ARC Review: The Importance of Being Wanton (Wantons of Waverton #2) by Christi Caldwell
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Series: Wantons of Waverton #2
Author: Christi Caldwell
Published June 29th 2021 by Montlake
Goodreads Synopsis
USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell turns polite London society on its head in a delightful romance of unguarded hearts, second chances, and a scandalous rivalry between the sexes.
Emma Gately and the Earl of Scarsdale were betrothed as children―less a vow of future happiness than an obligation. Seventeen years later, the independent miss severs the contract with the now notorious libertine in an unprecedented act of independence. And Emma cofounds the Mismatch Society, where like-minded ladies are free of the constraints and inevitable broken hearts that men bring. But Emma’s rejection sparks in her intended a new consideration of the spirited woman he took for granted―and a determination to win her back.
Despite his wicked reputation, misguided and suddenly lovestruck, Charles Hayden is on a mission to gain Emma’s respect, and he has just the idea―one that the daringly unconventional Emma is sure to appreciate. But as Charles takes bold steps and sets tongues wagging, he makes himself an accidental opponent of his former betrothed. Soon, a rivalry is born that has the whole ton abuzz.
Emma never anticipated that with every fiery test of wills, passion would surge. Passion that’s impossible to ignore. In going toe-to-toe with Charles, she risks her heart and pride by falling in love with the one man she vowed to scorn.
Goodreads
Review
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
After being betrothed to Miss Emma Gately when they were both children, something neither of them wanted, everyone would expect that Charles Hayden, Earl of Scarsdale, would be overjoyed when Emma breaks off the engagement. But instead, seeing Emma in all her glory, ready to fight for what she wants, makes him reconsider everything he had thought about the woman, and see her in a new light. He'll do just about anything to win her back, but his past history and reputation are against him, as is his plans to create a salon similar to the Mismatch Society Emma is a part of. Emma was only 6 when she became engaged to Charles, and her entire life she was moulded to be his perfect bride. She couldn't wait to turn 18, go to London and be presented at court, and be closer to Charles. However, it soon became clear he wanted next to nothing to do with her, and the more she saw and heard about his escapades, the more heartbroken she became, until she ends up co-founding the Mismatch Society, to rebel against the societal norms expected of young ladies. She wants more than a marriage to someone who doesn't want to be with her, and she can't see how Charles, who has an illegitimate son, and two mistresses in a town house, could change. But, have they both misconstrued the actions of the other, and will they manage to prove they are right for each other?
These characters were fantastic! We first met both of them in Someone Wanton His Way Comes, and I for one couldn't wait to learn more about their betrothal, and hoping they would have a romance. Both families had been best friends for years, and once Emma was born, their parents decided she and the eldest Hayden - Charles - should one day marry, and join the families together. Initially, I wasn't as keen on Charles, seeing as how he only really started caring for Emma when she broke off their engagement, but when we learnt more about him - and the truth about his reputation, and son - we see him as a truly good person, doing whatever he can to help people, and that he is the one for Emma. Emma, though, I've loved since we met her in book 1. She was strong on the outside, but the years she's spent waiting for Charles, and the ridicule she's faced from society as Charles' exploits became known, have really hurt her. The rivalry between the couple, and them learning more about each other, was perfect, and I think that was the main issue with their relationship to begin with. They just didn't know each other, and if they had spent any real time together as teens, and then as adults, they would've been happier a lot earlier. Some parts of the book were a little stretched out, like the whole competing societies bit, but the moments between them, and especially with Seamus, really made the whole book.
Dates Read:
August 10-11, 2021
Rating
4 Stars
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