This book was much more emotional than I was expecting going in! (which is a positive for me). It was lovely and light and funny and sweet, with moments I ached a little for all the characters had been through. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I adored Venus. The last of the Merriwell sisters left unwed, but she is also perhaps the busiest. What with her career at the orphanage. Her children come first, and they are enough for her. Except when Galahad is around. Seeing these two battle their attraction was fun and witty. The battle of wills oft across the family dinner table providing good laughs and the will they/won’t they nature of the story built great tension. This story is lighthearted, witty and just plain fun!

Never Wager with a Wallflower by Virginia Heath
#netgalley published 11/7/2023
#stmartinspressgriffin
#historicalromance

This one I finished about a week ago. So it still counts in November.

My first book of VH's was Never Fall for Your Fiancée. Such a cute book. I knew I had to give this one a try. The last one I read was a rom come that highly involved children who did not belong to the MCs. Guess what? This one had the same basic concept but told in a different way.

The FMC was a teacher in an orphanage. The MMC bought the property right next door for a less than reputable business. AND though the MCs where not related by blood, they ended up being part of the same extended family. There has always been an animosity between them. But now things change. The oldest orphan becomes a nuisance.

The giggles I got from this book was not from the dialogue which is the norm in a romcom. I got the giggles from the omniscient narrator's explanation of the feeling of the MCs. Especially the MMC. As I said, less than reputable business. A gambling business. His personality seemed perfectly fit for it and he got what he deserved from the orphans tricks for being an idiot. Fun book. I took a 1/2⭐ bc there was a long moment of not necessarily miscommunication, which I hate. But more of a lack of communication which of course almost always causes a problem in a romance novel.

#romcom
#bookstagram #bookrecommendation #booknerdsbookreview #bookreview

Never Wager with a Wallflower by Virginia Heath is a delightful Regency-era romance novel that will charm readers with its signature Virginia witty banter, sweet moments, and realistic characters. It is the third and final novel in the Meriwell Sisters Sisters series but can be read as a standalone—very much Jane Austin Vibes. The Book was about Miss Venus Merriwell who is the youngest of the Merriwell sisters. It was a good conclusion to this trilogy; although my least favorite of the series. I felt like Venus could be slightly annoying at times.

Tropes:
-Enemies to Lovers
-Forced Proximity
-Found Family

3.5 rounded to 4

Arc received from the publisher; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

A cute and predictable read. Honestly I was in a book slump when I downloaded this so didn't get around to it until much later but I'm happy I did as I enjoyed it! Would definitely recommend to fellow romance lovers.

What an entertaining love story this was. I certainly loved the dialogue among the characters. The dialogue with the subplot offered the book some interesting interactions with the characters. The storyline was a fun read. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

3.5, rounded up. The relationship between Venus and Galahad feels more one-note than that of Diana and Giles, so I liked this one slightly less (and about the same as the first book in the series)—some of the communication issues/Pride and Prejudice tropes felt tiresome in the beginning; however, it was sweet to watch them both realize the extent of their feelings. As in the previous books, I also enjoyed the side characters (particularly the cheeky brothers at the orphanage).

This was a very enjoyable read for me, and having met the author, I found that I could hear her voice in the written words of the story. Considering she has a great sense of humor in person, hearing her voice while reading made the book that much more fun for me. This is the first book in the series that I have read, and I would comment that it can be read as a standalone. While it builds on the events of the prior two novels in The Merriwell Sisters series, I found that I could easily fill in some of the other plot points, and really this story is about Venus Merriwell and Galahad Sinclair falling in love after what has alway been a bit of a prickly path forward for them.

Both Vee and Gal are likable characters; Gal is endearing and honorable, with a very good heart - truly a knight in shining armor who comes to Vee's emotional rescue. But I also loved that Gal was able to serve up a dose of humility to the undefeated Vee in their first whist match, then struggle in the rematch. I was charmed by Galahad's interactions with the Claypole twins and Billy Tubbs from the orphanage in Covent Garden as well as touched by his regard for children living on the streets and his protectiveness of them. In contrast, at times, Vee's cynicism and distrust of Gal's motives - given her past heartbreaks - felt a little overplayed, but I was rooting for these two to sort things out and get past their own walls of defense to allow love into their hearts. Their supporting cast, both in terms of their family members and the children of the orphanage, are hilarious, and there are so many laugh-out-loud moments in this story that I spent much of my time smiling and having a giggle while I read. The writing was snappy, with witty banter between Gal and Vee and clever turns in the plot to showcase their strengths as well as draw them closer . As a romcom, the focus was more on the comedic aspects of their romance, but there was a little bit of steam (that came in the last 10% of the novel) to seal up their happy ending.

It was such a fun read for me. Now I want to go back and read the other books in the series as well!

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5

I received an ARC of this story from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Venus and Gallahad seem like polar opposites as is witnessed by their constant clashes. Venus is a romantic and has always dreamed of finding her Prince Charming but he's yet to show up. So, at this point in her life, she busies herself with the orphanage and the children it houses that she dearly loves.

Gallahad makes his living on gambling and gambling halls. So, when his business ends up right next to Venus' orphanage, things get a bit complicated. But yet, their banter and sparring couldn't be more fun.

I will be honest and confess this wasn't my favorite of the three books in this series, however, It's still quite good. There were places that felt as if they could have been sped along a bit. But that's my own personal opinion. I held out big hopes for Venus' story and with a name like Gallahad, I expected big things from him as well. Even though it was a good story, I did feel as if it could have been better.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own

"Never Wager with a Wallflower" by Virginia Heath is a delightful historical romance that enchants readers with its blend of humor, charm, and a dash of intrigue. Set against the backdrop of the Regency era, Heath introduces us to a spirited wallflower and a dashing rogue whose chemistry sparks from their first encounter. The novel unfolds with wit and warmth, exploring themes of love, trust, and societal expectations. Heath's writing is both engaging and evocative, immersing readers in a world where passion and propriety collide. The characters are well-drawn, and their journey is a captivating dance through misunderstandings and growing affections.

Though I’ve enjoyed a Heath romance before, I tend not to read a lot of histrom, though it was my romance genre gateway. Given how fresh, funny, and touching Never Wager With a Wallflower was, I ought to read…well, more histrom if they match Heath’s. She is an adept hand at balancing banter, serious revelations, touches of physical humour, a delicious stretching-out of sexual tension leading to one lovely love scene, much healthy ogling on both her hero’s and heroine’s part, great command of her chosen trope with well-established, believable stakes and, subsequently, obstacles, internal and external, to her Galahad and Venus’s HEA. (Their names, frankly, make for many a chuckle.) To orient us, the publisher’s blurb:

Miss Venus Merriwell has been waiting for her prince to come since the tender age of fourteen. She wants a man who is a selfless academic like her, and free from all the wretched vices her gambler father enjoyed far too much before he left the Merriwell sisters practically destitute. Unfortunately, after a slew of romantic disappointments, there is still no sign of that prince at twenty-three and the only one true love of her life is the bursting-at-the-seams orphanage in Covent Garden that she works tirelessly for. An orphanage that desperately needs to expand into the empty building next door.

For Galahad Sinclair, gambling isn’t just his life, it’s in his blood. He grew up and learned the trade at his grandfather’s knee in a tavern on the far away banks of the Hudson in New York. But when fate took all that away and dragged him across the sea to London, it made sense to set up shop here. He’s spent five years making a success out of his gaming hall in the sleazy docks of the East End. Enough that he can finally afford to buy the pleasure palace of his dreams—and where better than in the capital’s sinful heart, Covent Garden? The only fly in his ointment is the perfect building he’s just bought to put it in also happens to be right next door to the orphanage run by his cousin’s wife’s youngest sister. A pious, disapproving and unsettling siren he has avoided like the plague since she flattened him five years ago.

While Venus and Galahad lock horns over practically everything, and while her malevolent orphans do their darndest to sabotage his lifelong dream, can either of them take the ultimate gamble—and learn to love thy neighbor?

The blurb tends to the comic aspect of Heath’s romance. Its strength, however, lies in how the comic is tempered with pathos. The success of any romance lies in the author’s ability to write well by playing with trope with language and wit, yet still express the genre’s great strength, the primacy of the heart. Heath is a smooth, elegant, witty writer and she endows primary and secondary characters with similar qualities. Simply put, Galahad and Venus are lovable, soft-hearted, smart, and hilarious; their antagonistic banter is a hoot. Heath builds them with humour and wordplay, deepens them with sad, difficult backstories, and creates viable stakes blocking them from being together by making their aspirations, Venus’s for her orphans and Galahad’s for financial security, clash. Their cross-purposes make for a solid plot and, more importantly, a romance journey fraught with desire, the push-pull of liking and repelling, emerging compatibility, delightful banter, and heart-felt confession.

While the obstacles keeping Galahad and Venus apart is her orphanage and his club, this conflict goes deeper than the present. Heath connects it to their backstories and creates deeper, more compelling characterization. Venus and her sisters were, as we learn from the blurb, left destitute by their father thanks to his gambling. And so Galahad’s plans and aspirations play on Venus’s fears, even while Galahad’s entrepreneurial endeavours are bound up with his identity and vulnerabilities. As we learn, Galahad lost the two people in his life he most loved and the only two to care for him, his mother and grand-father, owner to a gambling club. Galahad has worked tirelessly, saved to make his dream come true and follow in her grand-father’s footsteps.

Early in the romance, as Galahad and Venus thaw towards each other and share a kiss, Venus learns of Galahad’s purchase. To her, it’s evidence of perfidy rather than Galahad’s need for something of his own, a roof and security. Venus too is vulnerable in her own way: having several seasons with a series of men more interested in her ample bosoms than, as Galahad amusingly says, her “big ole brain”. She has lost her confidence as woman. To make a reader laugh and yet, to endow characters with soft, vulnerable cores that truly move one, that’s one talented romance writer. My only regret in reading Never Wager With a Wallflower is that I missed reading the first two in the series. Miss Austen agrees, Heath’s third Merriwell Sisters romance is proof there is “no charm equal to tenderness of heart,” Emma.

Virginia Heath’s Never Wager With a Wallflower is published by St. Martin’s Press/St. Martin’s Griffin. I received an e-galley from St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley in exchange for this review. This does not impede the free expression of my opinion.

This is the third and final story in the Merriwell series, who have a rags to riches arc. I enjoyed this one about as much as the first two, all with good banter and tension building. This one pairs the Merriwell sister, Venus, with the cousin of the second book’s hero, Galahad. Both are rather embarrassed by their names, and it is funny to have a hero go by Gal 😂.

While this book might be dubbed an enemies to lovers book, I think enemies is too strong a word for it. More like intentional avoidance? Anyways, this one shows that once awareness is unleashed, there’s no putting it back in the box. I enjoy the push and pull between these two and found it an easy read. I also enjoyed that this one featured no titled MC. Venus volunteers much of her time at orphanage and Gal is building up his hospitality business. Different walks of life and levels of society were featured.

For me, it was quick and entertaining read. I would recommend this book if you like witty banter and non-titled heros.

<i> Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book. Views are my own.

This was a lot more fun than I went into it thinking. He owns a gambling club (den of iniquity, if you will) and she runs the orphanage next door. They have such tension and sparks from the very beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The feelings of supposed unrequited love, discovering each other and how they aren’t just as bad as originally thought.

CW: swears, talk of sexual relations and one open door chapter.

4.5 stars for this extremely enjoyable conclusion to The Merriwell Sisters series!

I adored Vee and Gal so much! This had a slight enemies to lovers vibe with the slow and sweet progression to lovers being full of banter, tension, and tender moments!

It’s always a very bittersweet moment when a series you’re enjoying so much is ending. This book, like the rest of the series, is the perfect blend of comedy and tenderness! Gal’s deep loneliness had my heart breaking and mending with the found family aspects of this story! I’m such a sucker for that trope!

Something I LOVED in this book is each chapeter stars with little excerpts from teenage Vees diary! This gave us the perfect glimpse into her mind and was fantastic foreshadowing for what was to come in the story!

All in all, I really enjoyed this! The Merriwell Sisters series will be one I recommend again and again!

Such a cute conclusion to the Merriwell Sisters' series! Adored Venus and Gal's witty banter and fun flirting - there was mutual pining, loved how the orphan's played a big part in the story, and just overall enjoyed this easy read!

I love a good conclusion to a series where you’ve had a glimpse of the characters before their book

"Never Wager with a Wallflower" wraps up The Merriwell Sisters trilogy by focusing on the youngest sister, Venus, aka Vee. She's a teacher at a local orphanage, doing her best to avoid Galahad, her brother-in-law's brother. Gal's been busy realizing his dream of opening a 'pleasure palace,' only to find out he's accidentally bought property right next to Vee's orphanage. Talk about awkward, right? This sets the stage for their paths to cross more often, stirring up feelings they both weren't expecting.

Their romance is a classic enemies-to-lovers story, slow and sweet, making it a great finale to the series. What's cool is how each chapter starts with an entry from Vee's journal, giving us a peek into her mind from her teen years to adulthood. It's a neat way to foreshadow what's coming up next in the story.

Vee and Gal might seem like total opposites, but the more they bump into each other, the more they realize they're not so different. They've both had tough pasts and built up walls around themselves, and they're both scared to admit they've got feelings for each other. Their banter is top-notch, especially when they geek out over books and Shakespeare. Watching them break down their misconceptions about each other is pretty heartwarming.

The love story unfolds with Vee and Gal grappling with their fears and past hurts. Their journey is full of ups and downs, making their character development really stand out. I was totally rooting for them to figure out they're perfect for each other. But with all the obstacles, including Gal's less-than-transparent dealings regarding the orphanage property, it's not smooth sailing.

The secondary characters add a lot to the story too. You'll see some familiar faces from the first two books, but the real scene-stealers are the boys from the orphanage. They're just so lovable and add a unique dynamic to Vee and Gal's relationship.

Thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

A slow burn historical Rom-Com. Vee and Gal have been verbally sparring for years as a way of fooling themselves that they don't find the other attractive. Both characters are very endearing and likeable. Both have past hurts that have shaped their lives and they find it difficult to steer away from the course in life that they've set for themselves. What they hadn't planned for was meeting each other in the middle and finally seeing that they were perfect for one another.
Some characters from previous books make an appearance to coax the pair together when they are being particularly difficult. I enjoyed the scenes with the boys from the orphanage too as they were funny and cute.

I read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this final in the trilogy, and was lucky enough to have read the previous books as well.
The chemistry between Galahad and Venus was evident in the prior instalments, so was happy to see that they finally got together.
I really liked Galahad's character. Even though he had to hide 'who' he was, I felt his character remained steady throughout. Venus, on the other hand, became a bit too much when she was demanding the building that wasn't even hers to begin with.
Really enjoyed the ending with the two of them though.

Such a cute conclusion to the Merriwell Sisters' series! Adored Venus and Gal's witty banter and fun flirting - there was mutual pining, loved how the orphan's played a big part in the story, and just overall enjoyed this easy read!Such a cute conclusion to the Merriwell Sisters' series! Adored Venus and Gal's witty banter and fun flirting - there was mutual pining, loved how the orphan's played a big part in the story, and just overall enjoyed this easy read!

This is book four of the Merriwell Sisters series, and this time, Venus falls in love. Never Wager with a Wallflower is filled with wit and charm.

I loved Venus and Galahad together. Their interactions are delightful, and their back and forth banter is wonderful! One of my favorite parts was Gal's involvement with the orphans. I loved how he showed so much patience and understanding with them.

I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to what's next for Virginia Heath now that this series is completed.

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