A Certain Wolfish Charm

Tough, resourceful, charming women battle roguish, secretive, aristocratic men under the watchful eye of society in Dare’s delightful Victorian paranormal romance debut. When Lily Rutledge’s 12-year-old ward, Oliver, displays sudden changes in size and appetite, she demands that his guardian, Simon Westfield, duke of Blackmoor, pay attention to the boy. Simon wants to take Oliver away and teach him about the Westfield werewolf heritage; Lily refuses to abandon her beloved near-son to the man who has ignored him for years. Simon and Lily are drawn to each other, but Simon’s secret and society gossip threaten their happiness. The scenes of passion and transformation are surprisingly gentle after an intense emotional buildup, and a lack of gory detail helps the novel retain a period feel and keeps it mild enough for mainstream romance fans. (Apr.)