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Sinful Wallflowers #2
Her Wicked Marquess
Miss Maryann FitzWilliam is too witty and bookish for her own good. No gentleman of the ton will marry her, so her parents arrange for her to wed a man old enough to be her father. But Maryann is ready to use those wits to turn herself into a sinful wallflower.
When the scandal sheet reports a sighting of Nicolas Ives climbing out the chamber windows of a house party, Maryann does the unthinkable. She anonymously claims that the bedchamber belonged to none other than Miss FitzWilliam, tarnishing her own reputation—and chances of the dastardly union her family secured for her. Now she just needs to convince the marquess to keep his silence.
Nicholas Ives, Marquess of Rothbury has purposefully cultivated a reputation as the most ruthless, unprincipled libertine, all so he can slip beneath the guards of those whose vile actions caused him to lose the only girl he's ever loved. Despite his intrigue, Nicolas is determined to ignore the deceitful and enticing Miss FitzWilliam. However, his enemies are drawing close, and he soon discovers he must keep her closer to protect her. Nonetheless, she rouses a soul-burning passion within him, causing him to question who will protect her from his devilish wiles.
When the scandal sheet reports a sighting of Nicolas Ives climbing out the chamber windows of a house party, Maryann does the unthinkable. She anonymously claims that the bedchamber belonged to none other than Miss FitzWilliam, tarnishing her own reputation—and chances of the dastardly union her family secured for her. Now she just needs to convince the marquess to keep his silence.
Nicholas Ives, Marquess of Rothbury has purposefully cultivated a reputation as the most ruthless, unprincipled libertine, all so he can slip beneath the guards of those whose vile actions caused him to lose the only girl he's ever loved. Despite his intrigue, Nicolas is determined to ignore the deceitful and enticing Miss FitzWilliam. However, his enemies are drawing close, and he soon discovers he must keep her closer to protect her. Nonetheless, she rouses a soul-burning passion within him, causing him to question who will protect her from his devilish wiles.
361 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 29, 2020
About the author
Stacy Reid
83 books3,215 followersI am an unapologetic romance lover. I read it. I write it. Enough said. Well..I also have a warrior way "Never give up on my dreams." I spend a copious amount of time drooling over Rick Grimes from Walking Dead, watching Japanese anime and playing video games with my love, Dusean.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,015 reviews
May 7, 2021
“It is you…you who saw me… Since that first night you climbed up into my room, I can forever feel your gaze upon me. You saw.”
His Wicked Marquess was COMPLETE AND UTTER PERFECTION. This book was so different from its prequel, My Darling Duke. This book was definitely darker and angstier than I had anticipated but it made for a nice surprise.
♡ The Plot: ♡
When Maryann Fitzwilliam (23) is betrothed to a revolting man who’s the same age as her father, she tries to get out of the betrothal by creating a scandal with a feckless rakehell, Nicolas St Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury (28). However, there’s much more to this rake than meets the eye. Nicolas is hellbent on revenge on behalf of a woman he once loved…
♡ Characters: ♡
Maryann is by far my favorite Stacy Reid heroine. She was so smart and sassy! I loved her sense of humour. She had her daring and bold moments that made me admire her so much! Maryann was a woman who knew her self-worth and was determined not to let a man control her.
“For the right gentlemen, I would happily relinquish my independence - for he would not cage me, would he? He would want to see me fly. And if I should overreach in my recklessness, the right man would catch me.”
As for the hero, I fell in love with Nicolas so fast it was kind of embarrassing. I was completely smitten because he was just so perfect. He had so much depth and intensity, and the perfect among of anguish and pain that made him impossible not to root for.
♡ The Romance: ♡
The slow burn romance in this book was AMAZING! I can’t tell you how many times I squealed because these two were ADORABLE. Nicolas’s late-night visits were so ROMANTIC – Picking locks, playing charades and the bantering… My heart SWOONED at these two love birds. I love how enamoured they were with each other. I also love that they were so open about their feelings.
“Lady Maryann is the woman I love with every fucking emotion in my soul. Can you comprehend, you fool, what I will do to you should you harm a hair on her head?”
I loved Nicholas’s protectiveness over Maryann and the way he watched out for her at every turn. His excuses to stay near her was so endearing. But most of all, I love that he saw Maryann for who she truly was. (Also, why was his nickname for her so cute??? - RACCOON??)
There were some minor issues here and there, but you know what? I’m not really bothered! The last 20% was such a fun and wild ride! The epilogue was one of the best I’ve ever read, it left me feeling so wholesome and happy! If you love a good meet-cute, rakes and wallflowers, and mystery side plots, I would highly recommend this book!
Rating: 5/5
(Thanks to Laura for another amazing BINGE READ! We are on a roll! Check out her review here. Also, sorry for posting this review like 100 years late LMAOOOOOO)
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RTC... after I finish writing my review for book 1... 🤡🤡🤡
June 3, 2021
So as much as I loved the first book in the sinful wallflowers series this one just didn't hit the same. The first 60 to 70% of the book was way to slow. I found myself getting bored and wanting to skip ahead. I did enjoy the last 30% more, but it was torture to get to that 30%. The other problem I had was believability. With all genres of romance expect for Paranormal, there has to be a small amount of believability. This book read way to much like a Contemporary read. I didn't believe for a minute that no one would notice that Nicolas was climbing into Maryann window nightly. They were playing chess, talking lively, fencing, and having wild and loud sex where Maryann was calling out his name and no one noticed. No servant noticed. Not to mention she was faking a headache ever night. No one worried or checked on the woman that was so healthy one minute and having repeat nighty headaches. There was other unbelievable things but you get the point. Overall I didn't care for this one and I hope the next book is better.
January 3, 2022
“It is you…you who saw me… Since that first night you climbed up into my room, I can forever feel your gaze upon me. You saw.”
I’m obsessed! I think I might have made a mistake by not completing the first book, because both the second and third books in the series are perfection! I think Stacy Reid is becoming one of my favorite HR authors! I can’t wait to read more of her books.
Maryann is amazing! Omg I love her so freakin much! She’s sassy. She’s bold. She’s strong willed who knows what she wants and she’s not scared to go after it. Nicolas was definitely her equal. I was so smitten! The way he loved Maryann, cared for, and protected her? And omg don’t even get me started with his nickname for her. A Racoon! He called her a freakin Racoon!! Isn’t he just the most romantic hero??
“My heart is laid upon the ground. Please do not step on it,”
I absolutely loved the set up of their romance, the way they are with each other. How it always felt like they’re each other’s equal. How honest and real their feelings were. The angst. The suspense. The tension. The ending?? That ending got me setting on the edge of my seat. The whole thing was so intense and romantic and ahhh I just love them so much! The book was just so easy to love.
December 21, 2020
I am so excited for you guys to read Her Wicked Marquess. Maryann and Nicolas's journey to happy ever after is one of my favorite stories, if not the fave. I loved writing it and I hope you guys feel that love and enjoy it as much as I do.
P.S. Raccoons were known in England since colonization and their furs were sold in England!👀
P.S. Raccoons were known in England since colonization and their furs were sold in England!👀
July 2, 2021
4.5
I don't know what was wrong with me, but it took me a good 100 pages to really get invested in this story. I was stuck on the first 100 pages for almost three days, but after that, I really appreciated the build up of the beginning and the development of Maryann and Nicolas's relationship. Nicolas is a rake and Maryann is trying to get out of a horrible engagement. When rumors come out that Nicolas was climbing out of a woman's window, Maryann starts a rumor that it was hers. Nicolas is intrigued by Maryann, but he's currently trying to ruin the men who took his best friend from him when he was younger. If anyone knew that he had feelings for Maryann, things could go very wrong and she could be in danger. The development of this romance was everything and I loved how it was slow and how Nicolas and Maryann were truly friends first. It was so sweet! Then, the last 100 pages were definitely a wild ride and I had no idea how things were going to end! I thought Maryann's relationship with her brother was very interesting and how his own plot line carried out. Aside from a slow start, I loved everything about this book!
I don't know what was wrong with me, but it took me a good 100 pages to really get invested in this story. I was stuck on the first 100 pages for almost three days, but after that, I really appreciated the build up of the beginning and the development of Maryann and Nicolas's relationship. Nicolas is a rake and Maryann is trying to get out of a horrible engagement. When rumors come out that Nicolas was climbing out of a woman's window, Maryann starts a rumor that it was hers. Nicolas is intrigued by Maryann, but he's currently trying to ruin the men who took his best friend from him when he was younger. If anyone knew that he had feelings for Maryann, things could go very wrong and she could be in danger. The development of this romance was everything and I loved how it was slow and how Nicolas and Maryann were truly friends first. It was so sweet! Then, the last 100 pages were definitely a wild ride and I had no idea how things were going to end! I thought Maryann's relationship with her brother was very interesting and how his own plot line carried out. Aside from a slow start, I loved everything about this book!
March 19, 2022
“Nicolas was willing to sacrifice anything. For her sake. For his sake. And for theirs. For so long, nothing else but his promise of retribution upon his honor and assuaging the guilt and rage in his heart had mattered. But then she fell into his life and he hadn’t pushed her from it when he knew better. Because with every touch, smile, and conversation she had brought such warmth, peace, pleasure, happiness to his cold existence. With her he felt things that were not guilt or hate; with her he hungered and craved a future he hadn’t even dreamed could exist.” Lady Maryann Fitzwilliam wants to escape her imminent marriage to an older gentleman. To do that, she plans to ruin her reputation without being truly compromised. She has one gentleman in mind to achieve her ruination: Nicolas St. Ives, Marquess of Rothbury, known to the Ton as a feckless rake. When an opportunity came up, Lady Maryann bravely took it. She let the rumors spread that it was her bedchamber that Nicolas climbed to. To her bemusement, Nicolas didn’t bother denying the rumors.
Her Wicked Marquess is the second book from Stacy Reid’s historical romance series, Sinful Wallflowers. This book is about Lady Maryann Fitzwilliam and Nicolas St. Ives. I am so glad that I did not skip this one! Seriously, what was I thinking? Because of my eagerness to jump to the third book, I contemplated skipping this one. And I am just so happy I did not because I would’ve missed a wonderfully crafted story with characters that really made me feel something. I think it is safe to say that I will continue to read upcoming installments to this series.
Meet Lady Maryann Fitzwilliam: She is the daughter to the Earl of Musgrove. Although Maryann’s parents have a powerful influence on the Ton, she was relegated to being a wallflower because she was too opinionated. It is a well-known fact that gentlemen did not like women who are smarter than them. Being a romantic in a society where advantageous marriages are normal, Maryann is unlucky. Truly, she could never marry a man whom she does not feel affection for, and a man who does not even bother getting to know her. Unfortunately, her marriage to Lord Stamford had already been arranged by her parents and it seems there is no way to escape…except to declare herself ruined.
Meet Nicolas St. Ives: He is the Marquess of Rothbury. Nicolas presents an entirely different character to the Ton. In Lady Maryann’s words, “This man was dissolute, reckless, a gambler, a great participant of sensual debauchery, unprincipled and uncaring that he owned such a wicked reputation.” But he is not who he really presents to society. Unknown to them, his reputation is deliberately constructed by him to seek vengeance to those who wronged his dearest friend. In presenting a persona, no one would be suspicious of his real intentions, and he could carry out his retribution.
Lady Maryann and Nicolas St. Ives first met in the dark, although the former was unaware it was he who was lurking in the shadows. When she dropped her list of how to ruin her reputation with the help of Nicolas, known as the most notorious rake, the marquess was amused and intrigued. Because of Maryann’s eagerness to escape her engagement to an older bounder, she set her plans in motion. Unknown to Maryann, Nicolas has enemies that might harm her now that she has entangled her name with his….this leads to secret meet ups in her room. And as they get to know each other, Maryann discovers that the man Nicolas presents to the Ton is not who he truly is. And while Nicolas has a fondness for Maryann, things between them would inevitably change if his suspicions about Maryann’s brother proved to be true. Internal conflict…a twist I did not see coming until the last minute and finally a very well-deserved happy ending!
I loved the heroine! If we’ve been friends for a while, you’ll know that I love wallflowers. They are always just so cute and fun to read about. Although Maryann is kind of unusual? She was not a wallflower because she was shy and people looked past her, she was one because she was too opinionated and the Ton did not like it. I found many of her internal musings so relatable. I just really loved her individually, perhaps because I really connected with her. She was an amazing heroine too. I loved how she was not in denial about her feelings towards Nicolas, how she spoke her mind to him, she was so straightforward about her feelings and it’s just so refreshing to see a heroine who does not actively fight her feelings for the hero. When that part about why her parents was pushing the match with Lord stamford became apparent to Maryann, I was so afraid that she would be like other heroines I’ve read about who suddenly become stupid when faced with the same problem Maryann faced. I am so glad she wasn’t. I loved how she stood her ground and would not let her parents’ circumstances with Lord Stamford dictate her decisions. She knew her mind and what she wanted and she often acted upon it. Of course, as an aristocratic lady, she grew up privileged and wealthy. She had no traumatic backstory to make her “interesting”, but even without any of that, she is just as interesting. Her silly ways of revenge against a Ton bully, her straightforwardness, her thoughts about marriage and the right man, the restlessness she felt, her selflessness (towards the end) and her unwavering love for the hero is what made her such a good character to me.
I loved the hero as well. Nicolas was such an intriguing character. He was a man with many layers to him. How do I even start? To the Ton, he was seen as a typical rake, a dandy, a libertine, wicked, and debauched. But behind the facade is man hellbent on a revenge for his friend who was wronged by many lords. The real Nicolas is… calculating, shrewd and ruthless. But he is not just that, he is also protective, gentle, kind, honorable and will do anything for the people he loves. Contrary to his rakish reputation, he was actually quite the gentleman to Maryann. I loved how he cared for and loved Maryann. I must say that the reason behind Nicolas’s revenge is something I have never read before, because most revenge I’ve read about are heroes who seek retribution for their family, but in this situation, he was doing it for a friend. Someone more than a friend, someone he loved in his youth. I did not like that he had a first love, but I loved how he wanted justice for what his friend went through. Even if it is justice in his own way. What I loved about Nicolas is that he wasn’t the usual “I don’t believe in love” type of hero, they get tiring sometimes. I love how he, too, was not in denial about his feelings for the heroine. The scene where he went to Maryann and told her he really liked her? I was screaming and my heart was doing a flip! Rarely we see a hero who is so open about his fondness for the heroine. I loved his protectiveness over Maryann, the things he did to ensure that Maryann won’t be forced to marry Lord Stamford. God, he was such an ideal hero. Because of him, I wanna get married! To him, preferably. The care he had for Maryann is the type I longed for all my life, I’m just so jealous of the heroine. And the part where he was willing to give up his revenge even if it costs him his honor and guilt all because he never wants to see Maryann hurt? Give this man to me right now! Stacy Reid how dare you write such an ideal man when you know no one in real life would ever compare? I shall die an old maid because of my high standards, made even higher by this man.
I am afraid that I am not doing the main characters justice with my review. Just read it and see for yourself. I have no words to exactly explain the reasons why I loved them, it was just something I felt while I was reading the story. The chemistry between the two of them? So so good! I want to slap myself for even thinking about skipping this book because I would’ve missed a good book with characters who had such amazing chemistry together. The build up, their interactions, and their eventual love for each other was so believable. I screamed so many times while reading this to the point that my mother checked on me because she was bewildered as to why I was making all that noise. The secret meetings in Maryann’s room? That part where they danced together, shocking the Ton? Superb. I loved how this book perfectly encapsulated how a couple could have intimate moments without it being sexual. Nicolas opening up to Maryann and Maryann just being there listening to him? Perfect. The way they just enjoyed each other’s company so much. Of course they were attracted and felt lust for each other but there was also the relationship development wherein it was just so much more than that. And I believed in their love for each other. Their chemistry is so good that sometimes it felt like someone was squeezing my heart. Like, not in a sad way but in a way that their moments with each other just felt so real that I, myself, longed for something like it? That way.
On another note, I have to say that this book had a slow start but it did not really bother me? I liked how the author did not just throw the readers immediately to the main point of the book but instead we are shown what pushed the heroine to do what she did. And the slow build up between the hero and heroine was just perfect. I don’t like insta-love and insta-lust so I enjoyed how the author really took her time to create a romance that’s believable. I think I loved the whole book. Although Nicolas’s revenge played a large part in the book, it did not overshadow the blooming romance between the hero and heroine.
I am gonna say it: I dislike how the hero had a first love, may it be the love of his youth. I feel jealous for the heroine but I’m glad that the heroine was not as jealous and selfish as I. I was so shocked about the twist, I must say that I really did not see it coming until the last minute. But, I never for a moment doubted Nicolas’s love for the heroine even with the twist. I must admit that I was worried about how things would happen? How ever would Nicolas and Maryann make their relationship work knowing that her brother could be the Black Dahlia? I think I’m pretty satisfied with the resolution.
The part about the wolf and his anger for Nicolas and the event that happened because of it may be dramatic and unrealistic given that they are genteel people but I loved Nicolas’s love declaration. Oh, he’s such a scandalous man. I love him. I’ve seen reviews about how this book was unrealistic especially regarding the part where Nicolas was constantly climbing to Maryann’s balcony and not getting caught and the heroine always pleading headache. I agree with the sentiment, but it did not lessen my enjoyment from this book.
I loved this book so much better than the first book. There was not a moment where I was bored. I was invested the whole time. The main characters had such good chemistry it is actually insane. The characters had depth to them. Although Stacy Reid’s writing is not true to the time period (As is most modern HRs), she had a wonderful prose. There were so many paragraphs that I annotated simply because it was so beautifully written. I think the pacing was well done, although I’ve seen some complaints about it, to me it was just fine. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I am so glad that I decided to read this book before going into book 3! Also, I loved the mentions of Devlin and Ophelia.
Before I end this review, do you know the quote where it goes, “What did my fingers do before they held him? What did my heart do with its love?” It reminded me so much of Nicolas and Maryann’s relationship, especially this one particular paragraph/ scene: “I like you, too,” she declared, staring at him from below incredibly long lashes. It was a look that said, “finally you are seeing me, you buffoon,” and it endlessly charmed him. With an inward jolt to his heart, he realized that while he was just noticing her, Maryann had been aware of him for much longer. It went through him then, a jerk of fear, at the thought that he might have missed her.
Some quotes:
“The truth of it is, sometimes I do not know if I want to marry any man. The independence I have now is limited, but I relish having it, and the more advanced I get in age, the more freedom I will attain. If my father has shown me anything, it is that once I am a wife, I am not expected to have my own sense of thought, everything will be controlled by my husband and dare I protest, I will be scolded most severely!” “But?” the always astute Fanny asked archly. Everything inside her went soft, and achy with need. “For the right gentleman, I would happily relinquish my independence—for he would not cage me, would he? He would want to see me fly. And if I should overreach in my recklessness, the right man would catch me.
“I want my husband to love me breathlessly. I want him to take me sailing, and he won’t mind that I am exceptionally good at fencing, that I can ride astride and might best him in archery. I want a man who wants to hear my opinions on political matters as well as the latest gossip! I want a man who challenges me but allows me to challenge him right back. Maybe even a husband who would take me to a gambling den! I do not want a piece of what I hope for…I want it all,” she ended with a groan, covering her face. “And maybe, just maybe I could have it with the marquess, because I have never met anyone who rouses me so.”
“In him she had found the man she loved and respected. A man she could see herself growing old with, a man she saw walking by her side for as long as God would allow it, in this life and the next.”
“Yet when she lay awake at night in her bed, searching her heart for her dreams, all she found was emptiness and fright. Such terrible fear, for she no longer knew what she wanted and felt unmoored, a ship without an anchor drifting aimlessly on the wide-open sea.” (The quote that made me like Maryann, she said it perfectly.)
“You are not a coward,” she said softly, afraid that she might shatter at any moment. “Then what am I if not a coward? I am willing to give up my honor, my vow, my pride, I am forsaking justice that is denied to her because I cannot bear the idea of hurting you.”
“I was coming to you, Nicolas.” “I had to come to you…to let you know I love you. You must know.” Alarm and joy suffused her in equal measure. “Are you dying?” “No. I didn’t want you to linger in any doubt even for a moment about how much you mean to me. I love you, Maryann.” (And my heart went: AHHHHHHHH)
Her Wicked Marquess is the second book from Stacy Reid’s historical romance series, Sinful Wallflowers. This book is about Lady Maryann Fitzwilliam and Nicolas St. Ives. I am so glad that I did not skip this one! Seriously, what was I thinking? Because of my eagerness to jump to the third book, I contemplated skipping this one. And I am just so happy I did not because I would’ve missed a wonderfully crafted story with characters that really made me feel something. I think it is safe to say that I will continue to read upcoming installments to this series.
Meet Lady Maryann Fitzwilliam: She is the daughter to the Earl of Musgrove. Although Maryann’s parents have a powerful influence on the Ton, she was relegated to being a wallflower because she was too opinionated. It is a well-known fact that gentlemen did not like women who are smarter than them. Being a romantic in a society where advantageous marriages are normal, Maryann is unlucky. Truly, she could never marry a man whom she does not feel affection for, and a man who does not even bother getting to know her. Unfortunately, her marriage to Lord Stamford had already been arranged by her parents and it seems there is no way to escape…except to declare herself ruined.
Meet Nicolas St. Ives: He is the Marquess of Rothbury. Nicolas presents an entirely different character to the Ton. In Lady Maryann’s words, “This man was dissolute, reckless, a gambler, a great participant of sensual debauchery, unprincipled and uncaring that he owned such a wicked reputation.” But he is not who he really presents to society. Unknown to them, his reputation is deliberately constructed by him to seek vengeance to those who wronged his dearest friend. In presenting a persona, no one would be suspicious of his real intentions, and he could carry out his retribution.
Lady Maryann and Nicolas St. Ives first met in the dark, although the former was unaware it was he who was lurking in the shadows. When she dropped her list of how to ruin her reputation with the help of Nicolas, known as the most notorious rake, the marquess was amused and intrigued. Because of Maryann’s eagerness to escape her engagement to an older bounder, she set her plans in motion. Unknown to Maryann, Nicolas has enemies that might harm her now that she has entangled her name with his….this leads to secret meet ups in her room. And as they get to know each other, Maryann discovers that the man Nicolas presents to the Ton is not who he truly is. And while Nicolas has a fondness for Maryann, things between them would inevitably change if his suspicions about Maryann’s brother proved to be true. Internal conflict…a twist I did not see coming until the last minute and finally a very well-deserved happy ending!
I loved the heroine! If we’ve been friends for a while, you’ll know that I love wallflowers. They are always just so cute and fun to read about. Although Maryann is kind of unusual? She was not a wallflower because she was shy and people looked past her, she was one because she was too opinionated and the Ton did not like it. I found many of her internal musings so relatable. I just really loved her individually, perhaps because I really connected with her. She was an amazing heroine too. I loved how she was not in denial about her feelings towards Nicolas, how she spoke her mind to him, she was so straightforward about her feelings and it’s just so refreshing to see a heroine who does not actively fight her feelings for the hero. When that part about why her parents was pushing the match with Lord stamford became apparent to Maryann, I was so afraid that she would be like other heroines I’ve read about who suddenly become stupid when faced with the same problem Maryann faced. I am so glad she wasn’t. I loved how she stood her ground and would not let her parents’ circumstances with Lord Stamford dictate her decisions. She knew her mind and what she wanted and she often acted upon it. Of course, as an aristocratic lady, she grew up privileged and wealthy. She had no traumatic backstory to make her “interesting”, but even without any of that, she is just as interesting. Her silly ways of revenge against a Ton bully, her straightforwardness, her thoughts about marriage and the right man, the restlessness she felt, her selflessness (towards the end) and her unwavering love for the hero is what made her such a good character to me.
I loved the hero as well. Nicolas was such an intriguing character. He was a man with many layers to him. How do I even start? To the Ton, he was seen as a typical rake, a dandy, a libertine, wicked, and debauched. But behind the facade is man hellbent on a revenge for his friend who was wronged by many lords. The real Nicolas is… calculating, shrewd and ruthless. But he is not just that, he is also protective, gentle, kind, honorable and will do anything for the people he loves. Contrary to his rakish reputation, he was actually quite the gentleman to Maryann. I loved how he cared for and loved Maryann. I must say that the reason behind Nicolas’s revenge is something I have never read before, because most revenge I’ve read about are heroes who seek retribution for their family, but in this situation, he was doing it for a friend. Someone more than a friend, someone he loved in his youth. I did not like that he had a first love, but I loved how he wanted justice for what his friend went through. Even if it is justice in his own way. What I loved about Nicolas is that he wasn’t the usual “I don’t believe in love” type of hero, they get tiring sometimes. I love how he, too, was not in denial about his feelings for the heroine. The scene where he went to Maryann and told her he really liked her? I was screaming and my heart was doing a flip! Rarely we see a hero who is so open about his fondness for the heroine. I loved his protectiveness over Maryann, the things he did to ensure that Maryann won’t be forced to marry Lord Stamford. God, he was such an ideal hero. Because of him, I wanna get married! To him, preferably. The care he had for Maryann is the type I longed for all my life, I’m just so jealous of the heroine. And the part where he was willing to give up his revenge even if it costs him his honor and guilt all because he never wants to see Maryann hurt? Give this man to me right now! Stacy Reid how dare you write such an ideal man when you know no one in real life would ever compare? I shall die an old maid because of my high standards, made even higher by this man.
I am afraid that I am not doing the main characters justice with my review. Just read it and see for yourself. I have no words to exactly explain the reasons why I loved them, it was just something I felt while I was reading the story. The chemistry between the two of them? So so good! I want to slap myself for even thinking about skipping this book because I would’ve missed a good book with characters who had such amazing chemistry together. The build up, their interactions, and their eventual love for each other was so believable. I screamed so many times while reading this to the point that my mother checked on me because she was bewildered as to why I was making all that noise. The secret meetings in Maryann’s room? That part where they danced together, shocking the Ton? Superb. I loved how this book perfectly encapsulated how a couple could have intimate moments without it being sexual. Nicolas opening up to Maryann and Maryann just being there listening to him? Perfect. The way they just enjoyed each other’s company so much. Of course they were attracted and felt lust for each other but there was also the relationship development wherein it was just so much more than that. And I believed in their love for each other. Their chemistry is so good that sometimes it felt like someone was squeezing my heart. Like, not in a sad way but in a way that their moments with each other just felt so real that I, myself, longed for something like it? That way.
On another note, I have to say that this book had a slow start but it did not really bother me? I liked how the author did not just throw the readers immediately to the main point of the book but instead we are shown what pushed the heroine to do what she did. And the slow build up between the hero and heroine was just perfect. I don’t like insta-love and insta-lust so I enjoyed how the author really took her time to create a romance that’s believable. I think I loved the whole book. Although Nicolas’s revenge played a large part in the book, it did not overshadow the blooming romance between the hero and heroine.
I am gonna say it: I dislike how the hero had a first love, may it be the love of his youth. I feel jealous for the heroine but I’m glad that the heroine was not as jealous and selfish as I. I was so shocked about the twist, I must say that I really did not see it coming until the last minute. But, I never for a moment doubted Nicolas’s love for the heroine even with the twist. I must admit that I was worried about how things would happen? How ever would Nicolas and Maryann make their relationship work knowing that her brother could be the Black Dahlia? I think I’m pretty satisfied with the resolution.
The part about the wolf and his anger for Nicolas and the event that happened because of it may be dramatic and unrealistic given that they are genteel people but I loved Nicolas’s love declaration. Oh, he’s such a scandalous man. I love him. I’ve seen reviews about how this book was unrealistic especially regarding the part where Nicolas was constantly climbing to Maryann’s balcony and not getting caught and the heroine always pleading headache. I agree with the sentiment, but it did not lessen my enjoyment from this book.
I loved this book so much better than the first book. There was not a moment where I was bored. I was invested the whole time. The main characters had such good chemistry it is actually insane. The characters had depth to them. Although Stacy Reid’s writing is not true to the time period (As is most modern HRs), she had a wonderful prose. There were so many paragraphs that I annotated simply because it was so beautifully written. I think the pacing was well done, although I’ve seen some complaints about it, to me it was just fine. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I am so glad that I decided to read this book before going into book 3! Also, I loved the mentions of Devlin and Ophelia.
Before I end this review, do you know the quote where it goes, “What did my fingers do before they held him? What did my heart do with its love?” It reminded me so much of Nicolas and Maryann’s relationship, especially this one particular paragraph/ scene: “I like you, too,” she declared, staring at him from below incredibly long lashes. It was a look that said, “finally you are seeing me, you buffoon,” and it endlessly charmed him. With an inward jolt to his heart, he realized that while he was just noticing her, Maryann had been aware of him for much longer. It went through him then, a jerk of fear, at the thought that he might have missed her.
Some quotes:
“The truth of it is, sometimes I do not know if I want to marry any man. The independence I have now is limited, but I relish having it, and the more advanced I get in age, the more freedom I will attain. If my father has shown me anything, it is that once I am a wife, I am not expected to have my own sense of thought, everything will be controlled by my husband and dare I protest, I will be scolded most severely!” “But?” the always astute Fanny asked archly. Everything inside her went soft, and achy with need. “For the right gentleman, I would happily relinquish my independence—for he would not cage me, would he? He would want to see me fly. And if I should overreach in my recklessness, the right man would catch me.
“I want my husband to love me breathlessly. I want him to take me sailing, and he won’t mind that I am exceptionally good at fencing, that I can ride astride and might best him in archery. I want a man who wants to hear my opinions on political matters as well as the latest gossip! I want a man who challenges me but allows me to challenge him right back. Maybe even a husband who would take me to a gambling den! I do not want a piece of what I hope for…I want it all,” she ended with a groan, covering her face. “And maybe, just maybe I could have it with the marquess, because I have never met anyone who rouses me so.”
“In him she had found the man she loved and respected. A man she could see herself growing old with, a man she saw walking by her side for as long as God would allow it, in this life and the next.”
“Yet when she lay awake at night in her bed, searching her heart for her dreams, all she found was emptiness and fright. Such terrible fear, for she no longer knew what she wanted and felt unmoored, a ship without an anchor drifting aimlessly on the wide-open sea.” (The quote that made me like Maryann, she said it perfectly.)
“You are not a coward,” she said softly, afraid that she might shatter at any moment. “Then what am I if not a coward? I am willing to give up my honor, my vow, my pride, I am forsaking justice that is denied to her because I cannot bear the idea of hurting you.”
“I was coming to you, Nicolas.” “I had to come to you…to let you know I love you. You must know.” Alarm and joy suffused her in equal measure. “Are you dying?” “No. I didn’t want you to linger in any doubt even for a moment about how much you mean to me. I love you, Maryann.” (And my heart went: AHHHHHHHH)
May 7, 2022
—4.25 stars
hello??? this was so lovely.
(review to come)
hello??? this was so lovely.
(review to come)
January 19, 2022
Fuck sake, this was close to perfect.
Stacy Reid owns me at this point.
I’m not the biggest fan of the revenge plot. It can become too long winded, they latch on the revenge as if it’s part of their identity, and eventually the usual controlled self of the character that is seeking their own notion of justice starts to collapse towards the end of the story and they make ridiculous and reckless decisions.
And whilst the ending was too theatrical for my taste, this story was beyond beautiful. Beyond.
Those moments they shared in her chamber were by far the best parts. The conversations they had and the intimacy they shared was so perfectly done.
I was just in awe throughout.
4.5 🌟
Stacy Reid owns me at this point.
I’m not the biggest fan of the revenge plot. It can become too long winded, they latch on the revenge as if it’s part of their identity, and eventually the usual controlled self of the character that is seeking their own notion of justice starts to collapse towards the end of the story and they make ridiculous and reckless decisions.
And whilst the ending was too theatrical for my taste, this story was beyond beautiful. Beyond.
Those moments they shared in her chamber were by far the best parts. The conversations they had and the intimacy they shared was so perfectly done.
I was just in awe throughout.
4.5 🌟
March 4, 2021
This had such a beautiful dark, cinematic feel. I love Stacy's writing. And the hero was so tortured and so GONE for the heroine. Ugh. I loved it.
April 17, 2022
✨Picture this: I’m Oprah and I just keep giving this book five stars.✨
This is one of the best historical romances I have ever read. Bury me with it. From the cover to the story, it is everything I want in a historical romance. It was steamy and sexy and sweet and mysterious and charming and obviously wicked. Their love? My GOD.
Getting to witness these two fall in love was such a privilege. Nicolas and Maryann felt absolutely meant to be. From their hilarious first introduction to each night in Maryann’s room, the two just made sense. I melted a little bit each night they spent talking and playing games and being adorable until I was a puddle of happy tears. I really couldn’t believe how much of them we were given.
I loved that Nicolas’s revenge plot didn’t inhibit him from being with Maryann for most of the book. He was like “yeah your brother could be my mortal enemy but we’re going to bracket that thought and think about it later because right now I just want to be with you.” I was also just interested in his revenge plot and seeing the finale. The break-up scene actually made a lot of sense and it was heart breaking. There were more twists and turns than a Rube Goldberg machine and I was thoroughly captivated by the entire story.
Nicolas and Maryann were just as strong apart as they were together, and I love them both dearly. Nicolas is literally the human embodiment of the phrase “as you wish.” Maryann was funny and strong and endearingly bespectacled. The fact that a family was what Maryann really wanted was lovely and very touching. My favorite moment was when she punched him in the stomach and totally had a Bella Swan moment. Never would I have thought “raccoon” would be my preferred term of endearment but this book hits differently.
Seriously, romance novels are so great. One minute he’s threatening a man who threatened her and the next his finger is in her mouth and it’s the beginning of an incredibly hot sex scene. For half of the book he wouldn’t kiss her (for the absolutely hottest of reasons) so he’s wound up, she’s wound up—basically, we’re all tied in fucking knots here. They were so hot for each other and made love all over this book. It was perfection. Their first time doing p/v penetration was just so wonderful? It was so so hot and I had no idea that that was the exact scenario I wanted—nay—needed? He was SO gone for her. My soul left my body and is probably still floating somewhere in Ohio.
I just can’t believe we got so many sex scenes, such a sweet love story, and a revenge plot that I was thoroughly invested in. The ending was both dramatic and perfect. I want to frame the last page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.5/5
Content Warning: A main part of the story is Nicolas getting revenge on a group of rapists. After the assault, his childhood friend threw herself in a lake and left him a cryptic letter to decode in order to learn their identities. There was also other talk of violence against women.
This is one of the best historical romances I have ever read. Bury me with it. From the cover to the story, it is everything I want in a historical romance. It was steamy and sexy and sweet and mysterious and charming and obviously wicked. Their love? My GOD.
Getting to witness these two fall in love was such a privilege. Nicolas and Maryann felt absolutely meant to be. From their hilarious first introduction to each night in Maryann’s room, the two just made sense. I melted a little bit each night they spent talking and playing games and being adorable until I was a puddle of happy tears. I really couldn’t believe how much of them we were given.
I loved that Nicolas’s revenge plot didn’t inhibit him from being with Maryann for most of the book. He was like “yeah your brother could be my mortal enemy but we’re going to bracket that thought and think about it later because right now I just want to be with you.” I was also just interested in his revenge plot and seeing the finale. The break-up scene actually made a lot of sense and it was heart breaking. There were more twists and turns than a Rube Goldberg machine and I was thoroughly captivated by the entire story.
Nicolas and Maryann were just as strong apart as they were together, and I love them both dearly. Nicolas is literally the human embodiment of the phrase “as you wish.” Maryann was funny and strong and endearingly bespectacled. The fact that a family was what Maryann really wanted was lovely and very touching. My favorite moment was when she punched him in the stomach and totally had a Bella Swan moment. Never would I have thought “raccoon” would be my preferred term of endearment but this book hits differently.
Seriously, romance novels are so great. One minute he’s threatening a man who threatened her and the next his finger is in her mouth and it’s the beginning of an incredibly hot sex scene. For half of the book he wouldn’t kiss her (for the absolutely hottest of reasons) so he’s wound up, she’s wound up—basically, we’re all tied in fucking knots here. They were so hot for each other and made love all over this book. It was perfection. Their first time doing p/v penetration was just so wonderful? It was so so hot and I had no idea that that was the exact scenario I wanted—nay—needed? He was SO gone for her. My soul left my body and is probably still floating somewhere in Ohio.
I just can’t believe we got so many sex scenes, such a sweet love story, and a revenge plot that I was thoroughly invested in. The ending was both dramatic and perfect. I want to frame the last page.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.5/5
Content Warning: A main part of the story is Nicolas getting revenge on a group of rapists. After the assault, his childhood friend threw herself in a lake and left him a cryptic letter to decode in order to learn their identities. There was also other talk of violence against women.
May 8, 2022
5+++ stars ⭐️
I am not the biggest fan of HRs and third pov so the fact that I enjoyed this speaks volumes! There was just something about this book which had me grinning, giggling and just wanting to read ahead. I’m so glad I gave it a go cause this was freaking amazing.
Thankyou to the amazing tee for this recommendation, I loved this book a lot!🤍🥰
“But tonight, when she smiled up at him, Nicolas felt like he was given the key to a secret kingdom—he only had to reach for her and everything he’d never known was missing from his life revealed itself. Through Maryann.”
I am not the biggest fan of HRs and third pov so the fact that I enjoyed this speaks volumes! There was just something about this book which had me grinning, giggling and just wanting to read ahead. I’m so glad I gave it a go cause this was freaking amazing.
Thankyou to the amazing tee for this recommendation, I loved this book a lot!🤍🥰
March 5, 2024
2.75
For a revenge story this wasn’t very exciting. Once again I'm the odd woman out when it comes to Stacy Reid. I don't think she's for me. Even though her couples have sweet moments, it takes a long while for me to warm up to them. In My Darling Duke I liked the couple but the slow staggered pacing and plot killed all the momentum for me. Here it was pacing, plot and couple that bored me silly.
The writing for me is what I struggled with the most. It tries so hard to be flowery and lyrical. The prose is so clunky and awkward. It just reads so dramatic and theatrical. Things just don't fit in naturally and reads almost as if someone took a thesaurus and stringed words together that sounds the most proper. Everyone is aghast, anguished, clutching their heart or near swooning in this book. The heroine in particular who is supposed to be made of stern stuff is always described as near swooning. The flat world building really doesn't help and made for some confusing moments that made no sense. With moving shadows and pockets of shadows and what not. If your character is stepping out of the dark just say it, don't make me have to guess at what is happening in a scene (the number of times this happened seriously aggravated me). You have your heroine covering her mouth with her hand to stop the hero from kissing her but she’s “peering through her fingers” to watch him. If a man is standing in the shadows to the point she can’t see his face then how is she seeing his lips curve in a smile? The hero is standing buck naked facing the heroine yet she's describing his firm glorious buttocks. How? Is she gumby? lol Stuff like that just kept taking me out of scenes. And I know a big part of the nit picking was probably because my brain wasn't fully engaged in the story. Or not.
I really think this needed a good editor cause stuff was not making sense or just read extremely weird. The grammar in this is not good and I get the feeling it's because Reid gets so caught up in making her prose sound so flowery and poetic but it doesn't translate well. Sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy when writing gets praised unanimously but I'm left floundering feeling like I got a bad copy. Or a different book altogether.
Am I nuts or does this writing make any sense?
The purple prose was also very purple:
It also didn't help that I wasn't a fan of the Black Dahlia plot in this. If there is anything I can't stand more is revenge for a childhood love who is dead. Or just spending so much mental power, angst and sworn loyalty over someone who is dead. Arianna's letter read like a bad Shakespeare sonnet and if I had to read a passage from it one more time I would scream. Arianna was 16 from a poor family however this girl seemed to write like she's Hamlet. I was so confused at the excessive dramatas:
The dragon? The wolf? The stag? Seriously? WHY ALL THE CODE TALK? Couldn't she just have described how they looked? Who even talks this way? Sorry, it drove me nuts. Given how hard our hero is brooding over this damn letter and what happened to her it got exhausting. What happened to Arianna is horrific but the way the author delivered it to make the story dark and steeped in mystery didn't work for me. This needed way more finesse for me to swallow.
I also felt Maryanne was very confusing for a heroine. She’s supposed to be this willful fearless wallflower who is tired of sitting on the sidelines and hates that her family makes decisions for her future. She goes so far as ruining her reputation to get out of a betrothal to a man 20 years her senior only to turn around and fold quickly by confessing to her parents what she did so they clean up her mess. Um.....ok. She even manages to get her parents to hold off on announcing her engagement after it's back on by giving her 3 months to figure out what she wants. So what does our heroine do with that 3 month reprieve? Absolutely nothing. Not a damn thing. You go to such great lengths to win your freedom then don’t do anything with the freedom you are given to figure yourself out and find your happiness? ....
I just didn’t get it. What's the point then? If our persistent hero didn't keep climbing into her bedroom window for weeks what would this story be exactly? Maryanne reading before bedtime? 😐 I was expecting her to be this hellion underneath the false bravado and those spectacles that Reid keeps reminding us is her “shield” to hide her true self. Unfortunately I didn’t really see her “true” self be discovered in this since it was pretty much the same thing throughout the book. The only fearless thing she does is talk politics. I just had trouble connecting with her. I also didn’t understand why someone so kind and hung up on propriety like Maryanne would hang with a circle of mean girls who would bully and spread false nasty rumors about others. Like....huh? It’s not like Maryanne was a bad girl trying to reform in this so I didn’t understand what Stacy Reid was trying to do with that odd backstory for her. If she was supposed to be the Lindsey Lohan to Rachel McAdam's vicious mean girl I did not see that either. The mean girl definitely lost in this but why were they ever friends to begin with?
I originally had wanted to try Ophelia's story and skip this one but now I'm not even sure if I will try Book 3 since I don't like being a masochist and I see it's childhood friends story so I think I'm just gonna call it and move on. Stacy Reid just isn't for me.
“If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, do we not revenge?”
For a revenge story this wasn’t very exciting. Once again I'm the odd woman out when it comes to Stacy Reid. I don't think she's for me. Even though her couples have sweet moments, it takes a long while for me to warm up to them. In My Darling Duke I liked the couple but the slow staggered pacing and plot killed all the momentum for me. Here it was pacing, plot and couple that bored me silly.
Maryann stared at him, the dichotomy of such aching wants and fear freezing her in place.
The writing for me is what I struggled with the most. It tries so hard to be flowery and lyrical. The prose is so clunky and awkward. It just reads so dramatic and theatrical. Things just don't fit in naturally and reads almost as if someone took a thesaurus and stringed words together that sounds the most proper. Everyone is aghast, anguished, clutching their heart or near swooning in this book. The heroine in particular who is supposed to be made of stern stuff is always described as near swooning. The flat world building really doesn't help and made for some confusing moments that made no sense. With moving shadows and pockets of shadows and what not. If your character is stepping out of the dark just say it, don't make me have to guess at what is happening in a scene (the number of times this happened seriously aggravated me). You have your heroine covering her mouth with her hand to stop the hero from kissing her but she’s “peering through her fingers” to watch him. If a man is standing in the shadows to the point she can’t see his face then how is she seeing his lips curve in a smile? The hero is standing buck naked facing the heroine yet she's describing his firm glorious buttocks. How? Is she gumby? lol Stuff like that just kept taking me out of scenes. And I know a big part of the nit picking was probably because my brain wasn't fully engaged in the story. Or not.
I really think this needed a good editor cause stuff was not making sense or just read extremely weird. The grammar in this is not good and I get the feeling it's because Reid gets so caught up in making her prose sound so flowery and poetic but it doesn't translate well. Sometimes I feel like I'm going crazy when writing gets praised unanimously but I'm left floundering feeling like I got a bad copy. Or a different book altogether.
Am I nuts or does this writing make any sense?
The ghost of Arianna whispered to Nicolas then as a line from the letter she had left behind, which was seared onto his memory, rose to the forefront.
The second time he spun her away and she twirled twice, sliding her feet across the parquet floor in the intricate and sensual moves to come back to him, this time he kissed her mouth.
He hoped he masked his admiration and so had delivered his cutting remark.
David had been shot, and himself lay on the floor bleeding.
Very slowly, the dancing shadows reached across the space between them and cupped her face.
The purple prose was also very purple:
She was scandalized and a little bit frightened by the primal sensations stirring violently to life. Violent delights have violent ends…
The memory of falling from the trellis into the marquess’s arms flowered through her.
One particularly caught his attention, and a dark satisfaction flowered through his gut.
Their dance blossomed into something sultry and decadent and so very naughty.
It also didn't help that I wasn't a fan of the Black Dahlia plot in this. If there is anything I can't stand more is revenge for a childhood love who is dead. Or just spending so much mental power, angst and sworn loyalty over someone who is dead. Arianna's letter read like a bad Shakespeare sonnet and if I had to read a passage from it one more time I would scream. Arianna was 16 from a poor family however this girl seemed to write like she's Hamlet. I was so confused at the excessive dramatas:
The stag with the lily in its mouth was the most brutal, for it was that one who taught me that fear and pain lie in a touch. A soothing caress on my forehead transforms to a savage squeeze of the jaw. The duality of tenderness and savagery will be impossible to erase from my heart, for I never dreamed they could belong to one.
The dragon wings spread wide, a rose of coronet upon its head…how merciless this dragon was, tempting me with chances of escape only to catch me again when I tasted freedom. The wolf…he was all of them, cruel, brutal, unholy, and savage, yet he was more, for in him once I found love. My tears are like endless rainfall.
The dragon? The wolf? The stag? Seriously? WHY ALL THE CODE TALK? Couldn't she just have described how they looked? Who even talks this way? Sorry, it drove me nuts. Given how hard our hero is brooding over this damn letter and what happened to her it got exhausting. What happened to Arianna is horrific but the way the author delivered it to make the story dark and steeped in mystery didn't work for me. This needed way more finesse for me to swallow.
I also felt Maryanne was very confusing for a heroine. She’s supposed to be this willful fearless wallflower who is tired of sitting on the sidelines and hates that her family makes decisions for her future. She goes so far as ruining her reputation to get out of a betrothal to a man 20 years her senior only to turn around and fold quickly by confessing to her parents what she did so they clean up her mess. Um.....ok. She even manages to get her parents to hold off on announcing her engagement after it's back on by giving her 3 months to figure out what she wants. So what does our heroine do with that 3 month reprieve? Absolutely nothing. Not a damn thing. You go to such great lengths to win your freedom then don’t do anything with the freedom you are given to figure yourself out and find your happiness? ....
I just didn’t get it. What's the point then? If our persistent hero didn't keep climbing into her bedroom window for weeks what would this story be exactly? Maryanne reading before bedtime? 😐 I was expecting her to be this hellion underneath the false bravado and those spectacles that Reid keeps reminding us is her “shield” to hide her true self. Unfortunately I didn’t really see her “true” self be discovered in this since it was pretty much the same thing throughout the book. The only fearless thing she does is talk politics. I just had trouble connecting with her. I also didn’t understand why someone so kind and hung up on propriety like Maryanne would hang with a circle of mean girls who would bully and spread false nasty rumors about others. Like....huh? It’s not like Maryanne was a bad girl trying to reform in this so I didn’t understand what Stacy Reid was trying to do with that odd backstory for her. If she was supposed to be the Lindsey Lohan to Rachel McAdam's vicious mean girl I did not see that either. The mean girl definitely lost in this but why were they ever friends to begin with?
I originally had wanted to try Ophelia's story and skip this one but now I'm not even sure if I will try Book 3 since I don't like being a masochist and I see it's childhood friends story so I think I'm just gonna call it and move on. Stacy Reid just isn't for me.
December 5, 2021
❝How positively astonishing. I do not believe you are afraid,❞ he murmured provocatively.
❝Is that what you expected? Hysteria?❞
❝At least a swoon and a mild attack of vapors,❞ he said with a soft yet icy bite. ❝But here I am facing a raccoon instead of a timid mouse.❞
Not me swooning every time Nicolas called Maryann a raccoon ✋😭
For real though, historical romances always have me swooning over the most mundane things. Case in point —
• Nicolas calling Maryann a raccoon — swoon.
• Maryann and Nicolas playing cards — swoon.
• Nicolas threatening to kill other men on Maryann's behalf (but in the most gentlemanly way possible) — swoon.
• Nicolas going down on Maryann in a conservatory — double swoon.
• Nicolas falling asleep in Maryann's bed while she reads to him — swoon.
• Nicolas touching Maryann without a glove on — triple swoon.
• Nicolas being a true feminist king in eighteen-something-or-other — confused swoon.
• Maryann choosing to dance the waltz with Nicolas in front of the ton — happy sigh (and swoon).
Honestly, the entire romance between Nicolas and Maryann worked for me. Mainly, I LOVED how devoted they were to each other. From their first meeting I got this sense that they were both so enamored with the other.
❝You are not what I expected.❞
❝Oh, what did you anticipate?❞
❝A mouse. But instead I found a lioness.❞
More often than not, in historical romances it always seems as though the rake sort of railroads over the wallflower. The wallflower pines while the rake is all roughish and stuff. Not the case with our rake (Nicolas) and wallflower (Maryann). In this one, Nicolas takes one look at Maryann and low-key/high-key knows she's it for him, and ditto for Maryann.
❝Ah, so sneaking into my rooms was really because you missed my company.❞
His eyes darkened. ❝I am beginning to suspect myself. How astonishing, hmm? The rake and the wallflower.❞
— not him causally saying he missed her ✋😭
I also really liked the set up for the romance. Maryann weaponizes Nicolas' reputation for herself. She needs to be ruined and when a rumor involving Nicolas begins to spread, she pounces. Nicolas (and I) greatly admires her ingenuity and begins a sort of courtship//friendship//fascination with Maryann. Hence him climbing into her windows.
❝How long have you been awake?❞
❝Since I last saw you.❞
❝I will allow you three hours of sleep.❞
Now he faltered into stillness. ❝Here?❞
❝Yes.❞
❝Living dangerously, I see,❞ he drawled teasingly but tumbled into the bed. ❝I might need a bedtime story.❞ The marquess patted the mattress beside him. ❝I will not object if you wish to sleep as well.❞
In short, I adored the way Stacy Reid handled the romance. It was a true slow-burn, with Nicolas and Maryann truly respecting, loving, trusting and admiring the other. The swoon was real with this one, you guys.
❝I wanted no past between us when I take you.❞ Her entire body vibrated with the awareness of him.
❝Take me?❞
❝Yes.❞
❝Take me where?❞
Silence…such wicked silence. ❝The instant I touch you, you’ll know.❞
Now, where thing fell a bit flat for me was … duh. duh. the plot. See, there are two underlying plot threads happening. In the one corner, we have Maryann seeking ruination in an attempt to stop the marriage between her, and this dusty ass duke. Personally, I liked this plot point a lot. We really got to see Maryann take her fate in her own hands. She, above anyone else, fought for her independence and happiness.
❝For the right gentleman, I would happily relinquish my independence—for he would not cage me, would he? He would want to see me fly. And if I should overreach in my recklessness, the right man would catch me.❞
In the left corner we have Nicolas, he's seeking revenge for his childhood love.
❝❛If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, do we not revenge?❜❞
— not my immature ass thinking of Inigo Montoya every time someone mentioned revenge 🙈
Which look. I am a bloodthirsty bitch so I appreciate when my hero or heroine is on the hunt to get that sweet sweet revenge. Like, I love me some torture, maiming, and financial ruin. Give it to me.
That being said, my main requirement for a revenge storyline is investment. I need to be invested in the motive behind the revenge, and sadly … I just wasn't.
— cue me hiding in the corner like 🥸
Nicolas' entire world revolved around getting revenge on the men who his childhood love, Arianna. Don't get me wrong, I was rooting for Nicolas to pulverize those assholes, but … I don't know. I never felt a connection to Arianna. For one thing, And because she off screen somewhere my investment in Nicolas' one man revenge tour was very middling.
Nicolas: ❝If they prick us, do we not bleed? If they wrong us, do we not revenge?❞
Me: u got this, boo 👏😌
Also, while we're on the subject let us talk about the ending. Umm, wtf was that? I really feel like someone somewhere said …
Random Person: hey Stacy, you gonna end HWM with a bang?
Stacy Reid: *takes that shit to heart* game on, bitches.
Cause wow. We had, a ninth hour mini-breakup, a "big reveal," revenge shenanigans, a duel, a tiny hostage situation, a marriage, all the sexy times, and a slight set up for the next book. It was just, a lot.
❝Lady Maryann is the woman I love with every fucking emotion in my soul. Can you comprehend, you fool, what I will do to you should you harm a hair on her head?❞
— that said, i still swooned when he threatened said gunman 🤷♀️
Ultimately, I think where HWM really shined was in its romance (and main characters). When the focus was on Nicolas and Maryann I was happy. Truly, I loved everything about MaryannNicolas, both individually and together. Cause Nicolas was a fucking bad-boy who would not HESITATE to cut a bitch on Maryann's behalf. Meanwhile, Maryann is in the corner cheering him on and being just as ruthless, albeit in a classy af sort of way.
❝I shall return home in a few hours. If it will relieve your worry, I do not intend to walk up to his home and knock. I will break in very discreetly.❞
So yeah. If you made it this far then to you I say, thank you, and also, go read the book. It is TOTALLY worth it. Nicolas is swoon-worthy to the highest degree, Maryann is take-charge heroine, and the historical setting adds to the romance of it all. HWM was my first Stacy Reid book but it will most certainly not be my last.
[ 𝟰.𝟮𝟱 / 𝟱 ★]
.
.
.
.
.
❝Do you have a wig?❞
She paused. ❝No.❞
❝We must cover your hair. It is incredibly unique.❞
She laughed softly. ❝You are the only person who does not think my hair brown.❞
— ngl, this whole quote hit me -with my boring as hell brown hair- straight in the feels 🥲
August 1, 2022
5 stars ☆
❝It is you…you who saw me… Since that first night you climbed up into my room, I can forever feel your gaze upon me. You saw.❞
I love this quote and the scene for so many reasons. one because that's when he kissed her for the first time, like at 66% of the book. two because the kiss was so worth waiting for, they kept teasing the hell out of me. three because he was so soft and gentle with her, and my poor heart couldn't handle it.
“You are dangerous.” This man was a threat to her virtue, her sensibilities, and her heart.
“Never to you,” he reassured, sounding earnest and bemused in the same breath. “Everyone else but you.”
❛ 𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐓. 𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 ❜
dreamy sigh. nicolas is the best and the hottest historical hero I have ever read and discovered. I wasn't even 30 pages in, and he was already engrossed with her only because she smiled at him, and he knew right there, and then he would never forget her smile and her. I'm still in my feelings, so just thinking about it makes me want to ugly sob and his 'raccoon' nickname for her was so darn cute. 🥺
⊹ song: only you by pvris.
❛ 𝐋𝐀𝐃𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐍 ❜
she's bold, sassy, and totally unique. never once did she get on my nerves or piss me off. I liked her from the very first chapter when she poured—or rather "her brother" poured it for her because she was too afraid to do it herself—a bucket full of snakes and other insects in lady sophie's ballroom. 😂 she deserved it, not going to lie.
“Ah, so sneaking into my rooms was really because you missed my company.” His eyes darkened.
“I am beginning to suspect myself. How astonishing, hmm? The rake and the wallflower.”
❛ 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐒 ❜
✦ they drew swords at each other when he sneaked into her bedchamber for the first time. does it not remind you of mr & mrs smith?
✦ nicolas borrows her books and likes to read romance books <3
✦ I love the chemistry, banter, and passion between them, and don't get me started on the slow burn I—
✦ chapter 12 brought someone to his knees.
✦ he visits her every night. my favorite visit is three and four. three is when he brings a card pack with him and invites her to play piquet. four is when she notices the exhaustion in his eyes and allows him to sleep for a few hours on her bed and reads him a bedtime story when he says he might need one to fall asleep. why am I still single?
✦ chapter 16! chapter 16! chapter 16! 💃🏻
✦ there was another visit where they played charades with just the two of them, and she couldn't guess what he was acting—I couldn't either—so she gave up and asked him. It was a volcano. It's not funny when you have to explain it, but trust me, the scene + the way he acted like a volcano was hilarious!
✦ I skipped first-period math class because this quote made me ugly sob at 7 am and made me go through a breakdown.
She squeezed him even tighter. “My heart is laid upon the ground. Please do not step on it,” she whispered achingly. He gripped her hands encircling his waist and pried them away.
A part of her expected him to turn then and give her an answer, and she tried to brace her heart for his rejection. But Nicolas did neither. He simply continued walking away and toward the exit of the gambling den.” hello 112, I would like to report a broken heart 😭
❝It is you…you who saw me… Since that first night you climbed up into my room, I can forever feel your gaze upon me. You saw.❞
I love this quote and the scene for so many reasons. one because that's when he kissed her for the first time, like at 66% of the book. two because the kiss was so worth waiting for, they kept teasing the hell out of me. three because he was so soft and gentle with her, and my poor heart couldn't handle it.
“You are dangerous.” This man was a threat to her virtue, her sensibilities, and her heart.
“Never to you,” he reassured, sounding earnest and bemused in the same breath. “Everyone else but you.”
❛ 𝐋𝐎𝐑𝐃 𝐍𝐈𝐂𝐎𝐋𝐀𝐒 𝐒𝐓. 𝐈𝐕𝐄𝐒 ❜
dreamy sigh. nicolas is the best and the hottest historical hero I have ever read and discovered. I wasn't even 30 pages in, and he was already engrossed with her only because she smiled at him, and he knew right there, and then he would never forget her smile and her. I'm still in my feelings, so just thinking about it makes me want to ugly sob and his 'raccoon' nickname for her was so darn cute. 🥺
⊹ song: only you by pvris.
❛ 𝐋𝐀𝐃𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐍 ❜
she's bold, sassy, and totally unique. never once did she get on my nerves or piss me off. I liked her from the very first chapter when she poured—or rather "her brother" poured it for her because she was too afraid to do it herself—a bucket full of snakes and other insects in lady sophie's ballroom. 😂 she deserved it, not going to lie.
“Ah, so sneaking into my rooms was really because you missed my company.” His eyes darkened.
“I am beginning to suspect myself. How astonishing, hmm? The rake and the wallflower.”
❛ 𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐒 ❜
✦ they drew swords at each other when he sneaked into her bedchamber for the first time. does it not remind you of mr & mrs smith?
✦ nicolas borrows her books and likes to read romance books <3
✦ I love the chemistry, banter, and passion between them, and don't get me started on the slow burn I—
✦ chapter 12 brought someone to his knees.
✦ he visits her every night. my favorite visit is three and four. three is when he brings a card pack with him and invites her to play piquet. four is when she notices the exhaustion in his eyes and allows him to sleep for a few hours on her bed and reads him a bedtime story when he says he might need one to fall asleep. why am I still single?
✦ chapter 16! chapter 16! chapter 16! 💃🏻
✦ there was another visit where they played charades with just the two of them, and she couldn't guess what he was acting—I couldn't either—so she gave up and asked him. It was a volcano. It's not funny when you have to explain it, but trust me, the scene + the way he acted like a volcano was hilarious!
✦ I skipped first-period math class because this quote made me ugly sob at 7 am and made me go through a breakdown.
She squeezed him even tighter. “My heart is laid upon the ground. Please do not step on it,” she whispered achingly. He gripped her hands encircling his waist and pried them away.
A part of her expected him to turn then and give her an answer, and she tried to brace her heart for his rejection. But Nicolas did neither. He simply continued walking away and toward the exit of the gambling den.” hello 112, I would like to report a broken heart 😭
February 21, 2021
SERIES: Sinful Wallflowers #2 ( it can be read as standalone)
GENRE: historical romance
TROPES: slow burn, friends to lovers
TRIGGER WARNING:
CLIFFHANGER: no
HOTTIE METER: 4🌡
RATING: 5 ⭐
this is an amazing book!!
April 20, 2023
2 Stars
I re-read this before starting A Scoundrel of Her Own, and I maintain my previous rating. It hurts me to rate a Stacy Reid book so low because she is a five-star author, always.
Major spoilers ahead, and I am not adding the spoiler tag as it might take away from the review, so please read at your discretion.
Ah, morally complicated plots invite a lot of speculation for multiple reasons. One, because I am an overthinker. Two, because these plots put a pall on the romance. Three, if the main characters are involved in moral subjectivity, it becomes complicated to rate the story. Four, if the plot is not handled appropriately or resolved to satisfaction, the intensity takes away from the provided HEA. Unfortunately, this story had all four.
Nicholas's need for revenge on Arianna's rapists I not only understand, but I am wholeheartedly on board with. This revenge plan does not technically interfere with the romance until it does. We descend into chaos when the possibility of Crispin being the fifth perpetrator in the heinous crime is confirmed, and Maryanne, the staunch supporter of Nicholas, becomes a hypocrite.
Statements like -
"But he is my brother..."
"There must have been some misunderstanding..."
"But he was only seventeen at the time..."
"Nicolas, please don't hurt him..."
"You said I never have to fear you hurting me, and by threatening my brother, you are hurting me..."
"Allowances for youth should be made..."
- started popping up...
Here is the moral dilemma, Crispin was not one of the rapists, but neither did he stop the others. He was seventeen. It was four against one. He stopped being friends with the others. He saved Arianna and set her up with a quiet, peaceful life. He loves her. He lives with the guilt. But Maryanne does not know any of this when she is begging Nicholas to abandon his decade-long revenge. And the worst part is Nicolas lets Crispin be, all for Maryanne. How is that romantic?
So, knowing this, who do you support?
- Does the quest for justice stop at the woman you love?
- Do you abandon the sense of pride and female solidarity when it comes to your brother?
- Does this complicated drama have any place in a feel-good romance?
Highlights...
- Ms Reid's amazingly engaging writing.
- The sheer beauty that was Nicholas's character.
- The insta-connect romance.
- Maryanne, hypocrisy aside, was willing to set herself aside to let Arianna and Nicolas be together.
- Racoon, as a term of endearment.
Lowlights...
- Exceedingly complicated things are stuffed in the final 10% of the story with convenient resolutions.
- A few loose threads about Lady Sophie, Lord Stamford, and Lord Talbot.
- A lot of thinking, cyclical, pointless inner musings. Boring.
- Shockingly little wickedness considering the title.
- The abruptness of the revenge scheme ending.
- No conversation was shown between Nicolas & Arianna (it would have been quite poignant).
- Somehow, after all of this, Nicolas was the one to apologise, declare himself, and let go of all that defined him.
*I am struggling with my precise feelings about this. There is a riot of complexity churning in my brain that is refusing to take the form of coherent sentences. Bottom line - I loved Nicolas, I am on the fence about the plot, I am leaning more towards irritation with Maryanna, and I cannot shake the feeling that something was missing in this ironically long story.
I re-read this before starting A Scoundrel of Her Own, and I maintain my previous rating. It hurts me to rate a Stacy Reid book so low because she is a five-star author, always.
Major spoilers ahead, and I am not adding the spoiler tag as it might take away from the review, so please read at your discretion.
Ah, morally complicated plots invite a lot of speculation for multiple reasons. One, because I am an overthinker. Two, because these plots put a pall on the romance. Three, if the main characters are involved in moral subjectivity, it becomes complicated to rate the story. Four, if the plot is not handled appropriately or resolved to satisfaction, the intensity takes away from the provided HEA. Unfortunately, this story had all four.
Nicholas's need for revenge on Arianna's rapists I not only understand, but I am wholeheartedly on board with. This revenge plan does not technically interfere with the romance until it does. We descend into chaos when the possibility of Crispin being the fifth perpetrator in the heinous crime is confirmed, and Maryanne, the staunch supporter of Nicholas, becomes a hypocrite.
Statements like -
"But he is my brother..."
"There must have been some misunderstanding..."
"But he was only seventeen at the time..."
"Nicolas, please don't hurt him..."
"You said I never have to fear you hurting me, and by threatening my brother, you are hurting me..."
"Allowances for youth should be made..."
- started popping up...
Here is the moral dilemma, Crispin was not one of the rapists, but neither did he stop the others. He was seventeen. It was four against one. He stopped being friends with the others. He saved Arianna and set her up with a quiet, peaceful life. He loves her. He lives with the guilt. But Maryanne does not know any of this when she is begging Nicholas to abandon his decade-long revenge. And the worst part is Nicolas lets Crispin be, all for Maryanne. How is that romantic?
So, knowing this, who do you support?
- Does the quest for justice stop at the woman you love?
- Do you abandon the sense of pride and female solidarity when it comes to your brother?
- Does this complicated drama have any place in a feel-good romance?
Highlights...
- Ms Reid's amazingly engaging writing.
- The sheer beauty that was Nicholas's character.
- The insta-connect romance.
- Maryanne, hypocrisy aside, was willing to set herself aside to let Arianna and Nicolas be together.
- Racoon, as a term of endearment.
Lowlights...
- Exceedingly complicated things are stuffed in the final 10% of the story with convenient resolutions.
- A few loose threads about Lady Sophie, Lord Stamford, and Lord Talbot.
- A lot of thinking, cyclical, pointless inner musings. Boring.
- Shockingly little wickedness considering the title.
- The abruptness of the revenge scheme ending.
- No conversation was shown between Nicolas & Arianna (it would have been quite poignant).
- Somehow, after all of this, Nicolas was the one to apologise, declare himself, and let go of all that defined him.
*I am struggling with my precise feelings about this. There is a riot of complexity churning in my brain that is refusing to take the form of coherent sentences. Bottom line - I loved Nicolas, I am on the fence about the plot, I am leaning more towards irritation with Maryanna, and I cannot shake the feeling that something was missing in this ironically long story.
January 11, 2021
This was my first time trying a book by Stacy Reid, and I absolutely loved it! Her Wicked Marquess is a slow burn, steamy historical with a smart heroine, a layered hero, a good dose of angst, and a lot to say about power dynamics, sexual assault, rape culture, and the marginalized. This is the sort of book that can be read on multiple levels and I found it to be equally stirring romance against all odds and powerful commentary on the treatment of women's bodies (especially marginalized women) and the insidious nature of male privilege.
Maryann is a bookish wallflower nearing spinsterhood with too many opinions for the men of the ton. She is now being pushed into an arranged marriage with a man who is not only twice her age, but also has unsettling proclivities. Nicholas is a notorious rake, known for seducing ladies and partying. But underneath the surface, he is playing the long game seeking vigilante justice for a woman he loved who was raped by a group of high-born men before committing suicide. Maryann hopes the appearance of ruination will aid her in escaping from this marriage and the Marquess seems the perfect candidate to aid in her plans.
This book gets quite intense as you might expect, but I really loved it. It's smart and powerful, not to mention I loved the developing romance with a broken hero who isn't sure he's worthy of love. I expected to enjoy this, but I didn't expect to be so impressed with what Stacy Reid is doing here. Highly recommend if those themes appeal to you and I hope to read more from this author in the future. I received a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
Maryann is a bookish wallflower nearing spinsterhood with too many opinions for the men of the ton. She is now being pushed into an arranged marriage with a man who is not only twice her age, but also has unsettling proclivities. Nicholas is a notorious rake, known for seducing ladies and partying. But underneath the surface, he is playing the long game seeking vigilante justice for a woman he loved who was raped by a group of high-born men before committing suicide. Maryann hopes the appearance of ruination will aid her in escaping from this marriage and the Marquess seems the perfect candidate to aid in her plans.
This book gets quite intense as you might expect, but I really loved it. It's smart and powerful, not to mention I loved the developing romance with a broken hero who isn't sure he's worthy of love. I expected to enjoy this, but I didn't expect to be so impressed with what Stacy Reid is doing here. Highly recommend if those themes appeal to you and I hope to read more from this author in the future. I received a copy of this book for review. All opinions are my own.
September 14, 2021
Rating 3.4
The hero in this book was exceptional. I absolutely loved his alpha character.
The heroine was okay. I never was fully engaged with her character.
Storyline had possibility but felt it wasn't executed to it's full potential. It was somewhat confusing where this was heading and what it was about at times. And the hero's revenge on a youthful love bothered me as well. And you just new who the last person was he was going to exact revenge on.
The ending was a little over the top.
And again my pet peeves (which is becoming a norm now days unfortunately) is this had way too much of a modern contemporary feel. Action, words and view points of modernism.
I will say the angst, chemistry and sexual tension in this was off the charts. And the hero was the best part of this book.
The hero in this book was exceptional. I absolutely loved his alpha character.
The heroine was okay. I never was fully engaged with her character.
Storyline had possibility but felt it wasn't executed to it's full potential. It was somewhat confusing where this was heading and what it was about at times. And the hero's revenge on a youthful love bothered me as well. And you just new who the last person was he was going to exact revenge on.
The ending was a little over the top.
And again my pet peeves (which is becoming a norm now days unfortunately) is this had way too much of a modern contemporary feel. Action, words and view points of modernism.
I will say the angst, chemistry and sexual tension in this was off the charts. And the hero was the best part of this book.
February 3, 2022
The fucking heat I couldn't DEAL!! ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥 I want a stalker to get up to my room! 😍😍
Stacy Read is doing it so well with this series, this is the second one, but all the female characters are strong and want to make decisions in their life and won't let anyone bother them, even if they have to be wicked.
And in here Maryann was really wicked with her Marquess, the story of them both was so passionate and dangerous I loved every minute of it. Also, I was pleasantly surprised with the sex scenes, on the first one there wasn't this kind of heat and let me tell you, Stacy can get it!!
Loved it, can't wait to read the next one. I want all the wallflowers to show the world!! 🤯❤️🔥❤️🔥
Stacy Read is doing it so well with this series, this is the second one, but all the female characters are strong and want to make decisions in their life and won't let anyone bother them, even if they have to be wicked.
And in here Maryann was really wicked with her Marquess, the story of them both was so passionate and dangerous I loved every minute of it. Also, I was pleasantly surprised with the sex scenes, on the first one there wasn't this kind of heat and let me tell you, Stacy can get it!!
Loved it, can't wait to read the next one. I want all the wallflowers to show the world!! 🤯❤️🔥❤️🔥
December 14, 2020
Oh my god! That ending!! Tears and smiles.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I don’t know what it was about this book but Reid really touched me with this story. The characters were amazing and the story was so completely unique.
Nicolas was tough and not well-liked. He was on a mission that was ruthless and punishing. He was violent on one hand but with Maryanne, he was tender, sensual, and protective as hell. Heck, I was falling for him myself.
Maryann, while called a wallflower, she was anything but. She was smart, witty, and loved him with her whole heart. But she was supposed to marry another.
I love the way Reid tells the story. This is no ordinary historical romance. It’s an intimate connection that is on fire. Starting with a slow burn, she builds up the heat, page by page. The emotion packs a punch and several times my eyes were misty and my heart was breaking too.
This is more than a romance novel. This is a love story that gives you all the feels right along with the characters. The highs and the lows leading to an amazing climax to the story that catches you completely off guard. And the ending is simply perfect. It still makes me smile just thinking about it.
The story was more than I was hoping for and the author absolutely gave it her all. This book isn’t just for historical romance readers. It’s for anyone that loves a true love story. Reid is a masterful storyteller who just shouldn’t be missed!
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/her-wicked-m...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I don’t know what it was about this book but Reid really touched me with this story. The characters were amazing and the story was so completely unique.
Nicolas was tough and not well-liked. He was on a mission that was ruthless and punishing. He was violent on one hand but with Maryanne, he was tender, sensual, and protective as hell. Heck, I was falling for him myself.
Maryann, while called a wallflower, she was anything but. She was smart, witty, and loved him with her whole heart. But she was supposed to marry another.
I love the way Reid tells the story. This is no ordinary historical romance. It’s an intimate connection that is on fire. Starting with a slow burn, she builds up the heat, page by page. The emotion packs a punch and several times my eyes were misty and my heart was breaking too.
This is more than a romance novel. This is a love story that gives you all the feels right along with the characters. The highs and the lows leading to an amazing climax to the story that catches you completely off guard. And the ending is simply perfect. It still makes me smile just thinking about it.
The story was more than I was hoping for and the author absolutely gave it her all. This book isn’t just for historical romance readers. It’s for anyone that loves a true love story. Reid is a masterful storyteller who just shouldn’t be missed!
* copy received for review consideration
Full Review - https://amidlifewife.com/her-wicked-m...
April 25, 2022
Audiobook warning: The narrator is awful! Do not waste your money purchasing it like I did! 😡🤬
After ditching the audiobook, I read the remainder of the ebook. I couldn’t truly enjoy the second half of this book because I was anxious about the revenge plot line and if Maryann or Rothbury was going to end up injured by an enemy or betrayed by someone dear to them.
Now that the suspense is gone, I’m positive I will enjoy the book when I reread it some day. These two spend so much time together in her bedroom (not in a sexual way). I love their meet cute and their first encounter in her bedroom.
The transition from one scene to a new one is a little choppy & confusing at times. It takes a moment and some rereading to comprehend what just occurred in a particular scene.
After ditching the audiobook, I read the remainder of the ebook. I couldn’t truly enjoy the second half of this book because I was anxious about the revenge plot line and if Maryann or Rothbury was going to end up injured by an enemy or betrayed by someone dear to them.
Now that the suspense is gone, I’m positive I will enjoy the book when I reread it some day. These two spend so much time together in her bedroom (not in a sexual way). I love their meet cute and their first encounter in her bedroom.
The transition from one scene to a new one is a little choppy & confusing at times. It takes a moment and some rereading to comprehend what just occurred in a particular scene.
July 3, 2021
Her Wicked Marquess was an intricate tale filled with seduction and so much more than meets the eye. By that first chapter, I was already obsessed and knew that this book was going to be an instant favorite. The story brimmed with irresistible banter, charm, humor, romance and was so easy to devour. If you love historical romance, then you definitely need to add this one to your tbr!
It was the most fabulous of meet cutes. And from there, the games they played with one another was beyond addicting. Maryann needed to use Nicolas' name to get out of an engagement. But what she didn't realize was that by doing so, she linked their fates together. And once Nicolas truly saw Maryann, there was no walking away from her. With a woman wanting the freedom to love who she desired and a man set on a path of revenge and redemption, I couldn't put this book down!
I loved Lady Maryann Eleanor Fitzwilliam! She was smart, witty and had no problem using her voice. I loved how she was diplomatic but also willing to take risks, I was mesmerized with how her mind worked! She was to be married to a man who was her father's age, and I felt her suffocation for not having control over her own life. So when she came up with the most fabulous of plans, I was clapping my hands! I loved that she wanted to ruin her name, so her intended wouldn't want her anymore. And that's where Nicolas Charles St. Ives, Marquess of Rothbury, came into the picture.
I was obsessed with Nicolas, he was protective, defended others honor and laid his cards on the table for those he cared about. There was a complexity and darkness to him that enamored me. So as we were given clues to his past, and witnessed how it affected his present, he easily captivated me. But in the beginning, I loved seeing his reaction to Maryann spinning her lies about the two of them. It was all so hilarious! He couldn't help but be intrigued by her and I loved how he saw the truths of what was going on around him. The man was wickedly smart as he was seductive. And when he set his sights on something, he went for it.
When Nicolas and Maryann were together, their antics were entertaining, and the sexual tension between them was scorching hot. It was impossible not to be giddy when they were near each other. Especially since neither of them was what the other expected. And it added to the depth of them getting to know each other. As we got further into the story, the descriptive scenes were sinfully seductive *fans face*.
Her Wicked Marquees was exquisitely seductive and laugh out loud hilarious. From the main characters that I loved with all my heart, to the story that was rich and vivid, to the well-crafted side characters, I loved this book! And even that ending, it was absolutely perfect! The epilogue had such a beautiful HEA, and even included two other characters which made my heart so happy! I probably highlighted over half of this book, that's how obsessed I was lol. Now I can't wait to read more from Stacy Reid!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
For more of my reviews, please visit:
She stepped back, and his finger slipped from her chin. Thank heavens. His touch felt… like strokes of flames over her skin, yet it also felt right. It might take her the rest of her life to figure out why she would ever think such a silly thing.
It was the most fabulous of meet cutes. And from there, the games they played with one another was beyond addicting. Maryann needed to use Nicolas' name to get out of an engagement. But what she didn't realize was that by doing so, she linked their fates together. And once Nicolas truly saw Maryann, there was no walking away from her. With a woman wanting the freedom to love who she desired and a man set on a path of revenge and redemption, I couldn't put this book down!
“I thought you were a blazing star that no gentleman has any notion what to do with.”
“Yes, the buffoons,” she murmured, startled at how provocative she sounded.
That finger gently trailed from her nose down to rest against her lips. “I know what to do with every inch of you, Lady Maryann.”
I loved Lady Maryann Eleanor Fitzwilliam! She was smart, witty and had no problem using her voice. I loved how she was diplomatic but also willing to take risks, I was mesmerized with how her mind worked! She was to be married to a man who was her father's age, and I felt her suffocation for not having control over her own life. So when she came up with the most fabulous of plans, I was clapping my hands! I loved that she wanted to ruin her name, so her intended wouldn't want her anymore. And that's where Nicolas Charles St. Ives, Marquess of Rothbury, came into the picture.
His kiss destroyed her.
It was unexpected, it was so soft, it was unbelievably tender, and scandalously perfect, for it was just a mere meeting of their mouths, but it felt like everything.
I was obsessed with Nicolas, he was protective, defended others honor and laid his cards on the table for those he cared about. There was a complexity and darkness to him that enamored me. So as we were given clues to his past, and witnessed how it affected his present, he easily captivated me. But in the beginning, I loved seeing his reaction to Maryann spinning her lies about the two of them. It was all so hilarious! He couldn't help but be intrigued by her and I loved how he saw the truths of what was going on around him. The man was wickedly smart as he was seductive. And when he set his sights on something, he went for it.
Kiss me , she silently implored.
When he made no move, it was her turn to lean in and bite his lower lip. The raindrops on his mouth settled onto her tongue, and with it a taste of dark fire and whiskey.
When Nicolas and Maryann were together, their antics were entertaining, and the sexual tension between them was scorching hot. It was impossible not to be giddy when they were near each other. Especially since neither of them was what the other expected. And it added to the depth of them getting to know each other. As we got further into the story, the descriptive scenes were sinfully seductive *fans face*.
He wanted her, more than he’d ever wanted another soul.
Her Wicked Marquees was exquisitely seductive and laugh out loud hilarious. From the main characters that I loved with all my heart, to the story that was rich and vivid, to the well-crafted side characters, I loved this book! And even that ending, it was absolutely perfect! The epilogue had such a beautiful HEA, and even included two other characters which made my heart so happy! I probably highlighted over half of this book, that's how obsessed I was lol. Now I can't wait to read more from Stacy Reid!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
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April 30, 2024
I have really enjoyed the first two books in this series. Now I need to read the next!
November 28, 2020
3.5 stars
I was borderline obsessed with the previous book in this series and it sort of breaks my heart to rate this one so low.
I love love loved Maryann and Nicolas. She’s feisty and smart and he’s charming and maybe a bit lost. Together they have loads of chemistry, curiosity, and cute moments. There were a good amount of characters here, but everyone stays on the superficial side. I will say I was hoping for a Kitty cameo, but it didn’t happen.
Plot wise, it was good and not so good for me. I was loving all of the scenes with Maryann and Nicolas. I loved that he snuck into her room for conversation and chess and that he taught her to pick locks. The honesty between them was refreshing and Nicolas losing his mind over Maryann’s protection was perfection.
My main problem with this book is that Nicolas is on a journey of revenge (which I’m absolutely here for) on behalf of a childhood friend who was gang raped and abused. The acts were not described in detail, but constantly mentioned in flashbacks, inner monologues, and conversation and it took a lot of enjoyment away for me.
Overall, it was the characters who kept me captivated and a love for Stacy Reid that kept me reading. However, had I known it focused so heavily on this topic, I’m not sure I would have requested it.
FYI: talks of rape, physical violence against women
**Huge thanks to Entangled for providing the arc free of charge**
I was borderline obsessed with the previous book in this series and it sort of breaks my heart to rate this one so low.
I love love loved Maryann and Nicolas. She’s feisty and smart and he’s charming and maybe a bit lost. Together they have loads of chemistry, curiosity, and cute moments. There were a good amount of characters here, but everyone stays on the superficial side. I will say I was hoping for a Kitty cameo, but it didn’t happen.
Plot wise, it was good and not so good for me. I was loving all of the scenes with Maryann and Nicolas. I loved that he snuck into her room for conversation and chess and that he taught her to pick locks. The honesty between them was refreshing and Nicolas losing his mind over Maryann’s protection was perfection.
My main problem with this book is that Nicolas is on a journey of revenge (which I’m absolutely here for) on behalf of a childhood friend who was gang raped and abused. The acts were not described in detail, but constantly mentioned in flashbacks, inner monologues, and conversation and it took a lot of enjoyment away for me.
Overall, it was the characters who kept me captivated and a love for Stacy Reid that kept me reading. However, had I known it focused so heavily on this topic, I’m not sure I would have requested it.
FYI: talks of rape, physical violence against women
**Huge thanks to Entangled for providing the arc free of charge**
January 8, 2021
Stacy Reid is a favorite author of mine but I'm still unsure on how I feel about Her Wicked Marquess. My attention was not held and the story did not seem to really get going until the 40% mark. I also thought this was an odd follow up to My Darling Duke, it was much darker and didn't seem to quite fit in with what I thought this series would be like.
The heroine was underdeveloped and inconsistent, it made it difficult for me to get connect with her. Maryann fell flat. Nicolas, on the other hand was perfect, his pursuit of Maryann and conviction to bring justice to those who wrong a previous love was written flawlessly. The sex scenes in this were HOT! While not a complete disappointment it is far from a favorite or reread.
Just a minor complaint, I hate when a cover does not match the author's description of a character: The cover model is blonde however in the book "His raven hair was
impeccably styled, curling softly at his nape."
TW:
The heroine was underdeveloped and inconsistent, it made it difficult for me to get connect with her. Maryann fell flat. Nicolas, on the other hand was perfect, his pursuit of Maryann and conviction to bring justice to those who wrong a previous love was written flawlessly. The sex scenes in this were HOT! While not a complete disappointment it is far from a favorite or reread.
Just a minor complaint, I hate when a cover does not match the author's description of a character: The cover model is blonde however in the book "His raven hair was
impeccably styled, curling softly at his nape."
TW:
October 14, 2022
4.75
Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2022/...
Me ha encantado♥
En el fondo es la clásica historia de venganza, con un hombre que no es lo que parece y que tantas veces hemos leído al libertino disfrazado que topa con una joven independiente y decidida a no seguir los deseos de sus padres porque desde joven le han inculcado la independencia... hasta cierto punto
No diré que la relación entre ambos fluye mediante ciertas escenas controvertidas ya que, por muy decoroso (eso me ha encantado) que resulte todo, no podía ser todo tan fácil ¿o sí? visitando algunas de aquellas mansiones, ¿quién sabe?
Ambos me han gustado mucho,. Ella es divertida, no es perfecta, arrojada, independiente y decidida y, a veces, también, muy inocente y demasiado temeraria
Él es un encanto, con una meta firme, está decidido a todo para lograrla, pero, al mismo tiempo, es un hombre adelantado a sus tiempos en cuanto a gustos e ideas
Me ha gustado que él la encontrara guapa tal como es! y la relación tan divertida que mantienen que hace que su relación fluya de forma paulatina
Unos giros buenísimos y el último me ha tomado totalmente descolocada... quizás al final me hubiera gustado que las escenas fueran un poco más largas
Pero no se puede tener todo
Reseña completa: https://masromance.blogspot.com/2022/...
Me ha encantado♥
En el fondo es la clásica historia de venganza, con un hombre que no es lo que parece y que tantas veces hemos leído al libertino disfrazado que topa con una joven independiente y decidida a no seguir los deseos de sus padres porque desde joven le han inculcado la independencia... hasta cierto punto
No diré que la relación entre ambos fluye mediante ciertas escenas controvertidas ya que, por muy decoroso (eso me ha encantado) que resulte todo, no podía ser todo tan fácil ¿o sí? visitando algunas de aquellas mansiones, ¿quién sabe?
Ambos me han gustado mucho,. Ella es divertida, no es perfecta, arrojada, independiente y decidida y, a veces, también, muy inocente y demasiado temeraria
Él es un encanto, con una meta firme, está decidido a todo para lograrla, pero, al mismo tiempo, es un hombre adelantado a sus tiempos en cuanto a gustos e ideas
Me ha gustado que él la encontrara guapa tal como es! y la relación tan divertida que mantienen que hace que su relación fluya de forma paulatina
Unos giros buenísimos y el último me ha tomado totalmente descolocada... quizás al final me hubiera gustado que las escenas fueran un poco más largas
Pero no se puede tener todo
March 25, 2021
I LOVE Stacy Reid's writing. It's intense, sensual, and emotional. I enjoyed this newest historical romance of hers so much! It's got a heroine who scandalizes herself to get out of an unwanted marriage, a hero hellbent on revenge, and late night conversations (and more) when he sneaks into her bedroom.
November 15, 2020
Nicolas St. Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury, is on a revenge mission, and Maryann Fitzwilliam wants to escape an odious betrothal. When gossip reports that Nicolas was seen climbing out of a window, Maryann starts a rumor that it was hers. Nicholas can't shake his growing interest for the surprisingly spunky Maryann. But, with his investigation and vengeance on the line, what will be more important: the vendetta or the vixen?
This is the second book in the Sinful Wallflowers series. There are brief mentions of the heroine from book one, and a set up for book three's couple, but this book can stand alone.
There is a lot of set up going on at the beginning of this story, and I had to focus perhaps a bit more than I wanted to in order to keep the details straight. However, once Nicholas and Maryann continued to circle each other, I was hooked by their flirtations. I love that Nicholas is somewhat of a dark, powerful figure, and he's unexpectedly undone by a strong-willed wallflower. Maryann is different than other woman he has encountered, and I liked how their chance pairing became friendship and then romance. The author's steamy scenes are always a treat, too!
I also really appreciated that there were some twists in Nicholas's investigation. I wasn't expecting the outcome, and I always respect when an author can surprise me! 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Tropes: Wallflower, Revenge, Ruined
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #HerWickedMarquess #NetGalley
This is the second book in the Sinful Wallflowers series. There are brief mentions of the heroine from book one, and a set up for book three's couple, but this book can stand alone.
There is a lot of set up going on at the beginning of this story, and I had to focus perhaps a bit more than I wanted to in order to keep the details straight. However, once Nicholas and Maryann continued to circle each other, I was hooked by their flirtations. I love that Nicholas is somewhat of a dark, powerful figure, and he's unexpectedly undone by a strong-willed wallflower. Maryann is different than other woman he has encountered, and I liked how their chance pairing became friendship and then romance. The author's steamy scenes are always a treat, too!
I also really appreciated that there were some twists in Nicholas's investigation. I wasn't expecting the outcome, and I always respect when an author can surprise me! 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Tropes: Wallflower, Revenge, Ruined
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #HerWickedMarquess #NetGalley
February 17, 2021
Almost 5⭐
This book was awesome.
I am always a little frustrated with Stacy Reid when she says lady when it is miss and vice versa... but putting that aside, this book was super.
I absolutely loved all of the couple interactions, the way they slowly fell in love with each other, their conversations, their honesty, the revenge plot, and so on.
It was a bit of a shock the reasons behind his revenge, I cannot imagine what his fisr love have suffered.
This book was awesome.
I am always a little frustrated with Stacy Reid when she says lady when it is miss and vice versa... but putting that aside, this book was super.
I absolutely loved all of the couple interactions, the way they slowly fell in love with each other, their conversations, their honesty, the revenge plot, and so on.
It was a bit of a shock the reasons behind his revenge, I cannot imagine what his fisr love have suffered.
February 19, 2021
4.5 Hot and Heavy stars!
I shall rename this as the Eagle & Racoon love story. If you know, you know.
Anyhow, I didn't expect the dark stuffs, angsty stuffs. That threw me off and made me sad for everyone in this book (well, except for the bad guys of course). The theme of this book is definitely how far you would go for revenge.
I really love the heroine. She was perfect for the man that Nicolas was. They both complemented each other very well. Those late night visits? *Chef's kiss*
All in all, definitely would recommend this.
I shall rename this as the Eagle & Racoon love story. If you know, you know.
Anyhow, I didn't expect the dark stuffs, angsty stuffs. That threw me off and made me sad for everyone in this book (well, except for the bad guys of course). The theme of this book is definitely how far you would go for revenge.
I really love the heroine. She was perfect for the man that Nicolas was. They both complemented each other very well. Those late night visits? *Chef's kiss*
All in all, definitely would recommend this.
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