Wilde in Love

September 11, 2017
Historical romance doyenne James kicks off a Georgian series with an entertaining and intellectual story in which a famous author and explorer falls for a woman who shuns the spotlight. After a long absence exploring the globe, Lord Alaric Wilde returns to his home at Lindow Castle to learn, much to his shock and dismay, that a play about him called Wilde in Love has England’s ladies thinking he’s a Casanova. His fans’ adulation—and unseemly desire—knows no bounds. Alaric doesn’t want the notoriety; instead, he seeks the companionship of Willa Ffynche, a beautiful young woman attending a house party at the castle. The romance between them builds gradually and realistically, and intensifies through their exchanges of witty repartee and sensual innuendo. But Willa has no desire to share his life of fame, and Alaric fears that the one woman for whom he would give up his bachelorhood might spurn him. Expertly developed characters will draw readers in, and the cliffhanger conclusion is full of promise for future installments. Agent: Kimberly Witherspoon, Inkwell Management.

October 15, 2017

When Lord Alaric Wilde returns from his explorations, he is shocked and annoyed to discover that not only have the "Lord Wilde" accounts of his travels become wildly popular but that Wilde in Love, a play purportedly--but inaccurately--based on his adventures, has taken London by storm. Alaric heads for his childhood home, Lindow Castle, only to find a house party in full swing, attended by a number of adoring ladies. Unfortunately, the only one he finds interesting is outwardly reserved, well-read Wilhelmina Everett Ffynche, and she wants nothing to do with him and his notoriety. The adventuresome Alaric is not about to give up. A heroine who wants to stay out of the limelight and a hero whose novels have turned him into a magnate for the masses come to terms with their feelings--and their situation. A would-be killer and an American sable (aka skunk) named Sweetpea add both danger and humor. VERDICT Witty and sensual, enhanced by dazzling sartorial descriptions, and tempered by a sinister edge, this occasionally bawdy Georgian romp gets James's new series off to an excellent start and hints at complications to come. James (Seven Minutes in Heaven) lives in New York City.

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from September 15, 2017
It seems that Wilhelmina Ffynche is the only woman in England not infected with Wilde fever. Willa can't believe how many ladies as well as quite a few gentlemen have become besotted with the fanciful novels written by dashing explorer Alaric Wilde. As for Willa herself, well, she'll take the writings of Pliny, instead. When Willa has the opportunity to meet the recently returned Alaric at a house party thrown by her best friend's fiance, however, she discovers that, even if she is not a fan of Alaric's books, if she is going to be completely honest with herself, she is not completely immune to the innumerable charms of the man himself. With her usual seemingly effortless elan, RITA Awardwinner James (Seven Minutes in Heaven, 2017) again demonstrates that smart is the new sexy as she launches the Wildes of Lindow Castle series. Written with plenty of wry wit, graced with a brilliantly crafted cast of characters, and imbued with just the right amount of luscious sensuality, Wilde in Love will hit the literary sweet spot of any romance reader.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)