First of all, look at that pretty cover! Yes, I know, I’m shallow and I like pretty covers and that cover is so pretty and purple and it’s just so O-M-G! So pretty that even though I read an ARC of this book I had to buy the print book because yes, pretty cover!

Moving on, Sam is known by everyone as a womanizer and a rake. His brother is done with him and is ready to disown him unless he does one thing for him: remove Miss Juliet Lacey, one of the Wilting Wallflowers, and his uncle Alistair from one of his properties.

Sam was a really fun character. He was a rake alright but a the same time he was endearing and oh, so sweet. He knew it was time to stop living a life of debauchery if he wanted to repair the rift between his brother and him, whom he clearly cared for more than money itself. When he met Julie, it seemed he was not going to miss the chance to behave roguishly but he quickly realized Julie was no wilting wallflower and he would have to change tactics if he was going to convince her to leave.
I have a thing for stories with feuds between siblings. I think it’s one of the saddest things that can happen in real life and if an author can make me feel such sadness through the pages I just feel like “yes, this is how it should feel like!”

I truly enjoyed this book from beginning to end, and although at times I rolled my eyes at the naivete of Julie, I also found myself remembering she was the youngest of the trio and had never had to deal with any huge problematic issues in her life. She was just a girl trying to find her place in a world that had only recently accepted her and her sisters and only because her sisters had married well. In the end she found her HEA in the least expected man in the least expected way and I think they were perfect for each other.

***I received this book at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.***

Second installment in The Wayward Wallflowers series but can easily be read as a standalone. Both Alex and Beth are unique characters in that he’s not what he’s allowed the ton to believe and she’s not the meek mouse he’s thought her to be. Although there is some sort of spark when they first meet there is no instant physical attraction, which I truly appreciated. I was glad to see their feelings blossomed from engaging in actual conversations and from daily interaction.

There was an easy and funny banter between the two that made their relationship feel real and believable. Even though the Duke behaved roguish and intimidating at times, Beth showed plenty of resolve and strength of character, both to resist his charms and later to help him overcome some personal issues.

There was however that little issue with the so-called “incidents”. The heart of the matter is that it appears someone was trying to hurt Alex. Instead of enlisting the help of professionals or at least gather more intelligence before jumping to conclusions he actually secluded himself into his old home with the person he said he loved the most. There is also Beth, who at the beginning of the story showed such wit and an agile mind but towards the end was pushing Ben to act recklessly and even use her as bait to uncover the villain. It was as if she was a completely different person than the woman at the beginning.

In short, I was hooked when the story started but not so much as the story progressed and quite frankly I was conflicted in how I felt when I finished it. I suppose it was still a good story but in my opinion it just didn’t deliver in the mystery aspect nor did it provide the ending I needed.
3.5 stars.

*** I received this book from the author at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.***