This is the second book in the Sinful Wallflowers series and it is another good addition by Stacy Reid. This featured Lady Maryann Fitzwilliam whose family arranged for her to be betrothed to the Earl of Stamford, a sadistic man old enough to be her father. In order to get out of the engagement, Maryann spreads a rumor that the rakish Nicholas Ives, Marquess of Rothbury snuck into her bedroom and "took liberties". Maryann knew it would make her damaged goods and the Earl wouldn't want her with her reputation in ruins. What she didn't count on was getting entangled in the revenge plots that Nicholas had set into motion. Now all of the enemies of the Marquess can go after Maryann, and Nicholas won't let that happen. Nicholas decides to offer Maryann protection via marriage, but it is also clear Nicholas is attracted to Maryann's spirit.

From the beginning, Maryann showed she wasn't a wallflower nor a scared debutante. She was resourceful and had very witty banter with Nicholas. They had chemistry and both had a sense of justice for others. I love that Maryann wasn't the typical ton female, she had intelligence, inner fortitude and loyalty, the same qualities Nicholas possessed too. While they started off as a fake relationship, their attraction couldn't be denied.
Stacy Reid's writing was entertaining, suspenseful and romantic. I was engaged from the beginning to the end. I will say that this book was a lot heavier than I expected. The revenge mission that Nicholas was a part of contained some issues that may trigger some readers. So I hope readers pay attention to the precis before reading.

I look forward to the next book in this series as there is definitely more characters to explore.

Her Wicked Marquess is the second book in the Sinful Wallflowers series though it can be read as a standalone. The Sinful Wallflowers are a group of friends who after being declared wallflowers by the ton decide to defy the rules and go after their dreams although they have to be absolutely wicked to get them. I loved both Maryann and Nicolas and I thought they had great chemistry. After a great beginning and meet cute, I think the pace was a bit uneven in the middle and sometimes got a bit repetitive, but the drama and angst filled end more than made up for it.

I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

TW: rape, suicide, assault.

I absolutely loved Her Wicked Marquess. I'm a huge fan of regency romance and I generally read it when I need an escape from life. I know there will be a happy ending. This one definitely had a bit of a more serious story line but it wasn't stressful. The plot was really interesting and fascinating. It was a romance crossed with a mystery.

Maryann and Nicolas are both wonderful characters. Maryann is my favorite type of romance female lead. She's smart, confident and doesn't fit into society's standards of what is proper for a lady. She wants to forge her own path and be happy in life, even if it means doing things her family wishes she didn't. I fell in love with her character and wanted her to get the happiness she deserves.

Nicolas.... swoon! He is strong and protective while fully supporting Maryann's unique quirks. His backstory and the mission he is on speak to his character as a respectful and respectable man. I loved seeing glimpses of his relationship with his thirteen-year-old twin sisters. He's such a good man, even as he tries to convince society otherwise.

Their relationship was beautiful and sweet. There was so much development to it so it was very believable and real. I love that about this book, seeing all the time the two of them spent together, learning about one another and opening up to each other. They each supported the other fully and it was really special. It was a realistic issue that was keeping them from being together publicly, even as they fell more and more in love with each other.

I loved that there was an epilogue but I really want to continue following them in the future. I read and enjoyed the first book in this series and will definitely continue reading the rest of the series. I actually miss Maryann and Nicolas already (although I would love to see Maryann's friends get their happily ever afters as well.)

Thank you to Entangled Publishing for this copy in exchange for my honest review.

I have read a few books by Stacy Reid and I have liked her books. Unfortunately, this book was my least favourite. It was just ok but I found it slow.

This clever story and its wonderful characters stole my heart. Life is funny sometimes and I thought that often while I was reading this book. Desperation and vengeance draw these two together for an all the feels love story I felt there was a certain baseline cuteness to this tale that served as a smart and intriguing jumping off point for lots of emotion, drama, turmoil and tension. When you add in a ton of heart, sweetness and heat, you have yourself, what I felt was an impossible to resist romance.

I absolutely loved this story. Maryann and Nicolas are great characters and their relationship is amazing. I thought I was getting just a straight-up romance, but this book was so much more. Can't wait to read more by this author.

Revenge as spoken by Hamlet."To die, to sleep - To sleep, perchance to dream - ay, there's the rub, For in this sleep of death what dreams may come. God has given you one face, and you make yourself another. No place indeed should murder sanctuarize; Revenge should have no bounds. One may smile, and smile, and be a villain." William Shakespeare

A suspenseful, nail-biting, methodical chase for years to avenge the death of a loved one. Lord Nicolas Charles St. Ives, Marquess of Rothbury had wronged a childhood friend and it ended in her death. Filled with guilt and now obligation to bring to justice those who wronged his dear friend took him years to orchestrate. He took each guilty party down one at a time. She left him a note with a description of the men. He had to uncover who they were. He was close so very close to closing this chapter of his life. But it was interrupted when Lady Maryann Fitzwilliam imposed herself into his life.

Maryann is a witty, intellectual, rapier wielding, always learning wallflower who was betrothed to a handsome but heinous man who could never understand nor respect her. She used Nicolas's reputation to create a scandal to break the betrothal but it did not work. Nicholas paid close attention to Maryann and found her intriguing and he found himself drawn to her.

This is such a good story. There are so many unpredictable twists and turns that I could not put the book down. This held my attention from the very beginning to the end. Maryann is an amazing character. Unmarred by the ugliness of life she was a person she wanted to be. It was not based on societies expectations but based on her own. She is a loyal friend, mischievous, daring, refreshingly unbiased in her honesty and opinions. Everything about her was good and kind. However, she and Nicolas shared something in common the guilty party must pay one way or another. Of course, Maryann's ideas of revenge were more of child play compared to Nicolas. He was playing in the big leagues involving humiliation and financial ruin.

I enjoyed reading about the times they spent together and got to know each other to fall in love. But the moment came when they came to an impasse when it came to his objectives. He acquiesced to her wishes above his own and told her to never see him again. He walked right out of her life.

Then like a wish come true a miracle happened that would change the trajectory of his and her life. It was not the way she would have wished it to turn out but she put him and his needs above her own as he did for her.

This is a must read. You will be swept up in the danger, suspense of the exciting conclusion to Nicholas's journey and the beginning of Maryann's new hɛʟʟ or heaven?

Maryann doesn’t what to marry the old man her parents have arranged for her, so she makes a plan of her own to destroy her reputation. However, things don’t go as planned. Fast-paced read with loads of drama, suspense and steam. An entertaining historical read.

She's a bit naive, he's playing a part

Maryann is looking for revenge on a mean girl, when she mistakes Nicholas for her brother (he's not).
Nicholas is playing his own long game, but he's happy to dabble with Maryann.
Recommend.
I always enjoy a Stacy Reid book.

Nooooooooooooo!!!!!⬅️⬅️ My feels when it ended. Left me wanting more of Nicholas and Maryann. This is a slow burn, but well worth it. Its a emotional roller coaster. (FAIR WARNING: 2 Things you need before you read this book)
1. Tissues
2. In good standing with your special someone.
Otherwise, your in need for a ice bath. 🌬🔥 If you know what I mean. What amazing way to end the year. I most definitely can't wait for the next one. Ill be waiting with bells on. 🥰😍🤤 well done👏👏

Her Wicked Marquess is the 2nd book in the Sinful Wallflower series. I absolutely loved Book 1 My Darling Duke and couldn't wait to read book 2. Well I was not disappointed. This story had me hooked from beginning to end. I loved the characters. Lady Maryann and her Marquess were absolutely perfect together. From their first encounter, I loved watching them circle each other and I enjoyed seeing the progression of their relationship. They had great chemistry and excellent banter. I love that these two saw each other for who they really are and not the personna they put on for others.
Apart from the romance, there was a sight mystery playing out in the background as Nicolas was on a quest for revenge. With lots of drama, some angst and suspense this romance was an enjoyable read and I would highly recommend it to all lovers of Historical romance.

TOO witty? TOO bookish?
Not in today's world, but back then, it would have set the tongues of the ton wagging with abandon. Then again, the steps this supposed wallflower is about to take with one notorious rake will do much more than turn heads....MUCH more.

Oh. My. Goodness.
I loved this book SO MUCH, it's simply ridiculous!

Maryann was the perfect leading lady to see yourself in. The knowledge she held in a time when women were simply to look pretty and keep their opinions to themselves would astound the noblest of men. The talent she possessed with a rapier was surprising, but grand. The depth with which she felt, her ability to truly sense the person beneath the persona, her desire to bend for nothing in a marriage beyond true love, and her determination to put an end to plans to marry her off for something less...all were not desirable qualities then to most...except the right one. Oh, but the right one could not be perceived, could not be chosen, could not have been fathomed to be the rake with which she hoped to ruin herself in reputation only to put an end to those marriage plans her family had in the works for her. That, my friends, was a completely unexpected development, but OH SO GOOD!

Nicholas had a very carefully cultivated persona, not simply for acceptance in the ton because his title alone and being born a male did that on its own. No, his reasons were entirely more self serving and yet in the vein of justice that once revealed can not be ignored. He needed that cover to exact the revenge he sought for one that could no longer fight their own battles. He needed to stay focused in order to lurk in the shadows undetected, flit behind the scenes to uncover truths well hidden, and reach his ultimate goal despite the passage of time...but then came Maryann. Their start was certainly gasp worthy, their continuation unexpected, but their connection, despite their very own protests to anything of the sort was mesmerizing. He didn't need to be driven to distraction; his heart took him their of its own accord with no directions from his own person. The heart wants what it wants...even if it's too stubborn to admit it, too involved in other business to take care of it, or too driven by darker plans to call it quits and accept the gift being given. It all comes to a delightful head with an explosive ending you won't expect and a twist that will have your heart in pieces, but rests assured...the Marquess always gets his man (or woman) in the end.

Come along for the ride, or take the reins, as you discover this second release in the Sinful Wallflowers series, and pluck another from the sidelines she has been placed on by society.

This book was amazing! There were parts of the book that had me laughing out loud with the witty banter between the two main characters, Maryann and Nicolas, while other parts were deeply emotional and heartbreaking; the story took me across the whole realm of possible emotions. Not only was it a great romance, but it was also an engrossing story of revenge that was revealed in a way that kept surprising me and wouldn't let me put the book down. Can't wait to read what comes next from Stacy Reid!

I received a complementary copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher for honest review.

4.5 stars
Lady Maryann, although considered a wallflower and timid, had hidden depths. She was willing to go to great extremes to escape an unwanted marriage. However, her mother was determined that Maryann should marry. Nicholas, Marquess of Rothbury, was also not what he seemed to be. He too, had hidden depths and didn’t show his true character to society. Nicholas was on a vengeance mission. Maryann and Nicholas gradually got to know each other and their feelings deepened but would Nicholas’s mission take precedence. This was an engaging read, some of the scenes towards the end were wonderful and heartfelt. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it l all thoughts and opinions are my own. However, I did purchase my own copy.

Her Wicked Marquess was phenomenal! It was exciting to read with all the twists and turns and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I loved the drama, wit, passion, and intensity!

Maryann and Nicholas were fantastic and unique characters. I loved Maryann so much and how she was going after what she wanted and trying to put herself out there to get the life she deserves. She's bold, bright, and fearless. Nicholas is quite devilish and not at all what he shows the world. He's smart and methodical, and definitely a man on a mission. I loved learning about them, their motives, and their plots. I was completely fascinated by Nicholas' need for revenge and all the layers involved, it felt very cloak-and-dagger at times. I loved how he and Maryann met and the tension and intrigue between them. I loved their push and pull, their clever dialogue and verbal sparring. These two could be playful and teasing and it made for a lot of fun. It’s like they had a passionate game of cat and mouse happening. The build to them coming together was amazing and I hung on every word. I was filled with so much anticipation for them to get together. When sparks start to fly, it's intimate, raw, and real.

I couldn't stop reading because I needed answers and was excited about what was going to happen next. There were so many I-didn't-see-that-coming moments, it was awesome. I loved the different aspects happening, Maryann battling for her independence, Nicholas’ need for revenge, and them together and how it all connected. I love the layers, development, and the build to all of Nicholas's secrets as well. It was fantastic when everything came together.

The writing was wonderful, descriptive with great details. I thought this was incredibly entertaining and witty with the perfect mix of emotion and heat blended in. I loved Nicholas sharing, trusting, opening his heart, and moving forward. And that ending! The intensity of it, the drama and action, it was gripping.

From beginning to end, this story consumed me and I couldn’t put it down!

4.5 Stars.
A vengeful marquess helps an unknown lady perform a prank on a bully, only to find out that she is the sister of the man he is investigating. Once having met her he is intrigued and unable to stop himself from seeking out her company, even when he knows it is not in either of their interests. Loved the characters and their romance, and though I did feel the story had a couple of holes in it, this did not spoil my enjoyment.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ooooo, what a deliciously sinful romance!

If you thought Kitty was brave and daring in My Darling Duke, then you are not prepared for the very mischievous Maryann! The story starts with a delightful meet cute with a dash of revenge fantasy and just keeps getting better and better as the story progresses.

Maryann is determined to avoid a forced marriage to an utterly abhorrent man, and she has no qualms about borrowing the scandalous reputation of a notorious rake. Nicolas, however, has carefully cultivated his rake status as a cover to investigate the affairs of the men who committed a horrible crime so that he can mete out whatever justice he can, in the style of the Count of Monte Cristo.

This carefully crafted cat-and-mouse tale is superbly written, with both Maryann and Nicolas taking turns as the predator and the prey. Their banter appears effortless on the surface but there's an unmistakable current of honest emotion constantly flowing between them. It is this soulmate-level interplay that really sets this book above its contemporaries, and I absolutely loved every last bit of it.

The secondary characters are also complex and multi-faceted, bringing surprising conflicts as well as shocking resolutions to the seemingly insurmountable obstacles. I was so happy to see the secondary romance get a solid HEA as well - any story that delivers two HEAs is an automatic winner in my book!

Nicolas and Maryann have the kind of love that legends are made of, making this one of the most romantic stories I've read all year. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves historical romances, or just romance in general. It's truly one of a kind. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Her Wicked Marquess is the second book in the Sinful Wallflowers series by Stacy Reid. A story filled with drama, passion, undeniable chemistry, and heated romance that is sure to keep you turning the pages. I was drawn in from the beginning with the unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

Around this time last year, I read the first book in this series, thinking I had rounded out my favorite books of the year list and wouldn't be adding another. I was mistaken then and I am mistaken again now. This book is absolutely a last minute addition to my Favorite Books of 2020 list, and I am excited to have it among so many other fantastic reads. Stacy Reid creates such wonderfully unique characters with engaging backstories and relatable personalities, so each of her books have been a joy to read. Never one to be predictable, Stacy always keeps me on the edge of my seat, and there is inevitably a point in the story that throws me completely. There are a lot of deep themes in this book that may be difficult for some readers, but believe me, it's worth it to reach the end and see the wonder of a true happily ever after.

Widely recognized as wallflowers, Lady Maryann Fitzwilliam and her friends have been mercilessly ridiculed by the more popular girls of their set. That's why Maryann contrives a juvenile yet effective plan to humiliate the biggest bully of all, and she finds an unlikely accomplice in Nicolas St. Ives, Marquess of Rothbury. Nicolas didn't start the night intending to be party to a prank - his main goal was to try to find evidence leading to a villain of the worst sort. But when Maryann mistakes him for her brother in the darkness, he plays along, and he finds himself intrigued by her bravery and guile. Maryann is intrigued by him as well, and once she learns his true identity, she concots a new scheme, for Nicolas is known as a rake and womanizer. Exactly what she needs to thwart an unwanted betrothal of her father's making, for who better to fake seduce her than the king of seduction himself?

I loved Maryann so much! I'm not sure when I have last enjoyed a heroine so much, and she really made this book magical. In fact, I would say at least one out of the five stars is dedicated entirely to her character. She paired wonderfully with Nicolas, who was broody with good reason and needed someone to pull him out of it. It was difficult watching them fall in love but also knowing the secret behind Nicolas' presence at the first ball. As they met in secret in her bedroom (oh la la!), I felt more affection for Nicolas' character and hoped Maryann could put some light back in his eyes. His history with a young woman from his past was tragic, and it made for a dark read as more clues leaked out into the story. Soon the reader didn't know who to trust, and while I knew fairly early on who I felt was the villain, it was still very sad to learn the truth in the end. But of course, within every romance with a sad backstory there is a silver lining, and Stacy gives us that to comfort us. She wrapped the story up with a nice bow at the end, and I left feeling contented yet also eager to continue reading her stories.

This year has been dreadful, but it's nice to end it on a happy note with this review! Let's hope 2021 picks up this positivity and runs with it.

Nicholas St. Ives, Marquess of Rothbury, is a man on a mission. He plays the feckless rake, making his way into the inner circles of those who raped and caused the death of the girl he once loved so that he can exact his revenge. Nicholas has accounted for every contingency…except Maryann Fitzwilliam. The clever and outspoken wallflower seems to be using his name to start a scandal in order to avoid marriage to a horrible man. From the first Maryann and Nicholas are drawn together. But between her unwanted fiancé’s determination to possess her and Nicholas’s quest for revenge, there’s no way the two of them can be together…is there?

Stacy Reid mixes the dark and the light beautifully in Her Wicked Marquess. Nicholas and Maryann charmed me from the start and that charm never faded. I loved the sparks that flew between them instantaneously. The (seeming) rake and the spirited wallflower? That kind of pairing is catnip to me. What I loved most about their relationship is that Reid gave it space to grow and develop. I adored watching them become friends before they fell in love. Nicholas would never be one to cage Maryann; he encourages her to be who she really is, even though society would turn their noses up at the pair of them if they could. Their secret nighttime encounters brought a smile to my face and I adored their teasing banter. The sexual tension that simmers underneath it all is delicious and I enjoyed watching them lose the battle to resist one another. Nicholas and Maryann see one another for who they really are and Reid crafts their love story so wonderfully that you can feel how good a match they are down to your bones.

There’s no false drama in Maryann and Nicholas’s relationship, which I really appreciated. The obstacles are in the form of Maryann’s detestable suitor and the revenge plot. I won’t say how either plotline plays out but the former made me shudder in parts and the latter broke my heart. Nicholas is caged to the past because he failed someone he loved. Reid makes his need for vengeance and the guilt he carries understandable, which is why him trying to hold himself back even as he falls in love with Maryann is a believable obstacle. Though no depictions of sexual assault are portrayed on the page, they are discussed so I want to provide a trigger warning in case it’s needed. It’s a hard balance to have heavy topics such as this mixed with humor and light, but Reid does both perfectly while giving the more serious storyline the respect it deserves.

Her Wicked Marquess is the second book in the Sinful Wallflowers series but it can easily be read as a standalone. I did enjoy the meetings between Maryann and her friends and found myself particularly intrigued by Ophelia, who I desperately hope is next in line for her happily ever after. All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Maryann and Nicholas’s story. Stacy Reid’s love stories always sweep me away and Her Wicked Marquess is no exception.