The Wild One

The De Montforte Brothers

By: Danelle Harmon

Narrated by: David Stifel

Length: 12 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

England, 1776: Lord Gareth de Montforte is known as an irresponsible rake with a heart of gold. When he takes a bullet for boldly thwarting a stagecoach robbery, he is stunned to discover that the beautiful young woman he has heroically rescued, Juliet Paige, is his deceased brother's American fiancée, accompanied by her infant daughter.

Despite his brother the duke's refusal to acknowledge Juliet, Gareth is determined to do right by the courageous woman who crossed an ocean to give her baby her rightful name. But Juliet is wary of marrying this black sheep aristocrat, even while she is hopelessly charmed by the dashing devil. Never has she met anyone who embraces life so thoroughly, who makes her laugh, who loves her so well. And, even when it seems the odds are against them, Juliet has absolute faith that Gareth will go beyond the call of duty, risking his life itself to give her and her daughter a home - and a love that will last a lifetime.

©2012 Danelle Harmon (P)2014 Danelle Harmon

Love the first book in the series . . .

Would you listen to The Wild One again? Why?

Yes, loved the connection between the characters

What about David Stifel’s performance did you like?

Great voice fluctuation between characters so you knew who was speaking

Good narration brings life to bland story

Would you consider the audio edition of The Wild One to be better than the print version?

Yes, I have read the story and it just seemed a little blasé to me a young widow Juliet with her infant daughter decides to leave America to give her daughter a name and be recognized by the all powerful de Montforte family unfortunately through a botched robbery she meets Lord Gareth de Montforte known as the wild one. Despite both of them saving each other and the fascination that Juliet holds for Gareth can she avoid falling for him as well? In fact I didn't really care for the story all that much but when I listen to the story it just makes the story come alive and I enjoy it that much more.

What did you like best about this story?

I think I liked the most about the story when Gareth actually found himself and learned how to stand up for himself. I think it took too long and awhile Gareth seemed like such a boy that throughout the book I kept waiting for him to grow up but when he did better late than never.

What about David Stifel’s performance did you like?

Mr. David Stifel's voice has an almost soothing quality yet a sort of presence to it. I enjoyed all the other minor characters that Mr. Stifel voiced. The story didn't have a stilted reading feel to it but a nice even flow to it. I even liked how he voiced Juliet even though she sounded a little bit shrewish to me at times. Maybe it was because she had to be the grown up while Gareth was the young immature boy portrayed.

If you could rename The Wild One, what would you call it?

The immature young rakish lord grows up.

Any additional comments?

I might have received this as a gift from the author Ms. Harmon but even if I wasn't gifted the audio book I still would have brought it. This makes me curious to purchase and listen to her other stories because even if the story doesn't impress me much if you have a good narrator it can make or break the story.

Introduction to The De Montfortes a Pleasure!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Absolutely. It grabbed my attention immediately, and didn’t let go. The characters are sharply drawn and the action moves forward believably, for they are intriguingly well-rounded. I was intrigued by the author’s use of stream-of-conscious with the male characters.

Which character – as performed by David Stifel – was your favorite?

All of the characters are unique individuals, and the eldest brother, Lucien, is vividly drawn. I look forward to hearing the rest of the adventures.

Any additional comments?

This audio book was a gift and my introduction to the work of Danelle Harmon. Having no idea what to expect, I was delighted to discover that the author is not only clever in plotting, but has a delicious sense of humor. Her story is well-served by Mr. Stifel, whose voices are spot-on, capturing both the excitement and sly humor of the adventure.

The Wild One: The De Montforte Brothers

What did you love best about The Wild One?

I am glad I disregarded most of the reviews I've read about this series, because I loved this series of books. Although the narrator could have been better. He did a good job don't get me wrong, I enjoyed some of his comic relief added in the right places, it's just another narrator probably would have given the story a better rating.I loved the familiar closeness these sibling have for one another, even with being far away from one another at times. I also loved the Duke even with his manipulations over said family could still tell he loved them all and thought he was doing what was best for them.I loved seeing how different each of the brothers and the one sister were, and even in their anger for their older brother still showed love for him in their own way.An amazing story which I enjoyed listening to. I find that I enjoy this author, Danelle Harmon very much and look forward in reading more of her books.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Although I loved and though differently towards each of the brothers I think I enjoyed Charlies more than the others. Even with his officer status, he still found it in his heart to show compassion to not only the boy who met him on the battle field, but his sister Amy who took care of him as he convalesce in her family home. I loved how he stood up for her against her two evil sister and finally taking her with him when he left for home.

Have you listened to any of David Stifel’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No. As I said before he is very good at narrating a story, I think this series was not his forte. I did enjoy most of what he narrated, but some of it was not to my liking.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I think the title that it holds is very good, The De Montforte Brothers would be a wonderful title.

Any additional comments?

I know that the reviews are here to prompt other readers to read or buy these audio books, but everyone has their own taste in what they like. I'd say to read each of the reviews before making your decisions.As for me I truly loved this series of books and highly recommend them...thanks.

The Wild One First Book of a great Series

Would you consider the audio edition of The Wild One to be better than the print version?

Yes, but I also love to read a good Book, but in this case I am glad to have a very good Narrator read to me.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Wild One?

From the start I needed a Handkerchief.In this story I cried and laugh out laud over some of the antics and fun of Gareth and his friends.just one of his antics was to paint the privets of the Statue of the Horse where King Gorge sat purple, I loved how this young man rescued the people from the robbery and saved there lives disregarding the danger to him.I very much liked this Hero ( Lord Gareth De Montforte )

Which scene was your favorite?

There was not just one scene which was my favorite but I loved the Character, patience, kindness,love and fun witch was Gareth.

If you could rename The Wild One, what would you call it?

I would not change a thing

Any additional comments?

This was a great Book, I could not stop listening, the story had me captured from the start and by the way the Narrator was fantastic and that he was a male voice made the story even more dramatic and so much better. I very much liked this Book and I am looking forward to the other stories of the De Montforte Brothers.

Great Story - Fun To Listen To!!

Where does The Wild One rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In my top 10. This book was fun to listen to and I laughed out loud in several scenes.

What other book might you compare The Wild One to and why?

I'm certain I'd compare it to The Beloved One (which I'll be listening to next) because it is the same author and narrator. Danelle Harmon has a classic and beautifully descriptive writing style and 'voice' that sets her apart from current authors. David Stifel narrates all the de Montforte books so I've already heard him do the other brothers' voices. He totally nails Lucien's voice!!

What about David Stifel’s performance did you like?

He reads a wide range of emotionality, so I disagree with the statement that he was monotone. The scene where Gareth's friends are helping him climb the tree outside Juliet's window is hilarious! Surprisingly, he read Juliet's part rather well - something that most male narrators have difficulty with. He read her thoughts in a sort of whisper, and her dialogue in full voice.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

No idea.

Any additional comments?

I've read and re-read all of the books in this series, so I am thrilled they are all narrated by the same person and can't wait to hear the other three stories! There will always be readers and listeners who don't particularly find a story or voice appealing, so I suggest that listeners judge for themselves. I enjoyed listening to 'The Wild One' and will definitely listen to it again!

Wild romance

Lovely romance .this takes place majority of the time in England.never in
Ballroom .combines American and english valves. Has lots of action and
sexual tension. I loved both hero and heroine. I looking forward to
read or listen about the other characters.

This recording isn't even worth the $1.99 it cost!

Would you try another book from Danelle Harmon and/or David Stifel?

I read the book and looked forward to hearing it read. I suffered though more than 3 hrs before I couldn"t listen to any more. This narrator is one of the worst I've heard. . His own voice is monotone. His character voices are just strange. .

Classically good book

The story kept surprising me. At times I wanted to cheer. Sometimes to cry. The ending was a total surprise. Can't wait to read the next one.

Would of like a woman narrator for this one

Good story and good series. Felt bad for Garret most of the times. His brother the Duke and his wife both had the knik to bring him down. Juliet does have a strong mind but a bit to pushy at times.
Narrator as a real deep voice, great for a Duke or any man. And does good accents to go with them...but for the women voices, it wasn't that nice. Poor ladies all sounded like they were choking or sounded like they were speaking with a hot potato in their mouth.