It’s a great story as I watched Helia peel away at all the layers of pain and guilt that Anthony had felt and endured over the years at the hands of his abusive father. I loved the story and the strength of the H/h. At times, the banter between Anthony and Helia is hilarious especially when she seems to unnerve him so easily. I would like to have known the significance of the Fraser tartan. This is a story worth reading.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

A quick romance where the woman doesn't change the alphahole after one day. Helia and Anthony are stuck together during a snowstorm and he's a big old jerk but it's because he's dad is an even bigger jerk. Helia is a ray of scottish sunshine who makes Anthony see that he's pretty much a carbon copy of his dad. Its nice to see his growth but I wish the book had a bit more development to their characters. The books is a nice way to spend a few hours.

3.5 stars

I found this book difficult to read at first. The cruelty and arrogance of the "hero" of this story at the beginning was so over the top that I couldn't come to grips with the purpose. As the story unfolds and you learn his history things become more understandable. The story reminded me so much of a "Beauty and the Beast" tale and in the end all was resolved. I enjoy Regency Romances but I found this one a bit hard to swallow.

I'm coming in with an unpopular opinion here because I did not enjoy this and honestly found it extremely cringe-worthy. Not just in terms of the writing but the characterisations as well. I found the writing repetitive as the characters did and said the same thing continuously for most of the book. Helia says something stupid and Anthony reacts like a total douche-canoe. He says extremely hurtful words and she cannot say a thing until she loses her temper at the end of their exchange of barbs, only to run away until trouble finds her. Rinse and repeat. It would've been at least more bearable had the characters been likeable but unfortunately, I couldn't stand either one.

Helia is meant to be a Scottish lass who's feisty and fiery-tempered (stereotypically along with her fire-red locks and doe green eyes) but has a kind heart and who everyone falls in love with. She's a Disney princess but I found her naivete over the top and her total lack of sense rather irritating. I didn't understand her actions and it just added to her overall silliness. For example, why would you go gallivanting into the city (a place you want to avoid) to make friends with random strangers while you're supposedly running away from a dangerous man who wants to assault you and make you his wife just to get your dowry? Then there's Anthony—the lord who is the biggest twat from the opening lines and doesn't let up until pretty much the very end. While I understand he has a "complex history" that has turned him into the present-day curmudgeon, he was so stuck in the state of asshole behaviour towards Helia that his love for her did not make sense. Granted, it didn't happen until the last 10% of the book but his sudden "she's mine" mentality still felt too much. Yes, he was slowly thawing towards her chirpy nonsense, but it wasn't to the point of growly "no one else can have her, I love her, she's mine" behaviour. Especially when they don't even talk about the problems—i.e. what she was running away from and how he continued to lie about not believing her story to be truthful! I do love a good cold-hearted rake reformation storyline but this man's vulgarity crossed the line into off-putting territory pretty much the whole time.

Beyond that, I found the plot riddled with gaps and story elements that did not make sense. I'm going to end it here because I could go on but I guess maybe it's safe to say that if this is an indication of the author's work, then Caldwell is not the author for me. I'm clearly in the minority here though because I see lots of other 4-5 star ratings, so take this review as you will! However, I will not be recommending it.

After the death of her father Helia Mairi Wallace is desperate to escape the attentions of her cousin Damian, the heir to her home. He’s interested only in her dowry. Desperate she travels to her godmother’s home, a woman she’s never met but her mother often spoke of. Arriving at her home she finds only her son, a rake with terrible reputation. With no other option and an imminent snow storm she begs to stay, knowing how it will affect her reputation.

This if the first novel by this author and is a forced proximity tale. The couple are drawn to each other almost straight away, his cold heart thawed by her warmth. It’s an easy read with a HEA. I did find the Scottish brogue/accent writing poor, seemingly written by someone who has not heard a Scottish person speak, with the most glaring error being “nah” for no when it should be nae.

4 stars

Lots of erotic descriptions. The hero, to me seemed a bit of a cypher. I get that he's damaged but IMO he seemed a bit two dimensional and I got annoyed at the heroine! Helia's speech is dotted with scottish expressions. She wanders off even though she's in hiding from the baddie and then of course she capitulates and falls for the bad boy.

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

Anthony is heartless with a capital H! Helia is running from a dastardly cousin who wants her money. Unfortunately for her, she runs right into the arms of the heartless son of the woman she is trying to find. I must say, the author does a tremendous job of getting your emotions involved from page 1 and doesn’t let go , even after you finish the story! Name an emotion and you will experience here! I loved Helia’s Scottish “take on prisoners” attitude, not allowing Anthony to get away from seeing himself in a different light. Some of the scenes are so touching and then he does or says something that you just want to slap him! The characters are well developed, even the ones who have very little appearance. The writing is so good, I could envision his mother doing what she did as the Duke and Anthony go head to head in an argument. I loved how the author also didn’t make everything “perfect” by the end, having Helia still teaching Anthony how to care. It just goes to show how important love really is in a child’s life and the devastation when there is not. A great story, that will stick with you for a long time. But be prepared to be angry for a while!

I received this story for free and these are my own opinions.

Not gonna lie, I was scared to read this one....but I did it.

As someone who doesn't read usually read historical romance, I really enjoyed it. The fact that it was a stand alone made it easier to grasp, I didn't have to worry to much about what was going on. Otherwise this was a quick read that packed in a lot character development, and interesting dialogue. I'm glad I braved the cringe that was the title and blurb!

Also it was a palette cleanser I didn't know I needed, so I'm quite thankful for that! This is one I am definitely going to keep in my back pocket to recommend!
4/5

Lord Anthony Blofield, future Duke of Talbert, has a reputation as society’s notorious rake with a cold personality. When his parents leave for the countryside, he relishes his time alone. However, Anthony’s peace is disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious yet unwanted guest. He has no recourse but to allow her to stay until the snowstorm abates. The freckled-faced waif intends to chip away at his frozen, dead heart. Will Anthony learn the truth about Helia’s connection to his passive mother? Or is it all a lie?
Miss Helia Wallace risks the dangers of a snowstorm to seek out the protection of her godmother. She never expected to encounter the woman’s sensual yet cynical son. Helia would rather deal with Anthony’s cold apathy than marry her villainous cousin. She manages to convince the indifferent lord to allow her to stay until the storm stops. Helia cannot ignore her growing attraction to the aloof man. Will Anthony be Helia’s unwitting savior? Or will she be another one of his conquests?
My heart went out to Anthony for everything he endured, especially from his father. It took me a while to realize he is the marquess that Lady Alexandra (A SURE DUKE) was betrothed too. This book helped explain the reasons for his dastardly behavior. The author masterfully redeemed Anthony. The last redeemable hero that won my heart like Anthony did was Sebastian St. Vincent from Lisa Kleypas’ DEVIL IN WINTER. What I adore the most about Anthony is how the author did not change his personality once he fell for Helia. Instead, she blunted the sharp edges of his disposition.
Helia proves that she is the perfect balance for Anthony. She counteracts all his flaws, the sunshine to his grumpiness. I like how Helia is at first afraid of Anthony. Then, as she starts to interact with him, Helia realizes there is a reason for his churlishness. She understands his aloofness is a defense mechanism. What I adore the most about Helia is that she is no beauty by the ton’s strict standards. She accepts her red-hair, freckles, and waif thin form.
THE WOLF OF MAYFAIR is a standalone historical romance by Christi Caldwell. This book does tie in with the author’s THE MCQUOIDS OF MAYFAIR series. The Blofields play a small role in both A SURE DUKE and THE HEIRESS AT SEA. I am happy that the hated Duke of Talbert finally gets his comeuppance. I despised his high-handedness in ASD and THAS.
I hope the author plans to give Anthony’s sister a happy-ever-after. After reading what the duke put Anthony through, I feel she deserves to find love. Heck, I would cackle in glee if she fell for a McQuoid or one of their family members! What a coup that would be.

DNF at 11%

I'm not a big fan of the writing and the MMC is kind of an asshole and it's turning me off to the story.

A good book! This was a quick romance- but it definitely hits the spot! Fast paced, good dialogue, interesting characters. A definite read!

A delightful romantic tale filled with wit, charm, and heart. The characters’ romantic journey is both touching and entertaining, making it a perfect escape read.

Don't let the cringey title fool you. This is a lush, decadent romance with a morally grey MC and the woman who wins his heart. Readable and a page-turner.

I always enjoy Christi Caldwell books so was excited to read her new book. I was very unsure how she was going to make Wingrave into the Hero of the book but when he fell for Helia he fell hard. Wingrave's character didn't change and suddenly become loveable after falling in love but he became fierce to protect his 'queen'. I just loved this book. There is a link to A Sure Duke but I didn't realise until it was spelt out, this is a stand alone book.

The hero, Lord Anthony Wingrave was a complete and utter ass that only thought about his power and sex just about every time he saw Helia.
Helia saw beneath the hard, unloving exterior of Anthony and quickly started falling in love with him. Anthony, of course, took much longer to recognize his feelings to be more than just lust.
A stranger at his door, an ill patient to fret over, a rescue from the villain, and a confrontation with the evil Duke keeps the pages flowing at a good pace most of the time. A lot of internal thinking and back and forth between the characters gets a bit redundant at times, but overall I enjoyed the book.
I've always enjoyed Christi Caldwell's books and like this new edgy direction with hot, passionate scenes. However, I do feel it doesn't always flow as natural as her previous books.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Montlake for an honest review.
#TheWolfofMayfair #NetGalley #Montlake #ChristiCaldwell

Omg, I'm a huge fan of this author and I absolutely loved this book! Thanks Netgalley and to the publisher for this ARC

The Wolf of Mayfair was dripping in decadence and mystique, unlike its precocious title inspo. From a royal romance, to a demons of the past, and a woman of wildness and innocence at once, this book is full of intrigue and allure. The romance is tempting and yet modern and the characters are complex and fascinating. Uncovering new details about the family's secrets, the heroine's backstory, and the romance plot was a game of fun and a time of pass. Although this book is best read with little to no spoilers, I will say some parts of the book felt incomplete or forgotten so better care of the detailed plot can be considered in the future. Too many ties can lead to too many tumbles. With that said, this was a beautiful introduction to Christi Caldwell and I look forward to more releases from her in the future.

Anthony is a difficult and condescending rake of the first order, a Marquess in line to a Dukedom.
When Helia arrives on his doorstep seeking help and shelter, he is rude, crude, and mean.
He allows her to stay one night due to the snowstorm but as the days progress, she learns about his frozen heart and determines to thaw him no matter the cost to herself.
Rich character development.
Steamy graphic scenes.
An absorbing read.

This book all takes place in such a small number of days, and covers a tight number of hours, the few detailed interactions that happen are tense, well described and well dialogued, Helia comes across well and clearly, with a Scottish brogue and a stubborn streak. Anthony is cruel and heartless however Helia perseveres looking for cracks or a way in and goes toe to toe with him, this a is great read with good one on one scenes.

A gripping historical romance with strong lead characters who keep you turning each page. I read it in one sitting! Would highly recommend.