An elegant werewolf in Edinburgh… 1788. When Lindsay Somerville, the most elegant werewolf in Paris, learns that the man who held him in abject captivity for decades is on his way to France, intent on recapturing him, he knows he must leave the Continent for his own safety. Lindsay cannot take the risk of being recaptured—he may have been free for a century but he can still feel the ghost of … century but he can still feel the ghost of his old chains under his fine clothes.
… on a mission…
While he’s in Edinburgh, Lindsay has been tasked with acquiring the “Naismith Papers”, the writings of a long-dead witchfinder. It should be a straightforward mission—all Lindsay has to do is charm an elderly book collector, Hector Cruikshank. But Cruikshank may not be all he seems, and there are others who want the papers.
… meets his match
As if that were not enough, while tracking down the Naismith Papers, Lindsay meets stubborn architect Drew Nicol. Although the attraction between them is intense, Nicol seems frustratingly determined to resist Lindsay’s advances. Somehow though, Lindsay can’t seem to accept Nicol’s rejection. Is he just moonstruck, or is Nicol bonded to him in ways he doesn’t yet understand?
Note: this is the first book of a duology – the story continues and will complete in the second book, Master Wolf.
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I absolutely loved this book and read it all in one sitting. I stayed up late to finish it and bought the sequel at 1am to start it straight away. All the things I love about historical and shifters and m/m romance in one place.
One of my favorite time periods and so well-written
I had a blast reading this novel. The clever prose, the complex characters and the unorthodox plot made this a story worth talking about. I quite liked the author’s approach to wolf shifters, it was rather unique. The characters both main and secondary were multi layered, so well written and various. As soon as I started reading, I knew from the tone and wording of the book that I would love it. And I was absolutely right.
Funnily enough I liked Drew Nicol despite his at times reprehensible treatment of Lindsay. The two men were as different as night and day, their lives were so far from each other that in ordinary circumstances they would have never crossed paths. And Drew was an odd fellow already, but when he revealed his past life to me, I really felt for him. The amounts of guilt and remorse that he carried couldn’t have been easy, and life added the feelings of inadequacy and loneliness to the pot. Add to all of that the forbidden desires that he could not have ever hoped to act upon, and it’s a tough struggle indeed. Poor man. Many people said there was no HEA, but it really depends on how you look at it. The feelings are there, but the circumstances are so unfavorable that only time and distance can mend what was initially broken.
Lindsay Somerville is quite the character. Despite the troubles he has been through he is affable, charming, kind-hearted and a loyal friend. I liked his relationship with Wynne, his valet, and how they met as well as Marguerite who was still a bit of enigma to me. Being well off in those times allowed people of means more freedom in expressing themselves, so when free spirited uninhibited Lindsay comes to Edinburgh and storms Drew’s defenses, the only way Drew can respond is by being a huge prickly cactus. I mean when Lindsey leaves and Drew is left behind in his dreary life, he can not act as if nothing happened, so he protects his heart as best he can. Once he feels and tastes the forbidden, he can not go back, and Drew is scared to leap. I got that. It does not mean I think he was right at times in his treatment of Lindsay, but I did understand why he did it. And Lindsay should have known better himself. I do hope that both men resolve the issues that continue keeping them apart by the time the series is over. The last page is very promising.
The events that transpire when Lindsay comes to Edinburgh are filled with tension, laughter, lust and at times terror. I literally had goose bumps while reading the last quarter of the book. I guessed some parts, but it was still so good to go through all of that with Drew and Lindsay. It was freaking awesome! One person that I absolutely detested was Francis – the things that he didn’t do but should have, the things that he said but shouldn’t have were maddening to me. Some friend he was! Urgh!!! I could go on and on about this book because it’s incredibly written with at times such flare and so much passion between the two men. I can’t wait to read and get to know Drew in the next one! Marvelous storytelling!
Gentleman Wolf is the first part of a duology and it truly does feel like the first part – the ending, although not a cliff hanger, does not feel complete. And that’s okay; the author made sure to warn the reader about this in the blurb which I appreciated. This duology is a paranormal, werewolf, historical romance. It was wonderfully written with a captivating plot and characters. There was romance, but the first book ends on a sad note; however there is hope for a happy and romantic ending in the second book. I highly recommend this book, but be prepared to jump immediately into book two.
Quite the listen (an audio review)
I enjoyed this book on a number of different levels. First there was the historical aspect – I’m not a history buff but this one suited my sensibilities. Enough information to keep me engaged but not too many details that I felt bogged down. I liked that there were various locations, but that Scotland, Edinburgh in particular, played a big role in the story. I don’t read a lot of werewolf stories, so I liked that the paranormal was included – especially when the elegant gentleman sheds his clothing and goes running by the full moon as a wolf. Finally, of course, I was happy there was a good romance. Although the attraction appeared to be one-sided.
This entire story is told from Lindsay Somerville’s point of view, so that was limiting in some ways, but it definitely worked. Lindsay endured some horrible things after first becoming a werewolf, and it’s clear why he doesn’t want to be recaptured. His return to Scotland is accompanied by a particular mission that gives him purpose and motivation. He meets Drew Nicol along the way and although he finds the architect intriguing, Drew doesn’t seem to fit into Lindsay’s plan. Except Lindsay’s beset by feelings that the two are meant to be together and eventually they do find their way to each other physically, although that brings on a whole new set of problems.
In the end, Lindsay is faced with a life and death situation and in a split second, he makes a decision that will change both their lives. Then, try as he might, he can’t get Drew to understand. That separates them, possibly forever.
And there this story ends. Since this is a duology, and I knew there was a subsequent book to come, I was okay with the ending as it was. I want a happy ending for these two, but sometimes we don’t always get what we want.
Hamish McKinlay is a new-to-me narrator and I just loved him. Oh, the Scottish burr. I’m off to the next one right away.
I really enjoy the way Joanna Chambers builds a story, and Capital Wolves is simply fantastic! And that beginning… wow, what a set-up. Lindsay is such an interesting character!
The audio for the Capitol Wolves series is performed by Haimish McKinlay who does a marvelous job. McKinlay has some terrific accents and he creates unique voices for each character.
Can’t wait to listen to Master Wolf.
A two book story, starting with Lindsey Somerville a highly elegant dandy werewolf, 1788. Set in Paris and Edinburgh. He’s being Hunted by a his previous master.
He meets Drew Nicol who he has feelings for.
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, but I was pleasantly Suprised at how invested I got in this story and the characters. You need to read book two as it’s a continuation story.
Lots of drama, Shifters, and period styling. We’ll written and aarrated extremely well by Hamish Mackinley, a first for me on writer and narrater.
Can’t wait for book 2.
Gentleman Wolf
Caputal Wolves Book 1
By: Joanna Chambers
Narrated by: Hamish MacKinley
Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins
Overall
Narration
Story
Read at 1.3 speed on Authors Direct
I enjoyed most of this book, but the ending went in a disappointing direction – no HEA or HFN, in fact one of the lead characters hates the other at the end. I was invested in the relationship, so I was hoping for them to be left happy. I assume this is going to be resolved in the second book, so if you don’t mind temporarily unhappy endings then I’d definitely recommend, it just wasn’t what I was hoping for from the ending and it soured the experience. The book was very well written and the characters were interesting, so I might get around to reading book 2 sometime – if it is as well written as this one, but resolves the ending, I’ll be satisfied.
An engaging slice of life in its time. The author does a nice job of refreshing well-known tropes in the werewolf canon.
Loved this book, and its sequel! A wonderfully balance of romance and angst.
Dramatic, angsty and very different
This was so beautifully written. Dramatic, angsty, and velvet clad – definitely not the run-of-the-mill werewolf story. Some unexpected twists and turns, a clear villain, wonderful supporting characters and vivid world building. I really enjoyed this very different book, even though there is not even a HFN at the end. Looking forward to part two and the resolution!
I’ve had this book downloaded on my kindle for weeks and I’m so glad I finally read it. I’ve actually just finished the second book and have the worst book hangover. This first book immediately grabbed me and it only got more and more interesting with each page. Everything about this story is engaging and interesting with a complexity and richness that is missing from many books, especially shifter books. The overarching plot is fun and the author does a great job of weaving into both the present and past of the character’s lives. And the historical setting is perfect! I don’t think the story would be the same as a contemporary romance.
As a duet, this first book is told from Lindsay’s point-of-view and the second from Drew’s. The author does a fantastic job of conveying each character’s personality and emotions, no matter who is narrating, and engaging readers emotionally. I was utterly charmed by Lindsay, but also felt a deep empathy for the vulnerable man he hides from the world. Drew is his complete opposite, and while he can be quite rude, one must consider how he seems to dislike who he is and how that affects his perception of others. I encourage you to go straight into the second book once you finish this one. This one is a bit of a cliffhanger, plus you must have Drew’s POV to fully understand all that is at play.
I do want to note that there are several grammar issues that would be resolved with another round of proofreading, but not enough that it took me out of the story nor did it detract from my rating.
I highly recommend this duet and plan to reread it. If only there were more! I’d read a thousand stories about Lindsay and Drew.
The story of how and why Lindsay Somerville became a werewolf is horrifying. Thank goodness for for his rescuers, who become his family. Now, Lindsay’s life revolves around handling tasks for his family and moving as necessary to keep his maker/master from finding him and returning him to a life of pain, terror, and subjugation.
When Lindsay is sent to Edinburgh to bid on a set of papers, he meets Drew Nicol, a sad and grumpy man who seems to disapprove of Lindsay’s bright clothing, makeup, and lifestyle. Drew also seems just as drawn to Lindsay as Lindsay is to him. There are times that I understand Drew and his actions, and there are other times when I want to pull Lindsay away from the pain Drew causes him. I just want Lindsay to be happy and safe. I want to hug him!
This book is an absolute heartbreaker, part one of a complete story, and it does not have an HFN or an HEA. Master Wolf is available to be read as soon as this one is finished. My heart broke multiple times reading both books, and they will certainly stay with me. I love these characters, especially Lindsay, and I highly recommend their story.
I wanted more for Drew and Lindsay. I knew going into Gentleman Wolf it would end in a HFN, but after getting caught up in the story and the way they were together, the slightly abrupt ending still took me by surprise.
Actually, this whole story took me by surprise more than once. It was suspenseful, edgy and a bit dark. It kept me curious and engrossed, itching for answers. Few of them resolved, for now, and I have so many questions and, honestly, expectations for the next book. Can’t wait.
5 Angst Stars! One of my favorite historicals this year!
Joanna Chamber’s Gentleman Wolf isn’t an easy read by any means, but it’s a compelling tale with two devastating genuine characters. I have no doubt the layers of yearning and pain are going to be worth it even if the angst may just about kill me.
Lindsay was captured and tortured, turned into a wolf against his will. It’s a past that haunts him, especially knowing that his captor is still out there, looking for him. When their paths are likely to cross, Lindsay is sent on a mission to Edinburgh, his homeland and where all the memories of pain live. And yet, there’s something drawing him to Scotland, and furthermore, to a gruff working man who calls to Lindsay’s wolf.
But there’s no future there. There can’t be.
Angst lovers are going to get their fill in this novel. It’s told entirely from Lindsay’s point of view, and while there’s a lot going on—this book is definitely plot and suspense heavy—the romance was still very strong, and I was eagerly waiting for each encounter. If you’ve read the Enlightenment series, this is very much like that. Where there is no easy solution to be found, and there’s a lot of plot driving the conflict, but there’s still that very visible thread that keeps pulling the romance tighter and tighter.
Sure, frustration was very much part of it, but again, its angsty goodness that just wouldn’t let me go.
Lindsay was a hoot, and I love how he defied convention and was true to himself and screw anyone else’s opinion on the matter. I looked up to him so much. Then there’s Drew. A little gruff and grumpy, he’s no out by any means, but there’s something that draws him to Lindsay and the passion boils over.
There’s no doubt that their journey is going to be long and rocky and difficult. There is no HEA in this installment. It’s a marathon, ya’ll, not a sprint. And while things are left very unsettled, there’s a foundation built so strongly in this novel, that there’s no way I’m not picking up book two, Master Wolf.
I have a feeling the wait will be worth it.
12/26/20 Edited to add my comments on the audiobook:
I loved this book when I read it over a year ago and I was excited to listen to the audiobook. While I have a few books performed by Hamish McKinlay in my audio library, Gentleman Wolf is the first one that I’ve listened to. I loved all of the different accents he used in this story. His voice was easy for me to understand even when the accents were quite strong.
I was trying to do some chores while listening but had to stop because the story was so compelling even though I’d read it before.
I can’t wait to start listening to the next book; fortunately, I already have a copy of it!
Original Review:
So good! I can’t wait for the next book!
I’m a relative newcomer to Joanna Chambers’ books but I love historical MM romance and I like shifter books, so Gentleman Wolf seemed like a good fit for me and it was. I didn’t know that it was going to be a duology (meaning not all is resolved until book 2) but I’m not a bit sorry that I read it.
I had just a tiny bit of trouble getting into the story at first but I’m not sure why. I think it may have been my mood when I started it, or the fact that I kept getting interrupted. The story uses a lot of unfamiliar terms so I really needed to go a bit slower than I usually do when I read a book. But I also loved that I learned new words and I’m grateful that I read on a digital reader because it’s so easy to look up unfamiliar words and terms.
The first few chapters were pretty much about giving us background information we needed and setting up the story. While all of that was necessary to the story, the good stuff really got started about half way through and after that I couldn’t put the book down.
The blurb is pretty detailed so I won’t rehash it. Lindsay Somerville (and his wolf) is intensely attracted to Drew Nicol when they first meet but Drew is very reserved and there doesn’t seem to be any reciprocity at first. Once Lindsay and Drew have their first personal (sexual) encounter Drew is intensely uncomfortable with what he’s done. That doesn’t stop them from getting together again, however.
The story has mystery and intrigue. What’s the real story behind the papers that Lindsay is supposed to procure from the funny old collector? Will Lindsay’s master, Duncan, manage to find him and capture him again? Not all of these questions are answered in this first book but I know that all will be revealed by the end of book 2 which should be coming in January 2020.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com*** (posting on 8/26/19)