What a story! I recently read Eva Leigh’s The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes, and as much as I enjoyed that one, this book right here made me fall beyond like right into complete love. I read through this within 24 hours, taking every opportunity I had to read. I feel sad that I’ve finished so quickly, because I was so comfortable and light-hearted within the romance of our wonderful leads Finn and Tabitha.

I adored Tabitha; she is of an intelligent, progressive mind, who endeavors to make real change happen in her world. But her heart is timid and vulnerable, putting up a wall due to past hurt…until she meets Finn. And suddenly, her heart begins to dream again.

And Finn *is* the dream man, I tell ya. The dream man. He is gorgeous, kind, honest, respectful, and intelligent. He is looking to help his best friend find a wife, but suddenly finds himself with one instead. And it happens to be a wife he comes to very quickly care for.

That said, there is deep rooted insecurity within each protagonist. Finn is insecure over his learning disability. Having been made to feel “stupid” by others (including his own parents), he does not believe he is a worthy partner of the intelligent mind of Tabitha, thus fearing her rejection. Whereas Tabitha has been hurt by a past potential suitor who crushed her feelings of the heart as something weak and insignificant. These insecurities are ones they will each have to learn to overcome, and luckily they now have the support to accomplish just that.

I so loved the equal partnership and support Finn and Tabitha gave to one another. Tabitha never once saw Finn as someone less worthy because of his difficulties with reading, rather she saw his value and made a stand against anyone who dared dispute that. And there is Finn who constantly supported Tabitha’s goals to forge her path in the world of male sameness to establish a platform for diverse voices to rise. They each saw the other’s potential and did not hesitate to let one another know. Their mutual respect was as attractive as their romantic chemistry.

One of my favorite aspects in this romance was how much Finn and Tabitha simply *liked* each other. While there is a physical attraction, Finn and Tabitha are also attracted to one another’s minds. Finn sees Tabitha’s scholarly pursuits as a positive; just as Tabitha admires his strategic mind. That said, we are treated to some excellent smut. So while we have a beautiful story of both friendship and romance, you can also expect some fiery, delicious steam to rise as well.

The only personal hiccup I had was that I didn’t quite buy into the late game argument that arose, it didn’t feel like a powerful enough scene to earn the fallout that followed. It simply felt a bit weak compared to the rest of the strong story, but absolutely not enough to deter me from this 5 star rating, because this story is still outstanding in every way.

We have terrific leads that stand strong on their own, as well as together; a beautiful love story you will just swoon over; a charismatic supporting cast (can’t wait for Dom’s second chance romance!); and a wholly powerful story that reminds us of our self-worth and value.

Thank you NetGalley and Avon for providing me an arc in exchange for an honest review.

The premise of women not being heard is not one we commonly see in romance novels. I think we have been so conditioned to being silent that when a heroine acts out in her own interest we automatically dislike her. Women should be harmonious and serene but then again those aren’t interesting stories. I loved Tabitha! She was fierce and amazing! Finn was a wonderful partner, friend, and husband. Loved their HEA

I had so much fun reading this book I've re-read it many times. it claimed my attention and affection, I recommend reading the book Eva Leigh has a wonderful backlist of books which I reread. I'm eagerly waiting for the next to be published.

"What a peculiar man. Peculiar and...captivating. If one was the sort of person who could be captivated by appearance and insightfulness and a refreshing lack of judgment."

What can I say? Absolutely delightful. My favorite books by Eva Leigh to date. The regency equivalent to the hot jock and nerdy feminist tutor, and I am HERE for it. Tabitha and Finn have my heart,

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon, and the author for the eARC in exchange for my review.

While I gave the first book in this new series by Eva Leigh a chance, it failed to capture my attention but when I read the description for this one I was intrigued. Turns out the second in this series was basically made for me because I love a good marriage of convenience plot in regency romances. I adored how initially Tabitha and Finn come off as opposites but are actually quite alike; both being logical thinkers and also being underestimated by their families and society.

The way that Finn was so immediately enamored with Tabitha and saw how brilliant she was and loved that about her. The way that Finn didn’t believe he was good enough for Tabitha but she saw his potential. But they understood each other so well! They both wanted each other’s dreams to come true and were willing to do anything to make it happen for them. Also the sex scenes were steamy.

Just a really nice, heartfelt regency romance with interesting characters. It can definitely be read as a stand-alone.

Oh, Eva Leigh, what have you done to me? Just as I was swearing that Keiran and Celeste’s story from book one was the most magical thing ever, you spring this upon me! As you know, I love me some Eva Leigh. I recently reviewed the first book in this series, and shouted my love for it from the high heavens. Well, the ARCGods bestowed upon this undeserving mortal a copy of the second book, and I, AGAIN, stayed up until I finished it. I will NOT be turning my camera on in any Zoom meetings today, let me tell you, but it was worth it.

I already had a soft spot for Finn from the previous book. If you’ve read The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes, you’ll know that Kieran and Finn grew up in a dysfunctional household, which has caused them to, essentially, raise themselves. And man, they make a hash of it. I’ve said it before: these boys are Worldstar level wild. Kieran was a lothario and Finn is high roller gambler. Short version: The boys have seen what it’s like to have a marriage without love, and don’t want that for themselves or for their sister, who is supposed to marry their best friend, but Willa (sister) and Dom (the bestie) just don’t seem to be feeling it. So Kieran and Finn find a way to stop the wedding, thinking they are doing the best thing for Willa and Dom. Shorter version: This was a terrible idea; the parents are ticked; Willa is devastated; all three boys’ parents have decided they are going to cut them all off unless Finn, Kieran, and Dom all find appropriate wives within a year. The first book was about Kieran finding love with Dom’s sister Celeste.

This book is focused on Finn, though you might not know it, as it begins with Finn trying to hook Dom up with the heroine, Miss Tabitha Seaton. We met her in the previous book—she’s a brainy bluestocking who is heading into spinster territory and would rather read books than go to balls. Finn is immediately obsessed with her . . . marrying Dom. He starts at the end of the first book trying to set them up. Finn really doesn’t want to get married, and neither does Tabitha . . . but that’s exactly what happens to these two (this was in the promotional description; I am not spoiling anything). She needs to be married to join the Sterling Society, which she’s wanted to do forever (and her admittance will also benefit her good friends from the Benezra Library (we are introduced to the library in a previous Eva Leigh book, My Fake Rake), he needs to be married to fulfill his parents’ wishes (also, she’s the only woman who has intrigued him like this). But will it be a true marriage of convenience, as they keep telling themselves?

Eva Leigh is one of the top storytellers in the game, and you want to savor every word. All of her books are engaging, and this is no exception. I have loved Finn since the last book and just adore Tabitha, so I was totally invested. The way she writes these characters make you root for them from start to finish. Eva Leigh is wonderful about including “unconventional” characters, and you’ll find people of color, and gay and lesbian characters, as well as people with disabilities. Eva Leigh is great at presenting the secondary characters in 3D, and making you care about even the most peripheral folks in the background. She makes you CARE about her characters—sometimes I ended up teary-eyed and sniffling, as well as cheering and shouting YES!

This was a top-tier 5-star read for me. I preordered a copy for my collection, and plan to read this one over and over. I would definitely suggest this series to friends asking about good romance novels in 2022!

A few months ago, Finn, Kieran, and their best friend Dominic were told by their fathers that unless they married within the year, they could not secure their inheritances. When Finn meets bluestocking wallflower Tabitha, he’s intent to set her up with Dom, who is too embroiled in his own emotional troubles to pay her much mind. Finn instead agrees to enter into a marriage of convenience with Tabitha. But Tabitha has been hurt in the past, and insists that this marriage is not emotional. While the chemistry between them is undeniable, leading to many steamy moments, the two struggle to admit their growing feelings towards one another for this reason.

Tabitha’s reasoning for wanting to marry is that she plans to join an intellectual society that previously has only opened its doors to white men. Tabitha knows that the society communicates with political figures and influences their decisions. She wants to join so she can influence votes as well and hopefully gain admission for her friends, none of which are white men. The society refuses to see her, but agrees that should she marry, it may be acceptable to permit her attendance.

The plot revolves around Tabitha’s possible admittance into the society and the aftermath of that. I loved the supportive relationship between Finn and Tabitha. Finn has a learning disability and was emotionally abused growing up because of it. He struggles to view himself as equal to Tabitha, despite the fact that his wife and friends all see how intelligent he is. I thought the representation was very well done and empowering.

Leigh always embraces a theme of those with privilege using their voices and influence to empower others. I appreciate this, though it was a little on the nose in How the Wallflower was Won. That’s not necessarily a bad thing - I’ve just felt she’s done it “better” in the past. I also am frustrated by poor communication between couples in romance novels. It made sense for this one, but it still annoyed me when it came up. Nonetheless, the plethora of steamy scenes really won me over, making this a 4 star read.

The beginning was great and I found the pacing to be super refreshing. While Finn originally set out to pair Dom and Tabitha, it didn’t overtake the plot and I loved the forced proximity it created between Finn and Tabitha. There were also nice gems tucked in throughout the book. Finn was really just so loving and sweet to Tabitha and his creative ways of helping her release tension were fun and unique!! He was also so turned on by her being a bad ass scholar and that turned ME on.

I LOVED Finn and loved Tabitha until the fight scene. SHE was in the wrong and said cruel words meant to cut his deepest hurts when he made a comment he didn’t know would hurt her that way because she NEVER told him all about her past. Literally, after reading the entire book, Tabitha never explicitly told him who hurt her and how he did it. That’s unacceptable???? You had Finn apologizing for reasons he had no clue about but SHE got off the hook. Yes she was sorry but he didn’t even stop consider that HE should be the one betrayed.

Seriously, Finn is a keeper and I really REALLY loved the exploration of his learning difficulties. It was so endearing to see him so astonished that Tabitha could accept him…because he believed so hard that she wouldn’t want him after finding out. That was HEARTBREAKING. So it made it all the more rough when Tabitha threw it all back in his face. Made me question her and sorry but she annoyed me after that. I didn’t understand how her past made her THAT untrusting of his angel babyness and to let it affect her SO badly that she lashed out at him…sorry but it’s a no from me.

I definitely got put off by her constant I CAN’T LOVE HIM IT’S NOT SAFE because again I didn’t find her foundational hurt to be strong enough to keep it going THAT LONG. Finn’s on the other hand was solid and gut wrenching and proved to be CORRECT.

I loved Finn’s journey and a lot about their relationship (in a vacuum, I’d say that warrants 4⭐️s) but I simply didn’t want to finish the book when I found out where the fight was going. I wish it was handled differently because I was frankly perplexed at where it was going to go based on their previous healthy relationship. It didn’t need to be so cruel. I also just dislike her getting a basically free pass while he groveled and moved out and did all this shit. Be a good person and apologize, yes, but also take a moment to think about yourself. Also for the groveling to make it in this summary...I’m just disappointed all around.

The steam was nice and I loved the come from behind victory we got 😌 when I thought we weren’t gonna get another sex scene. To hint: they were AWASH with pleasure. Three main scenes and signature Eva Leigh dirty talk. Fin was more dominant than I thought he’d be. Safe to say I’m super excited for the next book. Can’t wait to see Dom on his knees.

Overall, book one’s relationship and plot meandered about and didn’t get up to much either…but the writing there felt charged. Here it never got past simmering. I’m not usually one for marriage halfway through and we got that here. It takes most of the tension out of the story because welp now they’re married and stuck together so not much else matters in the grand scheme of things. Sex wasn’t really a slow burn so I was never on edge or awaiting the Next Big Thing to happen. I enjoyed reading it at a lot of times but also wanted to be reading other books during other moments. It kinda just felt like a vessel to get to Dom’s book and I appreciated a lot about it but the scholar society plot just can’t compare to sex club sexual awakenings and femmedoms.

⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶🌶.5/5

I absolutely adored the first book in the Last Chance Scoundrels series and enjoyed this one as well. Eva Leigh just has such a refreshing writing style that is both easy to read and makes you think. This marriage of convenience story follows Finn, who must marry to regain his inheritance, and Tabitha, who must marry to get the chance to join an elite philosophical society. The unlikely couple learn to love each other and each much overcome their own adversities with the other’s support.

While I do think I liked the first book in this series better, this book was very fun. I loved Tabitha’ love of books. Her quote “the beauty of an unread book is that we can imagine whatever we want for its subject matter. And then it’s even better when we do read it, and find that it surpasses anything we could have conjured up.” really spoke to me. I loved that this was contrasted with Finn’s dyslexia and the focus on his street-smarts in comparison to her book-smarts. I am so excited for the third book in this series and can’t wait to read it.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First I have to say what a HUGE fan of Eva Leigh’s I am!!! From the first book I ever read by her, I have been hooked. Her latest addition to the Last Chance Scoundrels series – HOW THE WALLFLOWER WAS WON is no exception to that winning literary streak!

Finn Ransome needs a wife. Tabitha Seaton needs a husband. Marriage of convenience you say? YES, PLEASE. But this story is sososo much more.

What is at stake when you know your wife is your intellectual superior? What’s at stake when you’re an intellectual woman but considered mentally inferior in a man’s world that you want to be part of?

Leigh’s handling of both these questions is done with her usual emotionally charged genius, PLUS lots of steamy, love-centered romance and sex.

Finn and Tabitha are opposites, yes, but so alike in all the ways that count. I adored their story and can’t wait for the last book in the series, Dom’s story. I have a guess as to how it will end and I can’t wait to read it!!

Thank you to Netgalley, Eve Leigh, and Avon/harper Voyager for a sneak peek at this delightful and sexy romp! 5 well-deserved stars from me!

The only risks Finn Ransome takes are on the betting tables. He's spent his whole life being belittled for his shortcomings, that he'd rather take his chances with cards than women. But with the clock ticking on his father's demand of finding a wife or being cut off, Finn has no choice but to put himself out there. The only woman to catch Finn's eye is Tabitha Seaton, an intelligent bluestocking who surely has no time for a rogue such as himself. After a humiliating first Season, Tabitha decided to focus more on books than ballrooms. Her one goal in life is to become a member of the Sterling Society, a group of the most brilliant and influential minds in London. Unfortunately, if Tabitha hopes to win a spot in their favor, she has to be married. Since matrimony is the answer to both their problems, Finn and Tabitha concoct a mutually beneficial plan that poses no risks to either's hearts. But try as they might, neither can deny the very real feelings that start to stir once they exchange vows.

After reading The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes, I didn't think anyone could top Kieran Ransome but lemme tell you, he walked so Finn Ransome could run. Tall, dark, and handsome with a penchant for surprising women with libraries? Where do I sign up? He was everything. His relationship with Tabitha felt so natural, and I loved them together. Tabitha was strong-willed and just wanted to use her intelligence to better the world around her, and it was so sweet seeing how supportive Finn was and how he was willing to go to whatever lengths to make that happen. Finn spent his whole life being belittled because of a learning disability, so it broke my heart every time he mentioned how he wasn't smart enough to be with Tabitha. I loved how Tabitha couldn't care less about his brains, she loved him for who he was inside. Neither couldn't care less about the other's shortcomings; they just took each other as they are. Just as in the first book, the writing, banter, and steamy scenes were spot-on, and I couldn't read fast enough. Leigh has solidified herself as a new favorite of mine and I can't wait for the next book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

How the Wallflower Was Won by Eva Leigh is a solid, 3.5 star read. Finn Ransome and Tabitha Seaton have their own reasons for needing to marry, and these two opposites end up together, determined that love will not play a part in their marriage.

This is a slow burn but does have some really good steamy scenes. I also enjoyed the supporting characters and look forward to (I'm assuming) Dom and Willa's story. I did feel like the fight at the end was grasping for straws a bit, as it seemed really blown out of proportion.

Overall, this is a solid Regency Romance that I'd recommend to fans of the genre!

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

CW: learning disability, bullying, brief mention of child abuse

This is the second book in the series. While I do think it can be read as a standalone there are a lot of spoilers for book 1 and highly recommend starting there first

I would recommend if you're looking for (SPOILERS)

-m/f historical romance
-marriage of convenience
-we will definitely not fall in love with each other
-competency kink
-this is just a hookup
-carriage banging


I really adore how this series set up two characters, who on paper are opposites but truly are just different sides of the same coin. Both Finn and Tabitha have been stuck in their roles both by their families and society, and are told they could never escape them.To get what they both need, they agree to marry but no feelings involved, none whatsoever.

Finn, sweet darling Finn. Truly believed he wasn't good enough for Tabitha because she was too smart, too wonderful, too gorgeous for him and it just hurt my heart. How much he adored her and she him. She instantly saw his potential saw his self-doubt and wanted every dream of his to come true. Tabitha's attempts to protect her heart and to keep the relationship just about sex, the intimacy of the small things in a relationship.

And now I have to console myself waiting for Dom's story because I CANNOT wait

Steam: 3.5