Reviews

The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare

reclusivebookslug's review against another edition

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

This is one of my favorite romance FMCs in a while! How could anyone not love this eccentric vegetarian animal lover whose storyline involves confronting the abuse in her past, overcoming social anxiety, and defending her right to autonomy?

bina728's review against another edition

funny lighthearted

• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

katiewithanie08's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

blackkbh's review against another edition

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

laurentalevski's review against another edition

4.0

This was so enjoyable. Penelope was an amazing female lead, she stood by what was important to her and did not waver for anyone. Her past was so sad and extremely triggering but her growth and healing made it so amazing to watch.

This story was still so funny and spicy despite all the tragedy.

reeyabeegale's review against another edition

5.0

I’m all caught up in Girl Meets Duke, and I hate myself for waiting this long before reading this. It’s my favorite out of the 3 books!

I loved Penny, I love how straightforward she is in terms of what she wants. She may not be as strong-headed as Emma, but she’s definitely admirably strong too. There’s also something about Gabriel, I’m so drawn to him, even after the first meeting they had.

Though I adored this book, something I wish that was different is the pacing. It’s too insta-love for my taste, especially since this is Historical Romance. Nonetheless, I dealt with it and I’m so in love with everything about The Wallflower Wager that I can’t wait to reread it soon!

diaryofaditi's review against another edition

4.0

HOLYMOTHEROFGOD THESE TWO OMFG I CAN'T EXAGGERATE ENOUGH ON HOW MUCH I LOVE THEM THIS WAS WOW.....

aoife98's review against another edition

funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

I really enjoyed this book! It’s probably my favorite in the series. Penelope and Gabriel had a very sweet romance with conflict between them. Penny is one of my favorite heroines in HR. She is caring and loving but she’s not naive or aloof. She’s strong in her own way and she knows what she wants. 

The premise of this book is pretty simple: Lady Penelope “Penny” Campion lives alone in her parents London townhouse surrounded by animals that she has rescued. Her brother have requested that she return to the their country seat and accept her fate as a spinster. Penny has three weeks to be seen participating in society to prove that she does have a life in London and staying in here is worthwhile. But there’s a catch - she must get rid of the animals.

Gabriel Duke, known in the newspapers as The Duke of Ruin due to his ruthless business tactics, has bought the house next door to her and intends to sell it for a profit. One of the big selling points is that the new home owner, likely from a new money family, would be the neighbor of a Lady. However, he didn’t anticipate she would have so many animals and he wants them gone. He can’t afford for Penny to leave London and so the pair strike up a deal. Gabriel will help find loving homes for the animals if it helps her stay.

Despite this being a fairly lighthearted story, the backstory for both of these characters is pretty heavy.

Gabriel was sold as a child and was subject to extreme poverty. As a child, Penny was assaulted by a friend of her parents.

Both characters have to deal with these issues throughout the story.

I like how Penny stood up for herself and gave her brother the ultimatum.

I think Penny and Gabriel balanced each other out well. He needed some love and comfort and she needed someone who took the time to understand her. He also didn’t try to protect or treat her like a child which her friends occasionally do. 

I did think Ash and Chase were a little ridiculous at times but the scenes still humorous and I liked seeing their begrudging friendship. The parrot was also quite funny. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Pregnancy, Sexual assault, and Abandonment

elvia_a's review against another edition

4.0

Another quick but also splendid addition to the series

gladish's review against another edition

4.0

ספר שלישי בסדרת של נערה פוגשת דוכס וכל כך נהנתי מהכתיבה של טסה דר, התחברתי לדמויות ולסיפור שלהן שנגע לליבי.

סיפור מקסים על אהבה, אמונה בעצמנו, הזדמנות להיות מאושרים ונאהבים למרות שהחוויות שאנחנו חווים בחיים

אהבתי מאוד את הסיפור של פני המקסימה מצילת הנפשות ודייב דוכס החורבן

הדבר היחיד שקצת הפריע לי היה פרק הזמן שבו הסיפור מתחרש שלושה שבועות הרגישו לי ממש מעט זמן למסע שהזוג עבר וזה לא התחבר לי טוב לסיפור