The Wolf and the Wildflower

I really enjoyed this story. It does take some suspension of disbelief, but it is a great story. James and Jules may be the oddest couple I have read, with the exception of paranormal stories. Following their antics as they find their way is fun. There are some twists and turns, and definitely a surprise or two. Interesting read! I received an ARC of this book of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Amazing, thought-provoking romance! What makes a man a duke? What makes a child a son? What would a person be willing to sacrifice to be with the one they love? James has recently returned after spending ten years - his entire adult life - stranded in the mountainous wilderness of the Yukon, surviving by whatever means necessary. Jules has been raised as a son to protect her mother from yet another life-threatening pregnancy, and she has followed her father in the study and practice of psychology, which, in 1883, was still new enough to have many skeptics. When Jules and her father are summoned by the duke's well-meaning mother to help her son reacclimate to Society, James immediately realizes that Jules is in a surprisingly unique position to be able to help him sort through what he needs to change and what he doesn't. So much of their relationship could not have had the opportunity to grow if it weren't for the foundational deception of her life. Their interactions are deeply intriguing, pairing his primal outlook on the world with her well-educated insight into human connection and the roles we play in society. There are no villains here; the only conflicts are those within each of our two main characters as they come to terms with their own roles and how they can still hang on to the essence of their true selves while avoiding bringing scandal and shame to their families. James has all the "hot Tarzan" stuff going for him, and I loved every bit of it. His first meeting with Jules - what he does that immediately tells him everything he needs to know about her - was viscerally intense and absolutely perfect. Jules' entire life was exquisitely balanced between two worlds yet she had the maturity and unique perspective to navigate all the ups and downs with compassion and patience. Their romance was a slow build-up to an explosive union that paralleled their individual journeys to forge their own futures out of the truly unfortunate circumstances they were dealt. This is a compelling story that rises far above the genre standards for historical romance. It's an intricately detailed treatise on relationships of the mind, and by the time we get the very well-deserved HEA we're rejoicing not just for James and Jules but for everyone who has ever found their soulmate. I can't recommend this book highly enough for all romance readers, as it truly transcends its historical setting. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I thought that this book was absolutely amazing! This book offers fresh and unique twists that really captured my attention and interest. At its heart it is a exceedingly swoon worthy historical romance with a very original spin that 100% worked for me. I fell hard and fast for James and Jules and if you are like me and enjoy the taste of something different and above the norm you absolutely MUST check this book out. I am posting an impartial, independent review.