I was in the mood for a historical romance and found this story satisfying and highly entertaining.
The plot is well developed, the characters fleshed out, and the romance is sweet.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The Wicked Wallflower by Tracy Sumner is the newest and third book in the Duchess Society. Once again we are introduced to the women of the Duchess Society and their families. The cast of characters in these novels are not the average rich ton class. They are people who have been left by families to find their ways forward. This novel focuses on Lady Philippa Darlington and Xander Macauley.

Lady Philippa Darlington never expected to be part of the ton. Her brother’s surprising inheritance left her to learn and survive a new world. She is brash, impulsive, and full of life wanting to help people. However her role is one of a debutante, something she is totally uninterested in being.

Xander Macauley grew up fighting his way in this world. He is rich and part of a group of men who are working on opening opportunities for people who they used to be part of. He knows Pippa is not the woman for him. She needs to marry well and be safe, not living in the slums and not being safe.

Together they sizzle and they cannot keep their hands off each other. The solution? There is none according the Xander. The Wicked Wallflower by Tracy Sumner is a good read.

𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝑵𝒆𝒕𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒆𝒚 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑷𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆-𝒂𝒓𝒄.


The previous books were intriguing and entertaining. But why does this book irritate me so much?

The Wicked Wallflower is the third book in the Duchess Society series, which has strong and capable female characters that I would describe as pleasant, but the heroine in this one is not.

The writing in this book was much better than in the previous one, but what about the characterization? Not at all.

Aside from the supposedly witty banter that turns out to be comical to me because of how cringey they seemed, I'm afraid I didn't like the heroine in this one. The chemistry is there, but I couldn't bring myself to go beyond 41% when I'm not feeling it.

The characters really make this book and the series! After enjoying the other books, I am so glad that Pippa and Xander got their own book.

What I really like about all the characters is how likeable they are. All characters regardless of level in society have some sort of redeeming quality even if labeled as a rake/rogue. Xander is a great example of this with his giving back to help those out of tough situations like he grew up in.

The romance in this book felt like it was at a good pace. Pippa and Xander kept struggling with if they could fit into eachothers lives, but kept sneaking around to see eachother. That suspense added some definite heat and kept me wanting to read more.

This book could be read as a stand-alone, but really benefited from the other books since I was able to focus on the main characters more.

I can't wait for the next books in the series for a couple more siblings!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Pip, a wild hoiden, has always been attracted to her brother’s rogue friend Xander. When Xander tries to save her from her many dangerous exploits, he finally decides he cannot deny the feelings he has for Pip. I cannot wait to read the next in this series. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Wolf Publishing for my honest review.

The main characters were off the charts good. Pippa definitely doesn't fit into the highbrow society that she finds herself flung into. Their stupid rules weren't for her. When she wants something she is one determined woman. And clever to boot. One of my favorite phrases comes from Pippa where she observed that "her dance card was full but her heart was empty."
Xander has never fit in society and makes no moves to even try. He is incredibly intelligent and has found some ways to make them come to him. All ways that are making a ton of money. He also has a kinder heart than most people know. Which Pippa begins to see and she also manages to pry other secrets from him.

He has managed to gather good people around him in his ventures. Almost to his frustration, he finds himself also surrounded by good titled men. He is also frustrated by his desire for Pippa. The best description of that was, he didn't want to want her (but he did).
While building the foundation of this story, although good, it also felt a bit slow at times. The descriptions of people and places was very well done. And I enjoyed some of the humor in the story. No one warned me about the "heat" described between Pippa and Xander. *Fanning myself here*.
I liked how the story ended and included the required (at least for me) Epilogue.

" I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book through Netgalley. And these are my honest opinions about it.”

I am rarely blown away when I come across a new to me Author and I adore their work. This book was exactly that. Amazing read. Enjoyed it immensely and will be watching for future work while I catch up on previously released ones.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

Will he let his hidden fears close his heart to love …

Like everyone having read this series from the first book, Macaulay’s downfall after his two friends was much awaited as the collapse of the big almighty Limehouse king.
For two years Xander has fought his attraction to the hoyden impersonating as is his friend’s quiet sister. Keeping at arm-length and deflating each of her attempts all the while drowning himself in work and women. Yet avoiding her is not always an option when the fearless chit jumps head first into scraps. But he won’t go down like his friends, love is a pledge only leading to weakness at best and betrayal at worst.

Philippa is too fighting her attraction, believing the man will only always see her as an annoyance, and is too wrong for the like of her, overprotective, as hardheaded as herself and shouting he will never get shackled. Still he is the only man who makes her heart beat faster. Why him, the most improper of them all. Yet the one fellow who seems to understand her too.
She hides behind a wallflower’s suit, certain it is her only means to avoid matrimony as she does not want of this life as a Duke’s sister

Theirs is not an easy journey but one needing time, for Philippa to find the right footing and determine which rules to follow or not and him to accept he could run away as far as he wants but she will always catch him up.
A wonderful tale of the ruination of a Titan hiding his teddy bear of a heart by a slip of a woman as stubborn and kindhearted as he is.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

After the amazing story of Tobias and Hildy I was expecting the same of this next book in the series. The writing is great however, I did not like Pippa. I thought she was a spoiled brat who didn't think of others while causing all sorts of problems. I always love a H who is self-made and has brought himself out of poverty to be successful.

England 1824

She was the sister of a Duke. Granted, their beginnings were not grand.
He was a man born in the rookeries, a confirmed bachelor, a scoundrel, rake and so why would he ever want her?

A delightful romantic story of an attraction that did not seem possible, but sometimes fate, or that arrow through the heart, just seems to come about!

Intrigue, an attraction that will not be denied and an amazing journey to finding true love! Sigh

I enjoyed this book and thought the story was fun and entertaining. Xander Macauley is best friends with Lady Philippa (Pippa) Darlington’s brother, the Duke of Leighton. Xander is the classic bad boy…grew up rough and tumble on the wrong side of London. Pippa is struggling to find her life’s purpose now that her brother is a duke. Years of denying their crushes on each other came to a head and boy did the sparks fly.

Things that I loved included Xander Macauley saying innit *drool* I didn’t realize how hot I found that one little word. Xander and Pippa had that great back and forth banter that I swear I could feel the sexual tension through the page. You could see the real battle of wills between the two of them. I liked that Pippa wasn’t going to settle for anything less than his heart and if he wasn’t going to give to her then he could get gone. She made him work for her forgiveness and it was worth the wait!

Something that didn’t work for me was some repetitive references to secondary characters that I felt were confusing and redundant at times. There were times when I wondered, “Wait who are we talking about…oh, didn’t we establish their name earlier?!”

I had a love/hate relationship with Xander’s indecisiveness and how he went about navigating his relationship with Pippa. I loved when he was reluctantly giving in against his better judgment. It was so hot!! But I hated when he thought he knew best - it’s just a storyline thing that I’m not a huge fan of.

Overall this book was a fun, low angst, and spicy read that I enjoyed!

(Thank you to NetGalley and Wolf Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)

Ooooh I LOVE this series, it's so fun. And I have been waiting (patiently-ish) for Pip & Macauley's book which did not disappoint. It's well written, sweet and very funny in places ("and get your bloody hands of my brachiopod!").

The writing was really on the wall for poor Macauley, whose protestations in the last stories about getting infected with love/marriage were indeed the final struggles of a doomed man. Pippa is up to mischief from the start and it turns out Macauley is not able to leave her (or anyone else he cares about) to fend for herself as she gets in to scrapes. this soon spirals in to much more. Tracy Sumner writes passion really well - and doesn't focus too much on the usual 'insurmountable obstacle' that many historical romances rely on.

We also meet some characters who will be the focus of the next two books, and I am now resigned to wait (again, patiently-ish) for those to appear.

Very much enjoyed. I would say if you enjoy Sarah MacLean's books, there's a bit of a Bareknuckle Bastards sort of vibe to Macauley, which I strongly approve of!

Received an ARC from Netgalley.

I thought this series couldn't get any better and then comes Macauley and Pippa to prove me wrong.
The plot is simple: Macauley and the Duke of Leighton are business associates and friends, they have known each other for years and have become a family. Lady Philippa Darlington is Leighton's sister who has been in love with Macauley since she can remember. She sees him as he truly is: Bad, a little lonely, loyal, protective and above else: madly in love with her.
Macauley knows where he comes from and understands that Leighton might not accept him as Pippa's husband. He tries hard to protect Pippa from the snooping and detective work she is doing for the Duchess Society and tries to maintain his distance from her alluring personality. But Pippa wants him and only him, and she will get him... Macauley doesn't have another choice but to accept her love and succumb to her tenderness.
Goodness, Ms. Sumner's writing is flawless. She captures you on the first page and doesn't let you go until her characters get their HEA. Macauley really deserved someone to love and understand him as Pippa does. I love how she just waits for him to make his own decisions, but she already knows what he will decide. Their relationship is special on all levels - physically, emotional, spiritual and intellectually.
The second best thing is that we get a glimpse of the next couples in the story! I literally can't wait for the Scarred Earl and Gardener Apprentice and Theo and her Student.

I haven’t read much historical fiction or romance, but i did enjoy reading the story of Pippa and Macauley. this was the first book in the series i read but i often found myself confused about some of the characters and their place in the novel, however this may be because i’ve only read the third book in this series. i liked the slow build up of the characters’ chemistry and how their different lifestyles and personalities somehow fit so well together, however this seemed to be a somewhat drastic change, especially with how pippa was at the beginning of the book and how she was after being with macauley.
thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this book and i confirm all opinions are my own.

*This ARC was sent in exchange for my honest review *
FINALLY!! Pippa and Macauley!!!!

I absolutely LOVED The Wicked Wallflower!! I’ve been waiting patiently for Pippa and Macauley’s story because their chemistry in the series was EVERYTHING AND MORE!! This is the very first historical romance series I’ve read and I can’t get enough! The way this author writes makes you feel as if you are escaping your own life and diving into the world of these characters.
Pippa is the sister of a Duke and as free spirited as they come! She wants nothing to do with marriage but is trying to play the role of a Lady for the sake of her brother and the Ton.
Macauley is a Prince of the streets.. he’s crawled his way out of the slums to rule an empire. He’s a man with a lot of secrets, including the biggest one his heart holds…he has a thing for his friends little sister and that’s a secret he’s kept locked tight for years.
One night changes everything though when Pippa gets herself into trouble, Macauley is there to rescue her and his plans of staying away from this vexing woman suddenly change as he realizes the lengths he will go to protect her.
The build up and chemistry between these two explodes on the pages and they soon realize that they can’t stay away from each other. Trust me when I say you will not regret reading this beautiful story! Macauley is stubborn and set in his ways but so is Pippa… When they finally give into temptation they have to decide if their both willing to risk it all or go their separate ways.

Never underestimate a determined woman!

In the last book, we got a glimpse of Pippa's attraction to Xander and his determination to ignore his own developing attraction to her. Now, two years later, he quickly realizes he's in way over his head with the spirited sister of one of his best friends, as Pippa gets into one harrowing situation after another. I loved how she slowly broke down his walls, convinced him that he was a better man than he thought, and pointed him toward the future they could share together.

I was captivated by Xander's backstory, his struggles, and his path to success, and I adored his reunion with the one person he shouldn't have had to leave behind. This opened up a whole new side to him that was never even hinted at in the earlier books, and I loved every bit of it.

What I loved most about this story is how it allowed Pippa to grow into the kind of woman she wanted to be long before she and her brother were swept up by Society. Her progressive goals were inspirational, and I simply adored the way she and Xander joined their two pet projects together to the benefit of all.

I loved the twenty pound bet, the enticing chapter headings that perfectly set the upcoming scenes, the intensity of their passion together, and the way that Pippa didn't let her love for Xander keep her from achieving her goals. I also enjoyed the hints of a couple more love stories yet to mature, and look forward to reading more in this engaging series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I absolutely LOVED this book! It’s packed full of steamy romance just the way I like it, and the story is compelling. I couldn’t put this one down!

Philippa Darlington is always looking for adventure and getting into scrapes. Xander Macauley makes it his responsibility to have her followed. Inevitably he is the one who recues her before a scandal. Philippa is in love with Macauley. He thinks he is too old and has a reputation from growing up in the Limehouse Docks. He also happens to be her brother's best friend and business partner. Philippa isn't discouraged. Each encounter brings them closer together until it explodes. A difference in class does not matter when it comes to love. Could not put this book down.
Steamy encounters.
🔥🔥🔥🔥
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

If you are looking for a quick paced, low angst and sensual novel about a unrequited attraction coming to fruition, then this is a great option for you. Tracy Sumner's third novel in The Duchess Society was teased in the second novel and now we get to see the attraction between the hero and heroine grow into a sensual exploration of each other and learning the true meaning of love. Sumner's writing has a nice wit and charm that builds from the fun introduction lines to each chapter, which I found to be absolutely delightful. This novel swiftly moves along and the plot and situations and engaging and fun. Sumner's characters also dance off the page and I had so much fun getting continual glimpses from past characters as well as future characters, which help to build up a really nice anticipation for the stories that are still to come.

Lady Philippa, Pippa, is impulsive and independent, she finds that by disguising herself as a wallflower she is able to find some freedom in London Society. Macauley was born in the slums but he has worked hard and risen to power to rule over his empire, and for the past two years he has been smitten with his best friend's little sister. These two have spend the last few years dancing around each other and now Pippa is ready to take matters and her own desires in hand.

Watching these two dance around each other is delightful and charming. I love watching two people who are extremely attracted to each other come to a precipice in which they have to take the plunge. The chemistry and desire between these two starts out strong and watching it grow to combustion is wonderful. Sumner does a really lovely job of starting this book of with this tension and building it up until Pippa and Macauley finally can not keep their hands off each other. I found this book to be very nicely sensual and steamy and the level works well for this romance and the relationship that these two have with each other. I like that this novel is not about meeting each other, but rather about learning more about each other and understanding each other and respecting each other for who they are now in this time. I love that Pippa is strong in her convictions and that she takes her own body and desires into her own hands and that she never backs down from what she wants. I love that Pippa values Macauley for who he is, where he has come from and how he makes her feel.

I really enjoyed this third novel in this series and would very much recommend it, when read in order you definitely get a really wonderful building and understanding of the characters in this world. I am very much looking forward to the next novels in this series and seeing the HEA of some characters that we have already had the opportunity to meet!

I received this book as an ARC, and it is my first Tracy Sumner book that I've read. The Wicked Wallflower was somewhat entertaining, but it wasn't really high up on books that I truly enjoyed or would re-read. I don't know if it was the reading style, everything felt disjointed and rushed yet with nowhere to go. I think the characters were pretty well-established, but the heroine Pippa felt like two different people with the hero Maccauley and with her family. I just feel like I understood the side characters more than her. I also didn't really feel like Pippa or Maccauley were all that likable and wondered why they would even be attracted to each other. Pippa was bratty and refused to listen (in real life she'd be her own worst enemy) and didn't really come off as a headstrong woman who who liked non-convention and had interests in social justice, yet that is what her character was supposed be like. Maccauley always seemed to be angry at her and I had a hard time understanding how (or why) he wanted Pippa. The most entertaining character in the book was Pippa's maid, and that is just from her taking Maccauley and Pippa's bribes and how Maccauley couldn't remember her name but just called her corrupt, etc. I wish the epilogue had described the hat she was saving up for.
The book was really slow and seemed to be spinning its wheels when trying to go somewhere. I felt like I was reading a story without a story, sadly. The dialogue also felt so cringe-y, also. It was lacking emotion while describing sad parts, and I don't think there were any funny, suspenseful parts. It was high on the soap opera dramatics, but felt pretty dry. About 10% of the book I really had an interest in, which was closer to the end but then by the end I was bored again. If I didn't feel like I should read the whole thing to give a true review I honestly would have stopped reading about 31% through.
The Wicked Wallflower is the third in its series, and I think I would have been better served starting at the beginning of the series. While this book did explain some of the backstories of characters, I don't think it necessarily could be a standalone. Maybe if I had read this in series-order I would have enjoyed this book more, or maybe if I was reading a book without Pippa and Maccauley. I feel terrible being so critical, and do plan on at some point reading #1 and 2 in the series and seeing if my opinion changes.
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