5.0 out of 5 stars
4 1/2 stars
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on 24 July 2019
(As a note, the first time I read this book, I didn't like it nearly as much as the second time. It may be because I read the whole series back-to-back, so if you have read book 2, you may want to take a couple weeks off (and read a few other books in between) before picking this one up. Just my theory on the difference between experiences I had.)
Sebastian St. Vincent, a current viscount, is heir to a dukedom in trouble as his father has managed to lose most of the fortune that came with the title; thus, Sebastian is desperate to find a wealthy bride to restore the coffers before his father passes away and he becomes the duke. His courtship of Lillian Monroe (a wealthy American girl whose parents were title-hunting for their daughters in England) ended rather badly... and by badly, it was disastrous as he was not only unable to marry her, but he lost his best (and really only) friend in the process. So to say he has hit bottom is putting it mildly... Enter Evangeline Jenner ("Evie"), the daughter of a gaming hell owner and "captive" of her mother's family.
Evie is the most timid member of the self-named Wallflowers ladies, and her confidence has been destroyed by her mother's family leading to a stutter that ensures any potential suitors are in short supply. Her mother married the owner of Jenners, Evie's father, and when she died in childbirth, he gave her over to her family believing that she would be better served to be raised a lady than in a gaming hell. Though her mother's family has a title, they are neither wealthy nor influential, so when Evie's father falls ill with consumption, they scheme to ensure the money from his illicit empire stays with them by demanding she wed her very unappealing cousin. Whenever Evie defies them, she is punished severely physically and mentally, and she has had enough. They won't even allow her to care for her father when he most needs her, so she decides MUST escape. There is only one man she knows is both desperate enough to accept her and the inheritance she brings AND powerful enough to ensure her mother's family cannot touch her ever again: Sebastian St. Vincent.
When Evie arrives on Sebastian's doorstep unchaperoned at a very inappropriate hour, he realizes she must be desperate but cannot imagine what she would want from him as he is considered a villain by the Wallflowers based on his actions with Lillian. When she presents her offer to him, he knows that it is too good to pass up. And he realizes something else.... beneath the stutter and horrid clothing her family has made her wear, there is a very beautiful, enticing woman. Neither of them believe in love, and as a life-long unapologetic rake, Evie does not expect faithfulness from her new husband, but Sebastian finds himself disturbed by his attraction to such an innocent seemingly unappealing lady... could he possibly have met his match in this timid, unassuming creature? And is she really as timid as he believes? When circumstances throw the two together repeatedly and danger lurks around every corner for the newlyweds, will they acknowledge their growing feelings and allow themselves to believe love exists? And if so, will it be in time to save them from a deranged madman who will stop at nothing to get the revenge he believes he is entitled to?
What I liked:
--- After the ending of the last book in this series, I was convinced there was no way I could possibly like Sebastian or find his character at all redeeming, but the author did an amazing job of changing my mind and revealing unexpected depth
--- Evie comes across as a bumbling and plain wallflower, but she is really much stronger than it appears, and she is very principled to the extent she won't bend even under pressure
--- Their chemistry was delicious
--- Plot was interesting and kept me glued to the pages
What I didn't like as much:
--- I felt like there were still some unknowns with the characters, especially Sebastian, that I wanted to learn more about (ex, his relationship with his father was hinted at but not really revealed)
--- Some angst that I felt was unnecessary, but it didn't detract too much from the story in the end
In the end, a really good HR with action and intrigue that will keep you turning the pages to the end.... once you forgive Sebastian his actions in book 2 of the series :)
Plot --- 4.5/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
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