Bram...Bram...Bram...
This man made this story. From his high jinx at trying to save a lady that did not want to be saved. To his honest attempts not to marry the self same lady who did want to be married. To him.
And right down to his brooding, argumentative, devilishly handsome, virgin toes.
Yes...
That's right!
He's a virgin!
This man keeps pages turning without a doubt.
And to top it all off he doesn't have to be a Duke or Earl to do it.

As for our leading lady. One Wilhelmina Bettesford.
Well!
She is the headstrong, take no prisoners, bookish type. Always trying to learn something that the boys say she shouldn't. (In this case, astronomy.)
And be somewhere which by virtue of her sex. The boys say that she is not allowed. (In this case, The Stars Above Society.)

This "boy from the wrong side of the blanket" makes good. Meets girl from "the right side of side blanket". But on the wrong side of society. Offers readers a far more "everyday" experience of a love story. Than the usual Lord and Laaaady! Let's take a stroll around the ballroom. Get caught kissing by her mother, and have to marry drivel.
This is a story to love. Right down to the interfering, but smart like a fox younger stepmother, Alathea. And the sweet little dog named Dipper.

And sweetening the pot even more for those of us chomping at the literary bit. This is but book one in this delightful series.
And because this read has proved to be heaven sent indeed.
Who knows what romantic lighting will strike in book two.

Reviewer's Note:
All opinions expressed in this critique are my own. And have in no way been influenced by any outside party.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for providing the review copy on which my review is based.

Reading this story of Wilhelmina and Bram was delightfully fun! Wihelminia is a woman feeling stifled by the constraints of society’s rules for women and enlists Bram’s help to have her father and stepmother back off from matching her with gentlemen if their acquaintances. The verbal sparring between Wilhemina and Bram was entertaining and I enjoyed their story.

Her Lessons in Persuasion was a great story, until near the end. The couple has sex and it is far too descriptive for my liking. I guess if you like a steamy romance, you would probably like this one, but I think the story was good without that.

“Can we move on to talking about books?”

A story of brotherhood and being true to yourself, with a little awkwardness dashed in.

Overall this book is a very fun read. It’s funny and witty and sweet in many places. However it also felt a little unfinished and there were moments that seemed unintentionally awkward.
The way our main couple, Wilhelmina and Bram, connect and understand each other feels really genuine and sweet. As individuals they were great characters; I especially enjoyed the sections from Bram’s POV. However there were a lot of moments between them that came off as super awkward, and not in a cute or funny way. His adopted brothers made the book for me though. His friends coming around to support him and help him build his future with no questions is adorable! It’s one of my favorite parts of the book. I especially can’t wait to get Fenton’s story.
Something I did not like was Wilhelmina’s father and stepmother. Slight spoiler ahead: they never really get their comeuppance, or at least an explanation of why they act the way they do. It felt really unfinished to me.
The writing is easy to read while being full of fun big words like defenestrate and picayune. It really feels like Miss Frampton loves the English language. The themes of the book are also really refreshing. The premise that doing something traditional- like marriage- can be a rebellion itself is beautiful. And there was a small twist I did not expect!
Overall, I absolutely recommend the author, but this couple never really had that extra sparkle for me.

CW: Death of a parent, toxic relationship
Tropes: Courtship of convenience, feisty bluestocking

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley. Opinions are all my own.

This series is off to an auspicious start! Wilhelmina and Bram’s love story was so fun and sweet. I loved his friends/secondary characters and can’t wait to read their stories as well. She set the scenes well for them.

Any fake relationship trope is going to keep me reading. I adore it and will always get excited about a new book with this trope. Their dialogue and chemistry was a delight on the page. I absolutely recommend and can’t wait to see what Megan Frampton has in store next!

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. The conversations and banter between characters were funny and enjoyable. I found the characters to be likeable. Wilhelmina is not your typical simpering miss out in society. She has goals beyond marriage. I definitely loved Bram.

I would definitely like to read about the other orphan men's stories in future books. The pace of the book was relatively quick and kept moving along.
It did take me a while to finish this book, but that was more a time problem on my end than the book itself.

My only complaint is the book wrapped up too neatly. Without spoiling it, pretty much everyone got what they wanted even if it was much too quick to be realistic (not that romance novels need to be realistic).

I would rate this 4.5 stars (rounding up to 5 stars). I would recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the read.

I really enjoyed this new series from Megan Frampton and look forward to reading the rest!

In this book we're introduced to 5 gorgeous men who all grew up together in a home for orphans. Bram, the hero, is a barrister who tries to save Wilhelmina from jumping off a bridge (he thinks) but in reality she is an astronomer looking at the stars.

Neither want to marry, and end up being thrown together my Wilhelmina's new stepmother, who is 5 years younger than she, in the hopes of marrying Wilhelmina off to someone "worthy". Bram's friends are very involved in the story, which makes you more interested in reading their stories in the future. Ultimately of course Bram and Wilhelmina both fall in love, but they don't want to marry, do they?

There is a lot of discussion of women's rights, equality and female scientists in this book. While that seems like a very popular plot line these days, frankly the fact that a plot style is popular usually turns me off. Nevertheless I really enjoyed this book, the characters, the world, and can't wait to see who's next!

I'm giving this 4 stars due primarily to its uniqueness in this genre. There are so many tropes involving dukes and rakes that it's refreshing for both of the MC's to be virgins, and on top of that they're intellectual types who are rather offbeat and don't fit into society. Bram is especially likable. He's an orphan who is fiercely loyal to his group of friends and wishes to go into law to right society's wrongs. He's on the stuffy side, is stubborn, and isn't the world's snappiest dresser, but he is also idealistic and he romantic side emerges once he meets Wilhelmina. Although the pretend engagement trope is one I've seen one too many times recently, I loved the way Bram treated Wilhelmina with respect and patience.

For her part, Wilhelmina isn't exactly charming; in fact, she's quite pedantic and prickly, but she is different, and she's not willing to compromise on her future.

As far as secondary characters go, I enjoyed the interactions Bram had with his friend group and look forward to seeing them in upcoming books. It's nice to see MMC's who are working-class as opposed to upper crust.

I didn't really warm up much to Mina's stepmother and father, and felt their character arcs were rather abrupt. They end up providing much of the tension in the plot.

Overall, though, this is a charming, light-hearted book which is a good change of pace from the typical roguish hero and lust-addled heroine.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own. Thanks to the publisher, author, and Net Galley for this opportunity. This book is set for publication January 24.

Review linked to Goodreads and will be posted to Bookbub and Amazon closer to publication.

ARC copy kindly sent to me through NetGalley but all my thoughts and vibes are my own. :)

If you are looking for just the most squeezable adorable hero and heroine, this is the book for you. The heroine just wants to see the stars and after the cutest meet cute the hero just wants to see her. This book has fake dating, a heroine who takes charge and always makes the first move, and the hero has a found family of orphans that also form a book club. OH OH OH! And there is bodice ripping in here! But SHE rips his shirt! It's great.

This was my first Megan Frampton and it won't be my last.

Fun, delightful read. I enjoyed the premise and was entertained. Liked the writing style and the story. Thank you netgalley and publisher for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

As far as regency era romances go, this one was a solid 3 star.

What I liked: "inexperienced" M & F characters. So many regencies have a male lead who has already been with other women prior to meeting the love interest in the story. It was nice to see both leads experience things for the first time together.

What felt clunky: the final debate. I know it's the grand gesture but for some reason this just came off as cringey and forced.

I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Her Lessons in Persuasion is the first book in Megan Frampton’s new A School for Scoundrels series. This book follows Lady Wilhelmina who is an astronomer and Bram Townsend, a barrister. I loved Wilhelmina’s list of men she does not wish to marry. It was such a fun addition to this story. I really liked the lack of the usual villain in this story. I also loved Bram’s interactions with his friend group and all of their unique personalities. I can’t wait to continue on with this series to see their love stories!

Bram and Wilhelmina meet when he saves her friend falling off a bridge when she is stargazing. Such a fun meet cute! I loved how they happened to see each other again and just couldn’t stay away from each other. The plot was a bit slow in the middle though and although Wilhemlina was pretty self-aware, she still wasn’t my favorite heroine. All in all, I did like this book but it isn’t all time fav.

DNF @ 50%

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon & Harper publishers for an ARC of this novel.

This book is about these two characters who pair up to be able to play the game of Society to try and get the Inheritance that Whilomina wants.

This book had a strong start. I loved the main character Whilomina and Ben seemed like a swoon worthy compliment to the main character and I really wanted to like this book. However, the by the middle of the novel, the pacing starts to slow down to a daunting halt. The author tries to place down little hints of their romance along the way, but it felt forced and manufactured.

If you would perchance like to read, the book comes out on January 24, 2023.

Megan Frampton new series is delightful. I truly enjoyed that Bram was a barrister and is working towards a goal of becoming a judge. Wilhelmina is an aspiring astronomer. They met in the most unusual circumstances. The connection they felt was appreciated but not truly welcomed by either of them. They grew a friendship and then became more. I thought that the way they fell in love was wonderful and lovely. I recommend this story.

Megan Frampton is such a dynamic writer. Her stories are layered, thoughtful and such a joy to read. I loved this book and would highly recommend to others for a top notch romance.

Her Lessons in Persuasion is the first book in a new series, School for Scoundrels, by Megan Framtpon. This has so many fun moments: fake relationship, grumpy heroine who is an astronomer, class difference (she’s a lady, he’s a working barrister), bookish hero (he even has a monthly meeting with his friends to discuss reads).

Wilhelmina is 24, determined not to marry, and counting down the days (six months!) until she can access her inheritance. In the mean time she would rather be left with her dog, her Aunt, her books (nonfiction of course because she’d rather read facts), her telescope, and astronomy. She has a bit of a reputation of being a grump, when one evening she meets the hero Bram. Bram is an ordinary man, he was raised as an orphan at the Devenaugh Home for Destitute Boys (or more famously known as the School for Scoundrels) and worked hard to become a barrister. He only has time for work and his friends, four fellow orphans he’s known since childhood. He and his friends have a monthly meeting where they discuss books and life. Bram meets Wilhelmina while coming home from work, there is a misunderstanding when he spots her on a bridge…he thinks she needs rescuing and steps in, but she was actually just trying to get a better look at the stars. After, he insists on escorting her home and she shocks even herself by kissing him when he leaves. They meet again at a bachelor-style auction where her new stepmother (who is just 5 years younger than her) bids on Bram to escort Wilhelmina to an opera. When that goes well, her father and stepmother ask Bram to fake court her since other gentlemen became interested in Wilhelmina after their opera outing.

I adored that the hero is bookish and even has a book club with his friends, I want to get to all of their books! Bram and Wilhelmina are both a bit quirky, both virgins, and just cute together. I thought it was refreshingly fun that her stepmother and father convince Bram to fake date/court her (instead of the hero or heroine setting it up). I liked seeing Bram and Wilhelmina realize they have so much in common and see their feelings for one another grow. For the last half there was a focus on her getting into a society and some mock debate exercises they do that I think dragged on for too much of the story, but otherwise this was just a sweet historical romance with low-angst and a bit of a slow burn.

3.5 stars/rounded up on GR. Thank you to the publisher (Avon Books) for an e-ARC via NetGalley. All thoughts in this review are my own. Her Lessons in Persuasion is out January 24, 2023.

A Fantastic start to the first in School for Scoundrels series and it does not disappoint. Her Lessons in Persuasion grabs you right from the start and takes you on a fun rollercoaster ride as Wilhelmina and Bram have sworn off marriage but seems as a web is woven in this who done it. Just when you think you know you find yourself changing your mind.
Amanda Carmack has with unforgettable characters that are well thought out and each and everyone comes across clearly as their individual personalities become more than just part of the tale, a clean romance, seances with one irate ghost , murder and mystery. With setting descriptions and action sequences are wonderfully vivid which brings this read together perfectly and will keep you reading to the end.

It’s the first book I’ve read by this author and looking forward to more good ones!

Megan Frampton will make you full on belly laugh, get a tear in your eye, go “awwww,” and you’ll enjoy every second.

Her Lessons in Persuasion introduces us to five amazing heroes, and you will fall in love with each one of them. The School for Scoundrels are orphans who bonded at the Devenaugh Home for Destitute Boys: Bram (our hero in this book), who is a barrister; and his four mysterious friends Theo, Fenton, Simeon, and Benedict (who are all amazing in their own way).

Megan Frampton has the singular honor of being probably the only author I have read who consistently crafts a hero and heroine who I identify with the majority of the time. But, as I have said before, she has a gift when it comes to crafting her main characters in a way where you can just totally understand what they’re thinking and feeling. You feel kinship to them throughout the entire story. She’s really the only author I’ve read who does this. Whenever I pick up one of her books, I KNOW that I will be rooting for the hero and heroine the entire time.

So this book is about Lady Wilhelmina and Bram, and what happens when two people who have no intention of ever getting married fall for each other (literally, lol). First of all, I love how this has turned one of the most well-used romance tropes on its head, social inequality—but in this case, she has the title and he’s a man of no name and dubious background. See, it doesn’t matter if he is a fierce advocate for justice, and a good, strong man. (And hotter than fire, whoo boy!) This just ain’t done. Plus, neither of them plans to marry . . . ever. She’s a strong, independent (well, as independent as she can be as an unwed 24-year old who cannot control her finances, and must follow society rules and do whatever her father tells her) woman of science, an astronomer. She’s also opinionated, intelligent, logical, and a bull-headed straight talker. But guess what? So is he! It’s a match made in . . . the stars (I couldn’t resist).

Without spoiling anything: the gist is, these two people who are absolutely perfect for each other (except she’s rich and titled and he’s a struggling barrister of illegitimate background) get to play a game—pretend to be courting so other men will be interested in her (which is an affront to all women, but especially Wilhelmina, let me tell you); you know it’s time to grab a big bucket of popcorn and take a seat!

This is a five-star read that will have you salivating for the rest of the Scoundrels’ saga. I am completely besotted with all five of the heroes in this series. But Bram, oh Bram is just perfect for Wilhelmina because he sees her. You start rooting for them from the first page.

I liked Her Lessons in Persuasion by Megan Frampton although I felt as if there have been way too many of the "rake gives lessons in love to a virgin" books of late. It's a good premise but I've honestly read 4 other books with it off the top of my head, and while Megan Frampton is excellent as always, I felt as if this was lacking in bite compared to some of her other books.

That being said, Frampton is an excellent writer so it’s a solid 3-star effort even though I doubt I’ll return to it since like I said, the premise is so overdone lately.

**Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC.

✨She ripped HIS bodice✨

Okay I think I’m glitching because this book cannot be real. Megan Frampton thought it was alright to just give us a hero in a book club, the BEST and most SUPPORTIVE group of Hero Material friends I’ve ever seen, and my favorite trope?????? And she simply thought I would just be OKAY AFTER READING IT????

I cannot get over just how adorable Bram was. PerSUADE me daddy. Seriously idk what I’m on but the fact that he was a barrister and just so sincere about everything destroyed my peace. He had a modest set of rooms and he was worried about them not being clean enough when he took Wilhelmina home and I just think that’s the cutest thing. Screw mansions and manors I just want a barrister with a modest set of rooms and an immodest cock.

This book was just so much fun. There wasn’t really a third act breakup and the book was definitely low angst. It was absolutely fluffy. The only thing possibly fluffier than the book is Bram. Wilhelmina was a little bit dominant in the bedroom and she’s exactly the interruption that Bram needed. Both characters in the book were virgins, and their first time was perfect. Bram had a little bit of a mouth on him??? It’s always the quiet ones 😌

Frampton has such a fun writing style and I really mesh with her sense of humor. The past few books I’ve read from her have all been winners and they’re all incredibly different. This book sets up the series so well and I really can’t be bothered to WAIT. I need them NOW. Which hero will be next??? My delicate sensibilities aren’t cut out for this.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶*/5

*I think I wanted one more scene at least.