Sunday, May 23, 2010

Sunday Salon: Tall, Dark and Wolfish by Lydia Dare

TALL, DARK AND WOLFISH - Who could resist a title like that. When this book was offered for review, I was quickly drawn to it. It is the second installment in the Westfield Werewolf trilogy by Lydia Dare.

Even though at the time I had yet to read the first book (A CERTAIN WOLFISH CHARM), I thought this book sounded interesting. The cover and the blurb were catchy, mysterious, and had a bit of suspense to it.

Elspbeth Campbell is a fiery-red headed Scott with emerald eyes. She’s a bit of an outcast from most of the town due to the circumstances of her birth. Despite her lack of acceptance in certain circles, Elspbeth is sought after as the local healer.

Having a kind and gentle heart, Elspbeth never refuses to help anyone. She uses her healing power, along with other gifts inherited from her mother to help the people in her town. She has the aid of four close friends, each who have also inherited special gifts from their mothers.

Lord Benjamin Westfield is the youngest of three brothers. He is known for his womanizing-ways, as well as his sometimes rowdy moods. What isn’t known by many is that Ben and his brothers, like their father before them, are Lycans  - werewolves.

However, Ben has a bit of a problem he can’t bring himself to share with even his brothers. Seems the pull of the full moon has stopped pulling him to turn into a wolf.

Seeking help for his problem, Ben is sent to find the healer. But the healer he seeks (Elspbeth’s mother) is dead and he finds Elspbeth instead.

Through a series of twists, turns and out and out confusion, Elspbeth and Ben are soon fighting their attraction to one another. In addition, they carry a mysterious physical link neither can explain.

Though the description and actions of Ben would melt any female’s heart, Elspbeth is the character that steals the story. Her wit, charm and courage is spellbinding. I can’t help but compare Elspbeth and Ben to the characters Maureen O’Hara and John Wayne played in THE QUIET MAN.

To me the only way this story could have been any better is if it was an audio read by someone with a beautiful Scottish accent. The dialect and descriptions will transform you to Scotland before you finish the first chapter.

TALL, DARK AND WOLFISH is a stand alone book. There are some references, but no missing parts you need from the first book to appreciate this wonderful read. However, once you met Ben you’ll want to find out about his oldest brother, Simon. And soon you’ll be able to learn more about the middle brother, William, in THE WOLF NEXT DOOR due out next month.

Find a comfortable chair because once you start reading TALL, DARK AND WOLFISH, you won’t want to put it down until you finish the final paragraph.

Tall, Dark and Wolfish by Lydia Dare, Sourcebooks Casablanca, @2010, ISBN: 978-1-4022-3695-2, Paperback, 416 pages


FTC Full Disclosure - This book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

10 comments:

  1. I don't usually like this genre, but your review makes me think this book could be an exception. Harvee
    My Sunday Salon

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  2. It sounds like an interesting series. The title might have made me think it was a bit humorous, but it seems to have a lot of depth and emotion built in. Thanks for the review.

    Helen
    Straight From Hel

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  3. This is a good example of an interesting title drawing a reader in. I WISH I WERE A BETTER TITLE THINKER UPPER. :)

    I love a book that makes you feel like you are in that time era.

    Great review.

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  4. Harvee, this book is an interesting read. Give it a try, I think it will surprise you.

    Helen, there is a bit of humor mixed throughout the book. I guess that's one reason I thought of Maureen O'Hara when I think of Elspbeth.

    Teresa, this book will make you think of Scotland and wish you were there.

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  5. Mason - Thanks for this terrific review. I like historical novels very much, and I'll bet I'd like the way this novel evokes the time and place.

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  6. You have a bit of a romantic streak! I love your romance novel reviews. Thanks!

    Michele
    SouthernCityMysteries

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  7. Sounds like a great summer read!

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  8. Looks like an interesting read! I like the bit of humor and the setting. :)

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  9. Oooo! Give me the Scottish accent!

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  10. Margot, I think you'd enjoy this. Lydia gives you the feel of Scotland without you being overwhelmed. If anything, it made me want to learn more about the area and time period.

    Michele, I guess at times I do have a bit of a romantic streak especially if it's got a bit of humor included.

    LadyFi, it is a great summer read.

    Elizabeth, the humor is mixed in just the right amount. The language is one another thing I enjoyed.

    Diane, this is definitely one I would love to hear on audio with a Scottish accent.

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