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kariniwonderland's review against another edition
3.0
I haven’t read much regency (steamy) romance except for the Bridgerton series which I liked very much. So it was time for more and The Wicked Wallflower was a nice start. I enjoyed Pippa’s and Xander’s lovestory. The spicy scenes were ok, but I especially loved the banter and the more emotional moments between the two lovebirds. An lovely read for all the romance lovers. This book is part of the Dutchess Society series, but can be read as a standalone.
I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.
I got this arc in exchange for an honest review.
ontheshelf_romance's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! What an unexpected treat this was. It has everything I personally love about a historical romance. The novel concentrated on the two main characters more than side plots and for that I was grateful. I have read numerous books recently where they seem to go off from the main two and it leaves me internally screaming. It’s not that I don’t enjoy side plots – this book has them and they are very well done – it’s just I want to be involved in our hero and heroine’s world and read about their thoughts and feelings. This novel I felt was an excellent example of this, keeping the focus where it should be and making me stay up far too late to read another chapter.
This book, for me, had serious ‘Derek Craven’ vibes. Macauley was born and raised in the slums, he now owns a gaming hell and he has secrets from his past. He is not – in his mind at least – worthy of a Duke’s sister. However, fate has other ideas and Lady Pippa knows what she wants and, Macauley is it. The tropes in this book are all my faves; age gap, protector, best friend’s sister.
The Wicked Wallflower is book number 3 in the series ‘The Duchess Society’ and like all good series, we see characters from past books and what they are up to now in their HEA. I felt comfortable enough to read this as a stand-alone but because I loved it so much, I will definitely be reading all the others - and anything else Tracy Sumner has ever released! This book made me tummy flip on more than one occasion and Macauley is now on my list of top book boyfriends – he’s very swoon worthy! I cannot wait to go back to read the others in the series.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This book, for me, had serious ‘Derek Craven’ vibes. Macauley was born and raised in the slums, he now owns a gaming hell and he has secrets from his past. He is not – in his mind at least – worthy of a Duke’s sister. However, fate has other ideas and Lady Pippa knows what she wants and, Macauley is it. The tropes in this book are all my faves; age gap, protector, best friend’s sister.
The Wicked Wallflower is book number 3 in the series ‘The Duchess Society’ and like all good series, we see characters from past books and what they are up to now in their HEA. I felt comfortable enough to read this as a stand-alone but because I loved it so much, I will definitely be reading all the others - and anything else Tracy Sumner has ever released! This book made me tummy flip on more than one occasion and Macauley is now on my list of top book boyfriends – he’s very swoon worthy! I cannot wait to go back to read the others in the series.
*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
mtabacek's review against another edition
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.5
kebyrne2's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
amberreadsalot's review
5.0
I loved this book so much. Mac and Pippa are such a great couple. She is clever and knows her own worth, while he worries that he is too old and too lowborn for him. He also fears her brother - a duke and one of his best friends - will kill him if he gives into his desire for Pippa. Mac and Pippa had tangible chemistry and I loved being an observer to their story, I also really loved the friendship elements to this book. The relationship between Mac, Roan, Tobias, and Dex is so lovely. They support each other and form an enviable friendship group. The Leighton Cluster indeed! This whole series has been delightful and I look forward to the next book in the series. Strong women are always a delight and Ms. Sumner is excellent at weaving steamy scenes into the fabric of the story. This is definitely worth a read.
snaze6's review
5.0
My favorite book yet in this series! The connection between Philippa and Xander was electric in the Scandalous Vixen (book #3) during their short interactions and those scenes had me eagerly awaiting the release of the Wicked Wallflower (book 4). So often when I’m extremely eager to read a book I’m let down with the actual book. Well I was thrilled with how fantastic this book was to experience and it definitely did NOT disappoint me and my high expectations!
I was swept up into the story and eager to read about the scandalous behavior Pippa was pursuing and loved watching her run Xander ragged and stress him out over trying to keep her safe and from being ruined by her actions. The shoe was definitely on the rogues other foot and it was fun and exciting to read.
Xander Macauley is a multilayered character that I truly adore. He’s a rogue, an extremely successful businessman and incredibly focused on bettering the lives of those who are misfortunate. For someone with a very dark reputation he is truly a swoon and drool worthy hero underneath the scandalous reputation. He fiercely fights his attraction to Pippa yet he is intrigued by her dangerous behavior so he watches out for his friend’s younger sister. He is the moth to her flame.
Pippa grew up without much and her brother’s unexpected rise to a dukedom has changed her world and thrust her into the public eye of society. She has no interest in a society marriage and is doing all she can to avoid the attention of the ton and suitors. She’s intrigued by Xander, her brothers friend and business partner, who is totally inappropriate for her, but she daydreams about him. She is both frustrated by his attempts to corral her within society’s boundaries for a young woman as her attraction to him simmers and strengthens.
The banter between these two is entirely entertaining. I loved watching them ruffle each other’s feathers and trying to get the last word in their ongoing skirmishes. Their continued interactions and proximity ignites the sizzling chemistry and then things really get interesting!
Xander is drool worthy - he is one of my all-time favorite male characters! I love how sassy and brazen Pippa is and how Xander is both attracted and intrigued by her as well as concerned for her reputation. For a rogue this is paradoxical and adds extra humor to the situation. She scares him silly with her behavior which doesn’t fit within societies expectations and rules. He has appointed himself with the task of protecting her from ruin and tries to keep her out of harms way while at the same time he and his attention towards her is a significant risk to her reputation.
I received a free ARC from the author and Hidden Gems; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
I was swept up into the story and eager to read about the scandalous behavior Pippa was pursuing and loved watching her run Xander ragged and stress him out over trying to keep her safe and from being ruined by her actions. The shoe was definitely on the rogues other foot and it was fun and exciting to read.
Xander Macauley is a multilayered character that I truly adore. He’s a rogue, an extremely successful businessman and incredibly focused on bettering the lives of those who are misfortunate. For someone with a very dark reputation he is truly a swoon and drool worthy hero underneath the scandalous reputation. He fiercely fights his attraction to Pippa yet he is intrigued by her dangerous behavior so he watches out for his friend’s younger sister. He is the moth to her flame.
Pippa grew up without much and her brother’s unexpected rise to a dukedom has changed her world and thrust her into the public eye of society. She has no interest in a society marriage and is doing all she can to avoid the attention of the ton and suitors. She’s intrigued by Xander, her brothers friend and business partner, who is totally inappropriate for her, but she daydreams about him. She is both frustrated by his attempts to corral her within society’s boundaries for a young woman as her attraction to him simmers and strengthens.
The banter between these two is entirely entertaining. I loved watching them ruffle each other’s feathers and trying to get the last word in their ongoing skirmishes. Their continued interactions and proximity ignites the sizzling chemistry and then things really get interesting!
Xander is drool worthy - he is one of my all-time favorite male characters! I love how sassy and brazen Pippa is and how Xander is both attracted and intrigued by her as well as concerned for her reputation. For a rogue this is paradoxical and adds extra humor to the situation. She scares him silly with her behavior which doesn’t fit within societies expectations and rules. He has appointed himself with the task of protecting her from ruin and tries to keep her out of harms way while at the same time he and his attention towards her is a significant risk to her reputation.
I received a free ARC from the author and Hidden Gems; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
aldarakamey's review
5.0
This book was read thanks to NetGalley.
At first I didn't know what to expect with this book because I thought it would focus more on the side plots but it was very lead character driven which I do appreciate.
I loved the leading lady, she has an amazing grown as a person.
I love the story and the characters,
At first I didn't know what to expect with this book because I thought it would focus more on the side plots but it was very lead character driven which I do appreciate.
I loved the leading lady, she has an amazing grown as a person.
I love the story and the characters,
bookishmya's review
5.0
Knee-weakening, life-altering love!
Nothing could sum it up better. A slow-burn that ignites every page! Words can not express how much I enjoyed this book. It is pure emotion. Having come to know and love Macauley since his beginnings in The Brazen Bluestocking, I knew Sumner would do his character justice in his own telling. Then watching the early connections with Pippa in The Scandalous Vixen, there seemed to be whispers of spark even in mundane interactions. Glimpsing everything they could be, Tracy Sumner took this beginning and wove it into a remarkable story of the most selfless unending love. I could go on and on about every little detail that made this book special, but that would most definitely give away what needs to be felt for yourself.
This story had all the feels, joy, anger, love and laughter. I found myself laughing out loud to tears falling. My heart clenching at moments, than bursting at others. Someone mentioned this as Frenemies to lovers, and I could not agree more. Their harsh banter while trying to deny their feelings is what makes the connection to the raw emotions. But what I love most is how Sumner carries forward past characters, giving you a glimpse at friends you fell in love with first, while still allowing the couple to take centre stage. Knowing that the Leighton Cluster is a family that loves and supports tirelessly, no story would be the same without that connection. I did not think any could overtake Tobias Streeter in my heart, but what is clear is there is no man like a Rookery Boy! You’ve outdone yourself Tracy Sumner! This deserves way more than 5 stars!
Nothing could sum it up better. A slow-burn that ignites every page! Words can not express how much I enjoyed this book. It is pure emotion. Having come to know and love Macauley since his beginnings in The Brazen Bluestocking, I knew Sumner would do his character justice in his own telling. Then watching the early connections with Pippa in The Scandalous Vixen, there seemed to be whispers of spark even in mundane interactions. Glimpsing everything they could be, Tracy Sumner took this beginning and wove it into a remarkable story of the most selfless unending love. I could go on and on about every little detail that made this book special, but that would most definitely give away what needs to be felt for yourself.
This story had all the feels, joy, anger, love and laughter. I found myself laughing out loud to tears falling. My heart clenching at moments, than bursting at others. Someone mentioned this as Frenemies to lovers, and I could not agree more. Their harsh banter while trying to deny their feelings is what makes the connection to the raw emotions. But what I love most is how Sumner carries forward past characters, giving you a glimpse at friends you fell in love with first, while still allowing the couple to take centre stage. Knowing that the Leighton Cluster is a family that loves and supports tirelessly, no story would be the same without that connection. I did not think any could overtake Tobias Streeter in my heart, but what is clear is there is no man like a Rookery Boy! You’ve outdone yourself Tracy Sumner! This deserves way more than 5 stars!
booksplantsandtea's review
5.0
Five hearts as this one is a 2022 favorite and quite easily my favorite historical romance I've read to date!
I guess I'm a simp for English men who call the women they're absolutely head over heels for luv, because Macauley sure had me on my knees from the beginning of this book. But how could I not? He finds Pippa AGGRAVATING! And she finds him ARROGANT!
I guess I'm a simp for English men who call the women they're absolutely head over heels for luv, because Macauley sure had me on my knees from the beginning of this book. But how could I not? He finds Pippa AGGRAVATING! And she finds him ARROGANT!