My Rating: 3/5 Stars
Title: The Importance of Being Wanton
Author: Christi Caldwell
Format: eBook (NetGalley)
Pages: 335
Publication Date: 6/29/21
Publisher: Montlake
Categories: Historical Romance
Disclaimer: **I received this book free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**
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.
- I always enjoy an enemies to lovers story. In Emma and Charles’ case, they are betrothed as children and as such children grow up, they change. Emma decides she doesn’t want to be married to Charles and end their engagement. Of course their paths are always crossing since both their fathers are good friends, so it’s inevitable they run into each other. The enemies comes one sided because it’s Emma who ends the engagement on bases of rumors about Charles.
- After the end of their engagement is when Charles starts seeing Emma for who she is and falling for her. Charles does something thinking it would earn Emma’s respect but instead it’s the opposite. But Emma also learns the truth about Charles and so they are basically learn about each other without being engaged. It was nice watching them interact and of course see the attraction growing.
- There is a lot of woman empowerment in this book which was nice.
- Heat level of this one is not too high, there is a very steamy scene but it was sweet. I think it needed more steamy scenes or just more of them seducing one another.
- I wasn’t connecting to this story as much as I was hoping too.
For me, this one didn’t hold my attention like the author’s past books. I still think if you like historical romance with an enemies to lovers trope and strong ladies who strive to be independent, then you might enjoy this one.
📚 ~ Yolanda
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