In this episode our Snarky Sisters tackle the first book in a series. For the next 6 weeks we will be reading and reviewing each book of the series "The Wildes of Lindow Castle" by Eloisa James. The series follows the antics of the Duke of Lindow's older children (all inexplicably named for historical warriors) as they find their HEAs. This family reminds me of the Kennedy's only if they had lived in England during the Georgian era (1770s) and all had warrior names that were hard to pronounce. Basically every aspect of their lives is covered in "prints" which are sold throughout England. Think tabloid magazines but before they could print stuff in glossy color.
Fun fact/side note: the Georgian era in England encompasses the years 1714-1830. The Regency period you have heard us reference before was during this era and represents the 9 years that George, Prince Regent, was temporary king while his father George III was ill. Just to clear up that confusion.
Up first in the series is the book Wilde in Love, which follows the romantic journey of adventurer (is that a real career?) Alaric Wilde and his soul mate Willa, who for some reason he feels the need to rename "Evie". Alaric is recently home from travels abroad and he is shocked to discover that his life story has been turned in to a highly melodramatic play. Think scandalous, unauthorized, and blatantly untrue autobiography. As he grapples with his new found and unasked for fame, he finds a kindred spirit in Willa/Evie, a bluestocking who boldly admits she has never read his salacious stories (because apparently she is too highbrow for those kind of tales?).
As always, our snarky sisters are presented with some really mind boggling thoughts and reflections along the way:
For example, Beth would really like to know, how did they hang prints on their bedroom walls in 1778? Tape wasn't invented yet so were they gluing them? Nailing them? And follow up to that, were the girls' parents mad from all the holes in the bedroom walls? Hope these houses weren't rentals, or they are not getting their deposit back!
And when will authors have characters that are just normal - normal body types, average looks, etc. Not every hero and heroine needs to be sexualized by being the stereotypical Ken and Barbyesque. We can't say it enough - beauty and love come in ALL shapes and sizes and colors.
For all you would be Romeos out there, please remember there is a fine line between obsession and love. . . in the villain of the story it is called "crazy" but for the hero it is called "true love". This hero had a very stalkerish vibe going on.
Our hats off to Ms. James for having the heroine step in to save the hero from the clutches of his obsessed super fan . . .by offering him a fake betrothal. What a way to turn a tried and true historical romance trope on its head.
And finally, I could write a novel on the horrible, anticlimactic ending. It was so bad and so unbelievable. I would just like to share this PSA - if you are being chased by a crazy person in 1778 country side and your options are death by pistol or bog. . . I would take my chances with the pistol. Every time. Just zig zag run away! Seriously, don't make the job easier for the killer by killing yourself and/or doing the dirty work for them.
Content warning: As always there is mild adult language and some discussion on adult themes and some sexual content because this book does contain sex scenes which are discussed (not in detail but they are mentioned).
We hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it!