Reviews

Born to Be Wilde by Eloisa James

mollywetta's review

I read the first one in this series and was kind of meh but this one was a lot better, especially if you dig a hate-you-but-really-love you vibe. But mostly it set up the fourth book and I am really here for young woman yearning adventure meets damaged soldier who does not give a fuck. So looking forward to that one!

ericamh_'s review against another edition

funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

jody_diou's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional lighthearted tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

laurenjcarter28's review against another edition

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

christyjoreads's review

4.0

Parts of this felt really clunky. But after the half point it got better and the pieces seemed to fit together better. I really liked how the FMC realized she needed the respect of her husband. Love is important, but she didn't want to be thought of as silly or frivolous by the man she married....and that is so important.

And where did the Contessa go? She was there then she wasn't. Not that I really liked her story - I rarely like 'other women' in my romances, but she was supposed to be at the wedding and then we never heard from her again?

Overall, i like this series, but this wasn't one of the stronger books IMO. 

adelita18's review

emotional funny hopeful inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I loved the characters Lavinia, Parth, Betsy, and Aunt Knowe. Of all the Wilde heroines, Lavinia feels the most real and relatable. Her drive, her insecurities, her willingness to try and move forward is so beautifully written. Parth is a wonderful foil to Lavinia and his flaws are extremely relatable. Eloisa James did a masterful job with this story - particularly with Lady Grey's addiction. It was an absolutely engaging and wonderful story and one of the best Eloisa James books out there. 

amelie6's review against another edition

lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

curls's review

4.0

Lavinia is a spoiled sweet heiress who finds her inheritance and dowry have been gambled away. She makes an offer of marriage to a long time friend, Parth. Lavinia is flirtatious with other men, but with Parth she tends to trade insults. He rejects her proposal, but she’s still a friend of the family, so he decides to help her find a husband. As he watches Lavinia flirt with other men, he begins to realize she’s what he’s wanted all along.

I loved Lavinia and Parth’s story. Lavinia was spunky and Parth was a great hero. It wasn’t really an enemies to lovers story but it was still a lot of fun. I liked this much more than the previous book Too Wilde to Wed. I also thought the plot line with Lavinia’s mother was well done.

The set up for the next book looks promising too. I really liked Jonathan. He’s got some great sarcasm.

nellesnightstand1's review

4.0

This was kinda a "enemies to lovers" type of romance. I think between Parth and Lavinia it was more of an I'm crushing big time on you but can't show it so let's do the whole childish routine and make fun of each other, type of thing.

It was more angsty than the other's, but the emotional journey they go on throughout this book was effective.

Parth seriously turning her down. then playing matchmaker and not finding anyone good enough for her even as he resists his feelings and continues to disparage her perceived personality flaws ( he thinks she's extremely vain) was a little tough to read. I just wanted to smack him upside the head.

And Lavinia never wanting to tell Parth the darn truth of her circumstances?

It was frustrating but an honest portrayal of their relationship. I felt this was one of the best in the series because of how they grew to love each other.

excited for the next instalment of the Wildes :)

bookloverchelle's review against another edition

4.0

Lavina had no idea how her family's financial situation became so dire but she is ready to do her part in digging them out of the hole which includes marrying the richest man she knows, Parth. Parth wants nothing to do with Lavina but after learning more about her situation he's ready to help her find the perfect husband, as long as it's not him. Except he begins to rethink that decision as they spend more and more time together. But can Parth change paths after he's already introduced Lavina to her future husband. Lavina thought that Parth was the right path and as she falls she's even more convinced, but can she convince him. A really great read about a woman finding not just the right man, but herself. I love the family Wildes and even though Lavina and Parth are not official members but honorary it means we still get to see the Wildes and enjoy their shenanigans. Great read in a fun series!