood. The Earl spends his youth avoiding her and living the life of a Rake. When Miss Gately breaks off the betrothal, he realizes that perhaps he didn't realize what he had until it was too late.

Christi worked her magic again!
I’ve always loved her books and this is definitively one of her best. I really got lost in this wonderful read full of humour and passion, a veritable page-turner. But what I loved most is that, more so than the previous book of the Wantons of Waverton series, this is not only a very poignant love story, it’s a perfect depiction of the society of Regency England as well. I really enjoyed the close scrutiny of Polite Society and its flaws, the sharp analysis of the expectations that were placed not only on women, but also on men. Emma and Charles, our heroine and hero, are tragically trapped in the role society and their families cast them in, but they are fighting to escape through the creation of something worthwhile. They are both wonderful, complex characters and they felt so alive, so real that it was like I’d known them forever! I loved Emma since I met her in the previous book of the series and I looked forward to reading her story and to get to know Charles better, since he seemed strangely too sad to have lost a woman he never wanted to marry. And I wasn’t disappointed at all by the wonderful man he turned out to be. Christi really succeeded in bringing me into the depths of their minds and I must say that I enjoyed their exchanges very much.
And once again, like with all Christi’s books, I didn’t want it to end, I didn’t want to let Emma and Charles go...

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love Christ Caldwell's books. The Importance of Being Wanton is second in a new series. It works fine as a stand alone but the first book sets up a lot for this one.

Charles, the Earl of Scarsdale has been engaged to Emma Gatley since they were children. As adults, Emma loses interest in marriage, his rakish ways and breaks off the engagement. Charles suddenly finding himself bereft of her, schemes to get her back by creating a club to rival her female empowerment society.

What I loved most about this novel is Charles. A rake, scoundrel or rogue... or is he. I was extremely happy with how his character unfolds to have so much heart for those he loves. The scenes where he tells his truth were the best in the book.

Overall, there is so much back and forth in this book between Emma and Charles. Parallels beautifully with Pride and Prejudice, which Charles' club reads! My mom brain had trouble keeping up with it for most of the book. I was in it til the end to see what happens between them!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#ChristiCaldwell #TheImportanceofBeingWanton #NetGalley

This is the first book I've read by this author and the second in a series. I would recommend reading the series in order since I was a bit confused throughout reading.
This premise sounded really amazing. A woman ends a betrothal because she wants her independence and the hero tries to win her back. Sounds super angsty doesn't it? Well...this was a bit lack luster for me. It wasn't bad but I think the character's relationship needed to be developed more. I just found it hard to root for them. Plus there are minor characters that take up some of the story which I'm not sure why?
The two characters were too stubborn, I wanted to smash their foreheads together sometimes.
Perhaps I would feel differently if I had read the previous book.
Thank you to the publisher for the eArc. This in no way effected my opinions or reviews.

Can the past be forgiven and a future be dreamed about with so much to settle between them …

The previous book in this series raised my curiosity about Emma and Charles.
Who was this young woman, courageous enough to face scorn for breaking her betrothal.
And Emma is no weak female, she used every thing she had been taught to make herself stronger. And strength she will need it, as all seems in league against her.
After years being hurt by her unfaithful fiancé, she had enough of waiting for him to come to scratch. So she ended this sham of an engagement. Yet now her former betrothed appears to stand before her at every turn.
Charles has resented his fiancée for having been imposed to him by their parents. So he always saw her as a nuisance, the boring future awaiting him. Why he always avoided her, never trying to know her a little better.
Until she decided she would no more be his fiancée. And he had an eyes opening revelation, his former promise was intriguing, clever and not dull as he has always believed her to be.

So his mean at trying to win her back is all wrong, as by his action, he belittles her society, borrowing her ideas and turning them to suit his goal.
Sure he is not as bad as the ton’s gossips make him appear, yet he also for years shamed Emma by his profligate way. Hurting her again and again.
Why a bit of groveling on his side would have been great.
But Emma has also her flaws, she is able to stand for herself, skilled in extracting herself from perilous situations but what a harebrained girl she becomes when in close contact with Charles. Oh how I was upset to see her loosing her tongue and wits each time he goaded her and touched her. Never able to confront him without turning in a puddle of drool. Why was she not able to canalise her intellect to fight back instead of always letting him have the last word.
I do not mind foreplays or lovemaking but not when it is a way to distract from the main goal, to seduce the character out of its path.

In all, an entertaining read with a young woman whom despite her cleverness and strength is lost when facing the man who wounded her time and time again and a man who saw too late what he had but never really apologizes fro the hurt he caused.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays and lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Montlake, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

So happy to have found a new author. The story of Charles and Emma is written with a sense of humor throughout. An arranged marriage by their parents that was formed during their childhood, was met with resentment as adults. Emma was always somewhat in love with Charles, but always knew he resented the arrangement. She had enough of his rake life style and secretly met with Charles to break it off! Charles has many secrets and when him met up with Emma, he had a change of heart and decided marriage to Emma wouldn’t be that bad. Love the roller coaster ride of these two. Great story and some good laughs, a winning combination.
I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.

I loved the premise of this book – betrothed since childhood and they don’t want to go through it but as with all romances, love comes into the picture. I am not sure how I am feeling about this series. On one hand, Christi writing is very good and engaging. On the other hand, I don’t really understand how the Mismatch Society is making a difference. It just seems that it is filler and does not go anywhere. In this story, Charles decides to start his own club but again not sure why, except to take members away from Emma’s society. I will say that I liked this story better than the first one because I thought the courtship was more interesting with darker subjects. Love that.

2.5 stars

I read Something Wanton This Way Comes, the first book in this series, and really loved it. When I saw that this ARC was available, I hopped at the chance to read about a couple that had the makings of a great enemies-to-lovers romance.

However, I found myself somewhat discouraged by this second installment of the Wantons of Waverton series. What really worked for me in the first book was that we had the typical yearning of a historical romance underscored with plenty of light comedy to keep everything afloat. This book mainly focused on yearning in all of its forms and for me, it really bogged the story down. In addition, I wasn't really able to buy into the romance between our main couple for the majority of the book. There were some really great moments in the latter half of the book that help me not to categorize this as a complete misfire, but I did end up being a little disappointed in The Importance of Being Wanton.

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!