I received an e-galley of The Wolf and the Wildflower by Stacy Reid from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Duke of Wulverton - James Winters - has returned to society after having been lost to the wilds for 10 years. In order to help him reacclimatize to society, his mother invites and hires Jules Southby and his father, Dr. Southby, to come observe and change the behaviour of James. Except that the Duke has no intention of listening or changing after all that he has experienced. And Jules Southby has a secret as well - having been raised as a son, Jules is actually a woman. But her secret is one that can not escape the Duke as his senses seem to be heightened from his time in the wild.

Honestly, that was one part of the story that took me out of the story. It was just a little too hard to believe that from the smell alone, the Duke would be able to tell what sex Jules is. While I can accept that his sense of smell may be heightened - it wasn’t like he was exposed to humans in the wild - his sense of smell should be more heightened for that which actually helped him survive in the wild.

The premise itself was interesting though and seems more rare in the historical romance genre - the wild man and the disguised female playing a male in society in this historical backdrop. And for that, I did find it amusing to read and see how James and Jules’s relationship would play out.

If you like Tarzan fanfics or retellings, you might want to pick this one up.

Jules has spent her entire life living as a man and enjoying the freedom of it. When her mother gave birth for the second time to yet another girl, knowing that she would probably not survive another attempt to have an heir, she told everyone that Jules was a boy. And Jules has maintained her male persona, going to university and studying psychology. However much Jules enjoys being a man, sometimes she wonders what her life would be like if her mother hadn't lied and her father hadn't insisted on having a boy.

When a long-lost Duke of Wolverton is rescued ten years after disappearing in the wilderness, Jules and her father are hired to assess if the duke is fit to be a part of high society and fulfill his duties or if he is insane and too much of a beast.

James has lived with wolves in a dark cave in Alaska and has been deprived of all that is human. He can't stand touches, doesn't care for conversations, and certainly not for the ton. James doesn’t trust anyone, except for Jules. He quickly discovered Jules’ secret and since she has something to hide and is an expert in deceiving society, he believes he can do the same while Jules assures everyone he is sane.

The chemistry was definitely there from the beginning and I liked reading about their romance going from friendship to love. But, the writing felt very different from other Stacy Reid's books and overly formal, the dialogues especially. It took me out of the story, and I took longer to read than I have other books by her.

When I read the synopses, I predicted how the plot would be laid out, and what would likely be the end. Although it went in the direction I had presumed, I found myself rooting for Jules and James to be together, even knowing that I didn’t want Jules to give up freedom for love. But the end was more satisfactory than I thought it would be.

If you like fake identity, doctor x patient, forced proximity, forbidden romance, and, of course, Tarzan, then give this one a chance.

Fantastic as always! Clever plot, emotive and sexy, and a very satisfying ending. Loved it so much!

"The extraordinary creature in the room with him was a chameleon."

James Winters, Duke of Wulverton, was lost in the wilderness of Canada when he was nearly 18YO. Ten years later, he has returned to the bosom of his family, but he is a much changed man. Gossip speculates that he's not quite right in the head, has savage tendencies, and refuses to speak to or be touched by anyone. As a last resort, his mother hires the services of Dr Southby, a mind doctor, to help civilise James so he can enter high society again. Dr Southby brings his son, Jules, along to take notes and make observations. At first sight, James realises something fundamental about Jules - he is not a man, at all.

"She wanted a connection that was...honest, even if that connection would be for a few weeks with no lasting attachment."

Jules has lived a lie all of her 23 years of life. A lie perpetuated by her mother out of desperation. James is like no one she has ever met before. He's intriguing, fascinating, and savagely beautiful. He will make her question her way of life, her freedom, and what she truly wants for her future.

"I want you to be my sky, James."
"You would be the stars within any sky, Wildflower. Nothing less."

The moment I started reading this story, I was hooked! I loved the premise and didn't quite know how it would all work out with minimum fuss, but thoroughly enjoyed how the author wove this fabulous tale. James was enigmatic, wild, yet full of wonder at Jules and the way she makes him feel. The two of them together were magnetic. Jules was bold, confident, and fearless. I loved her patience, her empathy, and the way she carried herself. They were hot and emotional together, and their searing honesty gripped me. I felt completely invested in their HEA. This was another absolutely wonderful, absorbing read from this author.

3.5/5 stars

This book truly relies on its bonkers premise to propel the story forward and it mostly worked for me. I liked both of our characters and seeing James and Jules be able to ignore the rules of society (mostly) since she is posing as a man was a lot of fun. Jules studying psychology and helping James adapt back into the human world was really sweet and I liked seeing a modern approach in a historical.

I knocked off half a star because this book has a lot of conflict built in. James and Jules can't really be together since she would have to give up her life as a man and tell her dad about the deception. It's a big deal that causes them a lot of strife. And then it is wrapped up in like the last 10% of the book. I think if this had been longer I would've been okay with the ending because how everyone ends up is fine with me, but all the reveals came at the same time and we didn't see much of the fall out which made the entire ending fell very rushed.

*thanks to the publisher & netgalley for an eARC; all thoughts are my own*

Thank you NetGalley for this opportunity to read this book early and the publisher.

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

This isn’t my go to read, but as it turns out I am wanting to come out of my comfort zone a bit with the books I am reading at the moment lol

I quite liked this book, I dunno what to say without spoilers, but I liked how we got a… let’s say “a girl power but don’t show people your a woman” thing to it lol

I’ll give this book in my own application

4 stars

The Wolf and the Wildflower by Stacy Reid is the story of Jules Southby and James Winters, the Duke of Wulverton. James while on his trip in Canada fell and hit his head loosing his memory. When a few years later he ends up causing his memory to slowly return enoungh to go home. James learns he is a Duke and his family thinks to find him a wife to help him integrate back into society. But, first they call on Dr. Southby to help him. Jules's mother when she was born misunderstood and thought she was a boy. Mrs. Southby of course told her husband Jules was a boy because her husband wanted one so much. When Jules was around 12 she found out she was a girl but kept up the disguise due to the freedoms she had. Jules meets James and a connection is formed between the two...this starts their story. Loved it!

James Winters, the Duke of Wulverton returns to London and his family after being lost for 10 years in the Yukon wilderness. What he had to do to survive was completely close off all emotions of hope and love, and his family does not understand his refusal to be touched or his nighttime wanderings in the woods. James is lost in this entirely new environment until he meets Jules Southby, a young gentleman who accompanied his father, a distinguished doctor of the mind. The minute he meets Jules, he sees right through her elaborate disguise, and he slowly begins to trust Jules. For her part, Jules is overwhelmed with the powerful emotions the duke elicits from her. How can she keep her heart safe when faced with such masculine beauty and intelligence while keeping her feelings under wraps and her true identity a secret?

This was such a unique storyline, and it pulled me right in from the beginning. The raw emotion Ms. Reid is able to convey to the reader about James's feelings, or lack thereof, is stunning. The senses play a big part in this story, and it's those senses that allow James to survive in the icy wilderness. The torment that Jules feels about her growing feelings for James and trying to keep her dark secret from the world is nothing short of spectacular. Through a few twists and turns, James and Jules finally get their HEA. I adore Ms. Reid's books, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this masterful storyteller.

When James Winters, the Duke of Wulverton returns after being lost for 10 years in the wilderness of the Yukon, his mother is determined to change him back to what he was and to take on the dukedom. Yet James is no longer refined and elegant, so she calls on the psychologist Jules Southby. Jules is thought to be a man, even to his father, but she has been secretly living as a boy since birth. When Jules meets Charles, she believes he can see through her darkest secret and the more time they spend together, makes her wonder if her hidden identity, is worth it all.

A great storyline and one that is quite unique. To have pulled off the role as a male for so long, seems unbelievable but with James, being so aware of Jules, I was caught up in the idea. Their attraction is instant and James, seems to need Jules to cope with his re-familiarisation into society. The struggles faced by both James and Jules, throughout the book are well integrated to make for a great read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Tropes: Heroine disguised as a lad, Prodigal hero returns, Class difference, Forbidden Love
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ /🔥🔥🔥🔥

<i>Good news at last! The duke has been found! After missing from England and his family for more than 10 years, credible reports have been submitted that missing Lord James, the new Duke of Wulverton, has been found…” “…in a cave dressed as a beast and barely recognizable as a human.”.</i>

Whoooo chile…the first few chapters of this book had me ready to put it All. The. Way Down!!! Not because it was bad (cause it’s such a good book), but because it made me mad 😡🤬. The situation with the heroine’s momma in the prologue, the chaotic and disrespectful family of the hero in the first two chapters…ya’ll…them folks worked my last nerve…BUT, then the two MC’s met each other….and I. Was. In. Love 😍😍😍. James and Jules together is pure magic! The way they interact, the intimacy of their conversations, the understanding and friendship that they developed…just beautiful. And their sexy time scenes...talk about sensual and seductive…yes lawd. After that first touch and sniff scene…I felt a strong compulsion to ask someone to sniff and smell me. It was hot 🥵.

Stacy weaves a tale so vibrant that I felt like a woodland creature sitting in the woods watching two amazing characters do all sorts of naughty thangs to one another. There was one scene so enchanting and magical that I about asking my husband on a midnight picnic (then I remembered I hate bugs)!

Presumed dead at the age of 18, James Winters, the Duke of Wulverton has spent the last 10 years stranded alone in the cold harsh climes of the Canadian mountains. Upon being discovered and returned to his “loving” family, James is thought to be, insane, savage and unrefined. His mother is insistent upon his return to society at the beginning of the season so James has three weeks to appear "sane" and "in control" for his presentation to the Queen. Unfortunately, his unwillingness to conform to society’s demands causes concerns for his family to whom appearances matter.

Jules Southby is a chameleon. A charlatan. A fake. Forced to live as a boy since birth, Jules has enjoyed the freedoms that her charade has allowed her. When news that the Duke of Wulverton has been found alive, yet feral reaches the Southbys …Jules and her psychologist father are tasked with accessing James’s mental health and preparing him to re-enter society. This a task easier said than done as there’s an undeniable attraction between Jules and the Duke that goes beyond society's standards that neither seems capable or willing to resist.

If I could scream my love for this book...I would. Stacy's writing style is brilliant. I mean ya'll...there are WOLVES in this story that i'll be damned if they don't steal a portion of your heart. Stacy continues to produce books that make my heart sing and because of that...I'll always be a fan girl!

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

James Winters, the Duke of Wulverton, thought lost at sea over ten years ago somehow survived the harsh wilderness of the Yukon, and is now back in London. His family while ecstatic that he is home is ready for him to acclimate back to London society the way he was before, but James is forever changed by his horrific ordeal. He can no longer stand physical touch, and longs to be in nature away from all the hustle and bustle of town. His mother is so worried that he will be dragged off to Bedlam, she recruits the help of a renowned alienist and his son.

Jules Southby, was born a woman but has lived her life in disguise as a man, enjoying the freedoms that she would not have if she had been raised as a lady. She went to university and plans to follow in her father's footsteps to study Psychology and the human mind. When the chance to assist her father in treating the Duke of Wulverton, she jumps at the chance. Only the duke discovers her secret far more easily than others have, and he demands her secrets in exchange for his.

Oh man did I really enjoy this one. It's like Stacy Reid was loosely inspired by Tarzan, and someone can't tell me the cover model doesn't look like Alexander Skaarsgard. That's how I pictured James throughout this whole story. It was interesting and a unique plot, and I honestly could not figure out how Stacy was going to make it work in the end, but she did. I loved the moments between James and Jules when they both let their guards down and we got to watch the trust and friendship grow between them. Then they had insane, and I mean, insane chemistry together. James was so animalistic and hungered for Jules that it almost felt barbaric, but in an extremely hot way. I adored the end, and how Stacy put these characters through the ringer to get their happily ever after. They each had to make tough decision, but it's one of those stories where you truly do feel that love conquers all.

Thanks to the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC through NetGalley!

This novel is a Regency romance and a real bodice-ripper, but it stands out from others in the genre due to its unusual plot. The main female character, Jules Southby, has passed as a man all of her life. Doing so allowed her to study psychology, gamble and drink, ride horses, and otherwise live a life free of much scrutiny. She and her unwitting father are called to a Duke’s estate to evaluate his mental state after he returns from ten years of isolation and survival in the Canadian wilderness. James, while indelibly altered by his life-changing experience of living with wolves, has returned without much regard for the stuffy social pressures of the “haute ton”. It’s possible that the Queen might consign him to an insane asylum if he is unable to prove he is capable of handling the Dukedom.

Ridiculously, James “sniffs out” Jules’ true identity within seconds. Within a few days, she is the only person on the estate that he has permitted any sort of physical contact. But their hand-holding quickly devolves into a torrid affair in the secret treehouse he built without his family’s knowledge deep in the woods of his property. Jules does a lot of re-applying her fake mustache, but ultimately decides to un-disguise herself and attend a ball dressed in a scandalous red gown and a wig.

Everyone wants to know the identity of the mysterious woman, especially when James refuses to dance with anyone else. Increasingly, their love continues to deepen until Jules is faced with an impossible decision. Remaining with James would force her to give up everything she’d worked for all of her life.

>>Spoilers only in this paragraph<<
James offers to let her remain in her male disguise and live with him, but Jules ultimately decides to fake “his” death and continue living her life as a woman. She marries James and they live happily ever after—Jules is accepted as female by her family, she gets a research paper published under her female name during a time when women are not allowed to graduate from college, and she’s even pregnant by the end. Here’s where I find this story a little problematic—Jules decides that living with James is more important than her freedom, and vows to keep fighting for women’s rights as a Duchess. She stated throughout the book that she wasn’t interested in having children, but James mentions that he’s dreamed of it. The ending just seems to fly in the face of all the feminist undertones of Jules’ life. It’s a steamy love affair for sure, but the ending just left me feeling…a little icky.

Still, anyone looking for a steamy romance should check this one out when it’s published. It’s a refreshing new take on Regency romance in a Bridgerton-soaked era of overused romance tropes. No enemies-to-lovers or fake marriage bargains in these pages! Jules and James have a totally different problem to overcome.

I really enjoyed this book. It was very different character and plot wise. I wanted to know how it would end since there could have been different outcomes. I’m super satisfied with how Jules and James resolved their problems together, how they both wanted to compromise to be with each other. I found myself crying and smiling by the end.

I love that Jules has studied psychology and applied it when assisting James in adapting to this new world he has been brought back into. I love that she doesn’t put pressure on him but listens, calms and supports how he isn’t the same person he was years before he was lost to his family and friends. James does the same and accepts, loves and encourages Jules to do what she loves and is passionate about without fear of scandal. They are truly wonderful together. I love their conversations and interactions, of course all of the romantic moments as well.

Both of their families have a lot of issues to work through. Both of their parents need to work on their issues and leave the two of them out of it.

Overall, I laughed, cried and smiled and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Loved Jules and James so much! Ending was perfect. One of my favorites from Stacy Reid!

*Received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

This is one of those books that grabs your attention from the opening pages, and it just keeps getting better. If one thinks about it logically, the novel pushes the boundaries of credulity, but it is so well written and the portrayal of the main characters is so well done, that one sweeps aside logic and becomes totally immersed in the plot. Having survived ten years in the wilds of Canada without human interaction, the story brings out the need that every person has for human touch, One can also identify with the secondary characters and their response to James' need for space and quiet. Whilst they wanted everything to go back to normal, they little realized that it would be impossible without them also changing to accommodate James' transformation. Jules Southby's rigid disguise makes one wonder how her femininity could have been missed throughout the years, but as others before have discovered, people respond to what they expect to see. I loved the interaction between James and Jules, the attraction that kept building and refused to lie dormant, together with the deep understanding of one another's needs that slowly emerged. The conclusion of the novel brought some confusion to family members, but the end result is wonderful. I received a copy of this intriguing and romantic book through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

James Winters, the Duke of Wulverton has returned to his family, his responsibilities, and a nightmarish world of artifice and noise after surviving a decade in the wilds of the Yukon. He has three weeks to become a refined, elegant duke for the Queen or doom the entire family to ruin and scandal. Promising psychologist Jules Southby knows a lot about disguises. She’s secretly been living as a boy since birth. When she meets the alluring duke, she’s unprepared for his raw, masculine beauty and icy intelligence or that he can see through her darkest secret. Jules has very little time to transform the duke into a true semblance of an English gentleman. Yet his very presence seems to unravel her in every way. Their attraction is stark and achingly real—and forbidden.
Riveting, engrossing, enthralling – I loved it. Strong characters with lovely depth, a fast paced story, chemistry that was electric. It was different. Once I'd started I couldn't put it down & read it in two sittings. Another book that illustrates why the author is a must read author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

A powerful, compelling story filled with the bitter angst of longing and plenty of passion! The Duke of Wulverton is an immensely strong character. Having spent 10 year lost in the wild, he is exquisite in his savagery. You cannot dismiss the savage in him, but it creates a more skillfully drawn character that you cannot help but be drawn to. He is unlike any other hero and his primal connection to Jules makes for an absolutely breathless story. There are so many elements these two must fight against to carve out the happily ever after. I simply could not put this book down. The images within this story brought it to life. When Wolfe first scented her, I felt it to my toes. A masterfully sensual story of while creating the beauty of longing. Five stars is not enough for this remarkable story.

The concept of this book is so interesting. James was lost at sea 10 years ago and now he's been returned to his family after surviving the cold wilderness of the Yukon. Our heroine Jules has been living her entire life as a male and she studied psychology to become a psychologist like her father. They are hired by James's mother to help "heal" James.

To truly enjoy this book, you must suspend disbelief. The fact that the hero survived the cold wilderness by himself for 10 years is a hard pill to swallow. Even more incredulous, Jules got away with disguising herself as a man for her entire life; her own father and sister don't know that she's female. It's farfetched to be honest, especially her sister not once suspecting. But I suspended disbelief so I could enjoy the story and the romance.

I really liked our main couple's interactions. There were a few instances that took me aback, like the fact that it took James such a long time to ask Jules about her life and why she made the choices she did. But for the most part, I truly enjoyed them as a couple. I also really liked James's interactions with his sister. I wasn't sure if the ending would satisfy me, but the author made it work. As a reminder, please suspend disbelief and enjoy the romance for what it is.

Another absorbing book by this author that has her hallmarks of being sensual, engaging, and skillfully written! There’s the adage “a dog is man’s best friend”. Can that be true of a wolf? I think it is believable that wolves can help someone as it has been true in the past.

The plot of this book is that James Winters (Duke of Wulverton aka Wolfe) has returned to England after spending 10 years alone and lost in the Yukon Territory of Canada. His mother seeks the help of Dr. Southby and Jules to help James acclimate to the ways of the ton and reassure her that he is mentally stable. Jules, who is a woman but has lived as a boy for 23 years, does NOT fool the duke in her disguise. The story told is sweet and poignant.

I had quite a bit of angst in reading about a woman trapped as a man because her mother didn’t want to reveal that the renowned doctor didn’t have a son. That really was selfish of the mother. Jules thought, rightly so, that she had many advantages over girls because she attended college and was allowed to study abroad.

The beautiful part of the story was the start of the relationship between the damaged duke and hidden gem of Jules. James called her his wildflower. I loved that he was so loyal. He had some rough edges and couldn’t relate to the frivolous society nor did he want to be touched. She had questions about her inner self as a woman and whether she wanted to continue as she has been.

This is well worth reading—just as all of Ms. Reid’s books I have enjoyed.

I received a free copy of the book in advance and I am leaving a review voluntarily.

A decidedly different but delicious regency romance. MMC James, Duke of Wulverton, has been found after surviving 10 years alone in the wilds of the Yukon. Irrevocably altered by his experience in ways his mother does not appreciate or approve, his mother enlists doctor of the mind Dr. Southby and his "son", Jules Southby, to come to Wulverton's estate to provide treatment.

Jules, raised as a boy since birth to spare her mother another turn at childbearing and thus likely death, is struggling with her identity as much as James. She loves the freedom of being male, but has internal discontent over never being who she truly is. She can trust no one with her secret and thus feels both alone and lonely.

James knows Jules is not a man immediately - her scent, you see. We learn later that James had to fall on his sense of smell to survive and it is thus quite developed. He agrees to work with her, and only her, towards refining or at least appearing to refine, certain of his behaviors to make him more acceptable to the ton. The sexual chemistry between the two is off the charts, but so is their ability to accept the other person for who they are. Even as they struggle with notions of the future, this simple acceptance was lovely.

I found Stacy Reid's writing to be lovely. There were moments of amusement and of introspection. It is refreshing to see a romance novel look at identity struggles in a candid manner. There is also oh so much steam, which I for one appreciate. I also love a good pun and having the Duke of Wulverton live among wolves falls in that category. I finished this book all in one sitting, despite (or perhaps in part because of) its somewhat out there plot, I didn't want to put it down.

5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are own.

Stacy Reid’s THE WOLF AND THE WILDFLOWER was the solvent I needed to cure a prolonged reading slump.This novel was so great! What a fun ride! Reid continues to surprise me with ever new story!

A Duke Lost at sea, forbidden romance and hidden identity. Get ready to navigate the London society when James returns knowing what he desires and wants despite all the odds against him. Jules must live her life in secret and understands the challenges James faces as he attempts to reform, both conflicted in their true quest for happiness.their story is spectacularly delcious.

Stacey Reid writes passionate, intoxicating, forbidden romance that leaves you yearning for more. I loved Jules and James, Characters that are well developed with exciting plots to lose yourself in for hours at time. Discover historical romance through the eyes of a man lost at sea and returns to a world where taming him would be the prize.

Engage your senses in this spicy story. Go read it. You'll then one-click all of Stacey's backlist because her stories are that enjoyable.