The Wild Child (The Bride Trilogy Book 1)

I liked all the books and characters very much but sometimes the story lines can be a little dark for me. I love that characters repeat through the books. It's like catching up on what an old friend is doing.

I enjoyed this book but didn't LOVE it. I thought the idea of the twins switching places was going to take the book in a totally different direction than it did. Parts of the book fizzled for me but then there were parts I enjoyed. I couldn't put the book down but I still can't give it 5 stars.

I was very disspointed with this book, and started to regret the purchase very early on. After reading so many glowing reviews, I was hoping for something much better. As well as the story being very slow moving and rather far fetched, I also had some serious problem with the heroine. A large part of the premise of the storie is the post-trauam symptoms she supposedly suffers from. I, however, got the impression that after a quick rescue she fidns herself surrounded by people who dont speak english for a while, soshe stops speaking all together. While this is somewhat understandable, once she is returned home, she continues to be mute for no reason other than that she thinks she will be able to do whatever she wants if people think her "mad". I was also irritated that she never seems to care for the hero, who has fallen in love with her very quickly and for no reaon at all, until almost the last page. I was hard prssed to finish this book, and ended up skimming the last 70% of it. I wish you could return ebooks, because this was NOT money well spent.

Hero: Dominic Heroine: Meriel
Reading Enjoyment:5* I thoroughly enjoyed this compelling story with highly developed characters.
A touching story of an unusual heroine suffering from childhood trauma rather than face the pain of her past she wraps herself in her own world (becomes one with nature). The understanding that grows between the H and h is wonderful as it unfolds and the sub plots blends in perfectly. This story had some mystery, estranged twins, false imprisonment, special license marriage and somewhat predictable villain. MJP is a very detailed writer she makes me want Meriels treehouse!

This was quite an amazing and unusual story. There was a lot about India, where Meriel had lived, and a lot about the beauty of nature, which was so important to her in her current life. She was a fascinating character, but I think Dominic was the best! He was kind, strong, and honorable, and the right man to help Meriel. The story is quite a roller-coaster ride, with many unexpected twists and turns. I love this author's stories!

Since I couldn't give the story 3.5 stars, I had to go with 4 stars because of Dominic and Meriel. They are human and flawed. They deceive each other, but all the while they are working their way towards loving each other. In addition, MJP is not afraid to write stories that clearly depict role reversals. Also, in this story, I was glad to be constantly surprised by the way the events unfolded. I kept expecting a typical outcome, and then I had to adjust to the direction the story was taking. After reading some of the critical reviews, I was more keen than ever to listen to this book. It's amazing to me that readers are always asking authors to have their characters do and be something that is not the same run-of-the-mill scenario as before. But when writers try to do this, I've noticed, lots of readers refuse to go with the new flow of the story. They don't want perfect characters, but they criticize the flaws that keep the characters from being perfect. They don't want predictable story lines, but they rant and rave that what the author is suggesting couldn't possibly happen. Yet I didn't hear anything in this story that couldn't have possibly happened, as far as a fictional romance goes. Meriel's sexual appetite and approach was so correct for the kind of life she had lived and the kind of person she was. And Dominic was just plain WONDERFUL. I'm not hooked on the idea of alpha males, so when the hero is part alpha and yet more than willing to make whatever concession is necessary to show his need for the woman he loves, I truly like reading about him. I admit there were some places in the story that needed to be more smoothly-woven together. For instant, the reason the author gave for why Dominic said that he loved Meriel wasn't strong enough to be convincing. But before hearing the author's explanation, I knew that Dominic loved Meriel because just as he and Kyle were two halves of a whole, he and Meriel were the exact same thing. He just had never met that half of himself until he met her. And as you listen to how their romance develops, that becomes obvious. It was good to see the man put his feelings out there first for a change and then have to wait for the woman to come to terms with hers.

The reason why I only gave the story four stars was because I absolutely could not stand the way that Kyle's relationship with his dying lover kept intruding into Dominic's and Meriel's story. The two brothers' stories were at extreme opposites. With Dominic, the reader enters into this world of mind games, aura reading, faeries, and madness while Kyle's story is sad and heavy with its focus on his dying lover. Kyle gets his own book. There is no reason why so much of his relationship with this woman should have been revealed in this account. It was like dropping a big glob of oil into the clear water of Dominic's story and forever subjecting readers to this indissoluble mixture. At times, that sub-story was extremely irritating, and I had to keep shifting back and forth between the two separate emotional states incited by each story. In fact, there was just too much of Kyle in this story, period. If the author wanted to motivate readers to read about him in her next book, she should have given many of the details presented about him in an introductory teaser at the end of The Wild Child.

I listened to the audio, which was performed exceptionally well by Rosenblat, and I reached the place where I fast-forwarded through those parts about Kyle's romance. My suggestion to readers is to skip over those sections dedicated to Kyle and his lover; save them for later, and just read about Dominic and Merle and the conflict between the two brothers. Those are the parts that go together.

Finally, there were complaints from readers about the villain. Actually, I expected a villain. I was so glad it was not the person I thought it was. But it was my second choice, and I was glad to hear the person's story, which also answered many unanswered questions.

What a romantic love story! I seem to have a soft spot for romances that deal with a heroine or hero that everyone thinks is mad. A lot of the time there is another explanation that the medical community of the times does not recognize. I like the romance of having a heroine or hero look deep enough into their love interest to see beyond the stigma to the real person inside. Also, these real world issues provide a much more believable form of conflict and strife. That's some heartache I can get behind!

I loved the relationship that developed slowly between Dominic and Meriel. It definitely illustrated the author's skill that I didn't even feel the lack of dialogue in the story. I was entranced watching Dominic carefully and patiently try to understand and get closer to Meriel. Dominic was such a sweet caring man.

I'm not usually one to enjoy the twin bond in romances. I have to admit that when I first started reading about the connection and empathy between Kyle and Dominic, I rolled my eyes. I've seen this author do that before and I was in the mood for something new, not that again. Luckily the author really pulled it off. I think it probably worked so well for me because Dominic and Kyle were not close. They were extremely closed off from each other in the beginning, and it's only as they are each understanding themselves more as a result of their love that we start to see some of that empathy. But even then it was done with a light touch.

In a way, reading about Meriel was refreshing. Because of her mindset and lack of care and understanding about social mores she was very uninhibited. She wants Dominic and she sees no reason why they can't be together. It's Dominic who always has to be the voice of reason. There was one part where Meriel decides to "encourage" Dominic to her way of thinking. I really liked that Dominic didn't not take it well. She should have been blamed for it. She lived in her own world, but even she knew that would be wrong if someone did it to her.

I enjoyed getting to slowly see more and more of the truth about Meriel's past. I liked that she didn't get hysterical when she discovered something about her companion. I'm glad that wasn't made into a big moment of drama. When the villain was revealed I was surprised. It didn't come out of the blue, but I didn't really see it coming either.

Putney is one of the Regency romance genre's Big Guns. She's written many stories, which hold together best around strong and likeable characters. You come to care about them. The best romance writers concoct stories with characters which show up in other books, and you're glad to see them. Putney's characters are her best asset. Her themes are somewhat perverted, however. There is generally a villain or a family of villains cruelly mad, but we're supposed to have some faint sympathy for them because they had mad mamas, madness being a generational curse. She seems to try to address 'modern' isses as they might have been uncovered in regency times: child abuse and exploitation, sexual enslavement,drug abuse, alcoholism, hackings, serial murders, etc. Stephanie Laurens used at least one spy in every book she wrote,seeming to be fascinated with espionage. Putney's characters are most likely to be connected with the military and have dicey encounters with field surgeons and/or London leaches. Laurens wrote all she could about extensive families of men who all got involved at some point in espionage, then she went to work in modern romance themes. Putney seems to be doing the same with her soldiers. I note she has also tried her hand at paranormal themes with little success. She has written that she gets story ideas from contemporary accounts (from the battle of Waterloo, for example). It's a case of writing something believable. But writing on the same or similar themes time and again can get tiresome for writer and reader alike. This work shows some straining at the seams.

This is a book that I decided not to finish because, for some reason, it just absolutely was not my thing. I felt angry at everyone, and after over 100 pages the prose didn't engage me enough to slog through my dislike of the characters.

Our hero's twin offers a share of the family estates if our hero woos and wins for the twin a wealthy lady who's believed to be mad. Because a prospective wife, mad or not, is never going to realize the duplicity. Of course not. The heroine experienced the slaughter of British citizens in India while a child and has not spoken since. Her silence, coupled with her other behaviors and lack of improvement over the years, have her family considering putting her in an asylum. She acted positively feral at times and her thought processes on mating/sex followed a similar path (i.e. she didn't particularly care if our hero consented; he'd consent to it eventually after she broke him down and, well, if he didn't she could just drug him), and I just couldn't like or relate to her. Yes, she experienced horrible trauma, but she also had people all along since then wanting to help her deal with that trauma, and she refused. Instead, she manipulated people and used her so-called madness to get what she wanted without taking any responsibility for herself. For his part, the hero only seemed to care about her because she was beautiful and he could take care of her.

Dominic Renbourne, younger son - by ten minutes - of the Earl of Wrexham, is bored and restless. Not having the taste or talent for the army or the church, he lives a life of jaded pleasure from his lodgings in London. His twin Kyle, Viscount Maxwell, on the other hand, seems to have it all: land, money and an inheritance to look forward to. And yet, as we learn, Kyle is as envious of Dominic's freedom as Dominic is envious of Kyle's ownership of land - Dominic would love nothing more than to be a country farmer.
So when Kyle contacts Dominic and offers to sign over to him a manor estate if Dominic will take his place for a few weeks, Dominic is tempted. The masquerade involves visiting the home of Kyle's almost-fiancee, Lady Meriel Grahame (descendant of Adrian and Meriel of Warfield, from Uncommon Vows). Meriel is rumoured to be mad, as the result of severe childhood trauma; she doesn't speak and seems to pay no attention to anything around her. The idea of a child-woman like this becoming someone's wife disgusts Dominic, but he senses some raw pain in his brother's heart, so in the end agrees to go to Warfield.
Meriel is everything Dominic expected... and yet nothing like he expected. She is beautiful and untamed. She ignores everyone except Kamal, her Indian servant... and yet Dominic realises very quickly that she watches him and understands what he says to her. Gradually, she accepts his friendship and allows him to teach her to ride and to become involved in her daily activities.
But Dominic also realises that this apparently childlike woman is hiding her real nature. She understands far more than she pretends. She is highly intelligent, as well as intuitive. And when he discovers that she can read - and that her reading matter includes serious and demanding books - he suspects that she isn't being honest about her abilities. Can she speak, after all?
At the same time, Meriel and Dominic are falling in love with each other. And yet Dominic is bound by loyalty to his brother. How can he escape that? And in the background lurks the danger that Meriel's paternal uncle, Earl Grahame, will get his way and have her committed to an asylum.
Twins changing places is a common theme in romance novels, but many of these suggest that such changes are easy to execute. Never for one minute, though, are we allowed to believe that Dominic's masquerade is easy to maintain and unlikely to be discovered. Likewise, Meriel is portrayed in a very sympathetic and multi-dimensional way; at first she did indeed seem to be a very simple, possibly not sane, child; as we got to know her better, the glimpses we got of her thoughts and desires showed us that she was far more complex and intelligent than would be expected.
There are some lovely scenes in The Wild Child, as Dominic begins to get to know Meriel; the frightening events in the ruined Norman castle where Meriel pretended to throw herself off the battlements; the rescue of the fox; tending the garden together. As other reviers have noted, the compassionate treatment of the asylum was both fascinating and chilling.
This book gripped me from start to finish, and the only reason it didn't get read in one sitting was the inconvenience of having to get up to go to work! And then I couldn't wait to read Kyle's story, to find out how he fared after the loss of his beloved Constancia. A keeper!

I love this story! The empathic, sensitive, animal-healing hero is to die for, and I really love the heroine, especially her psychic abilities and the way the hero and heroine both love animals so much and connect emotionally and spiritually over this love.
MJP's major talent is very much in evidence in every part of this story. I am in awe of her elegant use of flashbacks, the careful, believable, moving character development with great motivation, the extraordinary romance, friendship and passion between the hero and heroine. Also, MJP's special gift, very much in evidence here, is interweaving the relationship between the hero and heroine with their relationships with their blood families as well as their "families of affiliation." Particularly in this case the latter provides a welcome chance to revisit old friends in Rebecca and Kenneth.
I find the whole setting of the heroine's incredible gardens enthralling, including her artistic ability with flower arrangements and "carving" bushes in the topiary and elsewhere. I love Meriel's amazing tree house and the lovely image of the beautiful horse Dom gets her with hair the color of hers. The scene with the fox Meriel and Dom save is very moving, as is the relationship she has with her East Indian rescuer and his romance with an important subcharacter. So many riches in one book, I have to say more. <G>
I experienced the prologue as incredibly powerful--what a fantastic hook! I myself never suspected for a moment who the villain is until the climax, but his evil is not at all "out of the blue." Also well done is the interweaving of the theme of the castle ruin throughout the whole book. It serves multiple linked purposes, including the ultimate regaining of the heroine's blocked memory. I am tempted to hazard my own response to the symbology here--that the castle ruin can be seen to represent (among other evocative images and metaphors) the heroine's family roots, and a basic solidity in her core character that allows her to heal from the horrendous psychological trauma in her early childhood shown in the prologue. Conceptually, the castle ruin also provides opportunities for MJP's wonderful, subtle wit, which shines throughout the book.
The plotting altogether is superb. For example, I love what MJP does with the madhouse and the way that the hero's helping Ames' daughter Jena leads to Dom later getting assistance to help rescue Meriel from the same place. I like the interweaving of what is happening with Kyle, the hero's twin, with what is happening with Dom, the hero, throughout the book.
I found myself wondering about halfway through if Dom and Kyle are going to change places in the end as a powerful echo of their switching places throughout the book. So for me it is extremely well motivated and "organically cohesive" when MJP does that switch figuratively, in a believable psychological way, with Dom and Kyle realizing that Dom is very like their father, rooted in family and tradition and the land, and that Kyle is a natural wanderer. Kyle also realizes that only he has been keeping himself from following his dream and that he doesn't have to resent anyone or anything for that situtation anymore--he can remedy it himself.

Brothers whose relationship is clouded by resentment and misunderstandings. A young woman living in her own world. An arrangement that will change all their lives. These are the very bare bones of the story in The Wild Child, Mary Jo Putney's dramatic tale of switched identities and last chances, and a love that breaks through every barrier.

Dominic Renbourne, second son of the Earl of Wrexham, has been estranged from his older twin Kyle; when Kyle comes to him with a mad scheme and a bribe he can't resist, he reluctantly agrees to it. Dom will go to Warfield Manor and pay court in his brother's stead to Lady Meriel Grahame, a beautiful heiress with one little flaw: she's rumored to be mad. She hasn't spoken a word since she was returned from a year's captivity following the massacre that killed her parents years ago. There is some urgency to the visit. One of the two uncles who share guardianship of the girl is determined to see her put away in an asylum; the other would like to have her married, so she can spend the rest of her life at Warfield, safe if not sane.

Dom is instantly attracted to Meriel. He follows her as she traipses barefoot about the large enclosed estate, tending to her gardens and the animals she's adopted. He quickly comes to realize that for all her seeming indifference she is aware of his presence, even if she may not realize why he's there.

Over the years Meriel has found it easy to hide at Warfield, to act as people expect her to, never dreaming that her idyllic existence is threatened. The coming of Renbourne throws the pattern of her life into upheaval. With no concept of marriage, only the example of the animals that surround her, she decides that she wants him for a mate; she can't understand his resistance to her overtures. Of course, for Dom, falling more in love with her every day, this would be the ultimate betrayal of his brother: how can he take Kyle's bride without shattering the already tenuous bond between them? But how can he continue to fight against the pull of this wild child, whom he wants only to protect and cherish?

Life stopped while I devoured this book, and when I finished it, it was with mixed emotions: a sigh of satisfaction, and a gritting of teeth that there wasn't more. As we've come to expect from Mary Jo Putney, this is a gripping story told in elegant style. There are many levels of conflict, internal and external, yet the threads of each never get tangled or lost. Dom's story, Meriel's past, even Kyle's heartbreaking secret, all add to make this a rich reading experience.

Characterization is skillfully accomplished, so that we come to know these people bit by bit, layers revealed one by one. We learn that Meriel is a willful, spoiled young woman, resistant to change: she has yet to learn the art of compromise, since she's always managed to get what she wants. Dominic has to struggle mightily to find the balance between his desires and his honor; the bitterness and resentment he feels toward his family deepen before he can arrive at some sort of peace with his past.

I have to say something about the dialogue between hero and heroine. How, you might ask, is it possible to have conversation, when one of the communicants doesn't speak? All I can say, is this: read it for yourself. They do communicate, in very definite and believable fashion.

As for the rest of the characters, they're marvelous: the two aunts who live with Meriel, her Indian servant Kamal, Dominic's sister Lucia, their father Wrexham, Meriel's uncles, even the woman Dominic rescues from a fate worse than death. The settings, from the sun and warmth of Spain to the chilling interior of a madhouse, give the events in the story a fully realized and concrete backdrop. Everything kept me going at breakneck speed, until before I knew it there was nothing more to read.

Happily for us, there will be a sequel. Until then, I'm putting this book in a safe place. I'm not even going to let anybody borrow it. This is my copy. Get your own - you won't regret the purchase.

Dominic Renbourne helps out his identical twin brother Kyle by going to Lady Meriel Grahame's home and pretending to be Kyle. It is suppose to be a quick trip to make a appearance. There was a marriage arrangement between the fathers Kyle & Meriel when they were children and it is now time for Kyle to court Meriel even though word has it that she is mad. Dominic and Kyle haven't seen others in years due to a bitter confrontation but this visit is very important to the family wealth due to inheritance that will come with Meriel at time of marriage. Kyle makes an offer that Dominic can't resist.
When Meriel was little her parents were murdered in India and she was captured and made a slave until her release to her uncles years later. Since then she hasn't spoken a word and lived at the family home with 2 elderly aunts and her Indian caretaker. Due to her strange behavior, she is thought to be insane. But during Dominic's visit, he sees little things that contradict what is thought of her and he seeks to uncover the truth of Meriel's capture and her behavior the whole time making everyone think he is Kyle. There are complications when his father and sister show up for a visit and she recognizes him as being Dominic. It is a great story that really keeps you going. MP does a good job of twisting things around to keep the reader intrigued. A recommended read.

The Wild Child is a magical tale of separation and reunion, of loss and redemption through the power of love that will stay with you long after you have closed the cover. Meriel Grahame lost her parents in a horrifying encounter that left her stranded from her family, her culture, and even her ability to communicate. Her slow return to the world is brought about by the power and support of those who love her, especially Dominic Renbourne. Dominic, who suffers from his own nightmares of the past and estrangement from those he loves, slowly develops a special rapport with Meriel that not only helps her to recovery but also gives him a renewed sense of purpose and the strength and insight to once again connect with his family and renew his special bond with his twin. The Wild Child is filled with memorable characters, large and small, each crafted with Putney's fine sense of detail and humor. For those of you who are already Putney fans, there is a return of Kenneth and Rebecca from "River of Fire" as well as echoes from the past of "Uncommon Vows"--you don't have to have read these stories to appreciate The Wild Child, but they do add another special layer of resonance. I can't recommend this book enough--you come away from The Wild Child not just entertained by a terrific love story, but with renewed sense of the healing power of love.

Continuing her Fallen Angel series, Mary Jo Putney writes the story of Dominic and Lady Meriel.
When Dominic's twin brother Kyle asks Dominic to pose as him while courting a woman, Dominic is naturally skeptical. Not only are the two estranged, they are also rivals. Dominic agrees after Kyle, the heir to the earldom, promises to give him property in return. Dominic sets out to woo Lady Meriel, the heiress madwoman.
After the murder of her family, Lady Meriel hasn't spoken for years. Her family naturally assumes she is mad. Living a sheltered life, Lady Meriel spends her days with animals and time in her beloved garden. When Dominic (posing as Kyle) comes to her home for an extended visit, she is skeptical. Eventually Dominic gains Meriel's trust and realizes that she isn't what she seems. Dominic falls madly in love with Meriel, eventually bringing her out of her shell.
With The Wild Child, Mary Jo Putney has written another great regency. The only complaint I had (although it didn't take away from the book one bit) is that once Meriel finally does begin to speak, it is almost as if she has spoken freely for the past 15 years and that she has undergone an education, which I don't believe would have been the case. Other than that, great book!

Their fathers arranged their betrothal when Meriel Grahame and Kyle Renbourne were little kids. However, neither adult could have anticipated the tragedy in India that left the then six-year old Meriel an orphan. Upon her return to England, her wealthy uncles agree that they will insure she lives a comfortable life even if she is insane.

Kyle persuades his estranged twin brother to help him with his fiance, Meriel. In exchange for some property, Dominc is to pretend he is Kyle and court Meriel. To Dominic's shock, he realizes that though she cannot speak, Meriel quite clearly communicates her wants and she wants him as her soul mate. He loves her too, but honor forbids he acts on her advances even if it leaves him loathing himself for the rest of his life.

THE WILD CHILD may be the historical romance of the year as Mary Jo Putney provides an enchanting tale that will captivate readers. The superb story line is a wonderful blending of point and counterpoints as the audience rides a magical tale from the beautiful garden of Meriel to the ugly madhouse. The lead characters are beautiful together as Meriel tries everything to seduce her beloved. Sub-genre fans will relish this tale and clamor for Kyle's story to be told ASAP.

Harriet Klausner

I finished this book in three days. It probably would have taken me less time, but I forced myself to stop for food and sleep and going to work! I was just breathless when I got to the end of the book. I had also used up about half a box of tissues -- not that it was tragic, it was just so beautiful and emotionally charged that I turned on the waterworks!
Dominic's compassion -- and later passion -- for Meriel and his unswerving loyalty to his estranged twin, Kyle, make him a hero to be reckoned with. Meriel's retreat from the world after childhood tragedy and her creativity in expressing herself without speech make her a very sympathetic heroine. The emotion between these two protagonists is devastating to behold, absolutely, heart-breakingly beautiful. Kyle's loyalty to his "other obligation" (I won't give anything away!) makes me very glad that we will learn his story in The China Bride.
I also appreciated the fact that MJP links this new family of novels to one of her previous novels, Uncommon Vows. Linking characters from different novels, however loosely (but always convincingly) provides the reader with a sense of connection and allows the reader to develop a rapport with the characters, and this is something MJP does very well.
Some authors tend to lose their steam, so to speak, after several novels, but this is not the case with MJP. The Wild Child is a shining example of her amazing talent. I would give it 20 stars if I could!

Loved this book. This book is my second Putney to read and I must say that I am most impressed with this author's writing style. Her plots are not conventional nor was it predictable. It is refreshing to find an author that has been out there for a while writing stories of this caliber.... just think of the joy of discovering her back list!!! LOL
"The Wild Child" tells the story of two twin brothers that have a very strained relationship although at one time they were very close (as common with twins) it also tells the story of a woman not afraid of her own physical wants and desires, however because of a tragedy when she was young has chosen to stay "mute" with society's world. Getting to know Meriel and her world was tedious at times because quite frankly reading a book where one of the main characters does not communicate can be.
I do highly recommend this book once it picked up it really became rather interesting. If you like books with Twins switching places I also recommend "The Switch" by Sandra Brown as well as "Deceptions" by Judith Michael. If you should like books about Heroines that are "mute" then try "Awaken My Love" by Robin Schone.
Happy Reading

Mary Jo Putney has made a name writing books that combine lyrical romance with strong characterization and social commentary. In THE WILD CHILD she is in top form. This historical tells the story of Meriel Grahme and Dominic Renbourne. Dominic is the younger of an earl's two sons--by ten minutes. Those few minutes make all the difference. Relaxed and friendly where his identical twin is formal, and independent where his twin is duty-bound, Dominic is hardly one to step to his brother's tune. But then Kyle, his brother, offers him the chance to realize a dream Dominic had thought beyond his grasp. In return, he must play Kyle in an odd charade that makes no real sense to him; he agrees to court his brother's betrothed, Meriel Grahame, a lovely, wealthy--and apparently mad heiress.
So begins a well-realized love story between two remarkable people. Putney creates a magical quality for Meriel's vast garden, where much of the story takes place. In some ways, THE WILD CHILD is an adult retelling on THE SECRET GARDEN, with the roles reversed. Here the woman needs to heal. Meriel is both strong and vulnerable, freed in some ways from the constraints on women in her culture, yet bound by the borders of her garden. Her gradual recovery makes an uplifting story. For all her silences and withdrawal, she often comes across as one of the most sensible people in her small world. The garden is beautifully realized, from vivid descriptions of the topiary to the enchanted quality of Meriel's tree house.
Dominic's burgeoning love touches a deep chord. I don't normally go for twin substitution stories, but this one works. His dilemma--coming to love with his brother's intended--avoids cliches. Rather than bogging down with discord or misunderstandings, the characters act with maturity, humor, and a refreshing dash of common sense. None are perfect; when Dominic isn't pretending to be his overly exacting twin, he is somewhat of a disorganized mess. His faults only increase his charm. His fundamental decency adds power to the conflict he faces when he realizes how he feels for Meriel.
With gentle stealth feminism, Putney comments on how labels such as "hysterical" and "mad" have been used to silence women's voices. Although this book is a historical, it has resonances with our own culture. The commentary is all the more effective because of the compassion Putney infuses into her work. She seems to care for all her characters, male and female, young and old, of all races, conservative or modern.
Putney fans may recognize Meriel as the descendant of another Merial in the novel UNCOMMON VOWS. Nor does the story arc end with THE WILD CHILD. Due out in summer 2000, THE CHINA BRIDE tells the story of Dominic's brother Kyle and an unusual, captivating woman who comes into his life.
THE WILD CHILD is well worth reading. It is Mary Jo Putney at her best. And that is good indeed

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I've never read Mary Jo Putney, so this was the perfect 1st book. I've read hundreds of historical romance and too many have the same basic story with the same old sex scenes throw in for good measure (not that I'm complaining, I like the sex scene quite a bit but I've noticed the poorer the story the higher number of sex scenes). This story had just the right amount.
Sorry about the little rant. But anyway, this is one of my new favorites so I highly recommend it!

I had to stop a few times because I loved the H/h so much that I was anxious how their circumstances will be resolved. They are so well-suited but with the complications, it was suspenseful how they will finally get together. I can't wait to read Kyle's story. Mary Jo Putney is my new guilty pleasure. She weaves such multidimensional characters and stories!

Kyle and Dominic Renbourne are twins, born 10 minutes apart, which makes Kyle the heir and Dominic the spare. This causes some family problems with the brothers... one becomes domineering and the other rebellious. After living separate lives for some time. Dominic finds Kyle at his door offering him something he has wanted all his life. But, he can't get it until he does what big brother asks.
Dominic agrees to impersonate his twin at the Warfield Manor with Kyle's future bride, Lady Meriel. Dominic thought it would be quick and simple... until he sees the rumored mad and silent young lady his brother had described is really a beautiful, enchanting woman, living in an enchanted world of her own making. A world Dominic feels at home in.
The Wild Child captured my attention immediately. The story itself is enchanting and romantic. Mary Jo has a way of writing that has her readers coming back for more. The characters are well developed and come to life with the first page. Each has a vital part that adds to the story line and their relationships are intriguing. If you are a romantic at heart, you will love this passionate romance.

Continuing her Fallen Angel series, Mary Jo Putney writes the story of Dominic and Lady Meriel.
When Dominic's twin brother Kyle asks Dominic to pose as him while courting a woman, Dominic is naturally skeptical. Not only are the two estranged, they are also rivals. Dominic agrees after Kyle, the heir to the earldom, promises to give him property in return. Dominic sets out to woo Lady Meriel, the heiress madwoman.
After the murder of her family, Lady Meriel hasn't spoken for years. Her family naturally assumes she is mad. Living a sheltered life, Lady Meriel spends her days with animals and time in her beloved garden. When Dominic (posing as Kyle) comes to her home for an extended visit, she is skeptical. Eventually Dominic gains Meriel's trust and realizes that she isn't what she seems. Dominic falls madly in love with Meriel, eventually bringing her out of her shell.
With The Wild Child, Mary Jo Putney has written another great regency. The only complaint I had (although it didn't take away from the book one bit) is that once Meriel finally does begin to speak, it is almost as if she has spoken freely for the past 15 years and that she has undergone an education, which I don't believe would have been the case. Other than that, great book!

This is the first of my books by Putney and to tell you the truth, I'm hooked... I found myself wanting to know what would happen next and how the story would end.
Dominic is bribed by his "older" twin brother, Kyle, to take his place and woo his intend bride to be. For Kyle has other pressing busines to attend to. But Lady Meriel isn't like all the ladies of England. Her parents were ambushed and killed in India and in order to cope with the memories, she has retreated into her own mind, not acknowledging or speaking with anyone. But everything changes when Dominic arrives at Warfield Manor.
Slowly as they grow accustomed to each other, they begin to grow closer and closer. He realizes that she isn't as witless as she seems to be and she sees that he isn't what she first presumed him to be. Confused? As they grow closer, they begin to realize that they are each others soul mates. They bring things out of each other that no one has been able to before. As they slowly fall in love with each other twists in the plot begin to occur.
Will Kyle ever find the strength to forgive his brother Dominic for this betrayal? Has Meriel's uncle convinced himself that his beloved niece is mad and will he have her locked up? Will Dominic's and Meriels' love be strong enough to live through the deceit, betrayal, and hurt that plague their lives.
Read the book, you'll enjoy it. Recommended.

I would never have thought that this story would get so crafty, sneaky and surprising. I admire Mary Jo Putney for being able to come up with such intersting changes to the story.
Lady Meriel Grahame was assumed mad, since she was 5 years old. Because of her survival of a massacre in India resulting in her closure from the world. Then the time has come for her to get married. Her guardian has come up with a suitable husband, Kyle Renbourne but little do they know is that Kyle has a twin brother. The twins switch place. Because Kyle had something more important to do and Dominic (Kyle's twin brother) spends time with Meriel.
Instead of finding Meriel mad, Dominic understands her and sees her true self, as other people have not. Even though Dominic knows that it's his sister-in-law, he's falling in love with her. Things spark up as Meriel comes out of hiding place, and opens up to the world. Soon everything starts to change.
The ending was really good, for me at least, and I would never have suspected that ending.

I have been a fan of Ms. Putney's writing for sometime now. I love the huge amount of research she puts into her books. I love the way her books all connect together, but at the same time stand on their own. She does not make the mistake of some romance writers in having the books totally co-depend on characters from previous books.
That said, this book is a total departure from Putney's other books. I picked the book up because of her previous books. I read it in one night because it was a fabulous original book.
I cannot add much to the previous reviews. I will say that I kept reading to find out how she would deal with this apparently crazy heroine. I also liked the unique love story of Kyle and his older mistress. The long running feud between the twins Kyle and Domonic was well done. I could see both sides of the fuss and see how the whole thing had gone bad over the years.
Please Ms. Putney, write Kyle's story!

Mary Jo Putney's THE WILD CHILD came highly recommended by a dear friend. Alas, not everyone shares the same taste, for I felt THE WILD CHILD was just an OK read . . .

Kyle and Dominic Renbourne are identical twins - two halves of the same whole. In the web of life, ten minutes seems unimportant, unless it concerns an earldom. By a scant ten minutes, Kyle is the heir and Dominic is the do-nothing spare.

As children, the boys were inseparable; as adults, they were estranged. Until the day, Kyle approached his brother with a bribe. Kyle Renbourne, the next Earl of Wrexham, was to begin to court his future wife - the quite insane Lady Meriel Grahame. However, he had another obligation, so he challenged his younger brother to impersonate him.

When the irresponsible Dominic met Meriel Grahame, she quickly enchanted him and regret seeped in. What dreadful evil had driven this delicate beauty to the doorstep of insanity? What unspeakable horror?

Despite the fact that Lady Meriel Grahame is different from other "normal" women, she is hardly ready for ice baths, straitjackets, and leeches. Meriel may be lost in her own world, but she remains delightful and provocative and Dominic falls heavily in love with her, and what could be more insane then wanting a brother's future wife?

Although, I was disappointed in Mary Jo Putney's THE WILD CHILD, I was impressed with her discreet secondary story. A lower-ranking romance that absolutely glowed! One lone paragraph, found on page 248, brought me to tears and effectively made me want! All of a sudden, I wanted more of Kyle and Constancia, not the unbelievable drama surrounding Dominic and Meriel! Hmmm, should I take a chance and hunt down Kyle's succeeding story, THE CHINA BRIDE?

Grade: C+

MaryGrace Meloche.

Dominic Renbourne is living a lie. He's pretending to be his twin brother in order to court Kyle's betrothed, after all she'll never know the difference. Meriel is mad. And he must be equally mad to be falling for this woodland sprite. Lady Meriel Graheme has lived in her own world since a night of terror when she was a child. A world of silence, flowers and peace. Dominic crowds the edges of her solitude until Meriel finds herself tip-toeing back to the edges of a world she'd left years before. At first glance Meriel might appear to be a weak heroine, but beneath her fragility is a spirit made of iron. And between Dominic and Meriel is a love forged of steel -- so strong nothing can tear it apart. Putney has crafted a magical story of love and healing, a story that will stay with you for a long time to come.

I really enjoyed this book. The story has a unique feel to it. Dominic Renbourne has always been 'The Spare' because his twin brother, Kyle,was born ten minutes earlier. When Kyle visits, desperate, and offers Dominic an estate he's always wanted in return for pretending to be him and courting his 'mad' betrothed, Dominic jumps at it. However, when Dominic arrives at Lady Meriel Grahame's estate, he discovers, not a madwoman, but an beautiful, fey girl. The horror of witnessing her parents' murder, and then living captive in an Indian harem, have caused her to pull back from the world. Dominic then figures out she never came out of her world because if she did so, she would have to be 'normal'. When one of her uncles kicks Dominic out, and then carts the very much sane Meriel to a lunatic asylem, Dominic has to face on of the toughest decisions ever, does he wait for Kyle to come back from where he went, and betray Meriel's trust, or does he rescue Meriel and marry her, and break trust with his brother?

I do love a book with a strong character study and this book is all about character. I felt the happiness and pain of the characters. The author elicited feelings of anger at the evil ones and sympathy for the tortured souls. At the same time the plot is well done too. There is action, drama, suspense and of course a fabulous, slow developing romance. Add a surprise and you have a can't-put-down, utterly satisfying read. I love a book that gives more than I expected; a book that is written intelligently and with craftsmanship. This is only my second book by Mary Jo Putney (the first being, SILK AND SHADOWS)but I definitely will be reading her entire back list.

I didn't want to like this book. The identical twins substituting for each other, woman thought insane but really still suffering from childhood trauma, the coincidence of Meriel's best friend from India being locked in the same asylum where Meriel is bound, and the predictable ending should have made it easy to put this one down--but I couldn't.
Putney is such a good writer that she can take these standard and overused plot devices and turn them into a truly compelling read. Even though you'll know exactly what comes next, you'll want to read it to see how Putney describes it and makes it real.
Although it falls somewhat short of the emotional intensity of its sequel, CHINA BRIDE, THE WILD CHILD is a superior romance.

An interesting premise, good beginning, fairly good if standard main characters (the hero is quite bland for a historical), but still fairly fluffy. The scenes that really grabbed my attention were the insane asylum ones. I was also amazed that a book of this type would have the heroine as an opium user. More of these elements (and at a deeper level) would have added needed meat to the book. SPOILER: As it was, one of the characters does a one-eighty three-quarters of the way through that is completely unbelievable. From uneducated, unsophisticated waif to commanding bosslady in sixty seconds. Nope, that totally lost me. Add to that the eunuch, which I spotted in the first sentence he was mentioned in, and you're left with a fairly disappointing read. There are better books out there; this is okay reading for a rainy day.

Ms. Putney has created a sensitive, caring hero who's all man to boot! Dominic has every quality that makes a hero - handsome, sexy, honorable, sensitive, patient and responsible. If he has a flaw, it's perhaps in caring too much about honor and respectability, something that causes the heroine (and maybe the reader) many nights of frustration. He's exactly the right man to coax Meriel, the tortured, fey heroine, from the safe world she's built around herself and take her rightful place in the real world.
Skillfully, Ms. Putney weaves a story of the development of trust and love between a man and a woman, a past horror that nearly destroyed Meriel once and threatens both her life and Dominic's once her "sanity" is restored, the trajedy of the loss on one deeply loved, and the anguish of twin brothers struggling to exist as individuals and recover the emotional tie unique to twins.
Prepare to cry, laugh and sigh as you rapidly turn the pages of THE WILD CHILD. Lke me, I predict you'll be anxiously waiting to read more about Dominic's brother, Kyle, in THE CHINA BRIDE, and perhaps revisit Dominic and Meriel long enough to learn they now have a string of beautiful children.

This is the first book I have read by Mary Jo Putney and I don't think I would buy another. This book was OK. It started out with a really good premise where the hero is switching places with his twin brother to meet up with his betrothed. The heroine does not speak and is a free spirit. Sounds like a great set up. It was until about half-way through. I think it started to go downhill for me once the heroine started talking. Then it turned out to be just a formula story and wasn't unique anymore. I had about 30 pages to go in the book and it took about 2 weeks to finish it. That is not a good sign.

This tale is bulging with plot and drama, not to mention characters.

Dominic Renbourne agrees to switch places with his twin brother, Kyle, who is supposed to be wooing Lady Meriel Grahame. Fine start, but there's more. Meriel is believed to be mad. As a child, she witnessed the brutal massacre of her parents in India and was imprisoned there for some time, before being returned to her family. Now she wanders in her own world and talks to no one.

Naturally Dominic finds her fascinating and alluring etc. etc. and is caught in dilemmas and plot galore. Quite frankly there was far too much of the galore of me.

Far too much of Lady Meriel and her painfulness. She was so very picturesquely possibly mad. There is some reference to the Keats poem "La Belle Dame Sans Merci"(hence the title) and it seems the picturesque attitudinizing and dressing up of Meriel owed a lot to some of the famous paintings of the said merciless faery lady. She was not an appealing character, more an appalling one. A self-centred weaver of webs, a manipulator of people and her environment. Her behaviour is far too often inexcusable and almost vicious.

At one memorable point, Dominic accuses her of this selfishness, "You accept it all, and give back nothing.". Alas, this moment of truth does not induce Dominic to wake up and leave, no he remains and is sucked further into the vortex.

The heroine's character killed the story, it overpowered all the natural sympathy one ought to have felt for her.

The plot is indeed melodramatic, if a tad obvious. The best part was the presentation of the brothers and their fraught relationship through the years. It shows Dominic putting aside resentment and intelligently looking at himself and his whole family, consciously becoming a mature man. Except he's been sucked into the Meriel whirlpool, poor fool.

I just finished re-reading The Wild Child, and loved it all over again! So much subtlety, adventure, true growth of characters, as well as a hair-raising glimpse of what it would be like to be a sane woman, (and especially a free-spirited one), wrongfully imprisoned in a mental asylum! Whew! Wonderful! Thank you! ❤️

I loved this book! Dominic and Meriel were amazing, and so well defined they seemed almost real. Dominic was extremely patient, resorceful, kind... He slowly managed to draw Meriel back from the world she withdrew in. She changed from a shy child to open, strong person. The growing love between them was great. Kyles part in the book was also very interesting, and didn't distract from the love story. I can't wait to read his book! As always, MJP has given us another winner!

I could NOT get into this story. To me the mute, feral heroine was a little odd at first, then just grew more strange and selfish as the book wore (very SLOWLY) on. I didn't connect with her at all. And I mean, really? Who falls in love with a girl who is scratching and clawing like a wild animal one moment then doing a seductive strip tease the next, all while never speaking a word? Meh. Just not my cup of tea. In the interest of full disclosure, I did not make it very far into the 2nd half of the book. After a particular scene, I rolled my eyes and just couldn't continue. I skimmed through the rest without seeing anything worth stopping to actually read.

Magic. Pure magic! The only thing that I didn't like about this story-- was that it had to end! So I read it again. And again. (Thank goodness it's hardback!)
The story of Meriel and Dominic is like no other I've read. It was masterfully written, with characters so vivid that they lingered in my mind for days after I finished the book.
"The Wild Child" is without a doubt the best book I've read all year!

The name Mary Jo Putney is enough to make me want to read this book,better yet,another hero related to the Fallen Angels.It is indeed a good book,a touching and enchanting love story! After reading Dance on the Wind and this book,I started to wonder if Mrs. Putney is a twin herself,for the description of the relationship between the twins is so insightful.I enjoy her loving heroes and unconventional heroine.Though I didn't think the final plot twist was too surprising or even necessary,it did not bother me over much. My only regret is that only Kenneth from the other Fallen Angel books made a brief appearance. Since all the heroes and heroines from the Fallen Angel books are like beloved old friends to me,I was hoping to see them when I saw that this book is the latest one of the series. I understand that the series can not go on forever and Dominic is already 10 years younger than the other heroes, but I love this series too much. I hope Mrs. Putney write a book on Kyle and please visit our beloved Fallen Angels!

I have read all of the " Fallen Angels'" books as well as others by Putney but this is by far her best yet. The characters are rich with depth that has the reader absolutely enchanted. The story line is captivating, so be prepared to devote a day or night because I feel most readers will be like me and be unable to put it down. This book begs for a sequel for Kyle. I highly recommend The Wild Child.

This book is normal and usual romance with some angst and some sex mixed in. It is not bad as fluff goes, but I would not have paid money for it (and begrudge money I have spent). Dominic is a compelling character, but Kyle... he is just odd. Also, there is a distinct tendency in Jo Putney's books to come up with some pivotal statement and then show that it was misunderstood, just like it happened here.

I really enjoyed this book. Usually the balance of the dialog and thought process falls to the female character. As Meriel is mute by choice for most of the book it allows Dominic a greater "voice". MJP did a wonderful job. I was sad when I was done with it and glad to know that in China Bride we will get to learn more about Kyle. I hope that at some point we also revisit Kamal.

I have not read a book by Mary Jo Putney that I have not loved.

This book is so totally excellent, very different from any historical romance I have ever read before. I totally fell in LOVE with Dominic and Meriel. The trouble they had to go through to be together was so heart rendering. Don't miss this book.

I expected to love this book. Most all of the reviewers were ecstatic, MJP is one of my favorite authors, and the thesis is quite adorable. However, nothing really affected me much as I read. The biggest problem for me was the heroine. Her underlying motives turned out to be pretty selfish considering all the caring people who for years and years had surrounded her with love and allowed her extreme autonomy. I also was disappointed in the sexual relationship between the main characters. It would have rung more true for me if the heroine was more fearful of lovemaking and less wanton until later in the story. All in all the hero's taming of the heroine just didn't engage me--it seemed somehow too bland.

If you love historical romance, Mary Jo Putney is an author you must read. I love this story! The characters are so rich and endearing, you can't help but fall into the story. From the first page to the last, you will not be able to put down this book.

This was an unusual story about a young woman who is mute and detached from the world around her as a result of a traumatic event she lived through as a child. The girl slowly emerges from her shell as she gets to know and enjoy the company of a young man attempting to court her.

It's an absolutely ridiculous story. More than once I wanted to put the book down b/c I couldn't stand how absurd things were becoming. The girl was completely out of her mind. She saw colors around people, she drugged the man she wanted in order to seduce him, she hissed at people, she was generally selfish and unruly. Then suddenly, a few chapters later, she was behaving like a well-bred, normal young heiress. After 18 years of solitude?

Give me a break.

I'm suddenly loving the names Dominic and Meriel :-) I laughed, cried, and throughly enjoyed myself. I also enjoyed Kyle's secondary storyline (it had me crying like a baby.) However, I didn't particularly liked his book, THE CHINA BRIDE, as much as this one. Buy this book, you will not regret it, it is one of the best romances I've read all year.

Putney writes another entertaining novel that keeps you reading, intrigued by her characters and plot twists. I so enjoyed this book -highly recommend it if you like romance and only want to read great ones--here it is.

The book was promising at the beginning, but turned dull and pathetic... As much as I like characters with protective instincts, Dominic proved too protective, too self-righteous, and seemed fall in love with Meriel simply because she was beautiful and because he could take care of her -- Meriel being like one of the sick birds Dominic felt compelled to nurse back to health. Furthermore, the exotification of Indian culture turned me off. South Asian culture is NOT just about opium and tattoos. That's insulting.

There is nothing really special or unique about this story. I found myself skipping many pages. If you have a few hours to kill, it might provide some light reading at best. These characters will be easily forgotten.

I just finished the book last night. I absolutely loved it! I actually came on this site tonight to see if the author wrote a book about Kyle. Lo and behold she did! The China Bride is his story and I can not wait to read it!