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webbsusa's review against another edition
3.0
I felt like this story had a lot of potential it didn’t quite reach for me. The relationship between the two main characters could have been developed more; they seemed to have a pretty serious case of instalust. Other than desire, I’m not sure what they shared or saw in each other. I liked the characters separately and they could have been a great couple. I just wanted the relationship to be more fleshed out.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
amberreadsalot's review
3.0
I loved the previous book in this series, which I think was also Ms. Drake's debut romance novel, So I had high expectations for "The Duchess and the Wolf." Unfortunately those expectations were not met. As separate characters, Susannah and Rafe are great. Susannah a dreamer who feels unseen and unheard and Rafe an impoverished child who as a grown man is still trying to make good. Together, though, they did not fully make sense to me. Rafe refers to Susannah as a "girl" repeatedly throughout the book while he is referred to as a man. I was actually never totally clear on the age difference between the two, but just this makes me feel like it is quite the gap. I also really disliked the ending. Rafe was supposedly all about Susannah getting her dreams. Yet as soon as she said she would give it all up for him, he just let her. Why did his dreams become hers instead of vice versa? I understand what Ms. Drake was trying to get at, but certainly there could have been a compromise reached. I do think I would have been less frustrated were it not for the epilogue (and normally I adore epilogues), which makes it clear that Susannah's dreams will be long on the shelf.
All of that said, I did still enjoy the book - I like Ms. Drake's writing, and her steamy scenes are quite good. I still wouldn't hesitate to pick up another one of her books - perhaps about a certain duke and governess?
2.5 stars rounded up to 3. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.
All of that said, I did still enjoy the book - I like Ms. Drake's writing, and her steamy scenes are quite good. I still wouldn't hesitate to pick up another one of her books - perhaps about a certain duke and governess?
2.5 stars rounded up to 3. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.
jillmlong's review
2.0
This book was ok. The fmc wants to play the piano, the mmc owns a club that he wants to be respectable. The dialogue seemed repetitive and not much happens.
andrea_author's review
4.0
Proper young noblewoman Susannah yearns to showcase her musical talent. Self-made Rafe seeks respectability but needs Susannah's classical skills. If she performs on his stage as the enigmatic Red Duchess to attract aristocrats, he'll pay her enough to lead an independent life. He vows to shield her reputation—yet hopes she'll fall into his embrace. As the Red Duchess captivates London, danger looms if her secret comes out.
I enjoyed the character development and the strong plot in this book. Susannah and Rafe have scintillating chemistry and support each other's dreams. There are twists in the story I didn't see coming. Overall, it's an entertaining and heartwarming novel.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I enjoyed the character development and the strong plot in this book. Susannah and Rafe have scintillating chemistry and support each other's dreams. There are twists in the story I didn't see coming. Overall, it's an entertaining and heartwarming novel.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
illstoptheworldandreadwithyou's review
4.0
The Duchess and the Wolf is delicious. It’s a bit Little Red Riding Hood meets the Big Bad Wolf, but they fall in love. She’s the society heiress, almost engaged to a duke, and always trying to please her mother. He’s the “Wolf of Mayfair,” raised on the streets, where he pickpocketed and stole until he was able to begin building his own empire. When they meet at his establishment, the Wolf’s Den, during a masquerade, it turns out they each have something the other one needs. She can bring respectability to his club by drawing in the ton with her piano performances, helping him to gain the approval needed for a property purchase. She performs anonymously as the “Red Duchess,” complete with cloak, in exchange for the money she needs to escape the stifling expectations of her family and the ton and to explore Europe.
I adored watching Rafe and Susannah falling in love; smiling at Lord and Lady Henry’s excesses and antics; seeing Susannah support herself and make her own decisions; learning how Rafe treats his employees and about his found family relationship with Jacks; and experiencing the chemistry between the Wolf and the Duchess.
This one is highly consumable.
I received an advance copy from Entangled and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I adored watching Rafe and Susannah falling in love; smiling at Lord and Lady Henry’s excesses and antics; seeing Susannah support herself and make her own decisions; learning how Rafe treats his employees and about his found family relationship with Jacks; and experiencing the chemistry between the Wolf and the Duchess.
This one is highly consumable.
I received an advance copy from Entangled and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
bookishmya's review
4.0
The romance of Rafe & Susannah was exciting, scandalous and absolutely wonderful. Susannah has it all. A diamond of the ton, a lavish dowry and the most eligible Duke practically on the hook but she is not like other society girls. She wants more, she wants to perform, travel and be independent. When club owner Rafe Winters offers her a healthy payment to perform at this club in disguise, she leaps at the chance. What she receives is far more than money. The chemistry between Susannah and Rafe is electric, is it any wonder she thinks to toss over the Duke for this man. Rafe is rough & tumble, but honourable and good at the core. You simply can’t help but love him. I loved the parallel to Julia’s story in the end. These sisters are so very different and yet apparently not. I am excited for the Duke of Huntington’s story next, he really is too good of a guy to settle. This story was a delight!
winterreader40's review
4.0
3.5 stars
Susannah is dragged to the Wolf's Den by her friend where she meets Rafe, the club's owner, when he catches her playing the piano in a room that isn't open for the celebration. Rafe stumbles upon a woman who plays like an angel right when he needs to class up the joint in order to secure the sale of the property across the street. They eventually strike a deal where if she plays every evening for a month he'll pay her enough to fulfill her dream of traveling the world and avoiding a marriage she doesn't want.
This has some very slight red riding hood vibes in reference to the disguise she wears while preforming and the Wolf's Den which was refreshing because it isn't a retelling i've seen often. Susannah swings between being a firecracker with Rafe and a limp noodle with everyone else. Rafe is the grump with a squishy center, his grump fire's her up slowly growing her backbone through the story.
I received this ARC through NetGalley and Entangled:Amara
Susannah is dragged to the Wolf's Den by her friend where she meets Rafe, the club's owner, when he catches her playing the piano in a room that isn't open for the celebration. Rafe stumbles upon a woman who plays like an angel right when he needs to class up the joint in order to secure the sale of the property across the street. They eventually strike a deal where if she plays every evening for a month he'll pay her enough to fulfill her dream of traveling the world and avoiding a marriage she doesn't want.
This has some very slight red riding hood vibes in reference to the disguise she wears while preforming and the Wolf's Den which was refreshing because it isn't a retelling i've seen often. Susannah swings between being a firecracker with Rafe and a limp noodle with everyone else. Rafe is the grump with a squishy center, his grump fire's her up slowly growing her backbone through the story.
I received this ARC through NetGalley and Entangled:Amara
hookedbythatbook's review
4.0
A loose retelling of Little Red Riding Hood brings together the darling of the ton and a self-made man.
The premise of this book caught my eye and I stayed for the interesting characters and the steady, well-flowing plot. I liked Susannah and Rafe for their drive and ambition. But as a couple, while I’m happy they found a way to be together, I didn’t really look forward to their interactions with anticipation.
I found the story just fine until the moment when Susannah told the Duke of Huntington the truth. And then that man showed that he was absolutely the best man in this entire story. I sincerely hope he gets a fabulous happy-ever-after. So, this moment and the marriage proposal made this story for me.
My favourite character has to be the Duke of Ashworth. He provided most of the lighter moments in the book. I’m definitely going back to read his story.
I can recommend this if you like steamy historical romance. Although this book is part of a series, it stands well on its own.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
shankl's review
5.0
“What a big heart I have.
The better to love you with Little Red Riding Hood.
Even bad wolves can be good.”
A retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. This fairy talk romance was wildly entertaining, steamy and just the right fit for a binge read this weekend. LOVED IT
Thank you Entangled Publishing for the complimentary copy.
The better to love you with Little Red Riding Hood.
Even bad wolves can be good.”
A retelling of Little Red Riding Hood. This fairy talk romance was wildly entertaining, steamy and just the right fit for a binge read this weekend. LOVED IT
Thank you Entangled Publishing for the complimentary copy.
fsmeurinne's review
4.0
This is a delightful historical romance. Susannah Fletcher, a talented musician, wants more from life than just marrying a duke and living a predictable existence. When she crosses paths with the enigmatic Rafe Winters, also known as the "Wolf of Mayfair," their unconventional partnership offers a chance at adventure and love. I was pleasantly surprised by Susannah's strong-willed character, and her determination to break free from societal expectations. Rafe's inner struggles and hidden kindness added depth to the story. While there were some steamy moments, they didn't overshadow the plot. The book's pacing was spot-on, making it hard to put down. This isn't your typical historical romance; it's a refreshing take on class differences and following one's heart. If you're looking for a well-developed love story with memorable characters.