Tall, Dark and Wolfish

Yummy!

He's lost the most important part of himself...

Lord Benjamin Westfield is a powerful werewolf-until one full moon when he doesn't change. His life now shattered, he rushes off to Scotland in search of the healer who can restore his inner beast, only to find she's not at all what he expected...

She would make him whole, if she could...

Young, beautiful witch Elspeth Campbell will do anything to help anyone who calls upon her healing arts. Then Lord Benjamin shows up, and she suddenly discovers she may need him even more than he needs her...
Ben has lost his wolf, literally . . . he cannot change when the moon is full anymore and he seeks out the only help he can find - a Scotland healer (aka witch). Elspeth's coven is having visions of her being hurt and torn away from Edinburgh by a wolf and on that very night meets a British Lord (aka werewolf). Instant chemistry between the two sparks a sweet love story that reveals discoveries for Ben's future (how to change back into a wolf before the next full moon) and hidden secrets from Elspeth's past (who exactly her Father was/is).

Elspeth was very enjoyable. She's emotionally strong, stubbornly loyal, confident in her powers, and adorably loves Ben. Her friends want to protect her at all costs and her town deeply depends on her healing powers, thus when she falls for the outsider - things begin to drastically change. She keeps a smart head on her shoulder throughout the story and doesn't let Ben boss her around. Oddly enough - Elspeth's coven detests Ben, even to the point of using their [witch] powers to distract him from her charms. Overall, the witches add much needed drama and humor to the tale, plus they open up the possibilities of future couples/matches for later in the series.

Ben was very demanding, but quite cute. He is desperate to change back into his old self - werewolf self that is. He panics when the moon no longer affects him as it did and seeks advice as to what to do; which leads him to Scotland. Expecting to find an old healer, Ben instead locates Elspeth, a much younger and attractive witch who claims to know of his kind - including being half werewolf herself. Being instantly smitten, Ben quickly warms to the idea of marriage between the two and soon finds himself living in her cottage eating blueberries in everything (since they're "ruled by the moon") and taking soaked baths in Magnolia flowers (since they're also "ruled by the moon") but happily enjoying their shared nights together while avoiding fireballs and rouge vines caused by her coven.

Sadly, this book didn't have as much intrigue (for me!) as the last books I read in the series did, but these characters definitely were the kinkiest by far. I enjoyed how confident the two were in their love for each other, but there was something else missing for me that I couldn't quite put my finger on. All in all, another great read that makes me want to re-read Book #3 to catch up with Ben and Elspeth again. I'll be taking a break from this series for a bit before reading Book #4 - The Taming of the Wolf

Likes: Yummy bedroom scenes that even had me blushing! Plus, the matching half-moon marks was really hot!

Dislikes: I think I was expecting a little bit more from the story coming off of Book #1 and felt the story could have had a little bit more plot intrigue since they both knew about each others secrets (ie. werewolf/witch) from the beginning and the discovery of the father

Not as good as book one, but still a fun read

Really 3 1/2 stars--but I'll round up, because I love the concept of Regency werewolves. A fun read, but I didn't enjoy it quite as much as the first in the series. Elspeth and Ben spent a little too much time jumping to conclusions and then acting on them (foolishly, each and every time) for my taste. It made me want to smack their heads together a la the Three Stooges until they saw sense. It definitely gave more insight into the relationships between the characters, though, and I am looking forward to seeing how Will and Prisca can resolve their issues in book three. Hopefully I won't be temped to channel my inner "Moe" too much. ;-)

Sweet and Sexy Read!

Well, Ms. Dare, you've done it again! I am totally in love with the Westfield Brothers - all three are completely sigh-worthy...

In this second book in her werewolf trilogy, we are introduced to Lord Benjamin Westfield, the youngest of the three brothers. We don't meet him in A Certain Wolfish Charm, except to hear he's missing and possibly gone off to Scotland.

He has gone off to Scotland; he wasn't able to change at the last full moon, and he's in search of a healer. He plans to stay with an old friend, Alec MacQuarrie, while he searches for this old woman. When he arrives, Alec is on his way to a ball with a young woman he's been pursuing. Alec asks Ben to escort the young lady's friend, Elspeth.

Elspeth Campbell is a young witch. Her best friends are all witches and her closest friend has forseen that a wolf will tear Elspeth away and destroy the coven. Elspeth knows this must refer to her father, who was a werewolf - she has the mark on her skin, passed down by her father. She plans to seek out her father and confront him; the only problem is she doesn't know who he is - he left her mother and never came back

When Ben tells Elspeth who he's looking for, she realizes he wants her mother, who is dead. She tells Ben she can help him but even though he feels drawn to her, he is reluctant to disclose his secrets. Then he sees her powers and thinks maybe she can help.

As Ben and Elspeth are drawn to each other, the coven sisters are trying to keep her from falling in love and leaving the coven. Of course there are many misunderstandings and twists along the way to this HEA: Ben needs to change to his wolf shape, Elspeth wants to find her father, the coven doesn't want to be separated.

Not to sound like a squeeing fangirl (which I am), but I loved this book! At first I was a little hesitant when I realized the heroine was a witch (I'm not much for witch stories) but I was so wrong to be worried! I liked Elspeth and adored Ben! Elspeth was a strong heroine without being obnoxious, and I liked that she wasn't willing to settle. Ben was your typical clueless bachelor who did't know what hit him once he fell in love, but he was soooo sweet! Their friends were fun to read and full of surprises. (I hope we see more of Alec and Elspeth's friend Caitlin in the next book).

The middle brother, Will, who I fell in love with in the first book, is back for this book. He comes across as something of a "himbo" but he really cares for his family and friends. His non-relationship with Prisca (from book 1) is hinted at again here.

This book was sexy and sweet and I couldn't get enough!

A Charming and Romantic read

Benjamin Westfield has lived a rogue's charmed life. He is known for his seductive skills, and persuasive ways. That is until he finds himself unable to embrace his wolf form after a scandalous "incident". A trusted friend sends him to find a renowned witch that has the ability to heal him. But once in Scotland he finds that the witch he was seeking is deceased, luckily her lovely and tempting daughter may still be able to help him.

Elspeth Campbell was born a bastard to a witch mother, and a werewolf father who abandoned her mother before she was born. She is a part of a coven of witches, each with a unique talent, but as a whole are forces to be reckoned with. However, it has been prophesied that she will be taken from the coven, which may have a potentially devastating effect on them all. She hopes that the man who is coming for her is her father whom she is desperate to discover, only to find herself inexplicably drawn to the man she is determined to heal.

I really enjoyed reading this book.the characters alone make it a worthwhile read despite some of the things that didn't quite work for me. Lydia Dare creates such amazing characters that you are immediately intrigued by, no matter if they are the hero, heroine, a main, or a secondary character. For me Tall, Dark and Wolfish was a historical romance that enjoyed settings in Regency England, and the Scottish countryside. It had some paranormal elements with its shapeshifters and witches, but neither in a comprehensive way. It was a little bit this, and a little bit of that of many of my favorite components, which may be why I enjoyed it so much.

However, as much as I enjoyed the book there were a few things that didn't meet my expectations, or felt would have made the story better. I was most disappointed that the author made Elspeth so eager to have a love affair with Ben outside of marriage since she carried the mantle of "bastard" all of her life. This stigma was repeatedly remarked upon on how it made her feel. Which is why I was surprised that it didn't seem to matter to her that she was following in her mother's footsteps.making the same mistakes without seeming to have any second thoughts.

My final thought is on a more positive note. Each person born from a Lycan parent carries a mark, much like a tattoo, and the author cleverly uses this mark as a way for the hero and heroine (mates) to entice, arouse, or summon each other across distances by touching or stroking it. I thought this brought what I felt was something new to the shapeshifter genre and I liked that about it.

Despite these comments, Tall, Dark and Wolfish is as charming as its hero and heroine. I fell in love with each of its characters including all of the secondary characters. Lydia Dare has created a tempting paranormal romance series, not only with her Westfield brothers, but also with her coven of young witches. I know she has at least two more "wolf" books, but I dearly hope she returns to Elspeth's witchy "sisters" and give them each their own happy ending.

A Wolf, A Witch and a Wonderful Read

Who could resist a title like that. When this book was offered for review, I was quickly drawn to it. It is the second installment in the Westfield Werewolf trilogy by Lydia Dare.

Even though at the time I had yet to read the first book (A Certain Wolfish Charm), I thought this book sounded interesting. The cover and the blurb were catchy and had a bit of suspense to it.

Elspbeth Campbell is a fiery-red headed Scott with emerald eyes. She's a bit of an outcast from most of the town due to the circumstances of her birth. Despite her lack of acceptance in certain circles, Elspbeth is sought after as the local healer.

Having a kind and gentle heart, Elspbeth never refuses to help anyone. She uses her healing power, along with other gifts inherited from her mother to help the people in her town. She has the aid of four close friends, each who have also inherited special gifts from their mothers.

Benjamin Westfield is the youngest of the three brothers. He is known for his womanizing-ways, as well as his sometimes rowdy moods. What isn't known by many is that Ben and his brothers, like their father before them, are Lycans - werewolves.

However, Ben has a bit of a problem he can't bring himself to share with even his brothers. Seems the pull of the full moon has stopped pulling him to turn into a wolf.

Seeking help for his problem, Ben is sent to find the healer. But the healer he seeks (Elspbeth's mother) is dead and he finds Elspbeth instead.

Through a series of twists, turns and out and out confusion, Elspbeth and Ben are soon fighting their attraction to one another. In addition, they carry a mysterious physical link neither can explain.

Though the description and actions of Ben would melt any female's heart, Elspbeth is the character that steals the story. Her wit, charm and courage is spellbinding. I can't help but compare Elspbeth and Ben to the characters Maureen O'Hara and John Wayne played in THE QUIET MAN.

To me the only way this story could have been any better is if it was an audio read by someone with a beautiful Scottish accent. The dialect and descriptions will transform you to Scotland before you finish the first chapter.

TALL, DARK AND WOLFISH is a stand alone book. There are some references, but no missing parts you need from the first book to appreciate this wonderful read. However, once you met Ben you'll want to find out about his oldest brother, Simon. And soon you'll be able to learn more about the middle brother, William, in THE WOLF NEXT DOOR due out next month.

Find a comfortable chair because once you start reading TALL, DARK AND WOLFISH, you won't want to put it down until you finish the final paragraph.

Delightful!

TALL,DARK, AND WOLFISH by Lydia Dare is a delightful Regency Paranormal Romance. Set in 1816 Edinburgh, Scotland and England. It in the second in this series, but can be read as a stand alone.It is well written, fast paced, page turning and did I say Delightful. The characters both the hero and heroine and the secondary jump off the page with sensuality, haughtiness, and wit. You have witches meet the Lycan with electricity and sparks flying. You have romance, sensuality, shape shifters(Lycan), a little mystery,intrigue, witches with wonderful spells and of course Regency England and Scotland. This in my first read in the Lycan experience and I have to say I was not disappointed. I would highly recommend this book. This book was received for review and details can be found at Sourcebooks and My Book Addiction and More.

Great Series!!!

I really enjoyed this book...Ben's story is an interesting one and the witch element that is brought into the book by Elspeth is a nice twist. Her coven is also a great part of the book...hopefully they might make a good side series in the future. The characters a pretty well developed, and this was an enjoyable read.

Tall, Dark and Wolfish

My Synopsis:


Tall, Dark and Wolfish (The Westfield Wolves series - Book 2) by Lydia Dare

Lord Benjamin Westfield has a problem! The youngest of three brothers with a family trait that causes them to turn into a werewolves on the night of the full moon, Benjamin has lost a part of himself when he becomes unable to change. Ben travels to Scotland in search of a mystical healer who can possibly restore the beastly part of his nature. What Ben finds is a lot more than he bargained for.

Elspeth Campbell has secrets of her own! When Benjamin Westfield comes to Scotland looking for her mother, Elspeth is unsure how to respond. Since her mother's passing she has become the healer for her family, friends and the community at large. But, this beautiful young witch is unprepared for her feelings for the Englishman who bares the mark of the beast. Will Elspeth heed the warnings of her friends who tell her to leave Ben alone? Will Elspeth find out the mystery of her father? Will Benjamin be restored to his wolfish self? Will Ben and Elspeth find a love they never expected?

My Thoughts:

Tall, Dark and Wolfish is the second book by Lydia Dare about the Westfield brothers, Simon, William and Benjamin. Benjamin is the youngest Westfield and he has suddenly become unable to change into a werewolf with the full moon. The author has taken a historical setting and added a paranormal twist. We have the Lord's and the Ladies we've come to expect from historical fiction mixed with witches and werewolves we might find in the new sub-genre called paranormal romance. I find the combination of the two very intriguing.

Lydia Dare takes the reader on an adventure into Scotland, a land shrouded in mystery and ancient beliefs and customs. Here we meet the character of Elspeth Campbell and her coven sisters. Elspeth is a young witch and a mystical healer all wrapped up into one. The scandal regarding her parentage has taught her to take care of herself and she has become a strong woman. I really liked her character because she seemed strong yet when she was with Ben, she lets her vulnerable side show in how much she cares for him and needs him in her life. Benjamin's character was typical for a good historical novel. He's a scoundrel of sorts who finally finds the woman of his dreams only to find out that he may not be good enough for her. His beastly side makes him that much more interesting.

I enjoyed this book very much. I loved how the author used the Scottish brogue in the writing as well as showing some of the old customs and words. This series has really captivated my interest and I look forward to the third book in the series which will be out soon. I will be posting an interview with the author tomorrow, so that my readers can become more acquainted with the series and find out what is making Lydia Dare fast becoming one of my favorites.

Werewolf meets witch

I heard about Benjamin in book 1, all I knew that he was somewhere in Scotland and his family didn't know where or why. Well this is the explanation. First he is of course a Lycan like his brothers, second, he can't transform any more after an incident with a woman. From a friend he learns that perhaps a healer/witch in Scotland can help.

Benjamin is like his brother in that aspect that he is afraid to love and be loved. He wants to control the beast and perhaps that is the problem. He is rather torn and lost when he can't change any more, and the rake in him seems to drift away cos of his loss.

But where would we be without some romance. The old healer he is looking for is a beautiful young woman and he is not called a rake for nothing. But when is love ever easy. This woman has a bunch of friends who are very protective and need her to stay with them. Even if that means sending away someone she loves. Yes they aren't that clever now are they, but they meant well, and I had trouble disliking them. I would also protect a friend, and they thought it was for the best. And they were just fun, I'd love to see them find love. Now that could be a cool spin-off.

Lord Benjamin, well I do like a werewolves, they are just so manly and not afraid to show it. Elspeth was sweet, and she truly did not stand a chance when he showed up. Of course who could resist a werewolf.

This book had the romance, and the wolves do tend to become very carnal when the moon is full as he puts it. I liked that they wanted to be with each other, and how the other girls got in the way. he had to fight some for his love. And of course he was also very stupid cos of his Lycan state, but he has to learn too,

One thing that I just had to get used to was that ye this was Scotland, so there was the accent. Luckily I had read this other book and was up to speed what it all meant. But I am glad it wasn't more of it.

This book had me reading like crazy at the beginning, I wanted her to find out about him being what he was, I mean she had to heal him. And the rest of the book I wanted to know if the witches would get in the way, or if anyone would do something stupid (heroes and heroines always do something stupid ;).

All in all a good shifter story and I do think I liked this more than book 1, I guess we just have to see if I( like book 3 even more. Nice historical setting, sweet romance, and cool shifters.

Bridget's Review

Benjamin is a werewolf who no longer feels like the man he used to be. He has never had a problem with the transformation before but he now fears that he has lost this amazing ability. He goes out in search of a witch who can mend his tragic state by giving him his old life back. It seems that having his powers stripped away set his life into motion in ways that he would never have imagined. He meets Elspeth, a witch, who captures his heart and their meeting was anything but coincidence.

I enjoyed the first book in the series and I actually liked this one more. Benjamin's sexiness leaps off the page and you can't help but wish you were Elspeth. Anyone who enjoys werewolves would enjoy this book.

an engaging tale

In 1816 Edinburgh, Caitrin the seer warns her coven friend Elspeth Campbell that the man with beast is coming for her. While her three other coven sisters worry about her, Elspeth says the man is probably her father whom she never met.

In London Lord Benjamin Westfield is concerned that for the first time since puberty he failed to change during the full moon. Not wanting to deal with his two older brothers, he turns to Major Forester who suggests he see a healer. Reluctantly and concealing what he does from his sibling by pretending to visit friend Alec MacQuade, Benjamin heads to Edinburgh to ask an old hag Elspeth Campbell to help him.

At the Ferguson gala, Alec escorts Caitrin while he arranges for Benjamin to take Elspeth. Caitrin recognizes Benjamin as the beast from her vision. When Elspeth's beloved grandfather dies, he is there for her. He learns the woman he seeks is her late mother. As they fall in love, each knows they must reveal their innermost secret; he as the wolf and she as the witch.

The second Westfield Regency fantasy romance (see Ben's brother Simon in Certain Wolfish Charm) is an engaging tale that sub-genre readers will enjoy. The support is a powerful group with fans hoping for more stories especially that of Alec and Caitrin as well as the third Westfield sibling. The lead couple is a terrific pairing of star-crossed lovers summed up nicely by Ben's other brother Will when he muses her friends might burn his coach in a pique; as the question remains can a wolf and a witch dare to find happiness together?

Harriet Klausner

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