I'm a sucker for a cute cover and a witty title, both of which this book has! I actually have had the first two books on my TBR for a while and read this one first thanks to the digital ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. While it is the third in a series and I'd recommend reading them in order, you can also read it as a standalone. I'll definitely be reading the other two soon because I loved all of the characters and the author's writing style. This book is fun and the main characters are headstrong but lovable. Their chemistry is obvious from the start and despite the outward appearance that they are mismatched, they have a lot in common which was clear to me from the beginning. I love their names, Venus and Galahad, and that Gal's use of her full name vexes Vee. Their banter is entertaining and the supporting cast (from the first two books) are the best. I love when a romance book doesn't just focus on the romantic relationship but on the connections between family and friends and in this case Vee's passion for helping youth who have nowhere else to go and no one else to rely on. The author's use of Venus's old diary entries at the start of the chapters is a nice touch to give the reader a peek into her views on romance and a look into her past. It lets the reader feel more connected to Vee and also probably added more to her story if you'd met her in the first two books. Gal and Vee aren't perfect and while they both know they make mistakes, they also really believe they're doing the right thing at the same time which is frustrating but relatable. There's really nothing I didn't enjoy about this book; it's such a feel good read and I'd recommend it to any romance readers!

All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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This was okay. I feel like we should have gotten more pieces of Gal throughout the book rather than right at the end. I did like the two of them together though.

The book Never Wager with a Wallflower was an enjoyable read. I would recommend any book written by Virginia Heath. Happy Reading!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely.

Another entertaining romance from Virginia Heath. The chemistry between the two characters is palpable and spellbinding. The readers will enjoy the journey of love the two seemingly mismatched characters go on. The unraveling of Galahad's personal history is well done and gives insight into who he has become. It also shows that Venus isn't quite right about who he truly is in the beginning. For readers who love regency romance they will fall in love with Venus and Galahad.

I just don’t think these period pieces are for me. The storyline was fine, and I really wanted to read this one since I had made it through the other two in the series but these types of books just aren’t for me.
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The writing however is great and that is how I got through it. So if you like these types of stories, I have a feeling you’re really going to love this one. Virginia Heath is definitely a talented writer.

This was my favorite of the Merriwell sisters. (I recommend reading them in order. ) I really enjoyed Gal and Venus. I am sad Virginia Heath's series has come to an end- she knows how to write a good romcom, with banter fueling attraction. The supporting characters of orphans added a lot to this story, and you can't help but love all of them.

Miss Venus Merriwell thinks of herself as a wallflower, but Galahad Sinclair does not. Cousin to her sister's husband, Gal is a man with secrets and Vee wants to know them all, especially after that kiss. Contention over the house next door to the orphanage, becomes a war of wits to be decided by a deck of cards. Funny and heartbreaking, Heath's last book in the series ends with more than a satisfying ending. Open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley.

I enjoyed this first book in this series but somehow missed the second. That said, each book can be read as a standalone without any problems. I don’t read a lot of regency romance, but I did enjoy Venus’ story - opposites attract / enemies-to-lovers.

This was so cute!!! I struggled a bit with the male narrator, as he had this weird way of making the men in this book all sound like they were in their 60s and not late 20s/30s? So that was a bit rough?? But I love the Merriwell girls so much and being back with them to finally see Venus get her happily ever after was absolutely deligthful.

Also Gal, yes, hello, I love you sir, you absolute angel man who falls so hard and so fast and is so dumb but so smart and wonderful. I loveeeeeeee you.

Plus, the orphan boys!!! I adored them!!!! They were so silly and cute and funny and awestruck by Vee and omg I loved them!!!!!

I thought this book was cute and I loved this little series and I am excited for what comes next from Virginia Heath. I cackle and squeal and giggle and every single time without fail.

This was the third and final book in the Merriwell Sisters sisters. It was such a great ending to the series and I have to admit, I was sad when I finished because I loved all of these characters so much! But you can totally read this a stand-alone book, but the other sisters and their beaus also appear in this book.

Venus Merriwell, the youngest of the sisters, has been writing about her future husband since she was fourteen. But at 23, Venus has had her fill of disappointing suitors and has decided to helping at an orphanage in Covent Garden. Although the orphanage is providing a better living condition for the orphans, they need funding and more space. When one of their benefactors passes away, Venus is hopeful that they'll be able to take over the building next door to give them the space needed. Galahad Sinclair has been saving and waiting for the perfect building for his next gambling hall. And his found the perfect place, until he discovers that its next door to the orphanage -- the same orphanage run by his cousin's sister-in-law: a pious and unsettling siren he's avoided like the plague for five years. But Galahad's not about to let this perfect location slip through his fingers and decides to thaw the ice between them. Venus and Galahad are determined to get their ways. But what happens when Venus' orphans try to sabotage Galahad's dream. Can Venus and Galahad take the ultimate gamble and find a way to love thy neighbor?

I adored this book! It was probably my favorite one of the series. Venus and Galahad had so much great banter and chemistry. The orphans also brought so much humor and fun to the story -- I found myself laughing a lot.

If you're looking for a fun historical rom com, full of laughter, fun and heat, you'll love this one. Virginia Heath has become one of my favorite historical rom com writers and I'm looking forward to her next series.

Thanks to NetGalley for a digital arc of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

"Never Wager with a Wallflower" by Virginia Heath was honestly just an okay read for me. The story's your typical regency romance, but nothing really new. The characters? They were alright but didn't really stand out - kind of lacked that special something. The whole book felt a bit dry, to be honest. It's a decent read if you're into this genre, but don't expect any big surprises. I'm going with 3 stars for this one.

I just love these Merriwell sisters! This series has been such a delight to read. This is the third and final installment and it is Venus' story. The sisters did not have a good role model in their father, who only cared for his own pleasures and left them destitute. So Venus has a clear picture in her my mind of the qualities her perfect husband should possess. Galahad certainly does not fit that picture. Venus has given her heart and soul working at an orphanage in Covenant Garden which desperately needs more space. She has her eye on the empty building next door. The only problem is that Galahad, her older sister's husband's cousin, has bought the building and has a mind to turn it into a pleasure palace. He and Venus have always butted heads, and this just adds more fuel to the fire. A fire that begins to ignite a passion within that takes them both by surprise.
These enemies to lovers showcase an exciting battle of wills before finally letting their passion lead them to love. I absolutely loved the witty and cheeky banter between them, it had me smiling and laughing out loud the whole time. Absolutely loved this book and the series. Looking forward to what Ms Heath brings us next!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Publishing Group for this advanced reader copy. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

Round up to 4.5 out of 5 stars. Never Wager with a Wallflower by Virginia Heath, the third book in the series Merriwell Sisters was really good. Yet again I didn't realize it was part of a series though when I requested the book from NetGalley. (I really wish NetGalley indicated this more clearly). I read the first two books and am glad I did. I felt like Never Wager with a Wallflower was different in that the main characters realized their feelings for each other quite early on. They definitely fought the feelings like the other couples' did but Vee was much more reflective about why she fought them. She frequently wondered whether or not she could trust her judgement of Galahad (or any man). Totally relatable. I don't normally like historical fiction but this series grew on me. All in all, I enjoyed Never Wager with a Wallflower.

4 stars = Great!

This was a fun conclusion to this great series. The earlier books clicked with me a little more than this one - Vee was a lot at times, and there are some sections of the book when the characters are in their own heads a lot. Those bits slowed me down. But I adored Galahad, and the orphanage portions of the story are terrific. There's a lot here for series fans to enjoy. I think newcomers could start with this book, too, although there are references to the earlier stories that might "spoil" the other books if they are read out of order. (Sex)

This was a cute and funny historical romance. However, this was my least favorite out of The Merriwell Sisters series. It was nice to see Venus and Galahad's story and how that played out.



Thank you NetGalley and publishers for this ebook for an honest review!

The third installment of the Merriwell sisters, finally focusing on Vee! The second book left me with high hopes for this one but it unfortunately fell a flat. A fine line between hate and love and this one played up the enemies rather than the lovers and at times it felt almost mean. Yes there may have been longing glances and comments about just from each of their families, but the chemistry we would have expected to see just wasn't present.

While technically this could have been considered a standalone in a series, I think all three really needed to be read together. There are so many appearances from past characters that it took away some of the focus from Vee and Gal and it was hard to keep track since it had been so long since reading the other two books.

The last few chapters/proposal/epilogue felt so incredibly rushed and we missed getting to enjoy seeing them as a couple.

A book, and series, that definitely had potential but just wasn't for me for right now.


Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the ARC in exchange for my review!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I have enjoyed all of the Virginia Heath's books that I have read, but I find the banter in this series particularly enjoyable. And this book definitely lives up to the rest of the series!

Virginia Heath’s Merriwell Sisters series concludes with Never Wager with a Wallflower, which focuses on Miss Venus Merriwell and Galahad Sinclair, who have never got on since their first meeting and either avoid each other or quarrel the entire time they are in the same.
Heath’s vivid description, colorful dialogue and language use, dynamic writing style, skillful character development, and storytelling style draw readers in, making the pages fly by.

Since she was 14, Venus Merriwell has been waiting for her prince, a selfless academic like herself, to come along. But he cannot have her gambler father’s devices, which left his daughters nearly destitute. At 23, she still hasn’t met her prince—only romantic disappointments. So, she pours her love into London’s overcrowded Covent Garden orphanage, where she tirelessly works.

Gambling isn’t just Galahad Sinclair’s life—it’s in his blood. Growing up in a New York tavern, he learned the trade from his grandfather. After losing everything and moving to London, he spent five years making his East End gaming hall successful. While he can afford finally to buy his dream pleasure palace in the capital’s sinful heart—Covent Garden—his perfect building is unfortunately right next door to the orphanage run by Venus, his cousin’s wife’s youngest sister, whom he’s tried avoiding since an unfortunate run-in five years ago.

Venus’ mischievous orphans try to sabotage Galahad’s lifetime dream, and Venus and Galahad clash over any- and everything. Will Venus and Galahad take the ultimate gamble on love with each other?

Beautiful, cerebral, and kind, Venus has given up on romance because men are only interested in her body and misleading namesake—not her mind. Devout, saintly, and disapproving, she sees good in everyone but Galahad, viewing him as an idiot and an untrustworthy gambler. Yet he unsettles and makes her shiver. But after getting to know him, she discovers he’s perceptive, likable, and intelligent.

Attractive, cocky, and private, Gal’s a hardworking, self-reliant, transplanted American entrepreneur. He irritates Venus to keep her at bay because he’s so drawn to her—she’s a siren—he can’t afford to be distracted by her because his focus is chasing his dreams, carrying on his family legacy, and becoming a success.

I love Heath’s development of Gal and Venus’s relationship through flirty, sexy, sweet, funny, steamy, emotional interactions, and intimate scenes that further their characters’ development. Other wonderfully written scenes that explore and develop the novel’s characters and advance the plot’s progression are the bid whist games and the scenes where Gal and Venus talk about books. I love the scenes with the card games, book talk, and book love.

Funny, sweet, steamy, angsty, and sexy, Never Wager with a Wallflower is a fast-paced recency romance that explores themes of belonging, parental abandonment, heartbreak, overcoming prejudices and faulty assumptions, chasing dreams, carrying on the family legacy, becoming successful, falling in love, book love, being loved for who you are, sacrificial love.

Advanced review copy provided by St. Martin’s Griffin via Netgalley for review.

a really good three star book!! it took me a really long time to finish this story so I wasn't as invested in the plot and characters as I would have liked but overall it was a really fun read. their dynamic was so fun to read and I loved seeing their relationship develop and how they challenged each other throughout. their banter was so fun and I liked seeing the found family element throughout as well. I wish we could have seen a bit more of their backstories but I think if you've read the other two books in the series, then you would have a better understanding of this so it wasn't necessarily needed; thus, I would definitely say your reading experience will be better if you've read the complete set. ultimately, while I haven't read a historical romance in a hot minute, this was a wonderful read and I would recommend it!

I had read the other two books in the series prior to starting this one but it had been a while, so I needed to spend some time near the beginning reacquainting myself with the characters. Once I did that, I had so much fun with the banter, dynamics, plot and setting! I really enjoyed how Gal and Venus got to know each other on a deeper level than their past interactions had allowed for, and I was captivated with how their relationship progressed throughout the plot. I definitely am a fan of Virginia Heath's writing style, and will be reading whatever she publishes next!