| Title | : | The Earl's Defiant Wallflower (The Dukes of War #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 203 |
| Publication | : | First published December 1, 2014 |
Miss Grace Halton is in England just long enough to satisfy the terms of her dowry. But a marriage of convenience isn't as easy as she’d hoped. Back in America, her ailing mother needs medicine only Grace’s dowry can afford. Which means the dashing earl she can't get out of her mind is the one man she can't let into her heart.
The Earl's Defiant Wallflower (The Dukes of War #2) Reviews
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I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review
Yankee Grace has traveled to England to secure, hopefully, a monetary advantageous match. Her mother is deathly ill back home in America and her grandparents are miserly generally all around horrible people; Grace's situation is a bit dire you could say. Unfortunately, without a respectable dowry the ton is looking down their aristocratic noses at Grace and the seedier gentleman are dogging her steps while making bets at White's about who will tup her first. Oliver, the Earl of Carlisle, is back from the Napoleonic Wars and hasn't quite shed his hero cloak. When he spies Grace regulated to the corner like a wallflower, he appoints himself her savior. The problem is that Oliver has his own dire issues to deal with, his father bankrupted the earldom, his bestfriend is catatonic, and now he is battling a serious attraction to a penniless American. Grace and Oliver must decide if money or love is the path to true happiness.
First off, I have to bring up the fact that this did not feel like a full length novel, the first in this series was labeled a novella at 180pgs while this one is being called a full length novel at 106pgs. A little confusing and the story definitely hurt for lack of pages. Things started off well, if not a little bit heavy with the describing of looks and then frequent mentions of luscious lips, golden eyes, and enticing smelling skin. If there could have been more to the ending I wouldn't completely call this an insta-love but with a decidedly lack of substance I think I have to go there. Grace and Oliver spend most of the book emotionally apart as they each need money and neither has it so marriage appears to be off the table. There does seem to be some chemistry between the two but with the shortness of the story it never gets fully explored.
If stringent on historical accuracy or British vernacular you might want to gird your loins, some parts get a bit rough in that department. Grace also behaves with more of a free spirit in sexual terms at times than what felt natural for her character (not to mention the time period) especially a scene where she offers up her breasts to be "eaten", it made for a couple jarring scenes. I do have to mention though, that their wedding night sex scene was wonderfully romantic and the soliloquy Oliver delivered was beautiful. This is the dilemma I have with this author, I like her characters and she has flashes of brilliance but the lump of clay can't seem to get off the potter's wheel and become a dazzling vase.
The relationship, various issues, and ending were ridiculously wrapped up quickly. Grace and Oliver are forced to get married, so neither had to truly explore their feelings and come to a decision, Oliver's bestfriend just suddenly and miraculously recovers, Grace's family issues are no more, and hey, kiss your money woes goodbye kids, here is a (extremely fortuitous) solution! It is all a bit overdone and hokey. Even with all this, like I said, I still liked Grace and Oliver which I have to attribute to the charm the author manages to infuse them with. I'm going to read the next book in the series and give the author one last try because of the promise I sense in the writing, I just hope it is sincerely a full length novel. -
This is second in a series, but I couldn't detect any connection to the first, really. Though the first is light-years better so you're better off reading that one instead, if you haven't.
I only lasted as long as I did (about mid-way) because I figured it was short enough that it couldn't suck forever. Which is technically true but unproven by me. Grace's "plan" is about as stupid as you can imagine and since it drives literally all of the action it represents a giant anchor on believing anything else. I mean, if your mom is so sick she literally cannot prepare her own coffee (not tea because American) then crossing the Atlantic (and returning, presumably) to dupe some rich fool into marriage (as an American with a thousand-pound dowry that comes from trade) so you can bring back money to cure her is about as stupid as it comes. Any illness that will last those months (three at a minimum) without resolving on its own isn't susceptible to a cure known by doctors in 1816 and everybody would know that. And if her mom has the funds to live without income during that time (and with round-the-clock-care) then she has funds for a doctor visit to at least come up with a diagnosis and treatment plan. This is so stupid I just can't get past it. Grace would be better to nurse her mother as best she can than to hare off on this quixotic stupidity.
Add grandparents who are unfeeling tyrants (they'd seriously offer that dowry and kit Grace out in the latest fashion but wouldn't spare the coin for a doctor for their own daughter?!?) and are ignorant of the very basics of society norms (grandma knows about Almacks but doesn't know that Grace needs formal introductions and that riding in Hyde Park is a thing?) and an Earl who was the only child but completely untutored in the responsibilities and duties of his station and I just can't. I don't care how irresponsible his dad is, but literally everybody else would have been urging him to learn about managing the estate from the time he was eight. Propagating those kinds of standards is what society was for.
By the midpoint, both Grace and Oliver had managed to violate so many standards of behavior that I had to wonder if the author even knew they existed. His offer to handle the mail between Grace and her mother was the final straw. That grandma felt so complacent as to state outright that she was burning letters was villainous enough that she should have had a moustache to twirl and that Oliver would even think to act as go-between, let alone offer, was both improper and a logistical nightmare. Add that the turn-around time would have been literal months and that Grace jumps at the chance just underlines exactly how serious she is about her "plan". I mean, if she were so impatient to bring a "cure" to her mom why would she make a plan that would take literal months to bring fruit?!?
So nobody has recognizable motives, characterization is paper-thin, and the plot is nonsense. I'm sorry I wasted so much time hoping for improvement, but at least I'm pulling out in time to save myself some agony. -
When Oliver York, Earl of Carlisle comes back from the war he comes back with his wounded and broken friends and to fiind his father has died. He died in a rumor causing way and he died with some unexpected surprises for his son the heir.
When Oliver goes to his first ball after his return, he is attracted to the wallflower that seems to not quite fit in with the others. When he learns that she is pretty much shunned due to her American accent and her merchant grandparents, Oliver still makes his presence know to her. He is immediately put in his place and he is a little startled at her open and honest response to his questions.
Grace Halton has come from America with a plan in mind and that plan is the only thing she can think of. She can't be bothered with good looking Earl's that she can't stop thinking about. She can't be bothered with an Earl that might have financial problems and she certainly can't be interested in an Ear that she just might be developing feelings for. Nope, she has a plan and she intends on carrying the plan through.
She also has horrible relatives that make life in England terrible for her. With accusations and snide remarks to her that are meant to hurt. She needs to get back to her mother who is sick and needing her in America.
I really enjoyed this book. I liked the clever words and actions of the gentleman Earl, Oliver. He was so lovable. I really liked how he dealt with people and how he was always willing to help out, even when it is not appreciated or wanted. He is such a giving person.
Grace is also a sweet and loving woman. She has her head and heart set on helping her mother and so her actions are forgivable because she is making these decisions out of love.
Erica Ridley has written about the Dukes of War before and the first book was equally as likable. This is the second in the series and it is another 5 star read for me. I like how she doesn't make the heroine snarky just to have her be snarky. I like how her characters have heart. -
Was I in some kind of super warp drive ? This started and concluded before I knew it. I never got to know any of the side characters, who had potential. The build up for the romance was nonexistent. It just happened, instant love. Okay, yes there was an issue that was supposed to keep them apart but it was paved over with the all too fast resolution.
A poor American girl returns to the home of her mother, England, to find a rich husband so she can get her dowery and return to America to save her ill mother. Her plan it to get hitched and run with no attachments. Enter the opposite man, a titled poor man who needs a rich woman to save his family estate. Of course there is an instant pull of attraction like no other before between, just as first glance. This pull has them thinking of nothing but the other while they attempt to make it look like they are accomplishing their individual goals. The problems between them besides the money, are terrible horrible family members, the banks, illness, and the Ton. I loved these nasty Grandparent characters and wish the author would have given us more on them. The friends had some issues but we only got a snippet of them. Once again a missed opportunity by the author to make a great story. They meet, they lust, they insta love, they end HEA in amazing time with fairies dancing and unicorns singing.
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The Earl's Defiant Wallflower is the first book in "The Dukes Of War" series, following the prequel The Viscount's Christmas Temptation.
Oliver York, the new Earl of Carlisle, inherits this title upon his return from the war. His corrupt father left him penniless and the only way to save his estate and to take care of his people is to marry an heiress.
Grace Halton, an American, is feeling out of place and scorned by the proper English society, and is on a mission to find a wealthy husband to help with the medication and care needed for her ailing mother.
Oliver and Grace are very well-developed, delightful characters and their mutual attraction and back and forth banter make this a very cute story.
Erica Ridley did a great job of setting up the rest of the series and I look forward to reading them. -
actual rating 2.5 stars
ARC provided by the author through Netgalley
This is a difficult book to rate.
I have trouble discerning if the problem was actually with the book or with my frustrated expectations.
I LOVED the prequel to this series, I gave it 5/5 stars. If you follow my reviews you know how rare such a thing is.
So I went into The Earl's Defiant Wallflower expecting more light-hearted romance, with a lot of humour in the mix.
I instantly disliked the main characters. Why? I don't really know :/
I thought Grace was too forward for the time period, even if she was American. I didn't find Oliver interesting enough.
And there was an air of contemporaneity, especially in the dialogues and the characters actions that clashed quite violently for me with the time period during which this story took place.
Also, I dislikes the excessive angst and the instant attraction that occurred.
All of this book felt so rushed! The prequel, a novella, was actually longer than this, I think?
Still, it's an Erica Ridley story, so it is well written, and compelling.
It just didn't work for me, and that is rare when it comes to her books, so please, everyone else, give it a chance! -
I usual like Erica Ridley's stories but this one fell a bit flat for me. Not as enjoyable but I read anyway.
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Such a quirky, fun, smart, engaging read with characters who draw you in and amuse you with witty banter and heartfelt affection. I normally don't care for Regencies because they feature entitled and wealthy, often spoiled heroes and heroines who do nothing more than attend parties. But this story's protagonists are full of purpose and good will, with interests and goals. The love scenes in the book were passionate, but tastefully handled. I found the book a delightfully refreshing, easy read and will read all her other books soon!
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lástima de traducción que hace que la historia pierda en cada página. A eso se añade precipitación en la historia, información incompleta, etc. hace que no se disfrute. Eso sí, la abuela de ella es un buen secundario. Qué ganas de hacer que se trague sus palabras.
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Quando Oliver, conte di Carlisle, torna dalla guerra, non è più lo stesso. Scopre che il padre è morto e che lo ha lasciato pieno di debiti. Alla sua prima apparizione ad un evento mondano, viene subito attratto da Grace. Lei viene evitata da tutto il ton per le sue origini americane, quindi Oliver fa il primo passo per farla sentire a suo agio.
Grace è venuta dall'America con un preciso piano nella sua mente e quel piano è l'unica occasione che ha per salvare la sua adorata madre. Non può sentirsi attratta da Oliver a cui non riesce a smettere di pensare; non può essere infatuata da un uomo che ha problemi finanziari e di certo non può innamorarsi di lui.
Ah, non dimentichiamo che ha dei nonni orribili che le rendono la vita in Inghilterra terribile, facendo dei commenti che la feriscono ma con la sua forza di volontà persegue il suo piano.
Ho davvero apprezzato questo libro e la scrittura scorrevole mi ha tenuta incollata alle pagine. Ho apprezzato moltissimo Oliver che con le sue parole e le sue azioni da gentiluomo mi ha fatto battere il cuore. Mi è piaciuta la sua bontà d’animo, di come lui sia disposto ad aiutare le persone in difficoltà.
Di Grace ho apprezzato il suo lato dolce e amorevole e la sua tenacia nel perseguire il piano per aiutare sua madre.
Lo consiglio -
Dnf 30%.
The story felt too rushed, I couldn't believe the protagonists' feelings.
Some things Oliver said to Grace seemed not appropriate to me for the historical setting, his rank and their aquaintance. He told her for example the second time they met and spoke to each other, during their second dance, that he was a gentleman, but if she prefered, he would happily kiss her senseless.
He knew she was in search for a husband and he himself had much more urgent things to think of, as finding a way to save his estate whilst having no funds, but instead he acted jealous because she had danced with other men. And this, although he had just briefly talked and danced once with her the evening before.
Don't care to go on, I'd rather reread other hr. -
His lips brushed hers. Light. Feathery. Still giving her a chance to say no, to turn away.
She would not. She would have this moment, every bit of this moment, because it would have to carry her through the rest of her life. This was Oliver. In her heart, he was hers. If only for this moment.
5 fantastic stars!
I finished this book with a satisfied sigh and a smile. Erica Ridley can write a story! I was captured within the first few pages and before I knew it, the book had ended. I just wish it was longer. These characters are lively and amazing!
One of my favorite parts of the book takes place at a ball when Grace and Oliver are in the library making out. The only other person there is one of Oliver's close friends named Xavier. The only thing is that Xavier hasn't spoken a word since they returned home from the war and Grace and Oliver are making out heavily among the bookshelves without giving him much thought.
And then they are caught:
The creak of hinges sounded a scant second before the library door flew open and two fingers strode right into the sight with Grace and Lord Carlisle.
"Oh dear," said Miss Downing with a startled look. "Are Isaac and I interrupting something?"
"Nonsense!" Grace dropped to the floor with one hand to her chest, feeling blindly for the fallen scrap of lace that was supposed to be covering her swollen bosom. "Just... You know. Euripides. I adore Greek playwrights."
Oliver was flush against the closest bookshelf, attempting to adjust his breeches without appearing to be doing so. He was failing miserably.
"Carlisle, is that you?" Mr. Downing stormed closer, his hands on his hips. "What exactly is going on in here?"
"I believe Oliver was kissing Miss Halton just prior to your arrival," came a drowsy murmur from somewhere near the fire.
All four of them bent to stare at Captain Grey in astonishment.
"Xavier!" Oliver rushed to his side and gave him a fierce hug. "You're back!"
"And you've been kissing," Mr. Downing reminded him. "In the library!"
Oliver winced, and rubbed a hand over his face. "Honestly, Xavier? This is the moment you choose to awaken from a two-month fugue?"
Mr. Downing poked his finger at Oliver's chest. "The precise moment actually seems to be when your rakish mouth touched Miss Halton's innocent lips!"
"And her breast," Captain Grey mused drowsily. "Something about.... 'succulent.'"
"Succulent breasts!" Miss Downing gasped.
Mr. Downing grabbed Grace's arm just as she finished shoving the lace fichu more or less back into place. "Miss Halton, this is very serious indeed. You have been well and truly compromised. Your reputation-"
"-will not suffer one whit," Oliver interrupted, his tone commanding and imperial. "I was overcome with passion because this lovely, virginal young lady has just agreed to be my wife."
"What?" Grace choked out in horror, her limbs draining of all feeling. His estate... Her mother...
Oliver elbowed her in the shoulder. "Act blissful, damn it. This time we both need rescuing. If you don't marry me, you'll never marry anyone, and I shall not abandon you to such a fate."
"It's true," Miss Downing stage-whispered. "You have to say yes. Captain Grey saw your breast."
Grace glared at her. "Nobody saw anything! We were behind that bookshelf and-"
"...something about 'eating' Miss Halton..." Captain Grey murmured. "I didn't quite catch..."
Oliver coughed and tossed a worried glance toward Grace. "I meant it...non-passionately?"
Mr. Downing's intractable gaze speared them both.
"Huzzah!" Grace managed with a bleak smile. "I'm to be married. There has never been a more blissful bride than I."
Oliver put his arm around her shoulders and cuddled her to him. "It is official. You have made me the happiest of men."
I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good historical romance. The characters stole my heart. The hero and heroine are selfless and grow to care about each other. This story made my heart smile.
**ARC graciously provided by Intrepid Reads via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review** -
The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower(Duke’s of War Book #1) by Erica Ridley
This is the first in a new series for Erica Ridley. I recently read the novella that introduces the series, The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation, so I had high hopes for this book.
Right away we are introduced to Oliver and his situation. He returns from war with his best friends in very bad shape. Although he is not harmed physically or emotionally like them, he is almost bankrupt due to his father’s mismanagement of the estate. It’s desperate times for Oliver. He needs to find a rich heiress to marry and fast.
Grace is in a similar situation. Raised in Philadelphia by her English mother, she must find a rich husband as soon as possible. Her mother is ill and Grace plans to marry, immediately return to America to nurse her mother back to health and then return to England to fulfill her obligations as a wife. It seems an unlikely plan that a new husband would just let his bride vanish, but Grace is desperate as her Grandparents are still livid at her mother for running away to America and won’t help her financially.
It doesn’t matter that Grace is beautiful and comes from an aristocratic family. The ton has labelled her ‘macaroni’ for being a Yankee. No man is interested in her and the men circling her now are the ones hoping to bed her and forget her. Her Grandparents don’t chaperone her to events and see to her success. Even her maid can’t be bothered to do her duties as a chaperone.
Due to this neglect, Oliver is able to snag Grace into a waltz. He is immediately taken with her. He doesn’t care what the others say; she is honest, frank and so intriguing to him. Grace is open with her intentions to Oliver and sadly he reveals that he cannot be the man for her. Even so, they continue to see each other at events and Oliver begins to court her. It was so thoughtful when he sends her a bouquet of jasmine, even when he hasn’t a farthing to his name.
Grace worries incessantly about her mother. Her Grandparents seems so cruel, as they admit they have burned all her mother’s letters and all of Grace’s correspondence home. This is where Oliver shines and his true character comes forth. He offers to frank her letters and receive any for her so that she can get word from home. Grace’s Grandparents don’t even believe that their daughter is sick; they think it’s a ruse to get money from them. I disliked them intensely in this story. No wonder Grace’s mother ran away.
When the two are caught in the act of very inappropriate behaviour (although deliciously written), the die is cast and the two are to wed. Although they are both attracted to each other and want to be together, it doesn’t solve their financial woes. Grace’s grandparents are adamant that her dowry remains at one thousand pounds, a mere pittance for what she needs to save her mother and what he needs to restore his estates.
Oliver has one ace left up his sleeve. It’s a portrait that has been in the family for generations and it’s worth a fortune. It’s the only thing he hasn’t sold yet, but with the staff not being paid and a new bride coming to live in a barely furnished home, he has no choice. When Grace finds out what he has done, she is horrified and tries her best to get it back for Oliver.
This story shows the true nature of the ton. Not all were swimming in wealth and many had huge burdens to care for, like Oliver with his household staff. Sometimes what the heart wants is not what is practical and they both try to ignore their hearts, but it is futile. Marriage to each other makes them happy and they have wonderful chemistry together, but the marriage lines, ‘for better, for worse’ definitely apply to their situation.
Oliver cares for Grace enormously. He wants to help her with her mother and is willing to let her leave to America after the wedding. He also works behind the scenes to help her mother and it was so touching it gave me a pang in my heart.
What would a historical romance novel be without a happily ever after? Grace and Oliver deserve one more than any other couple I have read about. The ending was astonishing and so heart lifting that I felt so relieved at the end of the book. This is a novel that has you rooting for Grace and Oliver to be together and for a miracle to come their way so that they make it.
Reviewed by
www.kiltsandswords.com -
Grace and Oliver. The wedding ceremony added verbiage was new to me. I liked their hea.
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Another fun and sensual story..
A young woman from America and an Earl, both in dire need of money, meet at a ball while looking for a rich husband and/or wife, only to be attracted to each other, and having Oliver compromise Grace. Grace wanted to get her dowry from her grandparents so she has to marry and then she’s hoping her new husband will let her go back to America to get her ill mother. And Oliver needs money to rebuild the Earldom his father flittered away. Yeah, it didn’t quite work out for either of them.
This was such a cute story and it was simply amazing how wealthy Oliver and Grace were when all was said and done.
And there was also sex in this story, but it was romantic sex and not erotic.
I was very intrigued with Xavier and his nearly catatonic state in this book so now I’m going to read his book.
As to the narrator: Another great example of just how wonderful Stevie Zimmerman’s narration has become lately. Love her voices and emotional reading. Everyone was English in the story but Grace and Ms. Zimmerman made Grace sound completely American. -
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!!
I thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, The Viscount's Christmas Temptation. There was a teaser chapter at the end for this one, and I was immediately drawn in.
Oliver has a title that he never wanted. What he doesn't have is the money to keep the home fires burning. He is incredibly worried about the people that depend upon him. He's really not ready to marry, but he has to find a bride with plenty of money. He's also a rescuer. He tries to take care of his servants, his friends...and that gorgeous wallflower at the ball. When a nasty male gossip makes disparaging remarks about her, he wades in and dances with her. Thereby bringing her to the attention of the male members of the ton. He wanted her safe, but not sought after!
For her part, Grace needs a marriage of convenience. She wants an inattentive husband who won't care if she takes her dowry and scarpers off to save her mother in America. When Oliver dances with her, she's incredibly drawn to him. But he's not the husband she needs, even though she wants him.
These two...they dance around each other, both knowing that to be together could possibly bring them great joy, but knowing that neither of them can allow it.
Unfortunately, or is it fortunately, they are caught in a compromising situation. They have to get married. But it still won't satisfy either of their needs. Ah, but it was fun!
I enjoyed the two of them very much. Her grandparents? Not so much. I also felt the ending, where there is a reunion, to be odd. It felt rushed and rather OOC for some of the players.
Still, I enjoyed Oliver and Grace very much. I now need the next one in the series, The Captain's Bluestocking Mistress, very soon! It comes out March 2, 2015.
*Thank you, Netgalley and Intrepid Reads, for the opportunity to read this book! -
I don't know why I was reluctant to begin reading this book, it was a very good surprise, really ! I loved the characters, the story, the background stories and I can't wait to read the next.
I mean, I know I'll wait because I'm cleaning my e-reader this year, but when I'm done, the next Duke of war will definitely be on my to read list :) -
Cortito, dramático y muy dulce. Oliver y Grace son muy tiernos juntos, y los personajes secundarios siempre son de lo más divertidos.
Disfrute mucho más este libro que el primero de la serie y, sinceramente no encuentro la relación entre los personajes de ambos.
Sin duda voy a seguir con estos libros, tengo muchas ganas de leer la historia de Xavier ahora. -
My rating is 3.75
Oh, how I've missed reading Regency Romance. This was a really good quick read. I think the turn around of Grace's grandmother was a bit brisk. Oliver was the entire book for me. I only wish, in real life, good people were rewarded as they usually are in novels. -
I’m really enjoying this series.
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1.5 stars
I wish this author would write a book I really enjoy.
Again, an implausible story that might appeal to some American readers because of an American heroine, but her ideas about how to get money for her sick mother back in America were plain ridiculous. A dowry is a gift to the husband you silly chit. Even when this is explained to her, she continues with her tortuous efforts to snare a husband so she can get hold of her dowry. What? Didn't we just tell her she won't even see the money? Oh FFS.
And the hero has a bankrupt estate and should find an heiress, but can't help himself and marries our American gal anyway. Oh, and don't get me started on the cardboard caricature of the evil grandmother.
Maybe when you write so many books, you kinda run out of ideas? (God knows I think anyone who writes a coherent book is a marvel. I will always admire published authors for their tenacity. Doesn't mean I will always like what they write.) -
Not super impressed. Forgettable and underwhelming.
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Desperate to help find the finances to heal her mother, Grace travels from America to London to meet the grandparents her mother ran from. Their price? She must marry one of London’s finer young men to assure a more positive standing for her grandparents and a dowry from their tight purses. Not aware of the social graces of the Ton, Grace is considered beneath the eligible men until one handsome and eligible man, Oliver rescues her from the hell of society parties. Could Oliver be the man to finance her dreams of saving her mother and bringing her to England or is he hiding the truth of his own financial difficulties? Drawn together like moths to a flame, but not what either needs, financially, one compromising moment will change their futures forever. But what of their dreams? He needs an heiress, she needs a marriage of convenience, what’s love got to do with it?
The Earl’s Defiant Wallflower by Erica Ridley is another trip across oceans, and back in time, where life was a façade in public and honor was a twisted opinion to be battered to the ground by cruel and wagging tongues. Ms. Ridley has given us great characters to meet, love or hate, they all have a role to play. Add the conflict of being a lowly American heathen not familiar with the “social graces” of London’s most elite and a soldier who came home from war to find his world in turmoil, and the rest is a wonderful historical romance that will often leave you close to vapors.
I received an ARC edition from Intrepid Reads in exchange for my honest review.
Series: The Dukes of War - Book 1
Publication Date: December 1, 2014
Publisher: Intrepid Reads
ISBN: 9781939713278
Genre: Historical Romance
Print Length: 106 pages
Available from:
Amazon
Reviewed for:
http://tometender.blogspot.com
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Right off the bat, I was thinking the title should have been The Earl's Bitchy Wallflower.
Since Santa paid full price for this book, I forced myself to read as much of it as I could. I made it to page 110 of 194, to the scene of the heroine describing to the hero how her father died years ago. The hero's reaction was over the top corny. This might be the first time I actually thought 'gross' to this first kissing scene... Actually most of the book was like watching extremely bad acting in a soap opera.
So many things are described or told about in this book, but don't make sense.
One being the whole reason why the heroine arrived to England. Supposedly her mother was too sick to even get out of bed and needed medicine. So her and her mother came up with the big idea for her (the heroine) to take the (not so quick) journey from Pennsylvania to England, meet her overly hateful grandparents for the first time, get some gowns made, attend balls, catch a husband (one that wouldn't mind the heroine taking his money right away to sail back to her mother, buy her some medicine, and then return back to England with her healed mother - we are told of this idea at least once a page) .... My thinking was, if the mother was too sick to join her to sail to England in the first place, let alone could not even get out of bed, who is to say that she will survive laying on her bed for several weeks, perhaps a months, until her daughter arrives with money/medicine??? The hero's money problems also seemed to disappear, I guess he sold some horses and belongings, but it seemed to not really be explained. I also found much of the heroine's inner dialogue to be way too modern thinking. It felt like ideas or comments that someone today would be experiencing, not in the 1800's.
Maybe me not being a fan of novellas (which Santa did not know this was a novella) is why I did not like this story overall. Novellas are always too rushed, important details left out, etc. -
A delightfully lovely historical romance, The Earl's Defiant Wallflower was a truly enjoyable read. It was romantic, witty, and I really liked it.
Grace was a great heroine. Determined to find a way to help her mother, she went to England to find herself a husband. Though her plan seemed cold, it was immediately obvious that she wasn't the coldly calculating type. She loved fiercely and fought for what she wanted. I thought she was lovely.
Oliver was just as likable. Very sweet and determined to save his estates from the mess his father left them in, he always put others' needs before his own. He had a hero complex that made him rather adorable and he was really a good man and a perfect hero.
The romance was so wonderful. Grace and Oliver's feelings for each other were clearly deep and never in doubt, despite the circumstances. It was beyond doubt that they cared for each other and would do anything for each other. I thought they were a perfect couple.
The plot moved quickly and had me fully engaged the entire way through. I absolutely loved the story and the ending was the perfect wrap up.
The Earl's Defiant Wallflower was a fantastic historical romance that I really loved. Romance lovers, this is definitely a book you won't want to miss.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review -
The best thing I've read since Julia Quinn's Bridgerton series.
Grace is an American looking for a rich, titled husband. She needs the money to bring her sick mother home to England. She is attracted to Oliver, the Earl of Carlisle. The only problem is his finances are in complete disarray and he is looking for a rich heiress to pull him out of bankruptcy.
This is such a sweet, romantic story. Grace and Oliver are just adorable. There is a fairy tale quality about how they meet and fall in love. The ballroom scene in Chapter 6 was just magical. I loved how they talked about marriage during a dance, in between partners and suffering through mundane chitchat about the weather. By the end of the dance it is obvious they are in love but can't act on it.
The supporting characters were comical and I'm looking forward to reading their stories in the rest of the series.
It all resolved a little too easily and quickly. There was so much more scope for drama and comedy with the pair. I would have liked to see Oliver deal with a rival for Grace or someone rich and slimy who was trying to win the bet with her.
I got to the end of the story too fast! I'd have loved a few more chapters in the middle of the book. I just wasn't ready to say goodbye to Oliver and Grace. Sigh. -
I am so glad I decided to try this author again. This is book 1 from Dukes of War Series. I had previously read her 0.5 short novella first, The Viscount's Christmas Temptation and it was too Vanilla for me, even though it had tons of potential.
The Earl's Defiant Wallflower was very good. I loved the storyline, humor and the descriptive passion. It truly redeemed my view. I look forward to the next book in the series. -
What a beautiful story about Grace and Oliver, two people trying to make it in historical England without any family support at all. Oliver's father, spent all his money on drunken liaisons with his mistress. Grace's selfish grandparents refuse to help their own daughter. So Grace is desperately trying to find a rich husband so she can get her mother the necessary medical help. Lots of surprises, twists and turns in this one!
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Oliver and Grace's story was cute. Grace thought she was destined for a marriage of convenience but she doesn't want a fortune hunter to win her hand. The "compromising situation" was a bit anticlimactic for me but overall it was an enjoyable read. Oliver's attitude was sweet. I don't think Grace could doubt his intent. The things he does for her in the end wrap up the story very nicely.
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Great
Another wonderful story from Erica's. This gas van American who comes to England to get help from her grandparents. They will only help if she marries well. He just became a Count since his father died while he was a war, but left him penny less. Can love and honor concur all.
