Member Reviews
My first Lydia Drake but it won’t be my last! Wow! The “Duchess” just wants to live life and experience the world away from the ton. She wants to play the piano while traveling the world. A chance encounter at the Wolfs Den she gets to possibly live her dream.
The “Wolf” of the “Wolfs Den” is just trying to find his place in luxury among the ton even though he grew up on the streets. Rafe just needs to secure one man’s approval to get everything he wants. He has the most notorious club already in Mayfair but he wants to open an amazing hotel that the rich toffs will rush to and he will finally be accepted. In order to get the building and land he needs he makes a deal with his Red Duchess to perform at his club to make it more high society and to drag in the ton.
I loved the partnership between the two of them was wonderful. They were each searching for something they felt they were missing and they truly felt they knew what they needed - little did they know it was just that they were looking for each other. The romance was great! Loved it.
A Grumpy/Sunshine Historical romance with a nod to Little Red Riding Hood. It was a fun read with a 3/5 spice level, likable main and side characters and a storyline that kept me in suspense. Rafe is rough around the edges but a good guy at heart. Susannah wants more out of life than just being someone's wife. A series of events leads to an unlikely partnership between these two. I enjoyed the banter between them, although Rafe could be a little dense at times because he’s always assuming the worst. I read this book in constant fear that Susannah’s charade was going to come crashing down at any moment, but I was still happy with how everything wrapped up. Overall I really liked it - 4*
Fab Story
Everyone in her family is overjoyed that a Duke is courting her, except that is for Suzanna herself. She has dreams for her future that don’t involve being sequestered for years in a Northumberland castle but how to have the life she wants, when unless she marries her dowry will not be released until she is thirty-five? A chance encounter with the owner of The Wolf’s Den leads to a chance to earn enough money to travel, as long as she can hide her identity and protect her reputation. What will happen to her dreams when she gets to know Rafe Winters?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Classic class differences, entertaining, and steamy
In this story, Rafe and Suzannah are two well-developed characters. He is a wealthy gaming hell owner who was raised on the streets. She is an aristocratic debutante heiress and virtuoso pianist. Her dream is to perform in front of an audience and travel to play music. She wants control over her future. Rafe overhears her playing the piano in private, and they strike a deal that benefits both of them. Their agreement will bring them closer together. I thought their relationship was lovely. Suzannah's confrontation with Rafe and her attitude toward the heroes impressed me.
They seemed emotionally attached as if they had found their soul mate.
I liked Suzannah and Rafe's connection, as well as Susannah's double life and the conflict she must face between her aspirations and the expectations of society or her family.
This was a pleasant story to read. It has elements of romance, passion, wit, and mystery.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Another winner and another new writer for me to follow. Love the main characters and most of the minor ones as well: Rafe and Susannah are perfect for each other even though they come from different worlds; Julia and her husband who are also a perfect fit; Jakes, Rafe's partner-in-crime, all are great. Only character I loved to hate is Susannah's mother who refuses to let her daughter find her own happiness. If that's not bad enough, her mother threatens to never speak to her again if Susannah doesn't do exactly what her mother wishes. What kind of mother is this? Loved the Duke of Huntington and am looking forward to his own story, coming soon, I hope. Perfect amount of heat with a real and original story as well. The mystery of the Red Duchess is a hoot! I received an ARC for this novel, but my opinions are my own.
I enjoyed this read quite a bit. It's fun to a see a reversal of the usual set up. Usually it's the man who is from upper crust society and it's the woman who would be marrying up. In this case it's the opposite. I liked the unique angle on how they met and connected. I don't know that it was fully believable, but for the sake of a fun read I suspended my disbelief. I would've liked a bit more background on Susannah and her father and the family dynamics - they were a bit unclear. But overall I quite liked this.
The Duchess and the Wolf was a three stars for me. It was what I expected from a historical romance with the relationship dynamic as well as the steam and the narrative plot. It was a fun read, unfortunately, by the third act in the story I was ready for it to wrap up as it was easy seeing how it was going to end so was just ready for that. Nevertheless the writing was good, I enjoyed it but maybe just wasn't a standout for me. Definitely would think about checking out another Lydia Drake though.
I received an ARC from Net Galley. This is the first time i have read and heard of Lydia.
Positive: The books cover, and title is definitely eye catching and interesting. The book was easy to read and follow along with the main characters.
Negative: I personally struggled to finish the book because of the lack of interest of the storyline once I began to read the book.
The Duchess and the Wolf is my first read by Lydia Drake and I really enjoyed it. Miss Susannah Fletcher should be very happy – she is a popular member of the ton and is very soon expected to become the fiancé of a powerful Duke. Her mother is in alt but Susannah feels stifled. What she really longs for is the chance to perform her music and have some independence.
Attending a masquerade at the notorious Wolf’s Den is one of her small rebellions. But when she is given the opportunity to indulge in her love of performing by the owner – the ‘Wolf of Mayfair’, can Susannah do as her heart desires and still escape scandal?
Rafe Winters has clawed himself up from the gutter through sheer determination and ambition. He is finally in reach of the elusive respectability he craves – he just needs the lovely Susannah to add the polish he needs to attract the right clientele. But can Rafe keep her safe – especially from himself?
This is a well paced, well written, sweet and steamy romance which keeps its focus on the main couple. Susannah is very likeable heroine. She is well aware of how priviledged she is but just can’t help but feel there is something more she is destined for in life. I like how she managed to juggle her societal and familial expectations with her secret life as the ‘Red Duchess’ and was quickly aware of her feelings for Rafe. When faced with a choice she fought for her love for Rafe and made things happen herself which I loved.
Rafe was a bit of a sweetheart actually. He has the reputation of being ruthless but his actions with Susannah were anything but. He listens to her and understands where she is coming from. He is caring and protective of all the women in his world. He has a lot of insecurities he has to deal with and ultimately I felt that it was Susannah that came up with a solution to their issues.
There were no real villains and the supporting characters were well rounded. Susannah’s mother was terrible and I like that there wasn’t a miraculous change of heart. We meet the leads in the previous book ‘Cinderella and the Duke’ but they do not take away from Rafe and Susannah. I haven’t read that one and will definitely go back to have a read. The Duke was actually a very nice guy and I hope it is his story next.
I received and ARC from Netgalley for an honest review. I did enjoy this and look forward to the next in series.
My fingers are an absolute magnet for historical romances and this title was calling my name. The title, cover art, and color palette all culminated into an enticing siren song. Rather appropriate considering the heroine played the piano in disguise at the hero's seedy club. The main couple were complete opposites, yet I could tell from the beginning they were soulmates. They had an immediate connection and I was rooting for them from the first page. The heroine was practically engaged to a rich duke she had zero interest in and I wish she cut those ties way sooner to pursue her romance with the hero.
Susannah was a dynamite heroine and I adored her. She was headstrong, but still remained unfailingly kind. She knew her future plans and was willing to do whatever it took to fulfill them. I thought it was so unique how she was a masked piano player and known as the Red Duchess. I loved how dedicated she was to her music. Susannah was very passionate and that translated to her romance with Rafe. They had a lovely dynamic and the best part was their communication. They shut down the dreaded third-act breakup and I could have jumped for joy. Who knew tickling the ivories could lead to a happy ever after?
The Duchess and the Wolf was a spectacular historical romance and I would love to read more from this author. She had a fantastic writing style and I loved the way she wrote her characters. From the dialogue to the conflict resolution, Lydia Drake is an author to watch. I may have to take some piano lessons if I hope to find the same happy ending as The Duchess and the Wolf.
Having absolutely adored Lydia Drake’s Cinderella and the Duke I was so excited to read about Julia’s stepsister’s story. I love a fairy tale retelling and had yet to read one based on Little Red Riding Hood.
I found myself very much drawn to Susannah and her wish to fulfill her musical dreams. And when we briefly met Rafe’s character in Cinderella and the Duke I was so hoping he would get his own story. Goodness, did I fall for him fast. I ADORE a ‘he falls first’ trope and Lydia Drake created the perfect amount of pining and adoration Rafe had for Susannah. I really loved the dichotomy between the two of them, and I found the character motivations very believable for the MCs. Rafe’s POV particularly had me falling for him and wanting him to have the HEA he had so longed for.
I also was very intrigued by the dynamics of the relationship between Susannah and her mother as well as Susannah inner turmoil with being the dutiful daughter and debutante. And how Rafe was able to help facilitate her in any way possible to chose herself and her own wants and needs over how she was raised to be viewed by society. I loved how when a conflict arrived that would have/could have led to a possible third act breakup up that with simple communication the couple overcame the conflict. It was rather refreshing especially not being a fan of possible miscommunication leading to a third act break up.
There were so many refreshing aspects within The Duchess and the Wolf. (I’m looking at you reverse proposal scene 😉) All-in-all I fell head over heels for this novel and Lydia Drake has officially become an autobuy author for me!
I had never read a book by Lydia Drake, but I must say that I will probably grab the next one, especially if she writes the Duke's story.
I think the premise is interesting and the story is well paced. I liked the main characters, as well as the secondary ones. At some point I could not explain the chemistry between the two main characters. I believe they did not know anything about each other or have any meaningful conversations before they fell madly in lust with one another.
However, the story hooked me and I thought it was very entertaining. The spice was OK. If I never read the word "cun*y" again it will be too soon.
3.5 stars
Susannah is dragged to the Wolf's Den by her friend where she meets Rafe, the club's owner, when he catches her playing the piano in a room that isn't open for the celebration. Rafe stumbles upon a woman who plays like an angel right when he needs to class up the joint in order to secure the sale of the property across the street. They eventually strike a deal where if she plays every evening for a month he'll pay her enough to fulfill her dream of traveling the world and avoiding a marriage she doesn't want.
This has some very slight red riding hood vibes in reference to the disguise she wears while preforming and the Wolf's Den which was refreshing because it isn't a retelling i've seen often. Susannah swings between being a firecracker with Rafe and a limp noodle with everyone else. Rafe is the grump with a squishy center, his grump fire's her up slowly growing her backbone through the story.
I hate to do this, but it was a DNF for me. The FMC is described as demure, but she is at a club that ladies during that time would have been ruined over. She doesn't seem as concerned as she probably should be to be found out, and her whole character doesn't mesh. If she was really that demure, she would not be there. Then, the MMC is the person who owns the club, and the only reason why the respectable gentlemen won't sell the house across the street for a hotel is because the club isn't "respectable" enough, which makes no sense whatsoever. Since when would a club like that be "respectable," and why would you want to put a respectable hotel across the street? I see where this is going, and the whole plot and even the characters do not make sense. Too many plot holes to continue.
Fairy tale retellings are a staple of historical romance, but this is the first time we've read one with Little Red Riding Hood as its base! Here, we have self-made man/gaming hell owner, Rafe Winters, the "Wolf of Mayfair," paired with sweet but stifled debutante Susannah Fletcher. (Susannah was also the "evil" stepsister in the Drake's "Cinderella and the Duke.")
Susannah is all but engaged to a duke, but like many heiresses (at least the ones in historical romances), she doesn't have access to her money and feels hemmed in by her family. When Rafe encounters her playing the piano like a virtuosa during a masquerade at his hell (she in a red cloak and he in his wolf mask), he makes her a deal: she'll bring in a more highbrow crowd with her playing, and he'll pay her five thousand pounds that she can access now without having to marry anyone.
At first this feels like a basic HistRom, with all of the characters going through their expected paces. They slowly grow closer as she spends more time at the hell! He trusts her enough to disclose his sad story of a difficult childhood in the London stews! She's keeping her double life a secret from her family and almost-fiance!
But there are some elements of a deeper story here, as well. Susannah's fraught relationship with her mother is explored as the reason behind the decisions she struggles to make. When Drake seems to set up a major Misunderstanding, Rafe and Susannah talk it out. And, in one of our favorite power moves, she proposes to him. There's a lot to love here.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Oh I so enjoy a good historical romance.
Susannah wants more than being a duchess.
She wants to travel the world and be independent. A mutual bargain is struck between the Wolf and her one night and a plan is underway. Along the way they both fall in love. Slight miscommunication but ultimately HEA.
This couple to much of my chagrin I did not have much chemistry that made me fall in love with them.
The structure of the storytelling could be clonky at points. Kinda reminds me of Where Dreams Begin by Lisa Kleypas but did not endear me to the story. A decent read.
Miss Susannah Fletcher, pianist extraordinaire, can play ply memory or create her own.
Her step sister, Julia and her husband, Gregory Carter,the Duke of Ashworth, married for love and found it in the most unusual way.
Mother, Mrs Constance Fletcher, Lady Beaumont, is title hungry since she was denied one through her marriage.
Susannah has one suitor, Duke of Huntington, who happens to be friends with Sensory and Julia. Since he is a duke Constance pushes the match above any others.
Annabelle Wembley, now Lady Henry Douglass, is a school friend that she has fun with still when she gets away from her mother's strict attention. Lord and Lady Henry love to have fun and snub society.
Mr. Rafe Winters, his business partner, Jacks, have know and looked out for each other since growing up in the stews of London rookeries. Both abandoned young they survived on their brains and talent of hiding until Race got too big. Now they live comfortably off profits from their establishment, The Wolf's Den, a luxurious gentleman's club. This gave Race the moniker of The Wolf of Mayfair, since his club is on the edge of the Mayfair district.
Lord Sackville-Chambers, family owns a run down property The Corner Castle, he wants to sell but only if it does not blacked the family name. He also likes what Race wants to do with it but not the notorious talk about Rafe.
Our story begins with a masquerade ball at the Wolf's Den, where Lady Henry has convinced Lady Susannah to attend with her to have some fun. The two get separated and Susannah finds a room with a grand piano and starts playing. When Lord Sacksville-Chambers tells Rafe this is what he wad referring to.
So Rafe offers Susannah a job to play for a month and this excites her as it would allow her to travel and play on the continent for audience's that would hear her music. So a bargain is set, with the help of Lord and Lady Henry, she escapes her mother to play each night for an hour or so, but masqueraded as The Red Duchess so not to cause a scandal on her family.
Come join the hijinx as Susannah and Rafe work towards their goal and see what mischief happens when semi secrets get blurted out and double lives start to collide. Can two people so opposite find what it takes to have a hanky ending or do they go their separate ways?
Great fun, snappy name calling, and witty sarcasm abound in this flighty tale. Host of colorful characters are there to support and cheer with you. A great rousing romp that will have you laughing for hours.
The Duchess and the Wolf is the first book in the Debutantes of London series.
Susannah Fletcher has been raised to be the perfect catch. She’s beautiful, smart, talented, and a huge dowry, everything a gentleman of the ton would want. Susannah's mother has her eyes on the duke of Huntington, considered to be the most eligible bachelor. Susannah likes the duke, but she doesn't love him. She wants to play the piano, perform for an audience and see the world.
Susannah agrees to go to the Wolf Den with her friend Annabelle and her husband. Being a masquerade event makes it easier for her to attend since the Wolf's Den is a gentlemen's club. She gets separated from Annabel and finds pianoforte she begins to play to keep herself occupied. But she becomes the attention of a man in a wolf mask. Rafe is the owner of the club known as the wolf. Rafe offers her a job in order to better the atmosphere of the club. Working for Rafe would help her to achieve her dream. So, she becomes the Red Duchess.
Rafe and Susannah both struggle with their places in society. Rafe longs to be wealthy, to be in a position to help people who are raised like him, and most of all accepted. Susannah does not long for what society terms a women's place. Rafe realizes how different Susannah is from the others he has met but feels he will never be worthy of her. She sees and accepts him for the man she has come to know and love.
This is a wonderful romance. I really enjoyed reading this story. I liked how they had different goals for life that the typical historical romance. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Thank you so much for sharing this eARC with me! Can’t say enough how much I love and adore these two characters.
This is a great novel with wonderful, entertaining characters, hilarious situations, tense moments, love and romance. I love Lydia Drake's writing because I become engrossed in the story and I don't want to put it down until I find out how things are going to resolve. I am looking forward to the next novel in this series.