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A Certain Wolfish Charm    by Lydia Dare Amazon.com order for
Certain Wolfish Charm
by Lydia Dare
Order:  USA  Can
Sourcebooks Casablanca, 2010 (2010)
Paperback
* *   Reviewed by Martina Bexte

Lily Rutledge is at her wits end when it comes to dealing with her nephew, Oliver. Almost overnight, the child has turned from cheerful and polite to surly and rude. Now, more than ever, Lily needs the support and guidance of Oliver's appointed guardian, Simon Westfield, Duke of Blackmoor. Unfortunately, the rich, powerful and sinfully handsome rake has failed to answer even one of Lily's increasingly desperate letters. Angry beyond measure, Lily decides that if the surly Duke refuses to acknowledge his responsibilities, then she will personally explain them to him. But once she barges into Blackmoor's country estate, she belatedly realises that she might have bitten off more than she can chew.

The moment Simon lays eyes on young Oliver, he knows exactly what is going on. Like his deceased father Daniel, and like Simon himself, Oliver is about to experience his more beastly nature. Simon does not need to be constantly reminded by the fearless Miss Rutledge how he has neglected his duty to the boy. He informs Lily that he will immediately take sole responsibility for Oliver. Lily, however, is determined to remain a part of her nephew's life and as their verbal sparring heightens, Blackmoor soon finds himself attracted to the challenging female, while at the same time having to deal with his interfering brother William and matchmaking neighbour Prisca.

While Dare doesn't really break any new ground either plot or were-mythology wise, this first book in a proposed trilogy is nicely written, represents the Regency era well, and showcases a pleasing array of characters. At times, however, secondary players Oliver, William and Prisca, almost steal the show. Even so, A Certain Wolfish Charm is an engaging and witty story, especially for those readers who need a regular werewolf fix.

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