Born to Be Wilde

Narrator Susan Duerden returns in the third installment of the Wildes of Lindow Castle series to deliver a satisfying slow burn of a historical romance. Lavinia Gray is desperate to right her mother's wrongs and needs an advantageous marriage to do it--but she suffers a blow to her ego when the successful Parth Sterling refuses her. Nonetheless, Parth offers to help her find a wealthy beau, not knowing that in the process he'll learn there's more to the fashion-obsessed Lavinia than he's given her credit for. Duerden's cool, lyrical tones deposit listeners into the narrative and keep them there to the end, lending the unfolding drama the tension it needs to make listeners feel like they've earned the story's happy ending. A.L. � AudioFile 2018, Portland, Maine

August 1, 2018

Beautiful, sought-after Lavinia Gray will do anything to save her mother from ruin, even propose to "Appalling" Parth Sterling, the wealthiest bachelor in town, a man who has always ignored her but who also has a reputation for fixing problems and getting things done. Naturally, Parth refuses. For one thing, he is not about to marry a woman as shallow and frivolous as Lavinia seems to be; for another, he has someone else in mind. Nonetheless, Parth is concerned, and when he learns that Lavinia is in dire financial straits, he vows to find her a suitable husband--someone good enough--a task that becomes more difficult as he spends time with Lavinia. A heroine with a genius for fashion attracts a bicultural hero who finally acknowledges her worth in a gorgeously crafted story that for all its lightheartedness addresses serious questions. VERDICT Flirty, sexy, and full of brilliant humor, this latest episode in the Wilde family saga overflows with familiar characters; a joyous romp and refreshing summertime diversion. Nicely done. James (Too Wilde To Wed) lives in New York City.

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