Duke Most Wicked is the third in the Wallflowers vs. Rogues series by Lenora Bell. I’ve enjoyed both of the previous books in the series. And looked forward to this adventure. Brandan Delamar is the Duke of Westbury and loves being a wastrel. He has drunk and gambled away most of his inheritance and his five sisters dowries. Only when he realizes his actions are stopping his sisters from making suitable matches does he realize he must do something. He decides to marry an heiress but that means he must reform. Viola Beaton is the music instructor to the dukes sisters. He doesn’t realize till after she is gone that she is the peacemaker in his household between siblings and his staff. She agrees to return to his employment if he allows his sisters the season they were looking forward to experiencing.

There is a lot of silliness in this story. Brandan is over the top in his reaction to the problems he caused. To me one of the flaws of the story is that he makes no effort to improve his situation other than to seek a wealthy bride. Even when he has attraction for Viola he still plans to marry for money. I also have issues with the differences in their stations. Not only is Viola not titled she is his employee. So him teasing and provoking her to be in his bedroom late at night borders on sexual harassment other than for the lighter tone of the story. So while I am rooting for Viola I didn’t find him endearing just because he is handsome.

I will still happily look for future books from the author. This isn’t a bad historical romance I just enjoyed previous books from the author more. Thank you to NetGalley, Avon and Harper Voyager for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved reading this book. It was a perfectly romantic and sexy story filled with great characters, snarky humor, and even some salty language. Brandan Delamar, Duke of Westbury, survived years of his father’s antagonism by becoming a dissolute, disreputable rogue. He realizes when he overhears some untrue salacious gossip about his younger sisters, that he needs to repair his reputation and figure out a way to make it right so they gain good matches. He hires Viola Beaton as a music instructor. Her father is a famous composer but is greatly in debt and Viola helps pay expenses. West believes the best way to solve his problems is to become engaged to an heiress. Viola finds happiness in whatever she endeavors and establishes a nurturing relationship with his sisters. The initial relationship between Viola and West is like oil and water, they don’t mix. I loved the back-and-forth tit-and-tat between them. As to be expected there is a growing attraction between the two. There are unexpected events that happen that add to the delight of their story. This one was such a fun, character-driven romance which I highly recommend.

Thanks to Netgalley for this advance copy I received. All opinions stated are my own.

The Wicked Westbury is who Viola fell in love with. The Spinster music teacher is who West fell in love with. They both were able to see more of each other than any one else could. I enjoyed reading, Duke Most Wicked.

This is a cute romance between a damaged, naughty duke and his sisters’ music teacher that features a charming cast of characters and delicious banter. Although it’s somewhat formulaic (especially the too-neat last-minute ending), I really enjoyed the book’s sub plot about women in the music composition industry and its messages of redemption and Hope in love across class gaps. And the duke’s sisters, each of which has wildly different interests and personalities, provides a fun foil for his foolish behavior and a strong inspiration for his new lease on life.

Thank you, NetGalley, for this free ARC I exchange for my honest review.

The Duke Most Wicked truly was! He not only was a rogue but a wastrel as well. He had a horrible reputation amongst the ton which he tried hard to maintain. He seemed to be irredeemable, but after reading what he went through as a child, he had me already on his side, rooting for him. Viola Beaton, the music teacher and so much more, to his five younger sisters, was also in his corner. She could see his caring heart for his sisters, as she tried to protect her own. She tried resisting his roguish charm but couldn’t stop her heart from wanting him. He was drawn to her as well, but having wasted all his finances on his debauched lifestyle, he knew his only hope was to marry a wealthy heiress. I loved Viola and her positive affect that she had on reforming him, and her courage to say what she was thinking and feeling. Their romance was a delight, as was the whole storyline! Loved it!

I was not able to get into this book. The situations seemed contrived and characters were not likable. I was not able to get into the book even after reading 100 pages.

Overview: Duke hires a music teacher to train his sisters and prepare to perform a musicale for the upcoming season. The duke is a wastrel and has finally come to terms that he needs to marry an heiress to solve his money troubles and continue to be able to support his 5 younger sisters.

The first betrothal goes horribly wrong (he engages himself to an American who turns out to have a sweetheart back home who comes into his money and comes looking for her). After, his family is trying to convince him to marry an English heiress to fix his reputation and refill his coffers. However, he is in love with his sister's music teacher, Viola.

The plot is well written and has a good pace. You feel for both characters and cannot wait to see how they'll resolve both of their financial troubles and unwanted advances on Viola's part.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Cute, fun read!

I didn't realize I had read another book in this series until I started reading it. It's a fun series, with fun, witty, smart heroines, and sinfully handsome and wicked heros.

Viola is the daughter of a famous composer and the music teacher to the Duke of Westbury's sisters, who love and adore her. She has always been the quiet but supportive friend in her friend group, who enjoys playing and writing music. She believes herself to be a spinster, while crushing on the duke.

The Duke of Westbury, called West, was hated by his father, and chose a reckless life to defy him. He decides to try and reform himself after seeing how his reputation is hurting his sisters, whom he loves. He does this with the help of his sister's music teacher, Viola.

This is a cute, light-hearted read. I enjoy Lenora Bell books and this one didn't disappoint! I give it a solid 4 stars.

I received an advanced copy from #netgalley to voluntarily read and review. These opinions are my own. Thank you Net Galley for the copy!

Duke Most Wicked is the third book in the Wallflowers vs. Rogues series. I enjoyed the first two books in this series, and this one is just as enjoyable.

Brandan Delamar, Duke of Westbury, relishes in being labeled Wicked Westbury. However, when the reputation of his unmarried sisters is tarnished by association with him, West decides on a short-term reform by marrying an heiress and arranging marriages for his sisters. Everything was going according to plan until a green-eyed music teacher with a sunny smile began to challenge him at every corner.

I really liked Viola and West’s relationship. They both challenge each other, comfort each other, and confide in each other. I enjoyed the witty banters, the teasing remarks, and the amusing insults. Despite their class difference, both Viola and West experienced similar disappointments in life. While West had a cruel father, Viola’s mother had abandoned her to pursue her career. But it was West who lived up to his father’s curse of being wicked! Right from the prologue little Brandan endears himself to the readers. Beneath the wicked façade, West is still that boy who craves love and approval. Viola, too, is a lovely character. She is secretly in love with West, and he inspires her to write sonatas. But that’s not the only secret she harbors. . .!

The sisters were an interesting addition to the story. At times they were amusing; other times they were annoying lol. I do like the Boadicea Club ladies. Also, Mr. Murphy’s cameo was quite entertaining. The tiny bit that bothered me was that Viola continued to work for the duke without a salary for months, despite being in straitened circumstances. Fortunately, everything worked out well for her.

Overall, a steamy, fun, and cute read. I look forward to the next one.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Had some fun and romantic moments. Really enjoyed reading this one. Not my favorite of the series but Lenora Bell never disappoints.

Brandan Delamar, Duke of Westbury lived the high life, no consequences or tomorrows, but is drinking his life away because his perfect younger brother, Bertram died. Brandan couldn’t waste his entire life because of his four younger sisters. Luckily, Brandan’s sisters had Miss Viola Beaton, music instructor to them. Brandan decrees that he must secure husbands in a business transaction for his sisters. Viola appalled at the decision decides to tell Brandan that marriage without love would make his sisters unhappy. When Brandan cancels the musicale, his sisters will play in Viola says this is the last straw and quits. Viola isn’t safe though; her father’s mind is going, and their rent is due. When Brandan witnesses Viola is propositioned to be another lord’s mistress and attempts to be physical with her. Brandan stops the attack and takes Viola back and give her and her father a place to live. Brandan becomes Viola’s knight in shining armor, but Viola knows that nothing can come from it. Brandan also realizes that he is falling for Viola even though a match between them is impossible.
This is a humorous, slight forbidden different worlds lovely historical Regency romance that is a joy to read! The plots are many with lots of twists and turns. The sexual tension and verbal banter are also a roller coaster ride of fun. Even the places are vividly drawn and depicted so that it is easy to imagine and see. Sure, Brandan is not the greatest hero, he’s arrogant, brash, mean and not really a stellar guy that would make a wonderful book boyfriend. Okay sure you can kind of forgive him because he is damaged by his father’s criticism and hatred, but he isn’t winning any points with most. Viola on the other hand is fantastic, truly a breath of fresh air. At times you can’t help but feel sorry for her because she deserves much better than Brandan. His treatment not calling her by other names is pretty irritating too. Still the story is captivating read and especially if you like the upper-class nobility falling for a lowly person employed by them then it is worth a read.

I absolutely loved the Wallflowers vs. Rogues series from Lenora Bell and was waiting (im)patiently to see how Viola and Brandan's story unfolded. Viola is still teaching the Duke's younger sisters and providing his household with a steady hand, which the Duke finally realizes when she quits in a fury and his household, his sisters, and maybe even his heart start to malfunction. When he gets her back can it be enough for them to make sacrifices to stay together? Absolutely love, must read!

Reading Duke Most Wicked was my first experience with a book by Lenora Bell, but it will not be my last. While the premise, a duke falling in love with his sisters' teacher/companion, is not new, the complexity of the characters and the quality of the writing sets this title apart. I especially enjoyed the way many of Viola's thoughts were expressed in musical terms, reflecting the way her mind worked. West's sisters were entertaining and memorable. I would love to learn how little Birdie grows up. She will be a force to be reckoned with. Recommended for readers who enjoy a steamy historical with interesting characters and a bit of early proto-feminism.

I laughed, I cried, this book was fantastic and had all the elements I love in my HR. A wildly, wicked duke who really has a heart of gold. An intrepid wallflower heroine who doesn't know her own worth but loves all around her. The sisters were a lovely addition to this wonderful family.

A book to bring to the beach for a quick escape into the past. Brandan and Viola are fighting their attraction to each other but couldn’t resist each other. They find they have more in common despite their different backgrounds. I loved this story!

Brandan Delamar, the Duke of Westbury (referred to as West throughout the novel), has been living a wild life of a wicked Duke until he realizes that his reputation is reflecting negatively on his five unmarried sisters. His solution? Arrange marriages for them instead! And find an heiress for himself.

The Delamar sisters' music instructor, Viola Beaton, insists that the sisters be allowed to participate in the season and ultimately choose their own husbands.

The feelings between West and Viola grow over the course of the story. Of course, Viola is not even close to being an heiress. And West has claimed he will never fall in love. Which is all Viola wants in a husband.

Overall, an excellent read. You really grow to feel deeply for all the characters and want everything to work out. An A+ romance.

ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Brendan Delamar, Duke of Westbury, rebelled against his cruel father as a young man and decided to do everything in his power to not be a good duke. When his father dies, he is responsible for his five younger sisters. Brendan realizes that he has to improve his reputation and marry in order to help the reputation of his sisters. Viola Beaton works as a music teacher for Brendan's sisters. Viola is attracted to Brendan, but she understands that she could never marry a Duke. As Viola begins to chaperone his sisters, Brendan begins to fall for her.

I enjoyed Viola's character and her passion for music, but I did not feel like there was enough chemistry between Viola and Brendan. The first half of the book was interesting, but I felt like the last half of the book dragged. The dialogue between characters was really stiff and I felt like there was a lot of telling instead of showing. Fans of the Wallflowers vs. Rogues series can skip this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own"

I just started reading Lenora Bell's books the ones that I I have enjoyed reading them. Duke Most Wicked was another great read I didn't want to put it down love these characters that will always stay with me 5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review

Happy Reading Lisa 📚

TW: thoughts of suicide

Solid 3 stars. If you want a nice, more lighthearted read, and you love grumpy/sunshine couples, you would enjoy this.

The story started off strong. The prologue was heart breaking, but it is the greatest piece of insight to why the hero is the way he is. Introduction to the heroine was great too. The intro to the sisters, and other secondary were amazing (I hope we get a series with some of them). I also thought their familial dynamic was great. Viola’s relationship with the sisters were just as important as her’s with West.

The banter between the hero and heroine was cute. I love when characters openly tease each other.. there was a few time jumps that I wish there were moments we could have seen. Maybe a few more scenes of them getting to know each other outside of marriage plotting. I also wish we would have seen a bit more of West’s wicked ways. He kept saying he was beyond redeemable, but I kept thinking to myself, a bit of fighting, gambling, and drinking is kinda lightweight. I’ve definitely have read worse heroes.

Right around the time Belinda was eloping/kidnapped I thought the story lost some its appeal. I think that whole part of the plot was left field, and didn’t need to happen. Also may the Lord bless that poor woman who is left with Laxton (BUT I wouldn’t mind a novella about a strained marriage turning into a love match). The end in general was a bit too perfect. All the problems in the book just solved themselves.

It sound like I didn’t like the book, but I did. All my critiques are of my nit picking. I would honestly recommend this to people. Especially those who are new to the historical romance genre.

*Received a copy for review.*
I absolutely loved this desolute Duke. He has been a terrible brother and steward, drinking, gambling, and debauching his way through life. Now he has little money and his sisters need to debut but his reputation makes them a bad bet.
Enter Viola. Her father is renowned composer who is losing his hearing. They have fallen on hard times and she needs to work to support her fathers' composing.
I loved that West teases Viola. His ascertation that the women are courting him and his saying innocuous things to show her was so much fun.
I hope that someo f hte sisters get books as well.