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brittanyreadsbooks's review
4.0
I thought this was pretty good!! I didn't realize it was going to have so many military aspects in it which I'm not the biggest fan of BUT I think I can make an exception for regency military??
My only other qualm is how long the conflict (ish) at the end dragged out?? Like it was just so much.
Overall though I enjoyed it and it reminded me why I like this author!!
My only other qualm is how long the conflict (ish) at the end dragged out?? Like it was just so much.
Overall though I enjoyed it and it reminded me why I like this author!!
amberreadsalot's review
5.0
Having read the previous books in the Rebels with a Cause series, I was happy to receive an ARC of this, the third installment. (All opinions herein are entirely my own.) I admittedly dithered a bit before actually reading the book as I don't love stories where one of the main characters is already involved with/engaged to another. Happily, that did not end up being a huge focus of this book. Not to mention the "fiancee" is a pretty terrible person.
This is the story of Charlotte and her brother's best friend, John, back in London an unexpected viscount. Charlotte has loved John for years, but her brother opposes any match between them, believing John's quiet introversion and Charlotte's love of people make them a bad match. A solid reason for opposition, if you ask me. Charlotte is determined to prove her brother wrong, and brings John along for a fun, slightly dangerous ride. Along the way, the duo find commonality and all the ways they complement one another as they seek a HEA.
Charlotte has a lot of freedom in this book, more than I think she would have actually experienced in the time period in which this story is set. Her ducal brother seems alternatively overprotective and clueless. I also am always amused when stories throw a mask on a character and somehow no one knows who s/he is. Charlotte is definitely impulsive and somehow manages to be both selfless and selfish, though by the end of the book she settles into herself rather admirably. John will never be the life of a party but he does recognize that Charlotte brings out a lighter and more sociable side that he grows to enjoy.
The road to happiness for Charlotte and John is definitely tested. While the villain of the story is unexpected, it is an interesting twist, as is how the villain is ultimately vanquished. I give this book 4.5 stars, rounded to 5. I look forward to hopefully reading Will's story next!
This is the story of Charlotte and her brother's best friend, John, back in London an unexpected viscount. Charlotte has loved John for years, but her brother opposes any match between them, believing John's quiet introversion and Charlotte's love of people make them a bad match. A solid reason for opposition, if you ask me. Charlotte is determined to prove her brother wrong, and brings John along for a fun, slightly dangerous ride. Along the way, the duo find commonality and all the ways they complement one another as they seek a HEA.
Charlotte has a lot of freedom in this book, more than I think she would have actually experienced in the time period in which this story is set. Her ducal brother seems alternatively overprotective and clueless. I also am always amused when stories throw a mask on a character and somehow no one knows who s/he is. Charlotte is definitely impulsive and somehow manages to be both selfless and selfish, though by the end of the book she settles into herself rather admirably. John will never be the life of a party but he does recognize that Charlotte brings out a lighter and more sociable side that he grows to enjoy.
The road to happiness for Charlotte and John is definitely tested. While the villain of the story is unexpected, it is an interesting twist, as is how the villain is ultimately vanquished. I give this book 4.5 stars, rounded to 5. I look forward to hopefully reading Will's story next!
andrea_author's review against another edition
5.0
John inherits a viscountcy to find it deeply in debt. Marriage to a viperous heiress would set his estates in order. But he can't get his best friend's sister, Lady Charlotte, out of his mind. Will he have to choose between love and money?
I loved this delightful, swoony romance. The main characters are smart and honorable, perfectly matched. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I loved this delightful, swoony romance. The main characters are smart and honorable, perfectly matched. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
illstoptheworldandreadwithyou's review
4.0
Newly returned to England after his brother’s death, John Barnesworth finds himself in quite the predicament: shouldering a title he doesn’t want, far from where he wants to be, under mountains of debt with estates falling apart and an unexpected—and unwanted—betrothal.
Lady Charlotte Stirling—next door neighbor, younger sister to John’s best friend, beloved by all (with the exception of John’s supposed fiancée and her cronies), and harboring a childhood crush—wants to help and maybe she needs some help of her own.
But what are they to each other—this social butterfly (her) and wallflower (him)? Friends? Friendly? Something else entirely?
This one is so much fun. From Charlotte’s schemes to John’s inventions to the twists and turns in the storyline, it definitely keeps the reader entertained. There is a delicious buildup as the affection between the two grows, some A+ heat, and the proposal from John is just so perfectly him.
On one hand, it’s a delightful romp, but on the other, it touches on deeper issues and themes: mental health, PTSD, what happens when soldiers return from war, social themes, how women can have influence in a patriarchal society, class differences, addiction, bullying, speech disorders, neurodivergence, the long-lasting impacts of parental approval or disapproval, how your childhood can shape you, and the impact of scientific discovery.
I definitely recommend it.
I received a review copy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.
Lady Charlotte Stirling—next door neighbor, younger sister to John’s best friend, beloved by all (with the exception of John’s supposed fiancée and her cronies), and harboring a childhood crush—wants to help and maybe she needs some help of her own.
But what are they to each other—this social butterfly (her) and wallflower (him)? Friends? Friendly? Something else entirely?
This one is so much fun. From Charlotte’s schemes to John’s inventions to the twists and turns in the storyline, it definitely keeps the reader entertained. There is a delicious buildup as the affection between the two grows, some A+ heat, and the proposal from John is just so perfectly him.
On one hand, it’s a delightful romp, but on the other, it touches on deeper issues and themes: mental health, PTSD, what happens when soldiers return from war, social themes, how women can have influence in a patriarchal society, class differences, addiction, bullying, speech disorders, neurodivergence, the long-lasting impacts of parental approval or disapproval, how your childhood can shape you, and the impact of scientific discovery.
I definitely recommend it.
I received a review copy from Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley. All review opinions are my own.
bookishmya's review
4.0
This story is delightful! I loved the constant motion of the story. Much like Charlotte, the story had boundless energy and was constantly in motion. John was the quintessential wallflower, content to remain separate from society while Charlotte was destined to rule it. Despite their seemingly polar opposites, these two find they are the missing piece of each other. The growth shown by both characters was joy to watch. Despite their circumstances, they each realize that parts of their lives are them not being true to themselves. The other helping to bolster their confidence to learn what parts of society life is true to them and changing to become their better selves. The obstacle they faced made them stronger and helped them to face heir family and provide a better future. The ending had so many twists and turns that it literally kept me on the edge of my seat. Despite not having read the first two books in this series, I found all the characters to add a nice blend to the story. This was a nice shift from the typical lady wallflower, to have the detached gentlemen having to find his place was a charming twist.
magdaprzybylska's review
5.0
4.5 stars rounded up to 5!
It's a great book that takes a wallflower trope and spins it by 180 degrees. Here the hero is a wallflower and the heroine is a sweetheart of the ton! I really enjoyed this romance, but it dragged a little bit by the end. Nonetheless, solid read that more people should know about!
It's a great book that takes a wallflower trope and spins it by 180 degrees. Here the hero is a wallflower and the heroine is a sweetheart of the ton! I really enjoyed this romance, but it dragged a little bit by the end. Nonetheless, solid read that more people should know about!
cheerfullrain's review against another edition
5.0
A stunning tale of an introvert and an extrovert with no desire to change each other who fall in love and bring out the best in each other. They were both such adorable people and their chemistry was absolutely palpable. The actions they took throughout the book both as individuals and as a couple always made perfect sense including their break up. I was pulling for them so hard that I cried my way through almost their entire separation. My only complaint was that some of the missed connections toward the end were a little drawn out, but I would 100% read this again.
maggiementions's review
5.0
When John comes home to take over the dukedom after his brother passes he feels he can never recover from the debts his brother left behind. When Charlotte, John’s best friend’s sister finds out John’s dilemma she offers to help him by gambling his way out of debt. As the two spend more time together and reveal more of their troubles John and Charlotte end up falling for each other by sharing their deepest selves. Can John and Charlotte end up back in the green and publicly declare their love at last? I loved that John was a scientist and not just some disgruntled duke trying to make his way. I also loved how Charlotte helps other wallflowers and sticks to her ideals whether frowned upon or not. A perfect historical romance with dynamic characters and plenty of steam!
bella_and_the_bookstack's review
4.0
4 out of 5 stars
This book was such a cute romance! Even though it is the third in the series, I read it without having read either of the other two. I will definitely be reading the first two in the series, but this one reads well enough as a standalone.
Lady Charlotte is in love with her older brother’s best friend. Even though it’s been years since she last saw John, Charlotte has still held out hope that there could be a possibility for something to grow between the two of them. When John’s brother dies unexpectedly, he returns to settle the huge debts his brother owed. The only option appears to be marrying his brother’s mean-spirited fiancée. Seeing an opportunity to help (and get closer to) John, Charlotte comes up with a scheme to settle his debts.
I loved Charlotte’s character! She is such a strong, likeable character. Even though her character seems in contrast with John’s introverted self, they really being out the best in each other! I loved reading John come alive and grow more confident in himself.
Even though I loved reading about John creating inventions, I wish the author had him come up with an invention original to John. I think lawnmowers and telegrams were a few of the things mentioned. While I still think it’s a cool twist to have had him be the one to “create” those ideas, it would still have been interesting to see him come up with his own idea.
Overall, this was such a cute romance! Strong women characters and a great character with John! I read this one super quickly, and I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves reading regency romance.
*Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and Samara Parish for a e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
This book was such a cute romance! Even though it is the third in the series, I read it without having read either of the other two. I will definitely be reading the first two in the series, but this one reads well enough as a standalone.
Lady Charlotte is in love with her older brother’s best friend. Even though it’s been years since she last saw John, Charlotte has still held out hope that there could be a possibility for something to grow between the two of them. When John’s brother dies unexpectedly, he returns to settle the huge debts his brother owed. The only option appears to be marrying his brother’s mean-spirited fiancée. Seeing an opportunity to help (and get closer to) John, Charlotte comes up with a scheme to settle his debts.
I loved Charlotte’s character! She is such a strong, likeable character. Even though her character seems in contrast with John’s introverted self, they really being out the best in each other! I loved reading John come alive and grow more confident in himself.
Even though I loved reading about John creating inventions, I wish the author had him come up with an invention original to John. I think lawnmowers and telegrams were a few of the things mentioned. While I still think it’s a cool twist to have had him be the one to “create” those ideas, it would still have been interesting to see him come up with his own idea.
Overall, this was such a cute romance! Strong women characters and a great character with John! I read this one super quickly, and I highly recommend this series to anyone who loves reading regency romance.
*Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher, and Samara Parish for a e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
dukefn99's review
4.0
Read my complete review at https://novelsalive.com/2022/12/13/4-star-review-how-to-win-a-wallflower-by-samara-parish/