Wallflower Maryann Fitzwilliam is desperate. Her parents have arranged for her to marry a man not only old enough to be her father, but one that is immoral and cruel. In her desperation Maryann devises a scheme involving none other than the most notorious rake she can think of. The Marquess of Rothbury, Nicholas St. Ives is a man on a mission. He has spent years cultivating his reputation to exact vengeance on those whose deeds were so vile they cost him a beloved childhood friend. When rumors abound about his interest in Maryann, his enemies target her forcing Nicholas to keep her close to protect her. This is definitely a MUST READ!! Stacy Reid has masterfully crafted a riveting, heartwarming tale that is a must have for the Regency enthusiast!!! I received an ARC of this work from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own and given freely. Sincerely, Anna

Her Wicked Marquess
by Stacy Reid

Thank You @entangled_publishing for my copy of “her wicked marquess!
@stacy_romanceaddict #herwickedmarquess

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 St. Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury, 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.

Turns out Nicolas allows for the scandal to perpetuate for his own reasons… But when Maryann’s parents hold fast to their arranged marriage plan, it’ll take a scandal of epic proportions for these two to get out of this together.

Each book in the Sinful Wallflowers series is STANDALONE:
* My Darling Duke
* Her Wicked Marquess

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

Let set things straight I loved My Darling Duke, book 1 of the Sinful Wallflower series. The author has once again captured my heart Katherine and Alexander’s story was just lovely.
This is Maryanne and Nicholas’s tale.Maryanne is a head strong delightful heroine who stands up for what she believes in. Maryann throw caution to the wind and divises a plan to cause a scandal, in hoping to outmaneuver her parents plan to have her wed an elderly gentleman, who her have picked out for her.
When she learns that the Marquess of Rothbury was caught climbing out of a bed chamber during a house party, she lets it slip that is was her. Now she just needs him to keep quiet about the fact that it wasn't her...

Stacy Reid, has written a fabulous with revenge and romance !

This was my first Stacy Reid book and I enjoyed it very much. The writing is strong, storyline is concise, an all around good read. I'm attaching the link to my interview with Stacy on Book+Main.

For the last few years, I’ve added countless historical romances to my TBR, thanks to recommendations from fellow bookstagrammers, but despite that - and making a goal to branch out with my reading - I’ve mostly stuck with contemporary romance. I finally decided 2021 was the year to change that, and I chose Her Wicked Marquess to be my first foray into regency romance.

Nicolas St Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury, perpetuates his reputation as a rake because it serves his purpose: infiltrating the inner circle of a group of ‘gentlemen’ who brutally assaulted his first love. Retribution has been the only thing on Nicolas’s mind for the past decade, and he’s close to his final targets when Maryann Fitzwilliam inserts herself into his life and distracts him from his mission. Maryann - a wallflower who isn’t afraid to speak her mind, despite what others think - has a mission of her own: seeking her own public ruination to avoid marrying the odious man her parents have chosen for her.

This book was so entertaining. I loved how strong-minded, strong-willed, and feisty Maryann was. She refused to be one of those women who was seen and not heard, and she didn’t want to be tied down with a man she didn’t love. I loved the banter and chemistry between her and Nicolas, and watching their relationship grow was so much fun. Also, as a newbie to the genre, I wasn’t expecting such scorching hot sexytimes! Whew! That was an unexpected and welcome surprise. The revenge storyline was...interesting?...but it sometimes felt like there was too much focus on it. The overall feel of this book was lighthearted, romantic, and sexy, and the parts dealing with Nicolas’s need for revenge and the reasons behind it were so dark. The author did a good job of weaving it all together, but the romance was definitely my favourite part of the book.

Her Wicked Marquess was a fantastic introduction to regency romance. I need to go back and read My Darling Duke, and I’ll look forward to more books in the Sinful Wallflowers series.



*Links will be updated with bookstagram and blog posts when they're live

Thank you to the publisher for this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

This is the second book in The Sinful Wallflowers series and I was very excited for this book. I absolutely adored Stacy Reid's first book in this series "My Darling Duke" and was eager to read this one. I devoured this in two days and LOVED it.

Maryann is a fierce, witty and intelligent young woman desperate to escape a betrothal to a horrible man. Nicolas is on a quest of revenge for a childhood friend he lost years ago. Their lives become entangled when Maryann lays claim to a rumor that it was her bedroom that Nicolas was seen climbing out of one night. Their chemistry and interest in one another continues to build as Maryann and Nicolas become closer together. The thing I really loved about their relationship is that it felt like they both opened up to each other gradually at the same pace. I feel with romance novels, there always tends to be one person opening up more than the other but this was no the case. Their honesty with each other was refreshing. I loved both of their vulnerableness with each other. Their slow burn love and great respect for one another had me swooning. Not only was their love story executed wonderfully but this book does not lack in plot either. It is rich with intrigue, danger, and complex characters and back stories and I admire the depth to each of the characters. Stacy Reid has a way with writing a beautiful deep love between two characters as well as a way with depicting tender, loving and passionate scenes between consenting adults.

Two things to note:

I strongly appreciate that Stacy Reid took the time to ensure consent was given freely and repeatedly between the two characters before any romantic interludes happened.

I also want to take note, with the content warning provided below, I felt that author took great care and time to discuss heavy topics. I felt the author shed light on the abuses that women of this time period faced.

CW (content warning): talks of rape, sexual assault and violence against women are discussed in this book. TW: A scene of violence against women is depicted on page.

I really wanted to finish and enjoy this book but I just couldn't get into the story. I honestly think I wasn't in the right mindset for this book. I really enjoyed for the first book in the series and hoped I would like this one. I'll hopefully come back to it another time and enjoy it more.

3.5 stars

Stacy Reid's first book in the Sinful Wallflowers series, My Darling Duke, was one of the first historical romance books I read, and so I was really pleased to receive a review copy from Netgalley of the second book.

Maryann Fitzwilliam has no desire to become the wife of a man she doesn't know, and so she conceives a plan to use the rakish reputation of Nicoles St. Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury to her advantage and claim he has snuck into her room and spent the evening. Her reputation thus tarnished, she should find herself (happily) unmarriagable. What she doesn't count on is the Marquess hearing of her plan, of the unlikely alliance and friendship that blooms between the two of them, following by a romance no-one saw coming.

Her Wicked Marquess is a book that features a strong, feisty heroine who is determined not to be run-down by men (and women) who do not approve of a woman having a brain and being able to hold a decent conversation. Maryann seeks to use her situation to her advantage as she tries to find a way out of the future marriage her parents have planned for her so that she can live the life she dreams of. For all that, she's relatively innocent and so she's constantly having to learn how to adapt each time her schemes take a turn she didn't expect.

Nicholas has a lot of admiration for Maryann, from their first (unintended) meeting where in he anonymously assists her in a small spot of revenge against a young woman determined to undermine anyone she believes unworthy. He also has his own demons to fight, taking revenge against the wealthy men who attacked a young woman years earlier, which is why he allows Maryann's ruse to continue for as long as he does - it affords him a cover story of sorts for his own business.

The romance was fun and adorable as Maryann and Nicholas begin to learn about each other. It's not without its ups and downs, but the two do come to understand each other's motivations and when they relent to their mutual attraction, they have a series of steamy affairs under the nose of everyone.

There were so many things I enjoyed about Her Wicked Marquess, but I did finish reading with the nagging feeling that something bothered me. At this stage, I haven't quite worked out what was prompted the feeling, but should that change I'll update this review.

Overall, the story is fun, well-written with engaging characters and I look forward to the next instalment of the Sinful Wallflowers.

Let me start off by sharing how much I absolutely loved My Darling Duke, book 1 of the Sinful Wallflower series. Once I started it I became completely wrapped up in it. Katherine and Alexander’s story was just so well done and I was disappointed when I finished as I knew there was a wait until the next book!

Well the wait is over and I’m here to tell you that Maryanne and Nicholas’s story is just as addicting. Maryanne is a delightful heroine who isn’t afraid to stand up for what she believes in or fight for what she wants. Of course there is more to Nicholas then what he presents to the ton. And the chemistry between the two is off the charts. The best part, for me, was the slow build of trust and love between the two. I started love just isn’t for me and reading their story was lovely.

Ok Stacy Reid I’m ready for book 3 of these sinful wallflowers and I am oh so hopeful it won’t be another year till we meet up with them again!

Maryann doesn't want to marry the old man that her parents have picked out for her. She she decides to create a scandal so that he won't want to marry her any longer. When she learns that the Marquess of Rothbury was caught climbing out of a bed chamber during a house party, she lets it slip that is was her. Now she just needs him to keep quiet about the fact that it wasn't her...

Nicolas has his own reasons for not outing Maryann for the liar that she is. He has plans for revenge and since one of the people he is after is a member of her family, having her close helps him. What he didn't count on was falling for her the more time that they spent together.

What will happen when Maryann learns the truth. Can this budding romance survive?

I adored Nicolas and Maryann's story!! I loved watching them develop a friendship that quickly turned into love. This was a great addition to the Sinful Wallflowers series!

I havent read a book from Stacy Reid for a wall and was glad that I read this one and phew it was a lot, it had all the feels, so please dont sit here thinking that this was going to be all lovey dovey because my friends it is not. Yes we will get some love, but we get much more, we get some laughes m we get a lot of tears, we get a slow relationship and emotion but my friends we will enjoy it., so i encourage you to either tea or a cup of cofee and sit back and Enjoy!

I think that by looking at the number of books by Stacy Reid that I own, it wouldn't come as a surprise if I said she is one of my favorite historical romance authors. She never disappoints and this time again I have devoured her book in a few days.
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Maryann is the second friend from the group of four sinful wallflowers. It is now her time to shine and Nicolas was the perfect match for her. He is as wicked as she is daring. The combination of intrigue and romance made me sail through the pages. It was a most enjoyable read.
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4/5
#fridayinaprilbookreviews

Revenge and romance is a dangerous combination. Nicolas St. Ives, Marquess Rothbury, has spent a decade ruining the men who ruined his friend and drove her to suicide. Nicolas has seen his obsession with revenge for Arianna through but for two men. He doesn’t want romance, and he uses his reputation to avoid it. That is until Miss Maryann Fitzwilliam decided that the best way to avoid the marriage her parents have arranged is to be ruined, by Nicolas. These two are perfect together. You keep hoping things work out so that they have a chance. Will Nicolas save Maryann from a horrible marriage? Will she be able to help him heal from the guilt and pain of his past and his obsession with revenge?

This is an interesting story. When Nicolas sets out to serve comeuppance, he is not kidding around. There is danger and drama, but there are also some lighter moments, and romance, or at least some wild courting. Maryann is an independent (as much as she can be) bluestocking who had no desire to settle down, until she got to know Nicolas. It seems Crispin, Maryann’s brother feels as guilty about what happened to Arianna as Nicolas; and Crispin has a secret he has kept for ten years. He…no, you’ll have to find out for yourself. A good read with compelling characters and an engaging plot, I recommend it. I enjoyed listening to the audiobook version narrated by Mary Sarah.

Her Wicked Marquess by Stacy Reid is book two in her Sinful Wallflowers series. It’s about a Maryann Fitzwilliam, an intelligent (and doesn’t hide it) wallflower who needs to create a scandal in order to get out of an arranged marriage to a much older man. She grabs onto a story from the scandal columns about Nicholas St. Ives climbing out of an unnamed debutante’s window, claiming it was hers, in hopes that her groom will reject her. Nicholas allows the ruse to continue because it suits his motives. The two of them end up… well you know…

Maryann is fun. Plain and simple fun. She’s smart, witty, and fearless, though she has a soft spot for her parents and their desire to ‘do right by her,’ whether she wants them to or not. Nicholas is the perfect match for her. He’s intelligent, fierce, loyal, and has his own secrets to keep. The chemistry between them was slow, but smoking hot.

This is a bit of a slow burn, which is different from what I expected from Ms. Reid. Not that I’m complaining. But I remember reading and getting a good way into the book thinking, “When are they going to jump each other?” Still I hung on because the story was captivating, the characters and their chemistry were amazing and kept me involved, intrigued, and engaged. I wanted to see what happened when it happened! And when it happened… wow. No spoilers, but wow.

Overall I love this book. A little slower than I’m used to, but it made up for it in everything else. I can’t wait to read what Ms. Reid has in store for us next!

I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving this review.

4.5 stars of 5

This is the first time I've read from this author. I must say it was ridiculously long! It took forever to figure out the reasons behind the revenge, also the plot was good but lenghtly. I must say I was disappointed. The plot could have gone so many places, but it went no where, and at the end it was a rushed ending all together.

I was thrilled to read book 2 in The Sinful Wallflowers series. It’s filled with an avenging rake, a wicked wallflower, dangerous enemies, and a swoon-worthy love story.

Lady Maryann FitzWilliam is tired of conforming to society. She does not want to wed a man who is her father’s age. She wants to experience life on her own terms and when opportunity knocks for her own ruination with one of the most scandalous men in London, she does it at her own heart’s peril.

Nicolas St. Ives, Marquess of Rothbury, has no time for dalliances. He is on a mission to avenge a young woman’s demise ten years ago. He has built his reputation under the guise of a rake and dandy to fool the men he was hunting. He did not expect being hijacked by a clever and reckless bespectacled young woman who has chosen him as the object of her ruination.

Watching Maryann capture Nicolas’ attention and tear down his walls is a pleasure to see. Nicolas’ crusade to bring down the men who were part of his friend’s victimization and death is a tragic and honorable act and to his surprise, Maryann admires him for it. Maryann’s kindness and honesty are a great compliment to Nicolas’ charm and protectiveness toward her. My very favorite part in the book is when Nicolas declares his love for Maryann in the most public and moving way. Bravo!

I became Ms. Reid’s newest fan earlier this year with My Darling Duke, and I cannot wait to read the next book in this delightful series.

I recommend this engaging historical romance that is rife with action and adventure, wicked romance, and an incredible HEA ending.

Thank you to Ms. Reid, Entangled Publishing, and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

Lady Maryann Eleanor Fitzwilliam is always upset at Lady Sophie bullying all the women so her plan is to get back at her. Maryann idea is to scare Sophie with critters dumped on the ballroom floor with her brother’s help. When a guy playing her brother hands Maryann a bucket full of snakes she recoils in horror; she does not like snakes. So her supposed brother dumps the snakes on the floor. Maryann and the guy run away. As Maryann is questioning the guy, he answers and it turns out that it isn’t her brother but Nicolas Charles St. Ives, Marquess of Rothbury. Maryann is horrified that Nicolas actually listened and actually helped her-still she grabs a shovel intending to hurt him. Maryann’s parents have betrothed her to a man as old as her father. Maryann decides she must find a way to get out of it and decides to initiate Nicolas in her scheme to compromise her thereby creating a scandal. Unfortunately, Nicolas is not playing fair or following the rules which could cause them both to fall in love.
What a marvelous Regency historical love story with humor, betrayal, deception, mystery and love all rolled into one! Yes, the book is a little bit darker due to the hero having lots of issues and his strong longing for revenge. Still the humorous moments help balance the deeper things going on. Ms. Stacy Reid writes superbly with such depth and wonderfully developed characters whether they be major or minor. The story is just fantastic but there is a romance between two of the minor characters that really should be made into another book. Maryann the reserved witty clever wallflower heroine is just a delight! She is a lot of fun and would make a great friend especially since she is not scared of bugs so will be able to scare any mean girls. Nicolas the tortured tormented vengeance filled hero seems at first seems callous manages to break form and show his true feelings especially for Maryann. He is kind of hard to like but as the story unfolds he becomes swoon-worthy. This is one story that is an exceptional tale that will not only stay with you but is definitely a keeper!

Awesome historical romance with plenty of drama and wonderful characters, page turning and unputdownable, this will stay on your read again titles for a whole

The sinful wallflowers are a group of ladies who want to take ahold of their lives and their futures and live the way they want to. This is the second book in the sinful wallflowers series, but we don’t see much of Kitty from the first book. There are a few mentions of her, but not many. I was hoping to see more of her and the duke, but this book can definitely be read as a standalone.

Maryann’s parents have arranged for her to marry an older man who is really sleazy and terrible to her (and others). In order to escape the marriage, she plans to be ruined by Nicolas who is a notorious rake. When a scandal sheet writes that Nicolas was seems climbing out someone’s bedchamber window but they don’t know whose window it was, she decides this is her chance. Maryann very loudly tells her friend at a party that it was her window he climbed out of and that he kissed her thoroughly. As she planned, others overheard and spread this rumor. Nicolas is intrigued by Maryann and why she started this rumor. He actually sneaks into her bedchamber that night, and questions her. He quickly becomes infatuated with her and allows her to continue using his name. He sneaks into her room on multiple occasions and they talk and play games and get to know each other.

Meanwhile, Nicolas is trying to find and ruin five men who hurt a past love and friend. He thinks Maryann’s brother might be involved in this, so he knows he needs to distance himself from her, but he cannot. There were a few twists in this book about the investigation and surrounding events. However, they were semi-predictable. The twist regarding which men were involved, I figured out rather quickly.

Nicolas is a great example of an “alphamellow” hero. He is very fierce and many men are scared of him. Few would dare cross him. However, he is completely captivated and a mushy marshmallow when it comes to Maryann. He has the fiercest desire to have her physically, but also to protect her and keep her safe. I loved how they developed such a flirtatious friendship first. I also really appreciated how open and honest they were with each other. They really didn’t keep anything from each other, and that was so refreshing to see! There was no miscommunication in this book, and they openly shared even their smallest thoughts with each other. Their romance, though developed in secret, was so swoony!

4.5 stars
I received this book for free in return for an honest review.

Legit has to be one of the best historical romances i have ever read. The real raw emotion it evoked was so powerful. The emotional power mixed with phenomenal story telling/world building left me a mess (in a good way). I found myself actually crying at the HEA. Nicholas and Maryann's story was full of wicked passion but also a path of vengeance and retribution that left me gutted. I could go on and on but just wow! I am going to need some time after this one. Absolutely amazing. 5⭐ read. Do not hesitate to pick this up!

Her Wicked Marquess was a lovely story with 2 great lead characters. I enjoyed watching their romance build from their implausible nighttime encounters in Maryann’s bedroom. The mystery of the attack on Rothschild’s childhood friend was never really a mystery to me, I knew the friend David was involved somehow from the beginning.