Lord Alaric Wilde has returned to his family home after years abroad, traveling to far-flung locales and writing books along the way. It’s been too long since he saw his father and the rest of his family, and years have passed since the death of his eldest brother put the family into a state of shock and disbelief. Alaric’s arrival occurs right when his father, the Duke of Lindow, is hosting a month-long house party. Alaric’s older brother, North, is expected to become betrothed, and among the guests is a belle of the season, Wilhelmina Everett Ffynche.

Alaric is immediately taken with Willa, but she does not return the interest whatsoever. Alaric’s reputation has been greatly augmented, and besmirched, by a play written about his supposed adventures, and Willa’s having no part of his notoriety, let alone the scores of female fans falling at his feet. Alaric has eyes for no one but Willa – but can she trust that his roguish reputation is simply a rumor and not the truth?

Alaric’s fame has attracted all kinds of attention, and he loathes the constraints that puts on his time with his family – and with Willa. Willa is like no other woman he has met; unpretentious, intelligent and lovely, she is everything Alaric could ever want in a mate and partner, but it’s too bad that Willa doesn’t quite share his opinion…yet. In the meantime, a surprise visitor from Alaric’s past may have plans for a role of her own, a role that may sink Alaric’s hopes and dreams in murky depths.

Wilde in Love begins a new series, “The Wildes of Lindow Castle,” for author Eloisa James, and if Alaric and Willa are any indication, readers are in for a treat! Willa is wooed and pursued by Alaric, yet she is not a woman who caves in easily, and their courtship, though brief, is a fun series of volleys and returns. As always, dialogue between characters, be it Willa and Alaric or Alaric and his brother, is sharp and insightful, and the story moves at a rapid, yet comfortable pace. The Wildes are quite a brood, and it will be fun to see what the next installment has in store for readers, as there is a precipitous cliffhanger along the way! Inventive, witty and simply enjoyable to read, Wilde in Love is Eloisa James at her very best!