So this was a book that I read – the heroine has a pet skunk. I know, quirky, right?

2.5 stars

Lord Alaric Wilde is the third son of the Duke of Lindow (although the eldest died in a tragic accident a few years back). He’s been travelling the world for years, having adventures and while he was gone, the books about his travels have become hugely popular, particularly because of a wildly successful play, portraying him as a tragic romantic hero. Alaric is rather taken aback by his overwhelming fame when he returns home.

At a house party at his father’s, there are masses of young ladies who want to meet the tragic hero of Wilde in Love (where Lord Wilde’s missionary daughter love interest is eaten by missionaries), but Alaric finds himself drawn to the only woman who is completely unimpressed by him (natch!). She’s never read a single one of his books, although she has listened to her best friend rave about her crush for Alaric for several years. Miss Willa Ffynch was one of the most popular young ladies of the season and has turned down countless proposals. She’s a very private person and wants nothing to do with a man whose face appears on posters and exploits are written about in the newspapers. Nevertheless, she can’t help but be charmed by the charismatic explorer.

When a rather unhinged young lady appears at the duke’s residence, claiming to be the author of Wilde in Love, not to mention Lord Alaric’s one true love, Willa is persuaded to pose as Alaric’s fiancee until the madwoman can be convinced that Alaric has never had, and never will have any feeling for her. Will pretending to be Alaric’s intended convince Willa that he’s really the man for her?

Full review on my blog.