Wilde in Love

Narrator Susan Duerden's modulated British voice brings to life Lord Alaric Wilde and Miss Willa Fynche. Willa's fa�ade of a proper young lady is captured in Duerden's enunciation while her huskier tones accentuate Alaric's privileged background and education. The story begins when Alaric, returning home, finds himself saddled with a notorious reputation instead of being seen as the scholar he would like to be, based on his many travel books. Willa, understandably, wants nothing to do with this scandalous lord, who has women worshiping him like fans of a modern-day rock star. Listeners will be captivated by Alaric's and Willa's verbal sparring in this historical romance. A.M.G. � AudioFile 2017, Portland, Maine

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.